The Five days of Diwali!
Dawali is celebrated over five days consisting of prays, songs and worshiping of the Gods.
First Day: Dhanteras
On Dhanteras Goddess Lakshmi (goddess of wealth and prosperity) is worshiped. On this day Hindus pray for protection from untimely death and offer a lighted deeya and prasad (sweats) to Goddess Lakshmi. All houses and buildings are renovated and decorated and entrances are made colourful with motifs of rangoli designs and flowers. Gold or silver articles are purchesed and devontionl songs in praise of lakshmi are sung. At sunset all Hindus bathe and in the evening "Lakshmi-Puja" is performed when tiny diyas of clay are lighted to drive away the shadows of evil spirits.
Author: Raja Ravi Varma Picture of Goddess Lakshmi
Second Day: Choti Diwal.
On Choti Diwali Hindus bathe then massage their bodies with oils to relief tiredness and rest so Dawali can be celebrated with vigour and devotion. Songs in honour of their God are sung and fewer lights are lit and fire crackers are burst.
Author: Ranadipam Basu Picture of hindus singing in honour of Gods.
Third Day: Lakshmi Puju on Diwali.
Lakshmi Puja on Diwali is the main celebration of Diwali and is celebrated at the full moon on the 15thday of the month. On this day Lakshmi and the broom is worshiped as it has helped them to keep the house clean throughout this festival. Drums and bells and played in the temples, lamps are lit and fire crackers are burst. People join with family and a priest to worship Goddess Lakshm to receive blessing of wealth, prosperity and triumph of good over evil and light over darkness.
Author: Ramesh NG Picture of Fireworks at Diwali.
Fourth Day: Padwa & Govardhan Puju
On Padwa & Govardhan Puju the main focus is Govardhan Mountain. On this day Govardhan Mountain is worshiped as the mountain is said to have saved its inhabitants from incessant rains. This symbolises the importance of nature in a Hindus life. Different types of food are also cooked and newly wedded couples are invited for special meals and given presents.
Author: Laurascudder Picture of GovardhanMountain.
Fifth Day: Bhai Duj
Bhai Duj is the fifth and last day of Diwali and the main focus on this day is brothers. As according to religious scriptures, Yamaraj, (God of death) visited his sister's house. His sister, Yami, welcomed him by putting an auspicious mark on his forehead for his welfare. He was so pleased with his sister's reception, he proclaimed that every year, on the dooj day, if a sister puts a tilak on her brother's forehead, then no one can harm her brother. Therefore on this day all sisters perform Puju for their brother’s safety and wellbeing and pray for the long life of their brother.
Author: Wdshu Picture of Yami sister of God Yamarja.