Deepawali, the Festival of Lights, is one of the most significant and joyous festivals celebrated in India. It is a festival that symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Deepawali is a five-day festival that starts with Dhanteras, followed by Chhoti Deepawali, Badi Deepawali, Govardhan Puja, and ends with Bhai Dooj. Each day of this festival holds its own significance and is celebrated with unique traditions and rituals.
Dhanteras
Dhanteras marks the beginning of the Deepawali celebrations. It is considered an auspicious day to make new purchases, especially gold and silver, as it is believed to bring wealth and prosperity. The legend associated with Dhanteras is that of a young prince whose life was threatened by a venomous snake on the 13th day of the dark fortnight of the Hindu month of Kartik. To protect the prince, his mother placed a pile of precious metals and jewels in front of his door. The snake was mesmerized by the glittering treasure and did not harm the prince. Since then, Dhanteras has been celebrated as the day to purchase precious metals and to worship Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth.
Chhoti Deepawali
Chhoti Deepawali, also known as Naraka Chaturdashi, is the second day of the Deepawali celebrations. On this day, people clean their homes and workplaces to welcome Goddess Lakshmi. They also decorate their homes with diyas (earthen lamps) and rangoli (colorful floor designs). The legend associated with Chhoti Deepawali is that of Lord Krishna defeating the demon Narakasura. It is believed that Lord Krishna killed Narakasura on this day, and to commemorate his victory, people celebrate Chhoti Deepawali.
Badi Deepawali
Badi Deepawali is the main day of the Deepawali celebrations. On this day, people light diyas and candles in their homes and workplaces to symbolize the victory of light over darkness. They also worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha to seek their blessings for wealth, prosperity, and wisdom. The legend associated with Badi Deepawali is that of Lord Rama returning to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana. It is believed that the people of Ayodhya lit diyas to welcome Lord Rama and his wife Sita.
Govardhan Puja
Govardhan Puja is celebrated on the fourth day of Deepawali. On this day, people worship Mount Govardhan, which is considered to be a symbol of nature and the provider of sustenance. The legend associated with Govardhan Puja is that of Lord Krishna lifting Mount Govardhan to protect the people of Braj from the wrath of Indra, the god of rain.
Bhai Dooj
Bhai Dooj is the last day of the Deepawali celebrations. On this day, sisters apply tilak to their brothers' foreheads and pray for their long life and prosperity. In return, brothers give gifts to their sisters. The legend associated with Bhai Dooj is that of Yamraj, the god of death, visiting his sister Yami on this day. Yami welcomed her brother with love and affection, and Yamraj was so pleased that he promised to protect her brother. Since then, Bhai Dooj has been celebrated as a day to strengthen the bond between siblings.
Deepawali is a festival that brings joy, happiness, and prosperity to the lives of people. It is a time to celebrate the triumph of good over evil and to strengthen family bonds. The stories and legends associated with Deepawali teach us the importance of values like courage, compassion, and devotion.
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