Diwali is a lovely celebration that offers joy to everyone who will be celebrating this festival. Diwali, also known as “Deepotsav,” is a festival of lights that celebrates the triumph of light over darkness and brings joy into our lives. This festival improves our connections by removing any little disagreements and fostering a warm and friendly environment.
But each of these stories illuminates the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. The reason for this event is that on this day, Lord Rama and his bride returned to Ayodhya after slaying Ravana, the king of Lanka, and rescuing her from his grasp. Ravana’s death gave Rama the advantage against evil. As a result, on the night of Amavasya, the inhabitants of Ayodhya greeted him by burning ghee-filled candles or diyas. Since then, this celebration has symbolised the triumph of good over evil.
When is the festival of Diwali?
This Dipotsav is enthusiastically celebrated across the northern hemisphere on the day of the Autumn full moon. Based on Hindu Calendar it is observed in October or November. So you might be wondering when Diwali is celebrated. Let me tell you that it is jam-packed with various significant occasions, which consist of 5 days of Diwali. This year’s Diwali Festival date will be on 24th October 2022, Monday.
All the Days in Diwali
- Dhanteras Puja: Saturday, 22nd October 2022
Hindus commemorate Dhanteras, also called “Dhanatrayodashi,” on this day. People buy jewellery and utensils on this day to attract luck. The term originated from the Sanskrit words “Dhan” (wealth) and “Teras” (thirteen). The year’s thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha is considered in the Hindu calendar. The day typically occurs one or two days before Diwali. The festival will be held this year on 22nd October Saturday, two days before the festival of lights.
- Naraka Chaturdashi: Sunday, 23rd October 2022
The gods being fed up with his terrible acts made Lord Krishna and Goddess Kali put an end to Narakasura. This celebration honours their triumph. Lord Krishna is conveyed to have undergone an oil bath during the Brahma Muhurta after killing the demon. This is why taking an oil bath with all the proper procedures before daybreak is very lucky. An excellent day to ward off all evildoing and negative aura from one’s life is Narak Chaturdashi. It is a day of fresh starts when we end our sloth and lay the groundwork for a successful future.
- Lakshmi Puja: Monday, 24th October 2022
One of the most significant Diwali ceremonies is the Lakshmi puja. Goddess Lakshmi is said to descend on earth on this day and bestow luck, wealth, and happiness upon anyone who observes it. Devotees follow a fast and only take a break once the evening puja is finished.
- Govardhan Puja: Tuesday, 25th October 2022
India celebrates Govardhan Puja, also known as Annakut Puja (literally, a mound of grain), in remembrance of Lord Krishna’s victory over Lord Indra by raising the Govardhan hill. On the fourth day of the Hindu holiday of Diwali, the puja is carried out by worshipping the mound of grain that represents the Govardhan mountain. Govardhan Puja is held to commemorate Lord Krishna’s victory over the arrogant Lord Indra. The Vrindavan residents learned to revere nature from Lord Krishna. With tremendous gratitude, enthusiasm, and eagerness, the Govardhan puja is performed.
- Bhai Dooj: Wednesday, 26th October 2022
Married sisters used to have the opportunity to visit their parents’ homes and see their siblings in the past. Today, the situation has altered; siblings now send each other wishes via social media, emails, and e-cards. However, using the internet is still used to send gifts to sisters. The online shopping option allows sisters to send their brothers gifts. However, some people continue to follow an outdated custom and make it a point to always celebrate this festival at their brother or sister’s home. Sisters recite Aarti, apply the sacred “Tilak,” and pray for their brothers’ wellbeing. Then, they both exchange presents and treats with one another.
History and Significance of Diwali
Hindus from ancient times have observed Diwali/Deepawali. Deep and Aawali, two Sanskrit terms, are combined to form the word “Diwali.” A string of Diyas is what the name “Diwali” means. Due to this, the Diwali holiday is the Diyas festival or Dipotsav. This Diwali puja vidhi is notably praised for its cleanliness and illumination. The dwellings and the spaces around them are also cleaned for this celebration of Lakshmi Puja Vidhi.
Additionally, by reuniting us with our heritage, this celebration helps us recognise the strength of our inner spirit. It serves as a reminder that, ultimately, kindness and truth prevail. There is the notable significance of Diwali for various mythological reasons. We may all learn a lesson from this celebration to continue along the road of truth. Months before the event, people begin to prepare. Diya lights have provided illumination all around, so we do Diwali Lakshmi Puja on the auspicious occasion. Diwali rituals are believed to eliminate the darkness from our lives and replace it with the new dawn’s light, like how the diyas remove the night and spread the light. This event delivers a lot of joy and teaches us how to live our lives positively. We give presents and sweets to our friends, family, and neighbours on the day of Diwali. Likewise, send them a lot of good wishes. Because of this, minor disagreements in our relationships vanish and are replaced with sweetness.
Benefits of Lakshmi Puja
- Obtain financial stability & settle economic issues
- Leads you to better career and business decisions by eliminating challenges and hindrances
- Achieve success and sense satisfaction towards professional life and personal ambitions.
- Stay blessed with success, prosperity & wealth by performing Lakshmi puja at home.
- Goddess Lakshmi also bestows her devotees with beauty and intelligence
The Most Popular Story Behind Diwali
Return of Rama to Ayodhya: According to the Hindu text Ramayana, Lord Rama left Ayodhya for fourteen years, during which time he slew Ravana and then came back. The residents of Ayodhya lit Diyas to show their joy and enthusiasm during his spectacular welcome. Rama showed his respect by lighting up the city of Ayodhya.
Importance of Naraka Chaturdashi
One day before Diwali, Lord Krishna defeated Narkasur. He slew Narkasur, a demon, to rid this planet of his horror. Diwali is therefore regarded as a celebration of the triumph of virtue over evil. It is celebrated on the 2nd day of the festival, also known as Naraka Chaturdashi or Choti Deepawali/Diwali.
The Indra and Bali Story
Raj Bali is a demon who once hid because he feared the King of Gods. When Devraj Indra was looking for a monster, he came across a deserted house where Bali had hidden by dressing as a donkey. They exchanged words with one another. They were conversing when a lady appeared from Bali’s body. When Dev Raj Indra questioned her, the lady said, “I am Goddess Laxmi. I do not remain stable in a location because of my nature. I remain steady in a place where truth, charity, fast, persistence, might, and religion flourish. I remain stable in that person’s home who is truthful, friendly to Brahmins, and observes religious regulations.” This makes it evident that Goddess Laxmi resides forever in the neighbourhood where virtuous and upright people live. Hence it is the most important day when we do Lakshmi Puja Vidhi.
Diwali Pooja Material List
If you plan to perform any Diwali pujas online in 2022 rather than a conventional Lakshmi puja vidhi, try to get the below Diwali pooja material for Lakshmi Puja Vidhi. Rice, Kesar, Roli, Betel Leaves, Betel Nuts, Fruits, Flowers, Puffed Rice, Batase, Sindoor, Dry Fruits, Sweets, Panchamrit, Ganges Water, Dhoop, Agarbati, Cotton Batti, Kalewa, a Copper Vessel for Kalash are among the other ingredients.
