DIWALI – THE FIVE DAYS FESTIVAL…….
The history of Diwali comes late back from the Hindu religious scriptures like the Puranas. The central theme points out that Diwali is the celebration of the victory of good over evils. Diwali is also recognised as a festival of lights, which implies lightning of the light of knowledge within us.
The Five Day Diwali….
The first day of Diwali is called Dhanvantari Triodasi or Dhanwantari Triodasi also called Dhan Theras. Dhan stands for wealth On Dhanteras, the "Owl" form of the Goddess Laxmi is worshiped to provide prosperity and well being. Dhanteras holds special significance for the business class due to customary purchases of precious metals on this day.
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. On this day Lord Krishna destroyed the demon Narakasur and made the world free from fear.
The third day of Diwali is the actual Diwali. This is the day when Mother Lakshmi is worshiped.
On the fourth day of Diwali Goverdhan Pooja is performed. This day is celebrated as the day Krishna defeated Indra. Govardhan puja is when Lord Krishna stopped the people of Vridavan dham worshipping Lord Indra because Indra had gotten too proud of himself so Lord Krishna completely stopped it and told the inhabitants of Vrindavana to worship Govardhan Hill.
The fifth day of the diwali is called Bhratri Dooj(Bhaubeej). On Bhaubeej, sisters pray for their brothers to have long and happy lives by performing the Teeka ceremony. Brothers give their sisters Bhav-Beej gifts. An important part of Bhai Beej in Maharashtra is a special sweet called Basundi Poori or Shrikhand Poori. It is a day dedicated to sisters.
Diwali is the most loved festival by children also because they get to play with crackers and have lots of sweets to feast upon………
