Known as the festival of lights, Diwali is known for celebrating the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. Diwali festivities, according to the Hindu calendar, begin from the 28th day of Ashwin, that is, Krishna Paksha Trayodashi. It goes on till the Shukla Paksha Dwitiya of the Kartik month. The Diwali festivals include Dhantrayodashi, Narak Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali), Lakshmi Puja (Diwali), Govardhan Puja, and Bhaiyya Dooj. Laxmi Puja is considered the most significant day of all. The word Diwali comes from the Sanskrit word deepavali, meaning "rows of lighted lamps". The festival is usually sometime between October and November, with the date changing each year. Here is why the festival is celebrated explained in 10 points:
1. It is believed that after defeating Ravana, the main antagonist of Ramayana, the three of them returned to Ayodhaya on completion of Lord Rama's banishment. The festival is celebrated in a span of five days.
2. Dhanteras: Dhanteras, also called Dhantrayodashi worship Lord Kubera and Goddess Lakshmi and buy something new on this day. Considered very auspicious, people purchase gold, silver, clothes, gadgets as a sign of good fortune.
3. Naraka Chaturdasi: Naraka Chaturdasi, the second day, also known as Choti Diwali is celebrated by waking up early in the morning and applying aromatic oils and bathe with ritualistic scrubs. People wear new clothes, light lamps and diyas and offer puja in the evening. According to Hindu tradition and mythology, it is believed that Lord Krishna fought the demon Narakasura and killed him.
4. Lakshmi Puja: The main festive day is Diwali, when people perform Lakshmi Pujan. The main celebration of Diwali takes place on this day and Lord Rama returns to Ayodhya after killing Ravana. People welcome Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, who is believed to bless people with luck and prosperity.
5. Along with Lord Ganesh, this day is celebrated by decorating the entire house by lamps, candles, diyas and lights. After the puja procession, sweets are prepared and gifts are exchanged and people celebrate the evening with joy, happiness, prayers and laughter.
6. Govardhan Puja: Govardhan Puja is celebrated a day after Diwali and people worship Lord Krishna on this day. People make miniature clay and cow-dung, symbolizing Govardhan and worship them. They also prepare 56 varieties of vegetarian food and drinks for Lord Krishna as a gesture of gratitude.
7. Bhai Dooj: The last and final day is called the Bhai Dooj or Bhau Beej, which celebrates the special bond of brothers and sisters. On Bhai Dooj,sisters put a tilak on their brothers' forehead and pray for their long and happy life.
8. During the entire week, houses, shops and public places are decorated with small oil lamps called diyas. People also enjoy fireworks and sweets too, so it's really popular with children.
9. Though some themes of Diwali are universal, such as the triumph of good over evil and darkness paving the way for light, Diwali is observed by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains, each community celebrating Diwali for different reasons.
10. The date of this festival is based on the lunar calendar and therefore changes every year, but it usually falls in November or late October.
