Dhanteras marks the first festival of the five days long festive eve of Diwali. Diwali preparations all starts with the cleaning of the house and Dhanteras has special importance as on this day people clean the Ishan Kon i.e. the North-East corner. It is believed that Goddess of Wealth – Laxmi resides in the Ishan Kon. Here are the five festivals that helm Diwali celebrations and their significance to know the rich ideology that each festivity brings with it.
Dhanteras - 17th October 2017
Dhanteras which is marked on 17th October, the word Dhanteras means Dhan( Wealth) and teras stands for (13th day of the Krishna paksha in the Ashwin month). On this day Laxmi and Kuber are worshipped. Moreover, Hindu people bring gold ornaments and silver utensils as it is believed to bring good luck that attracts prosperity through the year.
Chhoti Diwali - 18th October 2017
Chhoti Diwali which is marked on 19th October which precedes the main festival of Diwali. Chhoti Diwali is also known as Narak Chaturdasi.It falls on the day, that Demon King Narakasur was beheaded by Lord Krishna’s wife – Satyabhama. Chhoti Diwali is specifically celebrated in Maharashtra and South India, where people take bath before sunrise and apply options and fragrances to mark the victory of good over evil.
Lakshmi Puja - 19th October 2017
19th October is the main day when Diwali falls it comes on Amavasya (no moon), and it is considered as the most important night as it marks the day Lord Rama returned home after his exile. The Lakshmi-Ganesh Puja on Diwali is elaborate and is believed to usher peace, prosperity and wealth. During the Lakshmi Pujan, five deities are worshipped together viz - Ganesha to mark the beginning of an auspicious ceremony, followed by Goddess Mahalakshmi in three forms viz Mahalakshmi (the goddess of wealth), Mahasaraswati (the goddess of learning), and Mahakali (the goddess of time and death); and Kuber (treasurer of Gods).
Govardhan Puja and Gudi Padwa - 20th October 2017
Govardhan Puja marks when Lord Krishna saved the people of Gokul by lifting Govardhan hill, from the ire of Devraj Indra. Krishna lifted the Govardhan hillock on his little finger and the people of Gokul got shelter under it. Govardhan Puja is celebrated to honour Lord Krishna with Chappan (56) Bhog, which gives it another name – Annakut Puja.
Bhaiya Dooj – 21st October 2017
Bhaiya Dooj falls on the second day after the new moon and celebrates the unconditional bond of love between a brother and sister. As per the legend, on this day, God of death – Yamraj went to visit his sister Yami, after a long period. Yami welcomed him with great zeal, prepared a hearty feast and welcomed him with a tilak on his forehead. Yamraj was so elated with his sister’s love and hospitality that he asserted, that every year, if a sister puts tilak on her brother’s forehead, then no one will be able to harm him and he’ll be protected from Yamraj.
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