Diwali is known to be one of the biggest and most important festivals in Hinduism celebrated on the day of Amavasya in the month of Kartik. This year, Diwali is celebrated today, i.e. on 7 November 2018, all around the country. It is believed that on the same day, Lord Ram, along with mother Sita and Lakshman, returned to Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile. On this occasion, natives of Ayodhya lit diyas using ghee in their homes, due to which the black night of Amavasya glazed with bright light. Therefore, Diwali is also called Prakash Utsav or Festivals of Lights.
The festival of Diwali aesthetically reflects the victory of light over darkness. Rituals of this festival are observed for over a period of five days, but the main festival of Diwali is celebrated during the night on the New Moon of Pratipada. Goddess Lakshmi is specially worshiped on this day. Deepdan, Dhanteras, Govardhan Pooja, Bhai Dooj etc. are celebrated along with Diwali.
Auspicious Muhurat
| |
Laxmi Puja Muhurat
|
From evening 17:59 to 19:55 PM
|
Pradosh Timings
|
From evening 17:32 बजे to 20:09 PM
|
Vrishabh Timings
|
From 17:59 to 19:55 PM
|
Note: This Muhurat is effective in New Delhi. Learn the Diwali puja muhurat for your city.
When Diwali Is Celebrated?
- At the time of Pradosh on Amavasya during the month of Kartik, Diwali (Mahalaxmi Pujan) is observed. The most prevalent and valid period is when the time of Amavasya does not overlap or intersect with the Pradosh Kaal, after which it is valid to celebrate Diwali on the second day.
- At the same time, many people also believe that if the date of Amavasya does not fall during the Pradosh Kaal for two days, then in such a situation, Diwali should be celebrated on the first day itself.
- Apart from this, according to astrology, if the date of Amavasya does not fall, and after Chaturdashi, Pratipada begins directly, then Diwali should be celebrated on the date of Chaturdashi.
Diwali Puja Rituals
- Firstly, it is necessary to worship Lord Ganesha when carrying out Diwali Puja. After that, bathe the idol of Lord Ganesha and offer new clothes and flowers.
- After worshipping Lord Ganesh, start Laxmi Pujan.
- Put the idol of Maa Lakshmi at the altar, join hands and pray for her to come in your house and bless your family.
- After that, bathe the idol of Maa Lakshmi. It is auspicious to bathe her firstly with water, then Panchamrit and then water.
- Offer clothes, jewelry and garland to Mother Lakshmi after bathing.
- Offer perfume to the idol of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha and apply the Kumkum tilak.
- Now light the incense stick and offer rose flowers at mother's feet.
- When worshipping during the auspicious Muhurat on Diwali, offer 11 or 21 rice to Maa Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha and do the aarti. After that, circumambulate around them and offer food.
- After that, distribute the prashad amongst family members and wish them a Happy Diwali.
What to do on Diwali?
- On the day of Diwali or Kartik Amavasya, taking a bath after applying oil on the body is considered to be auspicious. It is said that by doing so, o harm comes by throughout the year.
- It is believed that other than kids and elderly people, natives must fast on this day and must break it only after carrying out the Mahalaxmi Pujan.
- On Diwali, offerings must be made to ancestors and forefathers.
- During Pradosh Kaal, light a Diya, keep it on your hand and show ancestors the way to salvation. Using other means as well you can show the path to ancestors. It is believed that by doing so, ancestors attain moksha.
- It is also believed that before Diwali during midnight, people must sing songs, bhajans and make merriments. By doing this, one gets rid of impoverishment.
Read in Detail: Diwali Puja Rituals & Rules
Diwali has its special importance both in spiritual and social form. In Hindu scriptures, Diwali symbolizes victory of spiritual light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, truth over lies and good over evil.
AstroSage team hopes for a prosperous Diwali. May the grace of Mata Lakshmi be always on you and you attain happiness and prosperity in your life.
