Celebration of Deepavali

Deepavali is celebrated with great enthusiasm and happiness for five days during the month of Ashwin-Karthik (October – November). People renovate and decorate their homes with lamps and colourful lanterns. Rangolis of various motifs are drawn at the doorsteps to invite auspiciousness. People wear new clothes and prepare delicacies. It is a time to rejoice and spread happiness.

• The first day is Dhanteras which is associated with the worship of Goddess Lakshmi. People purchase gold, silver and utensils on this sacred day.

• The second day is Naraka Chaturdasi – the day when Narakasura was killed by Lord Krishna and Sathyabhama.

• The third day, Amavasya is celebrated as the main festival. People have oil bath and perform Lakshmi Puja to seek the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi. They also distribute gifts to the needy remembering that the riches that come to us are something given to us on trust and it is our duty to use some part of it for the good of the society.

  In West Bengal, Odisha and Assam, Goddess Kali is worshipped on this day. It is known as Shyama puja and mostly it falls on the third day.

• The fourth day is Kartika Shukla Pratipada. This is one of the most auspicious days in the almanac and is considered the start of New Year for some communities. On this day Govardhan Puja is done to honour Lord Krishna.

• The fifth day is Bhaiduj when sisters invite their brothers to their homes for a feast. Brothers give gifts to their sisters with much love. Sisters and brothers pray for each other.