Diwali 2018 : HIstory & Importance Of 5 Days Of Diwali - The Festival Of Lights
Diwali- the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness is celebrated with zeal and enthusiasm all over the country. The festival is not only popular in Hindus but people from different religions celebrate it with the same spirit.
The festival of lights is associated with wealth and happiness and each day of Diwali has its own significance. In 2018, the festival starts on November 5th with Dhanteras and folks are already busy with Diwali shopping. Dhanteras is followed by Chaturdashi, Laxmi Pooja, Govardhan Pooja or Padva and the celebrations end with Bhai Dooj on 9th November.
Diwali is also known as Deepawali, it consists of two words ‘Deep’ meaning ‘lights’ and ‘avali’ means ‘row’. This Diwali comes out to be the festival of lights. The festival has its origin from ancient India and is one of the most important harvest festivals. Also, Diwali is marked as the occasion of Lord Vishnu marrying Goddess of wealth Lakshmi. Some mark it as the birthday of Laxmi. Hindu tradition also commemorates Diwali as the return of Lord Rama with his brother Lakshman and wife Sita to Ayodhya, ending a fourteen-year-long exile (vanvaas) and getting victory over evil King Ravana. To celebrate his return the people of Ayodhya lit their entire kingdom with diyas.
Diwali is also known as Deepawali, it consists of two words ‘Deep’ meaning ‘lights’ and ‘avali’ means ‘row’. This Diwali comes out to be the festival of lights. The festival has its origin from ancient India and is one of the most important harvest festivals. Also, Diwali is marked as the occasion of Lord Vishnu marrying Goddess of wealth Lakshmi. Some mark it as the birthday of Laxmi. Hindu tradition also commemorates Diwali as the return of Lord Rama with his brother Lakshman and wife Sita to Ayodhya, ending a fourteen-year-long exile (vanvaas) and getting victory over evil King Ravana. To celebrate his return the people of Ayodhya lit their entire kingdom with diyas.
First Day - Dhanteras 5th November 2018
This is the first day of the festival called Dhanteras or Dhantrayodashi. Hindus consider this to be an auspicious (shubh) day to buy gold or silver products and new utensils. The day is solely dedicated to the worship of the goddess of wealth - Lakshmi. It falls on the thirteenth day of a dark fortnight in the month of Kartik. People also worship Kubera the god of wealth and pay homage to Lord Dhanvantari, who is associated with Ayurveda and various healing practices. Businessmen also perform 'Chopda Pujan' on this day and inaugurate their new books of accounts for the ensuing year.
Second Day - Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali 6th November 2018
Narak Chaturdashi or Kali Chaudas falls on the second day of this grand festival. The day marks the victory of Lord Krishna against Narakasura. He was the son of earth and ruled several kingdoms and had imprisoned 16,000 daughters of God (gopis). But due to arrogance he became an evil asur and tried to rule heaven and earth. Krishna attacked him to kill his arrogance and beheaded him with Sudarshan Chakra.
People break the bitter fruit, apply aromatic oils before bath on this day, all this symbolizing the victory of good over evil. This day before Diwali is also called Choti Diwali, the roads are already lit with lights and you can see twinkling fairy lights in a display of grandeur.
People break the bitter fruit, apply aromatic oils before bath on this day, all this symbolizing the victory of good over evil. This day before Diwali is also called Choti Diwali, the roads are already lit with lights and you can see twinkling fairy lights in a display of grandeur.
Third Day - Diwali 7th November 2018
This is the most significant day of Diwali festivities entirely devoted to Goddess Lakshmi. According to the shubh muhurat (auspicious time), proper artis and bhajans are recited. People exchange Diwali gifts with their friends and family, lit diyas, candles and decorate their homes with fairy lights.
If you are still remaining to buy gifts items for Diwali then don’t worry there are a lot of Diwali festive offers online.
This day marks this significance as Lord Rama finally returned from exile after winning over the demon king Ravana. The day also coincides with the Pandavas' returning from the forest. Thus we can say Diwali is indisputably among the most enlivening and significant festival of India. In West Bengal, the night is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Kali.
If you are still remaining to buy gifts items for Diwali then don’t worry there are a lot of Diwali festive offers online.
This day marks this significance as Lord Rama finally returned from exile after winning over the demon king Ravana. The day also coincides with the Pandavas' returning from the forest. Thus we can say Diwali is indisputably among the most enlivening and significant festival of India. In West Bengal, the night is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Kali.
Fourth Day- Goverdhan Pooja and Bestu Varas 8th November 2018
On the fourth day of this five-day festival, Govardhan Pooja is performed, as on this day, Lord Krishna defeated Indra who tried to submerge the town of Gokul. Krishna saved his town from the wrath of Indra by Lifting the Govardhan Mountain and provided succor to the people of Gokul. Ever since The Govardhan Mountain is honored, people create small hillock, usually of cow dung, symbolizing Govardhan and worship it.
In the western states of India such as Gujarat, this day is the New Year as per the calendar and is called Bestu Varas. People wear new clothes, jewelry, greet their family and friends and exchange gifts and sweets.
In the western states of India such as Gujarat, this day is the New Year as per the calendar and is called Bestu Varas. People wear new clothes, jewelry, greet their family and friends and exchange gifts and sweets.
Fifth Day - Bhai Dooj 9th November 2018
The five days of excitement and festivals is concluded with Bhai Dooj, a day dedicated to the bond of brothers and sisters. According to mythology after several decades of separation Lord Yama decided to visit his sister Yamuna and was touched by the warmth and hospitality she showed. Yamuna welcomed her brother with respect and put a tilak on his forehead to mark the occasion. Yama on this day announced that any brother who will greet his sister on this day will have a long life. Hence this day is called Bhai Dooj and brothers visit their sisters.
Diwali will forever remain a celebration that every Indian looks forward to. Each of the five days has its own significance and way of celebration. In the midst of celebration, it is obvious we might not complete our Diwali shopping. But no worries there are a number of Diwali sale online and diwali festival offers to buy festive items and gifts for Diwali.
Keeping in mind nature we should also pledge to make this Diwali an “Eco-Friendly” affair. Thus this Diwali, Go Green!
Happy Diwali 2018!
Diwali will forever remain a celebration that every Indian looks forward to. Each of the five days has its own significance and way of celebration. In the midst of celebration, it is obvious we might not complete our Diwali shopping. But no worries there are a number of Diwali sale online and diwali festival offers to buy festive items and gifts for Diwali.
Keeping in mind nature we should also pledge to make this Diwali an “Eco-Friendly” affair. Thus this Diwali, Go Green!
Happy Diwali 2018!
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