Diwali

The biggest and the brightest festival among all the Hindu festivals, that brings lot of enthusiasm and happiness with it. It is also called as the festival of lights as it is observed with the illumination of all the edifices and buildings to welcome prosperity in lives of people. The festival is five day long, where the third day is celebrated as the main day.

The day celebrates the victory of good over evils and is celebrated by all the religions, especially the main ones are Hindus, Sikhs and Jains. According to the Georgian calendar, the festival happens to fall somewhere between the months of October and November. The exact date of the festival is calculated according to the Hindu Luni-Solar Calendar.

The day is also observed as a national holiday and this day brings along with it a common tradition of exchanging gifts with all near and dear ones.

The festival starts off with Dhanteras, the day when people pray Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity and growth. The second day is called as the “Chotti Diwali”, which is also called as Naraka Chaturdashi or Kali Chaudas in some states, as it is believed that Lord Krishna killed the evil daemon Narakasura on this day. The third day is observed with lot of extravaganza, rituals and ceremonies. There is worshipping of Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess of beauty, wealth and wisdom with Laxmi Poojas and also pray to Ganesh, the Lord of Beginnings and Remover of Obstacles. The fourth day is known as the day of Govardhan Puja also known as Annakoot as there is a belief that Lord Krishna defeated the God of rain and lifter Mount Govardhan. Along with that there is another legend which is believed by the people of south India that Lord Vishnu killed the demon Bali on this day. Finally the concluding day arrives with the occasion of Bhaiya dooj, which is also known as Yama Dwitiya. The day is dedicated to brothers and sisters and is a way of strengthening their relationship. This day is also called as the Tikka Day, as sisters apply a red mark (Tikka) on to their brothers’ forehead. The day is celebrated and has been followed by a legendary story of Yami, who prayed for her brother Yama, the God of Death, for his well being.

These five days brings lots of activities and get togethers and there is all feasting and carousing.