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Many interesting rituals and traditions have been attached to the celebrations
of Diwali. It is a five-day long festival, which is celebrated with fun and
fervor. The blissful festival calls for the exchange of gifts, sweets and
heartfelt wishes. Fire crackers are burst and people enjoy wearing new clothes,
on the auspicious day. Although the way of merrymaking is different and the
customs are different, the feel among the people across the length and breadth
of the country remains the same - to spread good cheer. It is the time to
celebrate brotherhood. In the following lines, we have provided complete
information on the customs of Diwali.
Rituals of Dipavali
First Day of Diwali
The first day of Diwali is known as 'Dhanteras'. People renovate, decorate their
houses and workplaces on this day and make traditional 'Rangoli' motifs on the
entrance, to welcome Goddess Lakshmi. Lamps and candles are lit throughout the
night. It is considered auspicious to buy gold and silver on this day. Many
people opt for buying new utensils on this day. In Maharashtra, offerings of
lightly pounded dry coriander seeds with jaggery are made to the Goddess. Rural
people revere their cattle on this day and cows are considered especially
auspicious.
Second Day of Diwali
On second day, people take bath before sunrise, anoint themselves with oil and 'Ubtan'
(scrub made up of gram flour and fragrant powders). Bengalis believe that
Goddess Kali killed the demon Raktavija on this day. A general customs followed
during the second day of Diwali is to burst crackers. People illuminate their
homes with diya, as to welcome the set the mood for celebrations in the
following day.
Third Day of Diwali
The third day is the main day of the Diwali festival. Jains have their own
religious significance of the day, because they believe that Lord Mahavir
attained 'Nirvana' (or Eternal Bliss) on the day. Swami Dayananda Saraswati, the
great saint who gave rise to Hindu Renaissance, also left the mortal world on
this day. On this day, people wear new clothes and share gifts and sweets with
their friends and relatives. Women prepare delicacies and whole house is
illuminated with 'diyas' and candles. Fireworks and crackers are the kids'
favorites on this day.
Fourth Day of Diwali
On the 4th day is the 'Govardhan-Puja' or 'Annakoot'. In the temples of Mathura
and Nathadwara, the deities are bathed with milk and adorned with precious
clothes and ornaments. Then offerings of a large variety of delicacies are made
to them.
Fifth Day of Diwali
The 5th day or the last day of this festival is called ' Bhai Duj '. On this
day, sisters invite their brothers and their family to their homes and treat
them with delicacies. In turn, brothers offer them with gifts and sweets.
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