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Five Magic Days of Diwali

By Satabdi MazumdarOctober 15, 2022
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Diwali is the “Festival of Lights” which is celebrated annually across India to observe the victory of light over darkness. On this day, Lord Rama along with Goddess Sita, and Lord Lakshman returned to their kingdom, Ayodhya after killing Ravana, after an exile period of 14 years. 


On this day, people light up their homes with clay lamps ie. “Diyas”, and candles to celebrate the victory of good over evil. Also, they worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha as they are believed to bring good luck, prosperity, and wealth. 


As we gear up for Diwali 2022 celebrations in the coming week, let’s take a look at the significance and why we celebrate Diwali.


What is the Diwali Festival?

Diwali is one of the most auspicious festivals in India that people eagerly wait for the entire year. But what is Diwali exactly? It is considered the beginning of the Hindu New Year and takes place on the 15th day of the second dark fortnight of the Karttika month (between October and November each year). Thus, the Diwali dates can vary according to the Lunar calendar. The entire festival lasts for five days.


Diwali Festival


Alos Read: Celebrate an Eco-Friendly Diwali This Year


The festival of Diwali is observed as a National holiday throughout the nation and is celebrated by different communities and in different parts of India.


Diwali 2022 - Important Dates 

Diwali is a five-day long festival that commences with Dhanteras and ends on Bhaiya Dooj. Here are Diwali 2022 Dates & Days. Take a look:


Festival

Diwali 2022 Date & Day

Dhanteras

Sunday, 23rd October

Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali)

Monday, 24th October

Lakshmi Puja (Diwali Festival)

Monday, 24th October

Govardhan Puja

Wednesday, 26th October

Bhai Dooj

Thursday, 27th October


Why We Celebrate Diwali? 

When talking about the history of the Diwali festival, there is no definite reason or record of why Diwali is celebrated. Instead, several opinions & reasons are being proposed by different legends from ancient times. 


Here, one of the most famous & popular reasons behind Diwali celebrations in the northern part of India is that on this day, Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya along with Sita and Laxman after defeating Lanka King Ravana and spending 14 years of exile from the forest. To light the path of Lord Rama to his palace, people decorate with candles, lamps, and diyas at night.


The people of South India celebrate Diwali as a day when Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakashur and triumphed over the victory of good over evil. Another reason states that on this day, Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi tied the knot of marriage.


This auspicious day is also celebrated as the birth of Goddess Lakshmi on the new moon day of the month Kartik. It depends on the perspective and peoples’ beliefs to celebrate the festival of lights.


Significance of Diwali 2022

Diwali is the festival celebrating the victory of good over evil that brings hope, success, prosperity, and fortune. People light up their homes and burst firecrackers. It is customary to make offerings to the Goddess Lakshmi, wife of the god Vishnú, symbolizing good luck and wealth. Also, the popular God Ganesha is worshiped along with Goddess Lakshmi. In the eastern part of the country, the Goddess Kali is worshiped. People exchange Happy Diwali wishes and gifts, and sweets with each other. 


Five Magic Days of Diwali

Diwali celebrations last for five days and each day has its importance. Here are the Diwali event names as follows:


Five Magic Days of Diwali


  • Dhanteras - It is the first day of Diwali which is celebrated as the birth of God Dhanvantari. It is observed on the thirteenth lunar day of Kartik month and according to the Hindu calendar, this year it will be celebrated on Sunday, 23rd October. People buy jewelry, cooking utensils, automobiles, and electrical appliances on this day.

  • Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) - This is the second day of Diwali and is also known as Kaali Chaudas in some parts of India. As per mythology, it is celebrated to mark Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura. On this day, people wake up early, offer puja, and light up diyas.

  • Lakshmi Puja (Diwali Festival) - The third day is the main Diwali festival. People perform Lakhsmi Pooja and lighten up their homes with diyas, candles and lamps. Families exchange gifts and burst firecrackers.

  • Govardhan Puja or Padva - The fourth day of the festival is Govardhan Puja or Padva. On this day, Lord Krishna is worshiped for saving the lives of villagers from rains & floods by lifting the huge Govardhan Mountain caused by Lord Indra’s anger. 

  • Bhai Dooj - The fifth and last day of Diwali is Bhai Dooj. This day is celebrated as the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters pray for their brother’s long & happy life, exchange happy Diwali wishes and brothers give gifts to their sisters.


How is Diwali Celebrated in India?

The auspicious 5 Day Festival holds a religious significance in the Hindu festivities and people celebrate it with utmost love and enthusiasm. 


How is Diwali Celebrated in India


Take a look at how is Diwali celebrated in India:

  • Cleaning Houses

The celebration of Diwali in India starts with people cleaning their houses. As per mythology, it is said that Goddess Lakshmi steps into houses on this day to bless devotees with happiness, prosperity, and wealth and she only enters clean & tidy places. Thus, people tend to clean their houses months before Diwali.

  • Playing Cards

Playing cards is one of the most fun things to do on Diwali among people, especially youth. People organize small get-togethers in their homes, invite friends & family and play different card games. It is the most fun way of enjoying festivals with close ones. 

  • Bursting Firecrackers On Diwali

The most traditional & common way of celebrating Diwali in India is by burning crackers. People believe that the sound generated by these firecrackers signifies the victory of good over evil. But at the same time, it also causes air pollution and is harmful to individual’s health. That’s why people nowadays use eco-friendly firecrackers.

  • Buying Jewelry On Dhanteras

Dhanteras is the first day of Diwali which people celebrate by buying gold or silver jewellery to worship Lord Kuber. Some people also buy utensils on this day. However, the increase in jewelry shopping is also related to the upcoming season of marriages. 

  • Worshipping the Domestic Cattle

On the day of Vasu Baras, people in rural areas worship their domestic cattle like cows or calves, etc. These are considered sacred animals and people worship them for prosperity. 


Now you know what is Diwali, its significance and history to how is Diwali celebrated. India is a place where all the festivals are celebrated with great enthusiasm & fun and Diwali is one of India's biggest festivals. The whole city is lit up with Diyas, lights, candles, and hot air balloons. Also, exciting fireworks can be seen in different places. Hope you have the best Diwali this year. Opt for eco-friendly firecrackers and take good care of the environment.

FAQs on Five Magic Days of Diwali

1. What are the 5 days of Diwali celebration?

Diwali is celebrated in India for five days with traditional rituals. Diwali event names include Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdasi (Chhoti Diwali), Lakshmi Pooja (Diwali), Govardhan Pooja, and, Bhai Dooj.

2. Which is the most important day of Diwali?

Lakshmi Pooja is considered as the most important day of Diwali.

3. What is the date of Diwali in 2022?

This year, Diwali falls on Monday, October 24.

4. Why we celebrate Diwali?

There are multiple reasons why we celebrate Diwali. The primary one is the return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya with his wife Seeta and brother Laxman.