Diwali 5 Days - Day-by-Day Significance Guide

The five days span from the Trayodashi of Kartik Krishna Paksha to the Dwitiya of Kartik Shukla Paksha, with Lakshmi Puja on the Amavasya (new moon). In the Gregorian calendar this usually falls in October or November. The main Lakshmi Puja is performed in the evening during a specific Pradosh and Sthir Lagna muhurat. Always confirm the exact dates and Lakshmi Puja muhurat for your city on the Vandnaa Panchang.

Falling on Kartik Krishna Trayodashi, Dhanteras honours Lord Dhanvantari, the divine physician who emerged with the nectar of immortality, and Maa Lakshmi. 1. Clean the home and entrance and draw rangoli. 2. Buy gold, silver, utensils or new items, considered auspicious on this day. 3. In the evening, light a lamp and worship Lakshmi, Kubera and Dhanvantari. 4. Light a Yama deepak at the doorstep for the protection of the household.

On Kartik Krishna Chaturdashi, also called Choti Diwali, devotees recall Lord Krishna's victory over the demon Narakasura, freeing sixteen thousand captives. 1. Wake before sunrise and perform Abhyang Snan - a ritual bath with oil and ubtan to wash away impurity. 2. Light a Yama deepak in the evening to ward off untimely death. 3. Light a few lamps and decorate the home as a prelude to the main Diwali night.

The main Diwali night falls on Kartik Amavasya, when Maa Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha are worshipped for wealth, wisdom and well-being. It also celebrates Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana. 1. Clean the home thoroughly and draw rangoli; light rows of diyas. 2. Set up the puja with idols of Lakshmi and Ganesha, kalash, coins and account books. 3. During the evening muhurat, offer lotus, kheel-batashe, sweets and a ghee lamp. 4. Recite the Lakshmi Aarti and Lakshmi Chalisa, then welcome the Goddess into a bright, open home.

On Kartik Shukla Pratipada, Govardhan Puja (Annakut) recalls how Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan hill to shelter the people of Vrindavan, teaching gratitude to nature. Devotees make a small hill of cow dung or food and offer Annakut - a mountain of varied dishes - to Krishna. On Kartik Shukla Dwitiya, Bhai Dooj celebrates the bond of brothers and sisters. Sisters apply a tilak, pray for their brothers' long life, and brothers offer gifts and a promise of protection.

The five days of Diwali together cleanse the home and heart, invite prosperity through Lakshmi, protect the household through Yama deepak, express gratitude to nature, and strengthen family bonds. Lighting lamps drives away inner and outer darkness, while honest worship of Lakshmi alongside Ganesha is believed to bring wealth that is both abundant and rightly used.