DIWALI

Which god worship on the occasion of Diwali?

The Goddess of prosperity and wealth “Laxmi” and Lord Ganesha, symbol of wisdom worship on the occasion of Diwali. In Jainism, Lord Mahavira worship, In West Bengal, dark goddess of power “Maa Kaali” is worship.

What are the other names for this puja?

Diwali is also known by the names of Deepavali, Divali, festival of lights and Dhantrayodashi.

History of the above occasion

Since so long, Diwali is celebrated in our country. The reasons behind the origin of this festival or puja are different.

The famous Hindu epic, Ramayana states, Prince of Ayodhya, Lord Ram went to the forest for 14 years with his wife Sita Ji and brother Laxman on the order of his father, King Dasharatha. In the forest, in this duration, Sita Ji was captured by the King of Lanka, Ravana and Lord Rama fought against Ravana, killed him and took back Sita Ji from Lanka and came back to Ayodhya after fourteen years. As their dearest prince Lord Rama came back after a very long period, so the people of Ayodhya celebrated this great day by lightning diyas in their whole city and thus word “Diwali” emerges from the rows of diyas and then this festival starts celebrating by all the people across the country.

Some people believe that on this day Lord Vishnu married to Goddess Laxmi.

Another belief is that Lord Krishna on this day gain victory by killed evil Narakaasura who kidnapped the gopis lived in Vrindavan.

What is the significance of the above occasion?

Diwali is considered as the biggest festival among all the festivals of India and has acquired great importance in different contexts all over the country. It is a festival of lights which brings health, enthusiasm, joy, happiness, prosperity, knowledge, peace and wealth.

The sounds of the crackers indicates that people are happy on the earth which aware all the gods of their ample state.

To make a new start in your life.

Next reason which is a scientific one is that crackers lead to the fumes which killed many harmful mosquitoes and insects which are found in abundance after the monsoon.

Another belief is that on this day Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva played dice and thus Parvati Ji decreed that on Diwali the people who gambled would prosper for the whole year.

What are the things or material required for the puja of Diwali?

Clean water in a small lota, thali, red vermillon, rice, laccha, diya of deshi ghee, agarbatti, statue of Laxmi ji and Ganesha, Prasad in the form of sweets, sugarcane, kalash, flowers, book of prayer (aarti), coins of silver or gold, panchamrit.

What is the vidhi (method) of worship?

Puja of Diwali begins in the evening. First of all place gets cleaned, statue of Laxmi ji and Ganesha are cleaned and kept with the kalash, five diyas of deshi ghee and agarbatti are lit in the front of the statue, panchamrit is placed, tilak is done with roli and rice, next flowers, incense, Prasad are offered. Then, Lord Ganesha worship before worshipping Laxmi ji and read his aarti. Next, Laxmi Ji worship by keeping red flowers in her feet, place coins of silver or gold in front of her, aarti is read and at last people put their head in her feet to receive the good wishes and blessings. After this, people touch the feet of their elders in their family, give Prasad and start enjoying by lighting diyas and bursting crackers.

How to celebrate this occasion?

All over the country, people celebrate this great occasion by lightning earthen lamps (diyas) to light their homes, offices, shops. These days they also used candles instead of diyas for this purpose. With this, they also burst various types of crackers and decorate their homes with some decorative items like made rangoli by using different colours. Sweets are also prepared by many families at their homes only to celebrate this festival in a grand manner.

What are the timings to celebrate this puja or occasion in a year?

Diwali is a Hindu festival which is celebrated or its puja done on Amavasya, 15th day of Kartika which comes in October or November every year, as per the Hindu calendar.

In which parts of the country, this puja is considered as more important?

In all the states of India, this puja is celebrated in a grand way and considered as very important.