The lead up to Diwali is always full of festivities as one might expect, the whole house is cleaned, particularly the temple room, rangolis are created and mithai is made.
This year Diwali falls on Monday 24th October 2022. The 5 days leading up to Diwali are auspicious and each have their own significance with a brief explanation below (please note this is from a Gujaratis perspective as different parts of India celebrate the festival of Diwali differently). Having said that in 2022, North India will celebrate Diwali and South India will celebrate Deepavali on the same day.
21st October 2022 - Govatsa Dwadashi or Vasu Baras
Many Indians will start the celebrations by worshipping Cows which are a sacred animal in Hinduism. Specifically when the ocean was being churned for Nectar a divine cow called Kamadhenu emerged from the ocean and now resides in Heaven. She was able to give abundantly and is often worshipped on this day.
22nd October 2022 - Dhanteras (Dhan = wealth teras=13th day of Kartik month)
Many Indians will perform a Dhanteras puja welcoming Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera. It is said to be the day Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kuber emerged from the ocean as it was being churned by the gods and demons. It is also a day to recognise Lord Dhanvantari the God of Ayurveda who imparts his knowledge to reduce suffering. Many will also buy gold and new utencils on Dhanteras day.
23rd October 2022 - Kali Chaudas
Traditionally you're not supposed to leave your home when it's dark on this day. Many will chant the Hanuman Chalisa to ward of any evil spirits. Those with a Kur Devi will also perform a puja and offer special dishes to this form of Mataji.
24th October 2022 - Diwali day (Chopda Pujan)
This is considered the most auspicious day of the 5 days of Diwali. Many will perform a chopda pujan on their ledgers/accountants and others will also perform a Lakshmi puja. It is the celebration of when Lord Rama returns to his Kingdom in Ayodhya with Lakshman and Mother Sita after 14 years of exile and after vanquishing Ravana. Symbolising the victory of good over evil, light over dark. Homes will be adorned with divas/candles/lights all over, especially outside the house lighting up the path for Lord Ramas return. This is why Diwali is often referred to as the Festival of Lights. Families will gather, visit their elders, eat a feast and celebrate together.
Many also consider it to be the day Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura.
26th October 2022 - New Years Day and Bhai Dhooj/Beej
This is the last day of the 5 days of Diwali, a new beginning, forgetting any bad from the past and starting afresh. Bhai Dooj wil also be celebrating the bond of siblings on the same day.
Wishing all those celebrating a very Happy Diwali, with love and light 108 Puzzles x
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