HAPPY
Diwali
“As the diyas glow and fireworks light up the sky, may this Diwali remind
us that even in darkness, the smallest spark of hope can guide us home.”
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is the festival
of lights celebrated by millions around the
world. It marks the victory of light over
darkness and good over evil. Hindus celebrate
Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya, Jains
remember Lord Mahavira’s nirvana, and Sikhs
observe Bandi Chhor Divas. Homes are
decorated with diyas, rangoli, and lights.
People wear new clothes, exchange sweets,
and worship Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity.
Celebrated in October or November, Diwali is
one of the brightest festivals and is also
observed in countries like Nepal, Singapore,
Fiji, and Trinidad and Tobago.
For Hindus, Diwali is one of the most
important and joyful festivals. It celebrates
Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after defeating
Ravana, symbolizing the victory of good over
evil and light over darkness. Homes are
cleaned and decorated with diyas, candles,
and rangoli. On the main day, people worship
Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha for
wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. Families
wear new clothes, share sweets, and exchange
gifts. Fireworks light up the night sky, and the
celebration brings together friends and
families in happiness, love, and hope for a
bright year ahead.
Dhanteras
The festival of Diwali begins with Dhanteras, a
day that marks the start of prosperity and
good fortune. People clean and decorate their
homes to welcome Goddess Lakshmi, the
goddess of wealth. It is considered highly
auspicious to buy gold, silver, utensils, or new
items on this day, as it symbolizes inviting
prosperity into the home. Diyas (oil lamps) are
lit to drive away evil spirits and bring positivity.
Many also pray to Lord Dhanvantari, the god
of health and healing, for good health and
well-being. Dhanteras sets the joyful tone for
the days ahead.
Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali)
The second day of Diwali is called Naraka
Chaturdashi, or Choti Diwali (“Small Diwali”). It
commemorates Lord Krishna’s victory over
the demon Narakasura, symbolizing the
triumph of light and righteousness over
darkness and evil. People wake up early, apply
fragrant oils before bathing (a ritual called
Abhyang Snan), and wear new clothes. Homes
are illuminated with lamps and candles,
though the celebration is quieter than the
main Diwali day. Families prepare festive
sweets and snacks, and some light small
fireworks in the evening. Choti Diwali builds
excitement for the grand celebrations of the
Lakshmi Puja (Main Diwali Day)
The third and most important day of the
festival is Lakshmi Puja, celebrated with great
devotion and joy. On this day, people worship
Goddess Lakshmi—the goddess of wealth,
prosperity, and good fortune—and Lord
Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. Homes are
decorated with lights, diyas, and rangoli to
invite the goddess’s blessings. Families gather
in the evening for prayers, singing hymns, and
offering sweets and fruits. After the puja,
fireworks fill the night sky, and people visit
relatives to exchange gifts and sweets. It’s a
time of gratitude, celebration, and renewal of
hope for the coming year.
Govardhan Puja (Annakut)
The fourth day, known as Govardhan Puja or
Annakut, celebrates the story of Lord Krishna
lifting Mount Govardhan to protect villagers
from torrential rains caused by Lord Indra.
Devotees prepare and offer a large variety of
food items to Lord Krishna in gratitude,
symbolizing abundance and thankfulness. The
offerings, known as Annakut (“mountain of
food”), are later shared as prasada. Many
people build small mounds of cow dung or
clay to represent Govardhan Hill and worship
it. This day emphasizes humility, nature’s
blessings, and the importance of protecting
the environment and community.
Bhai Dooj
The fifth and final day of Diwali is Bhai Dooj,
which celebrates the bond between brothers
and sisters. Similar to Raksha Bandhan, sisters
pray for their brothers’ long and happy lives,
and brothers promise to protect and support
their sisters. Sisters perform a tilak ceremony
on their brothers’ foreheads and offer sweets,
while brothers give gifts in return. Families
come together to share festive meals and
express love and gratitude. Bhai Dooj
beautifully concludes the Diwali celebrations,
emphasizing the importance of family,
affection, and the sacred relationships that
strengthen human connections.