1. What is Diwali?
Diwali (Deepavali β "row of lights") is the most celebrated Hindu festival in the world. Observed in the month of Kartika (OctoberβNovember), it spans five days and commemorates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over Ravana. The entire city lit oil lamps to welcome him β a tradition that continues to this day.
Beyond the Ramayana connection, Diwali is also the day Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped for wealth, prosperity and well-being, and the day when the demon Narakasura was slain by Lord Krishna.
"Diwali is not merely a festival of fireworks β it is the celebration of the inner light that conquers darkness, ignorance and evil within each of us."
2. Five Days of Diwali
Day 1 β Dhanteras
Worship of Dhanvantari and Yama. Buy gold, silver or utensils for prosperity.
Day 2 β Naraka Chaturdashi
Krishna's defeat of Narakasura. Oil bath before sunrise is traditional.
Day 3 β Main Diwali
Lakshmi Puja at night. Light diyas everywhere. Exchange sweets and gifts.
Day 4 β Govardhan Puja
Annakut β Krishna's lifting of Govardhan Hill. Celebrate abundance.
Day 5 β Bhai Dooj
Sisters pray for brothers' long life. Brothers give gifts.
3. Diwali Lakshmi Puja Procedure
- Clean the house thoroughly β Lakshmi is said to enter only clean homes
- Set up puja altar facing east; place Lakshmi idol or image
- Offer red or pink lotus flowers, red cloth, kumkum and turmeric
- Light 11 or 21 diyas (oil lamps) around the altar
- Chant the Lakshmi Stotra and Shri Sukta
- Offer kheel (puffed rice), batasha and coconut as prasad
- Keep windows and doors open to welcome the goddess
4. Significance & Traditions
- Lighting diyas (earthen lamps) β symbolising knowledge dispelling ignorance
- Rangoli designs at the entrance to welcome Lakshmi
- Exchange of sweets and dry fruits with family and neighbours
- Gambling on Diwali night (in some traditions) β considered auspicious as Parvati played dice with Shiva
- New account books (Chopda Puja) opened by merchants and traders
5. Diwali Across India
In North India, Diwali celebrates Rama's return to Ayodhya. In Gujarat, it marks the New Year and the worship of Lakshmi. In Bengal, Kali Puja is performed on the same night. In Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, Naraka Chaturdashi is the main day. In Maharashtra, Lakshmi Puja and Narak Chaturdashi receive equal importance β showing how beautifully diverse and rich Indian devotional tradition is.