The festival commences with Dhanteras followed by Naraka Chaturdashi
Representative Image. Pic/iStock
It’s that time of the year when the country shimmers as the streets are lit with earthen diyas and fireworks illuminate the evening sky. The much-anticipated five-day-long festival of lights, Diwali or Deepavali, that signifies peace and joy, the victory of good over evil. Diwali is celebrated with love and joy across the globe.
The festival commences with Dhanteras followed by Naraka Chaturdashi. The third day is Lakshmi Puja and the darkest night of the traditional month. In some parts of India, the day after Lakshmi Puja is marked with the Govardhan Puja and Balipratipada (Padwa). Some Hindu communities mark the last day as Bhai Dooj, dedicated to the bond between sister and brother, while other craftsmen communities mark this day as Vishwakarma Puja. It is one of the most symbolic Hindu festivals, and all the communities in the country celebrate it with zest and fervour.
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People wear new clothes, exchange sweets, light diyas and decorate every corner of their homes with lamps, candles, flowers and rangoli. Families also perform Lakshmi puja and pray to the Goddess of wealth to bless them with health, wealth and prosperity. Needless to mention, special delicacies form a quintessential part of Diwali celebrations.
Also Read: Ration card holders in Maharashtra to get grocery package at Rs 100 for Diwali
Significance:
Diwali is the symbol of victory of good over evil. This day signifies forgiving and forgetting, it is like giving a fresh start to everything around you and to yourself. It is a celebration of prosperity in which people give gifts to family, friends and employees. Diwali gives a message to remove the darkness within ourselves and illuminate our inner self.
There are many stories around the celebration of Diwali. The most popular tale associated with Diwali is the return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya following his 14 years of exile and after defeating the demon king Ravana.
As it was the darkest night of the Kartik month of the Hindu calendar, the people of Ayodhya welcomed him by lighting the streets with earthen lamps. To this day, the day of their return is celebrated with the same enthusiasm as Diwali.
Diwali 2022: Date and puja timings
This year Diwali will be celebrated on October 24, 2022.
Lakshmi puja muhurat - 07:26 pm to 08:39 pm
Pradosh kaal - 06:10 pm to 08:39 pm
Vrishabha kaal - 07:26 pm to 09:26 pm
Amavasya tithi begins - 05:27 pm on Oct 24, 2022
Amavasya tithi ends - 04:18 pm on Oct 25, 2022
(Source for timings and tithi: Drik Panchang)
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