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What to do during five days of Diwali

What to do during five days of Diwali

Diwali, better known as “Festival of Lights,” is a 5 day festival, which is celebrated all over India, with great enthusiasm. Diwali signifies the victory of good over evil. Mostly children, during Diwali enjoy the most by lighting fireworks, lamps and dressing themselves up in new clothes.

Diwali is celebrated for five days, and each day is dedicated to a special ideal and thought. Let us find what we should do during these five days of Diwali:

Dhanteras: The first day

The first day out of five days of Diwali is known as Dhanteras or Dhanvantari Triyodasi. According to the lunar calendar, this day falls on the 13^th lunar day of the dark fortnight (Krsna Paksa) of lunar month of Kartik. The legend goes that on this day Lord Dhanvantari appeared from Casual Ocean with Ayurveda. This day marks the beginning of the five day festival of Diwali.

Hindus on this day, bath during the sunset and offer earthen lamps with cooked preprations to the Lord of Death, Yamaraj, to protect one from untimely death. It is best to make offerings near the Tulasi plant (the holy basil), or a Banyan tree.

This year this day falls on November 3, 2010.

Choti Diwali: The second day

The second day of Diwali is also known as Narak Caturdasi. On this particular day Lord Krishna killed the demon named Narakasur, and gave relief to al the denizens. People go for oil massage on this day to remove any tiredness, and prepare themselves for the celebration of third and the most important day: Diwali.

This particular night the earthen lamps are not lit. They should be offered only day beforr (Trayadosi) and then the day after (Diwali proper). Please consult an astrologer for right guidance on this matter.

Diwali, the Lakshmi Puja; the third day

This day is much awaited by all. People offer prayers and worship to Mother Lakshmi on this day. They seek the blessings of Wealth and Fortune from the Goddess; but, they often neglect the worship of Sri Narayan, unfortunately, not knowing, that without her husband, the Goddess does not stay in a place for long.

Govardhan Pooja, the fourth day

Many Hindus on this day perform worship of Govardhan hill. The legend goes that around five thousand years ago, Lord Krishna asked His family and people of Vraja to perform worship to Sri Govardhan. From that time on, Hindus honour Sri Govardhan on this day, by offering worship and prayers to Him.

Bhaiya Dooj, the fifth day

The fifth and the last day of the Diwali is called Bhratri or Bhaiya Dooj. This day is dedicated to the sacred relationship of brothers and sisters.

Millenniums ago, Yamuna Devi (the river) was visited by her brother Yamraj (the Lord of Death), on this day. Since that time, brothers visit their sisters on this day with gifts and cash, and sisters feed their brothers sumptuously and pray for their long life and well being.

For more info and puja details please go to: http://www.myastrologypuja.com/diwali-special-puja.php