Unwrapping and Enlightening Diwali
Author: Daviddaniel
In India, which has a majority of Hindus, Diwali is the biggest festival of the year. But even then not many people know that Diwali is
actually celebrated over a period of 5 days, as opposed to the popular belief of dhanteras, chhoti Diwali and badi Diwali. So let's find
out what these 5 days actually are.
Day 1: Dhanteras
Dhanteras is the first day of the 5-day festival of Diwali. It is also known as Dhantrayodashi and is celebrated on the 13th lunar day of
Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Ashwin. The word ‘dhan' means wealth and on this day, the ‘owl' form of Goddess Lakshmi
is worshipped for prosperity and well-being.
Dhanteras is of special significance for the business clan as it is considered to be the most auspicious day to buy or invest in things.
Any new business venture started on this day is said to flourish as it has the blessings Goddess Lakshmi. Hindus usually buy gold or
silver articles or some new utensils as the new ‘dhan' is believed to bring good luck.
What to gift: Gifting a Lakshmi Yantra or a Kuber Yantra on this day is considered to be very lucky.
Day 2: Naraka Chaturdashi
Naraka Chaturdashi is the second day of the Diwali festival. It is also more popularly known as Chhoti Diwali and is celebrated on the
14th day of the dark half of Ashwin.
Historically, this day is celebrated to mark the victory of good over evil. On this day, Lord Krishna had killed the demon Narakasura.
People wake up earlier than usual on this day and men rub their bodies with perfumed oil before taking bath. Washing your head and
applying kajal to your eyes is believed to keep the kali nazar (evil eye) away from you.
What to gift: A Shri Yantra or a Parad Lakshmi can keep you away from all evils on this day.
Day 3: Diwali or Lakshmi Puja
The third day is the most important of all the 5 days of Diwali. Popularly known as Diwali, Badi Diwali or Lakshmi Puja, this day
celebrates the triumph of good over evil. People wear new clothes on this day and celebrate it with sweets, snacks, diyas and
crackers.
In Hinduism, Diwali marks the return of Maryada Purushottam Ram to his kingdom of Ayodhya after defeating the evil king, Raavana.
In Jainism, Diwali marks the attainment of Moksha by Mahavira in 527 B.C. Apart from India, Diwali is the biggest festival of Nepal. In
fact, Diwali is considered to be a national festival in India and Nepal.
What to gift: On this auspicious day, gifting a Lakshmi Yantra, Parad Lakshmi, Tulsi Mala or Ganpati Yantra is believed to bring
happiness, prosperity and wealth.
Day 4: Govardhan Puja or Bali Pratipada
The fourth day of Diwali is celebrated as Govardhan Puja or Bali Pratipada. Govardhan Puja signifies the victory of Lord Krishna over
Indra. On this day, Lord Krishna had lifted the whole of Govardhan Parvat to protect his kinsmen and cattle from deadly rains and
floods. It is also known as Bali Pratipada in honour of the return of Asura king, Bali, to earth. After being defeated by the Vamana
incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Bali was allowed to return to earth for one day in appreciation of his single-minded devotion to the Lord
and his good deeds for his people.
Day 5: Bhai Dooj
The fifth and final day of Diwali is known as Bhai Dooj and is held to celebrate the love between siblings. Bhai Dooj is celebrated on
the second day of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of Hindu month of Kartika.
On this auspicious day, brothers and sisters unite to celebrate their love and affection for each other and sisters pray for the long lives
of their brothers. Historically, it is believed that on this day, the God of death, Lord Yama had paid a visit to his sister, Yami. Yami had
welcomed Yama with an aarti and they had celebrated the occasion with a feast together. As a token for her love and affection, Yama
had given a gift to Yami while leaving and as a result, Bhai Dooj is also known as Yam Dwitiya. Following the tradition, even today
brothers give gifts to their sisters on Bhai Dooj.
What to gift: A gift of Parad Ganesha, Ganpati Yantra, Shri Yantra or a Tulsi Mala is believed to bring prosperity and well being for your
family ‘n' friends.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/astrology-articles/unwrapping-and-enlightening-diwali-5332891.html
About the Author
David Daniel is a consultant astrologer, Vaastu Expert, palmist and clinical hypnotherapist with an experience of more than 8 years.
He has studied in depth the science of astrology,tarot, numerology,vedic astrology, aries horoscope and more. For more
information visit daily horoscope.