The scintillating festival of Diwali stretches beyond cultures and religions, embracing and enveloping all. That is the sole reason why Diwali or Deepawali is the most popular Indian festival. From detailed, long poojas for the religion enthusiasts to the night long card parties and haute Diwali do’s for the younger chic lot, from ebullient, fiery crackers for jumpy, juvenile ones to the lovely, colourful earthen lamps and lanterns and fine rangolis for the creative ones – the festival of Diwali has something for everyone.

This celebration of lights is rarely a day long festival and actually stretches for almost the whole week, with festivities lasting for 5 days and the after-effects a few days here and there. The uniqueness of this festival of joy, grandeur, brightness and happiness is its harmony of five varied philosophies, with each day to a special thought or ideal. People, thus, celebrate each of its five days of festivities with true understanding to uplift and enrich their lives.

Given below is a list of all the 5 days of Diwali, their names and the religious significance:

 

5 Days of Diwali – Names and Religious Significance

Separator - Divider - Red

 

1st Day of Diwali – Dhanteras

Dhanteras Puja Muhurta = 17:50 to 18:20 *(without sthir lagna)
Duration = 0 Hours 30 Mins
Pradosh Kaal = 17:50 to 20:19
Vrishabha Kaal = 18:58 to 21:00
Trayodashi Tithi Starts = 16:15 on 27/Oct/2016
Trayodashi Tithi Ends = 18:20 on 28/Oct/2016

The first day of Diwali is called Dhanteras (Dhanvantari Triodas) and it marks the official beginning of the glittering Diwali festivities. This is, in fact, the thirteenth lunar day of the Krishna Paksh (as per the Hindu Calendar), the dark fortnight of the month of Karthik. Dhanteras is a special day since on this day Lord Dhanwantari is believed to have come out of the ocean with Ayurveda, the science of medicine, for the benefit of mankind. A huge amount of buying, specifically that of gold, silver and precious stones, ornaments, new clothes and utensils takes place on this day.

 

On this day at sunset, Hindus bathe and offer a lighted deeya with Prasad (sweets offered at worship time) to Yama Raj, the Lord of Death and pray for protection from untimely death. This offering is made near a Tulsi tree, the Holy Basil or any other sacred tree that one might be present in one’s yard.

This day marks the beginning of diwali celebrations.

 

2nd Day of Diwali – Choti Diwali

Abhyang Snan Muhurta = 04:58 to 06:15
Duration = 1 Hour 17 Mins
Chaturdashi Tithi Begins = 18:20 on 28/Oct/2016
Chaturdashi Tithi Ends = 20:40 on 29/Oct/2016

The second day of Diwali week is called the Kali Chaudas or Narak Chaturdasi. In some parts of India, it is simply the Choti Diwali, the day before Diwali.

On this day Lord Krishna is known to have destroyed the demon Narakasur, freeing the world from fear.

On this day, it is believed that one should massage the body with oil to relieve it of tiredness, bathe and rest, so that Diwali can be celebarated with vigour and devotion. It is also believed that one should not light diyas or step out on this day, and rather stay at home and relax. However, in modern times, on Choti Deepwali, people go to each other’s homes to wish ‘a Happy and Prosperous Diwali’ and also exchange gifts and sweets.

 

3rd Day of Diwali

Pradosh Kaal Muhurat

Lakshmi Puja Muhurta = 18:50 to 20:19
Duration = 1 Hour 28 Mins
Pradosh Kaal = 17:49 to 20:19
Vrishabha Kaal = 18:50 to 20:52
Amavasya Tithi Begins = 20:40 on 29/Oct/2016
Amavasya Tithi Ends = 23:08 on 30/Oct/2016

Mahanishita Kaal Muhurat

Lakshmi Puja Muhurta = None
Mahanishita Kaal = 23:38 to 00:28
Simha Kaal = 01:13 to 03:16
Amavasya Tithi Begins = 20:40 on 29/Oct/2016
Amavasya Tithi Ends = 23:08 on 30/Oct/2016

Choghadiya Puja Muhurat

Morning Muhurta (Char, Labh, Amrit) = 07:43 – 12:03

Afternoon Muhurta (Shubh) = 13:30 – 14:57
Evening Muhurta (Shubh, Amrit, Char) = 17:50 – 22:30

The third day of these festivities is the actual Diwali or Deepawali. This is the day when worship unto Mother Lakshmi is performed along with Lord Ganesha. Hindus cleanse themselves and join with their families and their Pandit (priest) and they worship the divine Goddess Lakshmi to achieve the blessings of wealth and prosperity, the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. People light diyas and candles in their homes, and the streets all across India light up with millions of sparklers, crackers and fairy lights. After worshipping Mahalakshmi in the evening with their families, people visit temples, gurudwaras and even churches to light candles. They also exchange sweets as prasad.

 

4th Day of Diwali – Govardhan Puja

Govardhan Puja Pratahkal Muhurat = 06:16 to 08:35
Duration = 2 Hours 18 Mins
Govardhan Puja Sayankal Muhurat = 15:31 to 17:49
Duration = 2 Hours 18 Mins
Pratipada Tithi Begins = 23:08 on 30/Oct/2016
Pratipada Tithi Ends = 01:39 on 1/Nov/2016

The fourth day is celebrated in various forms all across India. In the Western states of India like Gujarat this day is celebrated with great pomp and show as Bestu Baras, the New Year as per their Calendar.

In Northern states of India, this day is widely celebrated as Govardhan Puja and Vishwakarma Day, when people worship their instruments, arms and machinery. Most or all business establishments, thus, remain closed on this day. This day is also called as Annakut.

Many thousands of years ago, Lord Krishna caused the people of Vraja to perform Govardhan Puja. From then on, every year Hindus worship Govardhan to honour that first Puja done by the people of Vraja.

 

5th Day of Diwali – Bhai Dooj

Diwali 2016

Bhai Dooj Tika Muhurat = 13:12 to 15:30
Duration = 2 Hours 18 Mins
Dwitiya Tithi Begins = 01:39 on 1/Nov/2016
Dwitiya Tithi Ends = 04:11 on 2/Nov/2016

The fifth day of Diwali festivities is celebrated as the Bhai Dooj or Bhai Beej or Bhai Teeka/Tilak or Bhai Fota (In Bengal). Many moons ago, in the Vedic era, Yama (Yamraj, the Lord of death) visited his sister Yamuna on this day. He gave his sister a Vardhan (a boon) that whosoever visits her on this day shall be liberated from all sins. They will achieve Moksha or final emancipation. From then on, brothers visit their sisters on this day to enquire of their welfare and the sisters celebrate and prepare sweets specially in honour of their brothers, wishing a long, happy, healthy life and great success for them.

This day marks the end of the five days of diwali celebrations.

 

Panchang for Diwali

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