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The Origins and Traditions of the Five Days of Diwali (Deepavali)

Diwali is a major festival celebrated in India and communities around the world.

Each of the five days of the Diwali festival has specific customs and traditions:

1. Dhanteras: Dhan means “wealth,” and this is an auspicious day for shopping. In some regions, this day is dedicated to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. It is also believed that, on this day, the Lord Dhanvantari emerged from the waters of the ocean holding the knowledge of the spiritual medicines of Ayurveda to help mankind fight against sickness, disease and death. On this day, people buy valuables, and parents take children to the market to buy for firecrackers and sweets.

2. Naraka Chaturdasi: Narak means “of a new era of Light and Knowledge.” Narak refers to the demon Narkasura, who was killed in a legendary battle between gods and demons by Lord Sri Krishna, thus releasing the world from darkness, fear and oppression, and ushering in the new era. On this auspicious day, people take a ritual bath before sunrise, using traditional herbs and materials, just as Lord Krishna is believed to have done after returning victorious from the battlefield. It is also believed that on this day, Lord Vishnu incarnated on earth as Vamana and sent the demon king Bali down into the nether worlds, freeing the world from his evil rule and releasing the goddess Lakshmi (the goddess of wealth). The day is spent in the company of friends and family.

3. Diwali: the actual day of Diwali is celebrated on the third day of the festival, when the moon completely wanes. The day is dedicated to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. It is believed that the Goddess will not visit a home that is not kept clean and properly lit, so people keep their doors and windows open and all the lights and lamps glowing brightly, all night long. After worshipping the goddess at home, people visit nearby temples and the houses of friends and relations to distribute sweets and gifts. The goddess is also worshipped ceremonially in temples, public places, business houses and offices. In the evening, houses and streets are decorated with innumerable lights, lamps and candles. People gather in the streets and front yards to burn firecrackers.

4. Varshapratipada or Padwa or Kartika Shudda Padyami: The beginning of the New Year. Pratipada means “the first.” It is the day used to settle old business accounts and open new books.

On this day, Lord Krishna commanded the people of Braj to worship the hillock Govardhanin in order to save themselves from an impending storm. In the northern Indian region of Braj, people continue the tradition of worshipping Govardhan on this auspicious day to appease the forces of Nature and to prevent floods and cyclonic storms. In some temples, priests bathe the principal deities, decorate them with glittering robes and eye-catching jewelry and make offerings of food to Krishna.

5. Bhayiduj: On this day, brothers and sisters gather to express their love and affection for each other. Sisters put a ceremonial mark on their brothers’ foreheads and wish them long lives. The tradition began when Yamuna, the sister of Lord Yama honored her brother with a tilak on his forehead and wished him long life.

Happy Diwali!

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