THE FIVE DAYS OF DIWALI

Today I learnt that Deepavali is celebrated for 5 days. Each of these days have a significance. Below you can find information about each of these days.

5 Days of Diwali
Diwali is a Hindu festival, which occurs in the month of Kartika. In India innumerable communities with varying cultures and customs mingle together to make Diwali celebrations a very happy occasion for all. The festival of lights and fireworks is celebrated for 5 days. This festival gives an occasion to meet families and friends, enjoy and establish a word of closeness. Gifts are exchanged and special dishes are prepared. People decorate their houses .The celebration Starts with Dhanteras and ends with Bhai Duj.

The 5 Diwali Days are-

Bhai Duj
The fifth and last day of the diwali is called Bhai Duj. This day is also known as 'Bhav-Bij' in the Marathi-speaking communities and in Nepal by the name of 'Bhai-Tika'and 'Bhai Phota' in Bengali. It is generally held on the second day of Shukla Paksh, the bright fortnight of Kartik This festival is observed as a symbol of love between sisters and brothers.

Choti Diwali
The women decorate their house with beautiful rangolis in the morning after choti diwali. Tiny footprints which symbolizes, as the footprints of Lakshmi, made out of rice paste are a special feature of the rangolis made for Diwali. In the evening Lakshmi Puja is done with Arati and Bhajans. After the puja, the diyas are placed in and around the house: in the doorway, near the Tulasi plant.

Dhanteras
Dhanteras or Dhanatrayodashi falls on the thirteenth day of the dark fortnight in the month of Kartik (October-November), i.e. two days before Diwali. The word "Dhan" means wealth. New Dhan or some form of precious metal is bought as a sign of good luck. " Dhanteras is essentially Diwali eve. The celebration of Dhanteras is prevalent in east Bihar and northern India.

Main Diwali
The third day of Diwali or the Main Diwali is the day when Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped. People celebrate this with a lot of enthusiasm. All the houses are illuminated and people forget their differences and go to the temple for worship. Diwali is the last day of financial year in traditional Hindu business and businessmen perform Chopda Puja on this day on the new books of accounts.

Padwa
Gudi Padwa is celebrated on the first day of the Chaitra month. Gudi Padwa is celebrated as the New Year day by Maharashtrians. Gudi Padwa is also known as Ugadi in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. This festival marks the beginning of the spring season .This festival symbolizes love and devotion between the wife and husband. On this day newly married daughters with their husbands are invited for special meals and given presents.
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