Rituals of Day Three: Diwali / Lakshmi Puja:The third day is the Diwali a most important day of Lakshmi-puja and is entirely devoted to the propitiation of Goddess Lakshmi. This is the main day of the Diwali festival and is celebrated with pomp. On this day, the sun enters his second course and passes Libra, which is represented, by the balance or scale. Hence, this design of Libra is believed to have suggested the balancing of account books and their closing. The streets and houses are lit up presenting a cheerful atmosphere despite the fact that this day falls on a no moon day, it is regarded as the most auspicious. Stretch a new cloth on a raised platform: put a handful of grain in the center and, on this, place a kalash (carafe) made of gold, silver, copper, or terracotta. Fill three-fourth of the kalash with water and place a betel nut, a flower, a coin, and some rice grains in it. Arrange mango leaves in the kalash. Place a small dish on the kalash and fill it with rice grains. Draw a lotus with turmeric powder over the rice grains and place the idol of goddess Lakshmi over it, along with coins, finally the aarti for goddess Lakshmi. Always remember that she abhor loud noise, accompanied only by a small bell. A peaceful and sublime atmosphere should prevail during the puja. Do not light crackers while the puja is on or immediately after it.

Rituals of Day Four: Padiwa / Varsha Pratipada: : The fourth day of Diwali falls on the first day Karthik month of the Indian calendar. It is known as Varshapratipada or Pratipad Padwa. VarshaPratipada that marks the coronation of King Vikramaditya and Vikaram-Samvat was started from this Padwa day. Newly married females are invited to their parents place along with their husbands. The day is celebrated to mark the crowning of King Vikramaditya and beginning of Vikram Samvat. On this day, businessmen open their account books afresh, every kind of transaction, receipt or payment and business is postponed. On this day, many people try their luck of gambling. This day is looked upon as the most auspicious day to start any new venture. Goverdhan Puja will be pray in this day.

Rituals of Day Five: Bhai Dooj / Dwitiya: The fifth day is bhai dooj. This day show you the relationship between brother and sister. The majority of Hindu festivals and rituals put stress on the significance of family bonding and relationships. Although every relationship possesses its own value, but the brother-sister relationship is quite unique and unmatched. Hindu culture has manifested the greatness and glory of this relationship in many forms, out of which Bhai Dooj festival is an eminent form. This auspicious occasion also reveals the importance of siblings in someone's life. On this day sisters apply tika on their brother's forehead, perform aarti and pray for their long life. Exchange of gifts and lot of merriment marks the day.      Previous Page