Five Days of Diwali

 Diwali is coming soon, which reminds me the significance of the 5 days. This year, in 2022, the 5 days of Diwali last from October 22nd to October 26th. Navratri and Dusherra (5th October 2022) signify the time when Ram killed Ravan. And after 15 days, Diwali comes, which was the time Ram returned to Ayodhya with Sita. 

The first day of Diwali is called Dhanteras. Dhanteras is the festival of wealth and prosperity. People purchase new things and worship Goddess Laxmi and Lord Kuber on this auspicious day. Dhanvanthri, who is also worshiped on the occasion of Dhanteras, is considered the God of Ayurveda who passed on the wisdom of Ayurveda for the advancement of mankind, and to help get rid of the suffering of diseases. He is considered to be the Vaidya of Gods. He emerged during the Samudra Manthan holding the Amrit Kalash [elixir pot] in one hand and all the knowledge of Ayurveda in the other hand. Dhanteras is observed as "National Ayurveda Day"

The second day of Diwali is called Choti Diwali or Narakchaturdashi. On Choti Diwali, Lord Krishna, Goddess Kali and Yamraj, the god of death, are worshiped. Devotees seek their blessing to cleanse their souls. The Abhyanga Snan with Uttan is part of this process. Some burn effigies of Narakasura (A demon that Goddess Kali and Lord Krishna had killed), while others light 13 diyas and place them at different places in the house.

The third day of Diwali is the Lakshmi Pooja. On this day, families seek blessings from Lakshmi to ensure their prosperity. They light diyas, candles, and fireworks, and visit temples. It is the main day of Diwali. People exchange gifts and eat faral(Diwali sweets) which often includes laddoos, karanji, chaklis, barfis, shankarpali, sev, soan papdi, etc.

The fourth day of Diwali which is known as Padva is also new year according to the Hindu calendar. It is celebrated to symbolize Lord Vishnu's conquest over the demon king Bali when he had taken the Vaman avtar. On this day, after an early morning bath, women move lit lamps in front of their husbands’ faces. In the afternoon, they feast on a meal with delicacies. People wear new attire and celebrate the whole day.

The last day of Diwali is called Bhai Dooj. This day is similar to the festival of Raksha Bandhan. It celebrates the relationship between a brother and sister. Bhai Dooj story began when the mighty Lord Krishna defeated Narakasura. In the event of this happiness, his sister Subhadra celebrated the occasion by inviting him for a feast.On the day of the festival, sisters invite their brothers for a luxurious meal often including their favorite dishes/sweets. The whole ceremony signifies the duty of a brother to protect his sister, as well as a sister's blessings for her brother. Sisters perform aarti  for their brother and apply a red tika on the brother's forehead. This tika ceremony on the occasion of Bhau Bij signifies the sister's sincerest prayers for the long and happy life of her brother and treat them with gifts. In return, elder brothers bless their sisters and may treat them also with gifts or cash.

I am looking forward to a fun-filled 5 days of Diwali ahead, albeit in a new surrounding. Wishing you all a very happy and prosperous Diwali too! May the lights of Diwali bring new joy into all your lives...