Diwali Celebrations in India

Every year, the spectacular and bedazzling festival of Diwali is celebrated by Indians all over the world at the end of Ashwin month (between September and October) with its festivities continuing till the beginning of Kartika month (between October and November) based on the auspicious Hindu calendar. Unlike most Indian festivals, the vivacious festival of Diwali is not just a one-day fiesta, but its revelry continues for five days. The festival of lights, as it is lovingly known, inspires people to believe in the power of good and signifies that no matter how dark the night gets, the light of a single lamp can enlighten one's path. The words of Shakespeare “see yea that light yonder so shines a good deed in a naughty world” rightly summarize the purpose of this festival.

The first day of Diwali festivities is known as Dhanteras, on which most of the business communities in India begin their financial year. This day is considered highly auspicious for buying gold and silver, either in the form of ornaments or coins. Naraka Chaturdasi marks the second day of festivities; it is believed that Lord Krishna slayed a demon named Narakasura on this day. On the third day, Deepavali is celebrated, which involves the worship of Goddess Laksmi and Lord Ganesha. Besides this, houses are illuminated most ostentatiously with diyas, candles and various multicolor designer strings of light bulbs. The night sky comes alive with the glitter of firecrackers. On the fourth day, Govardhan Puja is performed, whereas the final day is known as Bhai Dooj and celebrates the love between a brother and sister.

Diwali Cards
The festival of Diwali is not just about deity worship, firecrackers, sweets, and holidays, rather it provides one and all an opportunity to spread Diwali cheer as well as catch up with relatives and friends.

Deepawali Celebrations
The festival of Diwali reminds us of the festive season of joy, splendor, enthusiasm and happiness. It is the festival of lights and is celebrated with great excitement by all Indians all over the world. The uniqueness of the festival is that it is celebrated for five days and each of the

Diwali Recipes
The vibrant festivities of Diwali are filled with fun and frolic. Lightning of rows and rows of diyas, offering prayers to the Almighty, bursting firecrackers, and spending time with loved ones, accompanied by lingering aromatic fragrances of delectable

Diwali Celebrations in India
The glorious and rich multicultural heritage of India is adorned with a plethora of fascinating festivals that celebrate the very essence of this nation i.e. unity in diversity. Diwali is certainly one of the most significant Hindu festivals celebrated across India. During the festive season of Diwali, 

Diwali Gifts
The spectacular and bright festival of Diwali is celebrated with great enthusiasm not just across India but by Indians all over the world. This is a time to celebrate the triumph of good over evil and to cherish each and every relationship that we have in our lives.

Legends of Diwali
Diwali is, indeed, one of the most awaited and thoroughly celebrated Hindu festivals amidst the umpteen festivals that crowd the festive calendar of the multicultural country of India. India is part of one of the oldest civilizations in the world and Hinduism is heralded as one of the most ancient religions

Significance of Diwali
From darkness into light, from ignorance to knowledge, from unhappiness into bliss, this, indeed, is the true and deep message that the festival of Diwali brings every year with its joyous celebrations.

Diwali Traditions
India is a culturally rich and diverse land with deep rooted customs and traditions. The colorful and vibrant array of festivals celebrated here signifies some or the other virtue, right from righteousness to courage in the face of darkness.

History of Diwali
The sacred and brilliantly lit festival of Diwali is an integral part of the ancient Indian civilization and its history is magnificently intertwined with origins and evolution of Hindu religion. Today, this festival has become epitome of enjoyment and is celebrated with great exuberance across the country.

When is Diwali
Diwali is a festival that is celebrated with a lot of heart and revelry by people across India. Although if one takes a cursory look at this festival, it can easily be categorized as a Hindu festival, but if one looks a little more deeply, one can easily see that celebrations of this festival transcend the

Dhanteras: Rituals and Celebrations of Dhanteras

Dhanteras is an important part of Diwali celebrations. Dhanteras marks the first day of Diwali celebrations. Dhanteras is also called Dhanvantari Trayodashi. It falls on the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Kartik (October-November). The word 'Dhan' signifies money or wealth. On the day of Dhanteras, people worship the Goddess of Wealth (Goddess Lakshmi). Since Dhanteras is associated with the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, it is a very important celebration in the homes of the mercantile community. In India, houses and market places wear a festive look on the day of Dhanteras and market places are abuzz with people all around. 

Legends of Dhanteras 
Like most of the Indian festivals, Dhanteras too has some legends associated with its celebration. Let's have a look at some of the popular legends that are associated with this Dhantears celebration. 

Legend of Dhanwantari 
Churning of ocean (Samudramanthan) by Gods and demons forms an important part of the Hindu mythology. It is believed that during the churning of ocean by Gods and demons, Lord Dhanvantari (the Physician of Gods) emerged out with a jar of Amrit (elixir) on the day of Dhanteras. Thus, the worship of Lord Dhanvantari has become a part of Dhanteras celebrations in most of the home.

Legend of Yamadeep Daan Ritual 
According to this legend, the sixteen-year-old son of King Hima was doomed to die of snakebite on the fourth day of his marriage. Aware of the forecast about her husband, the intelligent wife of the young prince made a plan to save her husband. On the predicted day, the wife made all arrangements so that her husband did not fall asleep. Bedsides this, she also put all her silver and gold ornaments at the entrance of the door and illuminated the whole place with lamps and lights. To insure that the husband did not sleep, the wife sang and narrated stories all through the night.

Lord Yama, the mythological God of Death, arrived in the guise of a serpent but the illumination caused by lights dazzled his eyes and he was not able to enter the room of the young prince. The legends have it that the serpent, mesmerized by the melodious songs of the Princess's wife, sat on the heap of ornaments and spent the night and went away in the morning. Thus, the Prince was saved by the illumination of the lamps and devotion of his wife. This legend led to the popularization of the tradition of 'Yamadeep Daan'. It is due to this reason, lamps and diyas are kept burning all through the night on Dhanteras. 

Rituals and Celebrations of Dhanteras 
As Dhanteras is associated with the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, people draw small footprints with rice flour and vermilion powder throughout the house right from the entrance (indicating the arrival of Goddess Lakshmi). As Dhantrayodashi or Dhanteras is considered very auspicious, people shop for gold, silver and some utensils. To celebrate the auspicious arrival of Goddess Lakshmi, the homes of people are illuminated by oil lamps, which are lit throughout the night. Lakshmi Puja is also an important part of the Dhanteras celebrations. The Lakshmi-Puja is performed at midnight. Devotional songs, in praise of Goddess Lakshmi, are sung by the people. Goddess Lakshi is offered naivedya of sweets, which serve as the auspicious Prasad of the Goddess. In many parts of South India, there is a tradition of cow worship by the farmers (on Dhanteras). For farmers, cows signify wealth and are considered to be the incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi.