Diwali, the festival of lights, which celebrates the ultimate triumph of light over dark, good over evil, is a five-day-long festival.
Below we share special Diwali rituals, when to do them according to where you live, how to honor and celebrate the main and most important day with Lakshmi Puja and also why we do these rituals.
The 5 Days of Diwali
Day 1: Dhanteras - 29th October
‘Dhan’ means wealth and ‘teras’ is the 13th day of Krishna Paksha. Dhanteras is considered auspicious for buying gold and silver jewelry, as it symbolizes the welcoming of Goddess Lakshmi, goddess of wealth and good fortune. Check this blog post for more in depth info about Dhanteras – Prosperity Rituals and Timings.
Day 2: Naraka Chaturdashi or Chhoti Diwali: - 30th October
Narak Chaturdashi or Chhoti Diwali marks the triumph over the demon Narakasura, celebrated differently across regions: some attribute his defeat to Goddess Kali, while others to Lord Krishna. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil. Generally people spend time at home and exchange sweets with friends or family.
Day 3: Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) - 31st October
This is the Amavasya (no moon) day and the main and most auspicious day of Diwali. A special puja ritual takes place for Goddess Lakshmi, to seek her blessings for wealth and prosperity. This day commemorates Lord Ram’s return to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravan, continuing a tradition of centuries. Celebrations involve lighting earthen lamps (diyas), setting off firecrackers, and creating colorful rangoli designs at house entrances.
Day 4: Govardhan Puja - 1st November
The day commemorates when Lord Krishna lifted Govardhan Hill to protect the villagers of Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, from Indra’s fury. Rituals include preparing a food mound representing Mount Govardhan, symbolizing abundance. In rural areas, cows are also honored for their vital role in agriculture.
Day 5: Bhai Dooj - 2nd November
The last day of Diwali celebrates the bond between siblings. Traditionally, brothers visit their sisters on this day, and their sisters honor them, put ‘tilak’ on their forehead and pray for their good health and long life.
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Lakshmi Puja & Timings
The most important day of Diwali is celebrated as Lakshmi puja. Lakshmi is honored to welcome good luck and prosperity with sincerity and faith that she will watch over us, protect us and provide us with an abundance of wealth that goes beyond monetary value.
The puja is performed on the third day of Diwali, which falls on Amavasya (no moon) at a specific time calculated based on the combination of Amavasya, Pradosh, and the Taurus ascendant. This timing is chosen to ensure that the blessings of fortune and prosperity remain permanently in our lives. Visit the Diwali rituals in the align27 app to find timings based on your location.
Note – Lakshmi Puja can be performed on Dhanteras and Diwali.
India 31st Oct, 2024 / 1st Nov, 2024
Amavasya Tithi Begins at 03:52 PM on Oct 31 and Ends at 06:16 PM on Nov 01
Steps To Perform Lakshmi Puja
- Welcome Lord Ganesha, who we honor at the beginning of every auspicious ceremony, and Goddess Lakshmi into your home by offering them a seat.
- Set up a special place with the pictures/idols. It doesn’t matter how simple or elaborate, as long as the correct and honorable intention is there.
- To welcome them into your home and in honor of their…. Read more →
As we honor Goddess Lakshmi this Diwali, seek her blessings not just for material wealth but also for the wealth of peace, knowledge and moksha. Let us honor the energy that is Mahalakshmi. ‘Maha’ implies great. Mahalakshmi denotes a great wealth, a wealth that includes the spiritual wealth that takes care of our well-being in all the three worlds (adibhautik, adidhaivik and adhyatmik).
Through turbulent times it is of great importance for us all to come together with the intention of sharing these blessings – not just for ourselves and our immediate community, but to wish for light for all beings on Earth.
Other Diwali Rituals
Cleaning and Decoration: In the weeks leading up to Diwali, homes are thoroughly cleaned and decorated. This symbolizes the purification of the mind and the welcoming of positive energies.
Lighting of Lamps : Diwali gets its name from the row of lamps or diyas that are lit in homes and temples. Lighting these lamps is a symbolic act that represents the dispelling of darkness and ignorance with the light of knowledge and wisdom.
Exchange of Gifts: The exchange of gifts is a common practice during Diwali, symbolizing love and goodwill among family and friends.
Listen to Shiv Tandav Stotram: During Pradosh Kal on the day of diwali it is highly auspicious to listen and meditate on the Shiv tandav stotram.
Why is Diwali associated with Lord Rama, Lord Krishna, and Goddess Lakshmi?
Return of Lord Rama: In the northern part of India, Diwali is associated with the return of Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and his brother Lakshmana to their kingdom of Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana. The people of Ayodhya welcomed them by lighting oil lamps, and this tradition continues with the lighting of diyas during Diwali.
Goddess Lakshmi’s Blessings: According to the ancient Hindu scriptures, Lakshmi emerged from the water along with the nectar during the churning of the ocean or samudra manthan done by the Gods and the demons (signifying the churning of the mind between opposite values). She emerged along with Kuber, the God of wealth who is worshiped on Dhanteras, the first day of the Diwali festival. When you have Lakshmi, the right type of wealth, then life is filled with nectar. It is believed that on the night of Diwali, Goddess Lakshmi visits homes that are clean and well-lit, bringing wealth and prosperity to the occupants. Krishna’s Victory over Narakasura: In some parts of India, particularly in South India, Diwali is celebrated to commemorate the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. This event is associated with the story of Krishna freeing 16,000 captive princesses and restoring their honor.
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