Five Days of Diwali – Significance of the 5 days of Diwali
Celebrations on Diwali festival continues for five days involving various rituals and activities. Get more details on five days of diwali festival.
Five Days of Diwali – Diwali, the festival
that spreads its luminosity across the length and breadth of the country
is celebrated with crackling intensity. However, each of the five days
of Diwali has its unique significance, drawing from different legends
and traditions of the Vedic era.
First Day: Dhanteras – 2 November, 2021
The first day of this five day Hindu festival starts with
‘Dhanteras’ or ‘Dhantryaodashi’ sets the mood for Diwali celebrations.
The day pays homage to Lord Dhanwantari who is associated with Ayurveda
and various healing practices for the good of mankind. On this day,
there is a tradition of taking a holy bath at sunset, lighting a diya
lamp around ‘Tulsi’ plant and praying to Lord Yama for their well-being.
On this day, people participate in ‘havan’ and also chant powerful
mantras.
Second Day: Narak Chaturdasi – 4 November, 2021
Hindus observe the second day as ‘Narak Chaturdashi’. The significance
of this day is grounded in the story of Lord Krishna’s overwhelming
triumph over a ferocious demon named ‘Narakasur’, who kidnapped the
‘gopis’. On this day, people keep their houses clean and use fragrant
oils and flowers to keep vibrations uplifted. Artistic patterns of
‘rangolis’ made from a mixture of rice flour and water can be seen
ubiquitously at the threshold of each house. A ‘diya’ is placed in each
room as well as in the backyard through the night.
Third Day: Diwali – 4 November, 2021
Perhaps the most festive of the five days of Diwali festival is
Diwali. The celebration of Diwali is based on the episode when Lord Rama
finally returned home from exile and was welcomed with a glittering row
of lights radiating from every household. It also coincides with the
Pandavas’ return from the forest. The word ‘Deepavali’ means an array of
lights. Diwali, is, indisputably, among the most enlivening and
significant festivals of India.
Well-illuminated houses, parks and public places make up the landscape
on Diwali night, while colorful fireworks dot the sky. In the market
place, people are spoilt for choices in their new purchases. Households
are abuzz with hectic activity around the preparation for Lakshmi puja
to honor the Goddess of wealth. A pandit performs the puja ceremoniously
while family members participate in the rituals and offerings.
Distribution of sweets and ‘prasad’ follows. Businessmen also perform
‘Chopda Pujan’ on this day by inaugurating their new books of accounts
for the ensuing year. Starting out on a good business proposition or
venture is seen as auspicious on this day. In West Bengal, the night is
dedicated to the worship of Goddess Kali.
Fourth Day: Govardhan Puja – 5 November, 2021
On the fourth day of this five day Hindu festival, Govardhan Puja is
performed. The legend goes that Lord Indra was provoked and tried to
submerge the town of Gokul. Lord Krishna saved the people of Gokul from
the wrath of Lord Indra by lifting the Govardhan Mountain to provide
succor. A blessing was bestowed on the Govardhan Mountain that it will
be honored through the ages. The tradition has been followed ever since.
Mathura and Nathadwara also witnesses huge gathering of crowds in
temples, where deities are bathed ritualistically and adorned with
ornaments.
This day is also observed as ‘Padwa’ as Vikram-Samvat was started from
this day. Most households mark this day by wearing new clothes and
jewellery, greeting family members and also distributing sweets and
gifts among friends and neighbors.
Fifth Day: Bhai Dhooj – 6 November, 2021
The second day after Diwali is ‘Bhai Dooj’, marking the end of this five
day Hindu festival. It is unique in nature as it is solely dedicated to
the strong bond of love between a brother and a sister. The festival is
associated with the legendary tale of brotherly love between Lord Yama
and his sister Yami. After several decades of separation, Lord Yama
decided to visit his sister. When he went to meet her, he was touched by
the warmth and hospitality she showed. Yami welcomed her brother with
full fanfare and respect and put a tilak on his forehead to mark the
occasion. Yamraj blessed her and announced that henceforth a brother who
will greet his sister on this day will have a long life.
On Bhai Dooj, a ‘teeka’ of rice and vermilion is applied on the
brother’s forehead, followed by ‘arti’ and partaking of sweets. Usually
a meal comprising special dishes and sweet delicacies follows. The
brother promises to protect his sister from untoward situations while
the sister prays for her brother’s longevity. This day is eagerly
awaited by all sisters and brothers, given their enduring nature of
relationship.
Thus, the five days of Diwali festival are accompanied by
high-pitched fervor and religiosity. Thus, all five days of Diwali
enriches human bonds as people rise over distinctions of caste and creed
to embrace the divine light of oneness. This year, the five day Hindu
festival will commence from November 2, 2021.
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