Diwali which is known as Deepawali, the festival of lights, is the most famous and one of the biggest and brightest festivals in India and celebrated across the country as a symbol of victory of good over evil. It is celebrated over a period of five days in most of India which begins on Dhanteras and ends on Bhaiya Dooj.
When is Diwali in 2015, 2016 and 2017?
The Hindu and Sikh festival of lights is decided through the Hindu lunar calendar and this year of 2015 it falls on November 11. It’s observed on the 15th day of Kartik, the holiest month in the Hindu lunar calendar. Diwali falls in either October or November each year, depending on the cycle of the moon. In 2016, Diwali is on October 30 and in 2017, Diwali is on October 19.
WHAT IS DIWALI?
It is celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains – followers of an ancient Indian religion that shares concepts with Hinduism and Buddhism – traditionally on the Subcontinent, but also in diaspora communities around the world.
The attractive colours and lights displayed during the festival means that it has also become popular among non-observers of these religions.
The attractive colours and lights displayed during the festival means that it has also become popular among non-observers of these religions.
In Hinduism, light is seen as a metaphor for self-improvement, self-awareness and community, and its celebration allows followers to reaffirm their commitment to such values.
History and Mythology of Diwali
The mythology related to Diwali can be traced back to ancient India.
The history of Diwali is replete with legends and these legends are moored to the stories of Hindu religious scriptures, mostly the Puranas. Though the central theme of all legends point out to the classic truth of the victory of the good over the evils, the mode of their presentation and the characters differ. Diwali, being the festival of lights, lighting the lamp of knowledge within Indians means to understand and reflect upon the significant purpose of each of the five days of festivities and to bring those thoughts in to the day to day lives.
According to popular beliefs, lighting lamps in every nook and corner of the house is a symbol of the victory of knowledge over ignorance and light over darkness.
The most awaited festival is celebrated for five days starting with Dhanteras and ending with Bhai Dooj, while literally illuminating the entire Indian sub-continent with the light of joy.
On the auspicious day, people distribute sweets and gifts to loved ones while many believe in giving away food and other necessary items to the poor as charity.
The celebration, however, is incomplete without bursting firecrackers in the evening when the sky dazzles with colourful fireworks.
While many are critical about the pollution created by the firecrackers, some others provide spiritual and ‘scientific’ reasons for the need for bursting them.
The sound created by firecrackers is regarded as the external manifestation of the joy and happiness that people feel within and want to convey to God, who is believed to hear the echoes from his heavenly abode.
However, some others say there is a ‘scientific’ reason for why firecrackers began to be used: the fumes and sounds produced by the crackers are said to kill hundreds of thousands of insects including mosquitoes bred after the monsoon.
Each of the five days of Diwali has a separate meaning and mythology associated with it, and there are separate traditions on how to celebrate it.
History and Mythology:
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Rama, along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshman were exiled from the Kingdom of Ayodhya as part of a vow made to king Dashratha.
The Story of Rama and Sita: Lord Rama was a great warrior King who was exiled by his father Dashratha, the King of Ayodhya, along with his wife Sita and his younger brother Lakshman, on his wife’s insistence. Lord Rama returned to his Kingdom Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, in which he put an end to the demon Ravana of Lanka, who was a great Pundit, highly learned but still evil dominated his mind. After this victory of Good over Evil, Rama returned to Ayodhya. In Ayodhya, the people welcomed them by lighting rows of clay lamps. So, it is an occasion in honor of Rama’s victory over Ravana; of Truth’s victory over Evil.
The people of Ayodhya welcomed their future king by lighting clay lamps in rows throughout their country and thus the celebration of good over evil and happiness over sadness began.
The Story of King Bali and Vamana Avatar(the Dwarf): The other story concerns King Bali, who was a generous ruler. But he was also very ambitious. Some of the Gods pleaded Vishnu to check King Bali’s power. Vishnu came to earth in the form of a Vamana(dwarf) dressed as priest. The dwarf approached King Bali and said “You are the ruler of the three worlds: the Earth, the world above the skies and the underworld. Would you give me the space that I could cover with three strides?” King Bali laughed. Surely a dwarf could not cover much ground, thought the King, who agreed to dwarf’s request. At this point, the dwarf changed into Vishnu and his three strides covered the Earth, the Skies and the whole Universe! King Bali was send to the underworld. As part of Diwali celebrations, some Hindus remember King Bali.
The Defeat of Narkasur by Lord Krishna: Lord Vishnu in his 8th incarnation as Krishna destroyed the demon Narkasura, who was causing great unhappiness amongst the people of the world. Narkasura was believed to be a demon of filth, covered in dirt. He used to kidnap beautiful young women and force them to live with him. Eventually, their cries for rescue were heard by Vishnu, who came in the form of Krishna. First, Krishna had to fight with a five-headed monster who guarded the demon’s home. Narkasura hoped that his death might bring joy to others. Krishna granted his request and the women were freed. For Hindus, this story is a reminder that good can still come out of evil.
Krishna and The Mountain: In the village of Gokula, many years ago, the people prayed to the God Indra. They believed that Indra sent the rains, which made their crops, grow. But Krishna came along and persuaded the people to worship the mountain Govardhan, because the mountain and the land around it were fertile. This did not please Indra. He sent thunder and torrential rain down on the village. The people cried to Krishna to help. Krishna saved the villagers by lifting the top of the mountain with his finger. The offering of food to God on this day of Diwali is a reminder to Hindus of the importance of food and it is a time for being thankful to God for the bounty of nature.
Supreme Personality of Godhead- Lord Shri Krishna (linkedin.com)
DIWALI DATES DEATILED INFORMATION: THE FIVE DAY OF DIWALI
The Diwali festival actually runs for five days, with the main celebrations happening on the third day in most places in India.
(November 9, 2015) —The first day of Diwali is called Dhanvantari Triodasi or Dhanwantari Triodasi also called Dhan Theras.
According to the Hindu Calendar, Dhanteras is celebrated on the thirteenth day of the month of Ashvin or Ashwayuja. As per the Gregorian calendar, Dhanteras usually falls in the month of October or November.
Significance of Dhanteras
‘Dhan’ refers to wealth while ‘trayodashi’ means thirteenth day. Therefore, Dhanteras is literally translated as wealth on the thirteenth day. On this day, prayers are offered to the goddess Lakshmi, asking her for her blessings in the form of wealth. She is also asked to provide prosperity in all business endeavours for the coming year. Dhanteras is considered a very auspicious day and is celebrated with great pomp, especially by members of the trading community.
Although prayers are offered to the goddess Lakshmi on Dhanteras, the story behind its celebration deals with the Hindu God of death, Yama. Legend has it that the sixteen year old son of King Hima was destined to die on the fourth day after his marriage. This was foretold by an astrologer as per the boy’s horoscope. However, his wife refused to accept this fate for her husband.
On the fourth day of their marriage, she would not allow her husband to sleep. She laid all the ornaments of the house, as well as a horde of silver and gold coins at the entrance of her husband’s chamber. The entire room was brightly lit with a large number of lamps and the young wife too stayed awake all night singing songs and telling stories.
Preparations for Dhanteras
Since this day is associated with wealth, business premises as well as houses are renovated and decorated to welcome the Goddess of Wealth. The entrance to a house or an office premises will be beautifully decorated with a rangoli design that comprises of traditional motifs. To herald her arrival, miniature footprints are drawn all over the house using vermillion and rice flour. Lamps are kept burning throughout the night.
Dhiya (ghee butter lamps) of Tihar leading a trail to our front door.
Rangoli
Celebrations on this Day
Since Dhanteras is considered to be auspicious with regard to wealth and prosperity, women in the household make it a point to buy articles or ornaments of gold or silver on this day.If this is not possible, women will at least buy a few new utensils for the home. This is because the purchase of new ‘dhan’, especially in the form of a precious metal is said to bring good luck to the home.
Dhanteras
The legends of Dhanteras ascribes the occasion with an interesting story about the 16 year old son of King Hima. His horoscope predicted his death by snake-bite on the fourth day of his marriage. On the evening of Dhanteras, a Lakshmi puja is performed to ask for prosperity in the coming year. His newly-wed wife did not allow him to sleep. She laid out all her ornaments and lots of gold and silver coins in a heap at the entrance of the sleeping chamber and tiny clay diyas or lamps are lit all over the place in order to ward off evil spirits. Then she narrated stories and sang songs called bhajans in praise of the Goddess to keep her husband from falling asleep.
A woman draws an `alpana` or a motif on Lakshmi Puja in Kolkata
Lakshmi Puja is another Bengali festival that is celebrated in every household. Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth is worshipped just after Durga Puja. Lakshmi is one of the daughters of Durga
In Maharashtra, there is an added custom of ‘Naivedya’ wherein a mixture of pounded coriander seeds (Dhane in Marathi) with jaggery is prepared as a traditional sweet and offered to the Goddess.
White cows decorated and worshipped during Bali Padayami of the Diwali festivties by farmers in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. (wikipedia)
In villages, cattle are adorned with ornaments and worshiped on this day as especially in south India. Cows are offered, particularly, a special veneration because they are thought of as incarnations of Goddess Lakshmi.
When Yama, the god of Death, arrived at the chamber in the guise of a serpent, in order to claim his victim, however, his eyes were dazzled and blinded by the brilliance of the lamps and the jewelry and made it impossible for him to enter the Prince’s room. So he climbed on top of the heap of gold coins and sat there the entire night listening to the stories and enchanted by the melody of the songs the wife sang. In the morning, he silently went away without killing the Prince. Thus, the young prince was saved from the clutches of death by the cleverness of his new bride, and the day since then celebrated as Dhanteras. In this regard, Dhanteras is also referred to as Yamadeepdan.
Yama was born as a holy man whom was told if he meditated for 50 years, he would achieve enlightenment. On the final day of his meditation he was interrupted by two thieves whom had a stolen bull. After beheading the bull in front of the hermit,they ignored his pleas to be spared for but a few minutes and beheaded him as well. In his near-enlightened fury the holy man became Yama, the god of Death. Taking the bull’s head for his own he killed the two thieves and than decided to kill everyone in Tibet. The people of Tibet, fearing for their lives, prayed to the bodhisattva Manjusri who took up their cause. He transformed himself into Yamāntaka, similar to Yama but far more powerful and horrific. In their battle, everywhere Yama turned, he found infinite versions of himself. Yamāntaka defeated Yama and turned him into a protector of Buddhism. (condensedcloud)
On Yamadeepdan, lamps are left burning throughout the night as a form of reverence to Yama. It is also the night when people light lamps and float them down a river, in memory of their ancestors.
Another legend is about Lord Dhanwantri, known as the physician of the Gods and an incarnation of Vishnu, was born on the day of Dhanteras or Dhan Trayodashi. That’s why any new discovery of medical science field in India starts at this day. According to another popular legend, when the Gods and demons churned the ocean for Amrita or nectar, Dhanvantari emerged carrying a jar of the elixir on the day of Dhanteras.
It has Dal Bukhara, Stuffed Aloo Kofta, Kurmuri Bhindi, Achari Paneer, kheer, Puri.
Kuber is regarded as the god of wealth, in Hindu mythology. Lord Kubera is also known as the god of yakshas (savage beings). Kubera is always remembered with the goddess of fortune, Lakshmi. Chanting of Kuber Mantra blesses the worshipper with money and prosperity by drawing new avenues and sources of income and wealth. Mantra of Kubera helps to increase the flow of funds and the ability to accumulate wealth.
Kubera Mantra is as follows: ”Rajadhi rajaya Prasahya Sahine Namo Vayam Vai Sravanaya Kurmahe Samekaman Kama Kamaya mahyam Kamesvaro Vai Sravano dadatu Kuberaya Vai Sravanaya Maha rajaya Namah.“
(November 10, 2015)—The second day of Diwali is called Narak Chaturdasi. It is the fourteenth lunar day (thithi) of the dark forthnight of the month of Kartik and the eve of Diwali.
It is known as Naraka Chaturdasi or Chhoti Diwali (small Diwali). Goddess Kali and Lord Krishna are believed to have destroyed the demon Narakasura on this day. Kali (one meaning of “kala” is black) is worshiped in West Bengal, while demon effigies are burned in Goa. Diwali is also traditionally celebrated on this day in Tamil Nadu. 
On this day Lord Krishna destroyed the demon Narakasur and made the world free from fear.
The following day came to be called Naraka Chaturdashi (‘Naraka’ means hell and Chaturdashi means 14th). It is also known as ‘Yamadeepdaan’ as the ladies of the house light earthen lamps or ‘deep’ and these are kept burning throughout the night glorifying Yama, the God of Death. Since this is the night before Diwali, it is also called ‘Chhoti Diwali’…. (and then the DIWALI…)
(November 11, 2015) — The third day of Diwali is the actual Diwali. This is the day when worship for Mother Lakshmi is performed. It is the new moon day known as Amavasya. This darkest day of the month is the most significant day of the Diwali festival in north and west India. Lakshmi is worshiped on this day, with a special puja performed in the evening.
(November 12, 2015) — On the fourth day of Diwali, Goverdhan Pooja is performed.
It has various meanings across India. In north India, Govardhan Puja is celebrated as the day when Lord Krishna defeated Indra, the god of thunder and rain. In Gujarat, it’s celebrated as the start of a new year. In Maharashtra, Bali Puja is performed to seek the blessings of demon king Bali.
Govardhan Puja, the auspicious day to worship & honor the heavenly hillock is celebrated on the day next to Diwali.
(November 13,2015) — The fifth day of the diwali is called as ‘Bhai dooj’ ‘Bhratri Dooj’ or ‘Bhai Bij’. Bhai means brother and dooj means second, signifying the second day of the new moon.
It’s dedicated to celebrating sisters, in a similar way that Raksha Bandhan is dedicated to brothers. Brothers and sisters get together and share food, to honor the bond between them. One legend of the origin of this day is that Sri Krishna after his successful war over Narakasura went to visit his sister subhadra who welcomed him with a tilak and aarti and prayed for his protection.
How to Celebrate:
The arrival of the festival of lights also signifies the growth in wealth as Hindus believe that on this day Mother Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, enters their homes and brings good luck and prosperity.
To celebrate the day, people clean their homes and decorate them with colourful flowers and row of clay lamps shimmering inside and outside.
Hindu women prepare mouth watering delicacies including sweets and snacks. On the evening of Diwali, people wear new clothes and perform Lakshmi Puja (worship) and distribute sweets and greet each other.
Later in the evening firecrackers take central stage while those who want to stay away from the noise and pollution spend the night playing cards.
THE MOST SIGNIFICANT DEITY DURING DIWALI PUJA
During five days festivity various rituals are followed and with Goddess Lakshmi several other Gods and Goddesses are worshipped. However Goddess Lakshmi is the most significant deity during Diwali Puja. The new moon day, which is known as Amavasya, is the most significant day of five days Diwali festivities and known as Lakshmi Puja,Lakshmi-Ganesh Puja and Diwali Puja.
Diwali Puja is done not only in families but also in offices. Diwali Puja is the significant day for the most traditional Hindu businessmen. On this day, ink bottle, pens and new account books are worshipped. Ink bottle and pen, which are called Davat (दावात) and Lekhani (लेखनी) respectively, are sanctified by worshipping Goddess Maha Kali on them. New account books, which are called Bahi-Khate (बही-खाते), are sanctified by worshipping Goddess Saraswati on them.
Goddess Saraswasti
Goddess Maha Laki
The most auspicious time to do Diwali Puja is after sunset. The time period after sunset is known as Pradosh. The day of Diwali Puja is decided when Amavasya Tithi prevails during Pradosh. Hence no other Diwali Puja Muhurat is as good as Puja Muhurat during Pradosh even if it is available for one Ghati (approximately 24 minutes).
Pradosh Stotram – Evening Mantras
Sikh Festival Diwali
In Sikh perspective, Diwali is celebrated as the return of the sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind Ji from the captivity of the city, Gwalior. To commemorate his undying love for Sikhism, the towns people lit the way to, Harmandhir Sahib (referred to as the Golden Temple), in his honour.
Jain Festival Diwali
Among the Jain festivals, Diwali is one of the most important one. For on this occasion we celebrate the Nirvana of Lord Mahavira who established the dharma as we follow it. Lord Mahavira was born as Vardhamana on Chaitra Shukla 13th in the Nata clan at Khattiya-kundapura, near Vaishali. He obtained Kevala Gyana on Vishakha Shukla 10 at the Jambhraka village on the banks of Rijukula river at the age of 42.
Sources:
uk.news.yahoo.com
goindia.about.com
diwalifestival.org
telegraph.co.uk
mugdhasays.blogspot.com
drikpanchang.com
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