Diwali is one of the biggest Hindu festivals and the grand celebration takes place over five days. Celebrated on the night of Amavasya, Diwali symbolises the victory of good over evil. Here is everything you need to know about the festival of lights and the series of festivities that take place around it!
5 Days Of Diwali: Significance & Muhurat
Diwali or Deepavali, is a major Hindu festival that is celebrated across the world. Celebrated in the Hindu month of Kartik, Diwali celebrations generally last for five days. During this time, people deck up their homes, visit their families and loved ones, and also do puja to celebrate the festival. This year, Diwali will be celebrated on October 31. The muhurat for this year’s Laxmi Puja is between 5:12 PM to 6:16 PM.
According to Hindu mythology, Diwali is celebrated to commemorate the day Lord Rama, along with Sita & Lakshman, returned to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana and completing 14 years of exile. It is said that the people of Ayodhya celebrated his return by lighting the streets with rows of diyas. Even today, people light up their homes with diyas and lights to celebrate the occasion. The day signifies the victory of good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. That’s why we also worship Goddess Laxmi and Lord Ganesh on this day.
Diwali is usually celebrated for 5 days. Each day has a different festivity and significance associated with it.
1. Dhanteras (Day 1) – On this day, it is considered an auspicious day to buy gold, silver, or a new utensil.
2. Laxmi-Ganesh Puja: To seek good health, wealth, and prosperity, devotees perform Laxmi-Ganesh Puja on Diwali.
3. Making rangoli: People design the entrances of their homes and also the temple with colourful rangoli during this festival.
4. Decorating homes: Deep cleaning of homes and decorating them with lights and flowers is another Diwali ritual.
5. Bhai Dooj (Day 5) – This day honours the relationship between brothers and sisters.
Also Read: All About Bhai Dooj 2024: Rituals, Significance, Muhurat & More Inside
Rituals, Traditional Food & All About This Festival
Like most festivals, people follow some rituals while celebrating Diwali. Here are some of these rituals that you can take note of while celebrating the festival –
1. Lighting diyas and lamps: It is considered auspicious to light diyas, candles, and lamps on Diwali as it represents the victory of light over darkness.
2. Laxmi-Ganesh Puja: To seek good health, wealth, and prosperity, devotees perform Laxmi-Ganesh Puja on Diwali.
3. Making rangoli: People design the entrances of their homes and also the temple with colourful rangoli during this festival.
4. Decorating homes: Deep cleaning of homes and decorating it with lights and flowers is another Diwali ritual.
5. Shopping & exchanging gifts: Buying new clothes, jewellery, and utensils is a usual practice around Diwali. People also exchange gifts and sweets as part of celebrations.
On Diwali, people also enjoy hearty meals with lots of traditional Indian sweets! You will find people enjoying mithais like jalebi, rasgulla, kheer, moong dal ka halwa, gulab jamun, and whatnot on this day.
So, what are you having this Diwali? Let us know in the comments section!
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva (representative image)
For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE. First Published: October 15, 2024 5:24 PM