Write Comment     |     E-Mail To a Friend     |     Facebook     |     Twitter     |     Print

Mumbai: Diwali falls in either October or November each year, depending on the cycle of the moon. It’s observed on the 15th day of Kartik, the holiest month in the Hindu lunar calendar.
•In 2016, Diwali is on October 30.  It is observed a day earlier in south India, on October 29.

Today, Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists worldwide will begin the countdown to Diwali. Also called the Festival of Lights, the annual event is the most anticipated and eagerly awaited of all Indian celebrations. Though the holiday is always observed in late October or early November, the exact date which is determined by the position of the moon and the Hindu lunar calendar, differs.

The festivities will begin in earnest on Friday, October 29, with Dhanteras. The name derived from the words “wealth" (Dhan) and "thirteen" (Teras), the day of the lunar month the celebration takes place, is dedicated to Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth. Hence, one of the fun rituals observed on this day is shopping for gold and silver jewelry. Those that cannot afford to, settle for colorful clothes and utensils, which are also considered auspicious.

Diwali Dates Detailed Information

The Diwali festival actually runs for five days, with the main celebrations happening on the third day in most places in India.
•The first day (October 28, 2016) is known as Dhanteras. "Dhan" means wealth and "teras" refers to the 13th day of a lunar fortnight on the Hindu calendar. This day is dedicated to celebrating prosperity. Goddess Lakshmi is welcomed into the home and gold is purchased. Ayurvedic doctors also honor Dhanvantari, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu who brought Ayurveda to mankind, on this day. There are a number of temples in Kerala and Tamil Nadu dedicated to Dhanvantari and Ayurveda

The second day (October 29, 2016) is known as Naraka Chaturdasi or Chhoti Diwali (small Diwali). Goddess Kali and Lord Krishna are believed to have destroyed the demon Narakasura on this day. Kali is worshiped in West Bengal, while demon effigies are burned in Goa.

•The third day (October 30, 2016) is the new moon day known as Amavasya. This darkest day of the month is the most significant day of the Diwali festival in north and west India. Lakshmi is worshiped on this day, with a special puja performed in the evening.

•The fourth day (October 31, 2016) has various meanings across India. In north India, Govardhan Puja is celebrated as the day when Lord Krishna defeated Indra, the god of thunder and rain. In Gujarat, it’s celebrated as the start of a new year. In Maharashtra, Bali Puja is performed to seek the blessings of demon king Bali.

•The fifth day (November 1, 2016) is known as Bhai Duj. It’s dedicated to celebrating sisters, in a similar way that Raksha Bandhan is dedicated to brothers. Brothers and sisters get together and share food, to honor the bond between them.