Diwali

The word Diwali has originated from Deepavali. Deepavali comes from deep (lamp) and avali (row). Deepavali is thus a row of lamps. Apart from being the festival of lights, Diwali is also when we remember and worship various Deities like Shriram, Shri Lakshmi, Dhanwantari, Yama.

When Lord Ram returned to Ayodhya after completing fourteen years in exile, His subjects celebrated by lighting lamps. Since then, the festival of Deepavali has been celebrated. In 2024, Diwali will be celebrated between 29^th October and 2^nd November. In some places, festivities begin one day prior, on Vasubaras and end on Bhaiyaduj or Yamadwitiya, a day later. Some exclude Dhantrayodashi (Dhanteras) and consider only the remaining three days as Diwali.

Things to do on this occasion

As far as festivities go, Diwali is associated with a few major observances. Ritualistic bath (or Abhyangsnan) early in the morning, worshipping of Shri Lakshmi devi and Kuber (which is now become commercialised in the share market as Muhurta Trading), and fireworks. Each of these are explained here with the entire Shri Lakshmi Kuber Puja ritual explained with mantras and their meanings for you to perform the puja by yourself at home or your office.

Diwali puja of Shri Lakshmi and Kuber — Ritualistic worship of
Shri Lakshmi-Kuber

Chant of Mahalakshmi Devi — Audio – Chant of
Deity Mahalakshmidevi

Sattvik Rangoli designs — Rangoli
More Rangoli designs

Importance of Diwali Days

It is celebrated on four consecutive days – Dhanatrayodashi (the thirteenth day of the dark fortnight of Ashwin), Narak Chaturdashi (the fourteenth day), Lakshmi-puja (the new moon day of the dark fortnight of Ashwin) and Balipratipada (the first day of the bright fortnight of Kartik). Each day has its own significance which is outlined here.

Think whether you commit any inauspicious deeds on the auspicious occasion of Diwali !

How to celebrate Deepawali in adverse times caused by coronavirus pandemic ?

Diwali Videos

Related Texts

It is spiritually beneficial to celebrate each festival, be it Diwali or Dussehra. These books share the underlying spiritual science, as well as the spiritually beneficial method of celebrating our festivals as well as associated actions such as buying jewellery on Dhanteras, drawing Rangoli designs that attract and emit Deity Principles, and also how to carry forward the bliss that one experiences from festivals like Diwali all year round.

Appropriate method and science in celebrating Holy festivals Spiritual benefits of Indian Jewellery How to offer Arti?Sattvik Rangolis