Lights. Sound. Diwali!

It’s the D day and the entire nation is full of action. With perfect lighting, thunderous sounds and captivating rangolis, India looks like the home of a groom getting ready to welcome its new member. With hair decked with flowers, body weaved in gold, and face radiating a magnificent glowing energy, Goddess Lakshmi looks no less than the bride waiting to enter her new home! And as she walks in, she changes the atmosphere from darkness into light and hopelessness into hope.

This five day festival commemorates the victory of good over evil. Legend has it that Diwali marks the return of Lord Rama, along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshman from his 14 year old exile and after defeating the demon king, Ravan. So in celebration of his victorious return, the people of Ayodhya welcomed him by illuminating the entire kingdom with diyas and by bursting firecrackers. This festival of light starts with Dhanteras and ends with Bhai Dooj, with each day having its own share of interesting tales to tell.

Day 1 – Dhanteras
Dhanteras is the first day of Diwali. There is a story that the 16 year old son of King Hima was saved by his wife from the God of Death by offering her gold ornaments and lighting diyas. Hence Lord Yama is worshipped to help protect mankind from the clutches of untimely death. Also for this reason buying gold, silver, metal objects or utensils on this day is considered auspicious.

Day 2 – Choti Diwali
Choti Diwali was the day when Lord Krishna defeated the devil Narakasur and made people worry-free. In olden days, people used to engage in an oil massage early in the morning before taking a bath. This was done to energize the senses and clean the body because they believed that it’s equally important to keep the body pure apart from keeping the house dirt-free. This ritual is followed even today in many Maharashtrian, Gujarati and South Indian homes.

Day 3 – Lakshmi Puja
This is the most important day of the entire festival. On this day houses are thoroughly cleaned because it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi visited only the hard working, and a clean home was the mark of a laborious man! For this reason, some people also worship the broom. In the evening, lamps are lit, rangolis are made, and the entire family perform puja and welcome Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of good luck, wealth and prosperity.

Day 4 – Govardhan Puja
Govardhan Puja is performed in commemoration to what Lord Krishna did thousand of years ago. It was believed that Lord Krishna saved Gokul from the wrath of Lord Indra, the God of rain, by lifting the mountain Govardhan and using it as a shield to protect nature and mankind. In North India, Govardhan Puja, also called Annakut (a heap of grain) is celebrated with much enthusiasm.

Day 5 – Bhaiya Duj
Bhaiya Duj, also know as bhai duj, bhav-bij, bhai phota or bhai tika, is a day to remind sisters and brothers of each other’s duties. On this day of Diwali, sisters invite their brothers for a special tika ceremony followed by an elaborate meal. In return, brothers give them gifts along with a promise to stand by and protect them forever. Lord Krishna after defeating the demon Narakasur was supposed to have visited his sister Subhadra. There’s another story where Yamraj, the God of Death used to visit his sister Yami on this day.

Let light illuminate your homes and hearts. Let the fragrance of incense sticks fill your lives with peace and calm you. Let fire crackers bring joy and prosperity. And let the spirit of Diwali give you new reason and hope to carry ahead with life!

Happy Diwali!