Diwali or Deepawali is celebrated on Saturday, 14 November 2020. On the auspicious day of Diwali, several pujas performed; such as Lakshmi Puja, Diwali Puja, Kedar Gauri Vrat, Chopda Puja, Sharda Puja, Bengal Kali Puja, Diwali Snan and Diwali Devpuja among Hindu devotees. Deepawali arrived from the word “deep” and “avali” means a row or line of diyas. This light and the bright festival is celebrated not only in India but also in some other neighboring countries such as- Nepal, Singapore, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Mauritius, Suriname, Trinidad and South Africa.

Mythology associated with Diwali Festival

• According to Hindu Mythology, it is believed that Diwali is a celebration of welcoming Lord Rama after defeating Ravana. Lord Rama came back to Ayodhya along with Lord Laxman and Goddess Sita from 14 years of exile. The people welcome Lord Rama by lighting lots of earthen lamps on the ways.

• Diwali is also celebrated in Jain religion to solemnize the great Mahavir Swami's salvation or Nirvana.

• Diwali is also observed by the Arya Samajwadi as the death anniversary of Mahavira Swami.

• This is venerated to pay homage to Pandavas' expulsion of 12 years along with 1 year of ignorance (i.e. hiding in the forest).

• According to Hindu calendar, Marwadi celebrates their new year on Diwali (the last day of Ashwin month of Krishna Paksha).

• Gujarati also celebrates his New Year a day after Diwali, according to Chandra Calendar (the first day of the Shukla party in Kartik month).

How to do Diwali Preparations: Step by Step Guidance

• It is mandatory to clean the house, offices and other premises for Lakshmi puja.

• Make Rangolis on the main entrance on both sides of the door or in the corridor.

• Purchase new clothes, jewelry, utensil, and other new household items.

• Prepare sweetmeats, vegetarian cuisines, and traditional home-made dishes for Prasad and bhoga.

• Adorn deities of your temple home after making them a bath with holy water-Ganga Jal.

• Pour oil and ghee in earthen lamps to light those Diyas in the night time after puja ceremony.

• Decorating home with sparkling electric lamps and vivacious lights are also in trend.

• Visiting relatives, family friends and distribute sweets, dry fruits and gifts to them.

Five Days of Diwali

The festival of lights Diwali is 5 days long Hindu festival. Five Days of Diwali starting from Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj but in Maharashtra, it starts with Vasu Baras.

Thursday, 12 November 2020: Govatsa Dwadashi and Vasu Baras

Friday, 13 November 2020: Dhanteras, Kali Chaudas, Dhanteras, and Yama Deepam

Saturday, 14 November 2020: Narak Chaturdashi and Laxmi Puja 

Sunday, 15 November 2020: Govardhan Puja/ Annakut

Monday, 16 November 2020: Bhaiya Dooj / Yama Dwitiya