India is a country of a range of colourful festivals with great stories backing them up. Diwali is considered one of the biggest festivals for the Hindu community, not just in India but also outside of it. Today, many Indians, no matter what religion they follow, bask in the festive spirit of Diwali.
It is also considered as the first day of the new year as per the Hindu calendar.
In India, Diwali celebrations go on for five days, and these go by the following names: Dhanteras on day 1, Naraka Chaturdashi on day 2, Lakshmi Pooja (Diwali) on day 3, Govardhan Pooja on day 4, and finally Bhai Dooj on day 5.
On Dhanteras, Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped, and there is a custom to purchase something precious, ideally made of metal.
Naraka Chaturdashi is also referred to as Choti Diwali. On this day, people wake up early in the morning and take a bath to remove all sins and impurities from their life.
This is followed by the main festival - Diwali. On this day, Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped with great devotion. People wear new clothes, indulge in Lakshmi Puja, and enjoy by lighting diyas and bursting crackers.
Next in the series of the five-day long Diwali celebration comes Govardhan Puja. It is believed that Lord Krishna defeated Indra on this day by lifting the massive Govardhan Mountain, thus saving the villagers and their crops from the wrath of Indra Dev.
The concluding day of the Diwali celebrations marks Bhai Dooj. On this day, sisters visit their brothers and perform a ‘tilak’ ceremony while praying for the brothers’ long and happy life. In return, the brothers give precious gifts to their sisters.
The festival marks the victory of good over evil, hope over despair, and light over darkness. The customs may vary, but the joy and happiness behind the events remain the same!