| |
|
| First Day: Dhanteras (26 Oct ’08) |
Dhanteras is also called Dhanvantari Triodasi or Dhanwantari Triodasi, this day is the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksh of the month of Kartik. Legend has it that on this day, Samundramanthan took place – in other words the churning of the ocean by the gods in order to extracting amrit. And thus came Dhanavantri, the physician of the gods with the jar of elixir. From that day, the first day of Diwali is known and celebrated as Dhanteras.
This day marks the beginning of Deepawali celebrations. On this day at sunset, Hindus bathe and light the diya. They pray to Yama, the Lord of Death for protection from untimely death. Make this offering near a Tulsi tree or any other sacred tree you may have around your house. On this day women enjoy decorating the entrances of their homes with Rangoli designs to welcome Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Also this day is considered to be very auspicious to buy gold/silver ornaments.
|
| |
| The second day: Diwali (27 Oct ‘08) |
| The second day of Diwali is called Narak Chaturdasi or Choti Diwali as it was on this day that Lord Krishna destroyed the demon Narakasur and freed the world of fear. This day falls on the fourteenth day of the Hindi month, Kartik just after Dhanteras. This day too is celebrated with equal fervor and enthusiasm |
| |
| The third day of Diwali: Lakshmi Puja (28 Oct ’08) |
This day is also known by the name of 'Chopada-Puja'. Lakshmi-Puja is performed for the sole purpose of propitiating Goddess Lakshmi and to thank Her for the bestowal of her blessings on the humans. Lakshmi-Puja falls on the darkest night of Amavasya, though with the help of innumerable lamps and diyas this darkness is reduced to such an extent that it seems as if one is celebrating Diwali in broad daylight.
This is the day when Goddess Lakshmi is worshiped. Hindus cleanse themselves and join with their families and their Pandit (priest) and worship the divine Goddess Lakshmi to achieve the blessings of wealth and prosperity, the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness.
|
| |
| The fourth day of Diwali: Diwali Padwa, Govardhan Puja and Sal Mubarak (29 Oct ’08) |
| Thousands of years ago, Lord Krishna caused the people of Vraja to perform Govardhan Pooja. From then on, every year Hindus worship Govardhan to honour that first Pooja done by the people of Vraja. This is the day following Diwali and is known as 'Padwa also. While the festival of Padwa is celebrates the coronation of king Vikramaditya, the festival of Govardhan Puja is celebrated to commemorate the lifting of Mount Govardhan by Lord Krishna. |
| |
| The fifth day of Diwali: Bhratri Dooj |
| Bhratri Dooj is the day after Goverdhan Pooja day. It is believed that in the Vedic era, Yama (Yamraj, the Lord of death) visited his sister Yamuna on this day. He gave his sister a Vardhan (a boon) that whosoever visits her on this day shall be liberated from all sins. They will achieve Moksha or final emancipation. From then on, brothers visit their sisters on this day to enquire of their welfare. It is a day dedicated to sisters. |
