Happy Diwali

Deepavali referred as festival of lights is one the most important and highly awaited festival for all Hindus. This festival is hugely cherished in all the states of India as well neighboring countries like Nepal. Originally, the festival was known by the name as Deepawali, which has its origin from Sanskrit, meaning "rows of Deep".

The festival of Deepawali is not only significant to Hindus, but, has importance in other religions also as Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism. For Hindus, it is associated with the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya, after his 14 years of exile and winning of over the demon Rawana. And his welcome back to his home place Ayodhya, was marked by the rows of diyas, lightened throughout the kingdom. Thus, there is a custom of lighting oil diyas that symbolize the winning of of good over evil and freedom from spiritual darkness.
Along with the above customs there are many more festivities associated with the festival of lights as burning of crackers, playing cards, lightning of diyas, wearing new clothes, distribution of Mithai, exchange of gifts etc.

Festivities for Five days:
Deepawali is most awaited festival for family of all age groups. family start preparing for this festival, well in advance. Thorough cleaning, painting and decorating of houses is done before the onset of the celebrations for this festival. The pious festival of Deepawali is celebrated for five consecutive days, with each day having its own significance and set of tradition.

Dhanteras
Dhanteras, the thirteenth day of the Krishna Paksh, in Hindu month of Kartik is the first day of celebrations. This day is meant for spending money and buying new household items like electronic pieces or utensils. There is trend of buying new silver coin on this day which is used for Llaxmi Puja on the day of Deepawali. The custom of lighting diyas begins from this very day. Normally, odd numbers say 5 or 11 Diyas or the earthen diyas are lit on this day and these are gradually increased to 21, 51, 101 etc on the consecutive days.

ChhotiDeepawali
The fourteenth day of the Krishna Paksh, in Hindu month of Kartik is the second day of celebrations. The day is believed as mini Deepawali and mainly meant for the preparations of main Deepawali, the next day. diyas are lit in the evening and the custom of playing cards is observed in many families.

Badi Deepawali
The new moon day of Kartik month is the third day of celebrations. The day is witnessed by burning crackers and lighting lots of diyas and candles in a row along with the worshipping of Goddess Lakshmi.

Goverdhan puja
Goverdhan puja, the first day of Kartik Shukla Paksh is the fourth day of celebrations marked by meeting and exchanging gifts with friends and relatives.

Bhai Dooj
The second day of Kartik Shukla Paksh is the day 5 day of celebrations. This day witnesses the eternal love between brothers and sisters.