Diwali incorporates five-day long celebration in India. Each day encompasses unique significance.
The 1st Day – The Dhanteras
The first day of Diwali starts with Dhanwantari Trayodashi, also known as Dhanvantari Trayodashi. It falls at the 13th lunar day of the Krishna Paksha, the Kartik Hindu month. Trayodashi is renowned as Dhan-teras. According to the ancient Indian legends, Lord Dhanwantari emerged from the ocean with the Ayurvedic for mankind’s welfare. On this day, people worship the God of Death, Lord Yamaraj. They light “Yama-Diya” along with the prayers for the Lord. One of the most popular traditions done during this festival is buying new utensils for homes.
Lighting Diyas
Pictures grabbed from 365greetings Diwali Wallpapers
The 2nd Day – The Choti Diwali
Narak Chaturdashi is the 2nd day of Diwali. According to the legend, Lord Krishna slew Narakasur to free the mankind from fear of the devil. As part of the tradition, people massage their body with oils and bathe afterwards. And there’s an interesting belief that those who don’t bathe will go to hell or “Narak”.
The 3rd Day – The Lakshmi Puja or Badi Diwali
The Badi Diwali is considered as the most important day of Diwali Festival, celebrated on 3rd day of Diwali. During this day, people worship and offer prayers to their Goddess Lakshmi for them to be blessed with prosperity and wealth. As part of the tradition, people clean and decorate their homes with different colorful lights.
Goddess Lakshmi
Pictures grabbed from 365greetings Diwali Wallpapers
The 4th Day – The Govardhan Puja or the Padwa
On the 4th day, people worship Lord Govardhan Parvat. In legends, Lord Shri Krishna, together with Vraja people, performed the Padwa or Govardhan Pooja to protect them from rain. It became an ancient tradition since then.
The 5th Day – The Bhratri Dooj or Bhai Duj
The 5th day of Diwali festival is celebrated to give tribute to brother-sister relationship. According to legend, the God of Death Lord Yamaraj visited Yamuna, his sister. This action is believed to bless and free them from sins. From hereon in, it became part of the tradition that brothers visit their sisters. Then, sisters will sweeten their mouths with different kinds of sweets.
The 1st Day – The Dhanteras
The first day of Diwali starts with Dhanwantari Trayodashi, also known as Dhanvantari Trayodashi. It falls at the 13th lunar day of the Krishna Paksha, the Kartik Hindu month. Trayodashi is renowned as Dhan-teras. According to the ancient Indian legends, Lord Dhanwantari emerged from the ocean with the Ayurvedic for mankind’s welfare. On this day, people worship the God of Death, Lord Yamaraj. They light “Yama-Diya” along with the prayers for the Lord. One of the most popular traditions done during this festival is buying new utensils for homes.
The 2nd Day – The Choti Diwali
Narak Chaturdashi is the 2nd day of Diwali. According to the legend, Lord Krishna slew Narakasur to free the mankind from fear of the devil. As part of the tradition, people massage their body with oils and bathe afterwards. And there’s an interesting belief that those who don’t bathe will go to hell or “Narak”.
The 3rd Day – The Lakshmi Puja or Badi Diwali
The Badi Diwali is considered as the most important day of Diwali Festival, celebrated on 3rd day of Diwali. During this day, people worship and offer prayers to their Goddess Lakshmi for them to be blessed with prosperity and wealth. As part of the tradition, people clean and decorate their homes with different colorful lights.
The 4th Day – The Govardhan Puja or the Padwa
On the 4th day, people worship Lord Govardhan Parvat. In legends, Lord Shri Krishna, together with Vraja people, performed the Padwa or Govardhan Pooja to protect them from rain. It became an ancient tradition since then.
The 5th Day – The Bhratri Dooj or Bhai Duj
The 5th day of Diwali festival is celebrated to give tribute to brother-sister relationship. According to legend, the God of Death Lord Yamaraj visited Yamuna, his sister. This action is believed to bless and free them from sins. From hereon in, it became part of the tradition that brothers visit their sisters. Then, sisters will sweeten their mouths with different kinds of sweets.
Other Resource for Diwali
- Diwali Greetings From 123greetings.com
- Diwali Scraps From Squidoo
- Rangoli Designs For Diwali from easyday