Diwali, the festival of lights, one of the most important Hindu festivals, is less than a month away. Diwali will be celebrated on 7th November this year in most parts of India. In West Bengal and the south Indian states of Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu the festival will be celebrated on 6th November.
The celebrations begin with Dhanteras, followed by Narak Chaturdasi on the second day, Deepawali on Day 3, Diwali Padwa, which is dedicated to matrimony, on the fourth day and it all ends with Bhai Dooj. On the night of Diwali, Jains celebrate the attainment of salvation by Lord Mahavira, while ‘Bandi Chhor Diwas’ is celebrated among Sikhs to mark the release of Guru Hargobind Singh from a Mughal emperor. A majority of Buddhists celebrate Diwali by worshiping Laxmi.
The preparations for Diwali start months in advance with people cleaning their homes and getting the walls whitewashed, among various other renovations. On the day of the festival and a couple of days before and after, they light their homes and workplaces with diyas and coloured fairy lights. The most important ceremony of the festival however, is the Lakshmi-Ganesh pujan for wealth, prosperity and abundance.
What are the Important Dates?
The important days for the festivity according to drik panchang are:
- 4 November, 2018 (Sunday):Govatsa Dwadashi
- 5 November, 2018 (Monday): Dhanteras
- 6 November, 2018 (Tuesday): Narak Chaturdashi, Bengali Kali Puja
- 7 November, 2018 (Wednesday): Diwali, Lakshmi Puja
- 8 November, 2018 (Thursday): Govardhan Puja, Annakut
- 9 November, 2018 (Friday): Bhai Dooj
What are the Extended Diwali Celebrations?
The mood for Diwali festivities is set with Dhanteras, the day when people buy gold, ornaments, vessels and the idols of Ganesh-Lakshmi. This is followed by Narak Chaturdasi – also popularly known as Choti Diwali – and finally Diwali on the third day.
A day after Deepawali comes Diwali Padwa, which is also known as Govardhan Puja followed by Bhai-Dooj – celebrating the bond between brother and sister – on the fifth day.
Why Is Diwali Celebrated?
There are several legends associated with Diwali and its origin. As per one of the more popular legends, Diwali is celebrated to mark the return of Lord Rama, his wife Sita and brother Laxman after 14 years of exile. According to yet another legend, Diwali is celebrated to commemorate the return of the Pandavas after 12 years of exile and one year of incognito-exile.
What’s the Most Auspicious Time for Lakshmi-Ganesh Puja This Year?
According to drik panchang, the important muhurat for Diwali are:
Diwali Puja Muhurat
- Lakshmi Puja Muhurta: 05:57 pm to 07:53 pm
- Duration: 1 Hour 55 Mins
- Pradosh Kaal: 05:27 pm to 08:06 pm
- Vrishabha Kaal: 05:57 pm to 07:53 pm
Auspicious Choghadiya Muhurat for Diwali Lakshmi Puja
- Morning Muhurat (Labh, Amrit): 06:41 am to 09:23 am
- Morning Muhurat (Shubh) - 10:44 am to 12:05 pm
- Afternoon Muhurat (Char, Labh) - 02:46 pm - 05:28 pm
- Evening Muhurat (Shubh, Amrit, Char) - 07:07 pm - 09:31 pm
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