Diwali is a festival that is celebrated by people all over India. Diwali is mainly related to the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. The importance of this festival is that Lord Rama and his wife Sita returned to their kingdom from an exile after defeating the demon king Ravan. Diwali is celebrated for five days in India with specific importance given to rituals. Here is the importance of rituals during the Diwali festival.

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Importance of Diwali rituals during the five-day festival

Day 1

The first day is Dhanteras which is basically the start of Diwali. This day is dedicated to celebrating wealth. People traditionally buy gold and new kitchen utensils on this auspicious day. Homes are cleaned and prepared to welcome Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity in our houses.

Day 2

The second day, Naraka Chaturdashi as it is called in South India or Choti Diwali as it is known in North India, is celebrated with lots of excitement. Rangolis are drawn in doorways and courtyards of homes, and people also burst crackers. It is believed that Lord Krishna and Goddess Kali had destroyed the demon Narakasura and freed 16,000 captive princesses on this day. Demon effigies are widely burned in the state of Goa for the celebration of this day.

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Day 3

The third day is the main day, i.e. Diwali. Lots of small clay lamps (called diyas) and candles are lit and placed inside and outside the houses. There is a lot of fireworks everywhere on this day. Families get together and worship Goddess Lakshmi by doing the Lakshmi Puja, and exchange gifts and sweets with relatives, family and friends. In West Bengal, Odisha and Assam, Kali Puja is usually done on this day. Goddess Kali is worshipped on this day for her ability to destroy the ego and illusions that go with it.

Day 4

On the fourth day of the Diwali celebration and rituals, a lot of merchants, businessmen, shopkeepers and all traders open fresh accounts for the new year and offer prayers. On this day Govardhan Puja is celebrated in North India to commemorate Lord Krishna’s defeat of Indra, the Rain god. The victory of Lord Vishnu over the demon king Bali is celebrated as Bali Pratipada or Bali Padyami in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

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Day 5

The fifth and the last day of Diwali is known as Bhai Duj. It is the day that is dedicated to celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters. Siblings get together and share food, to make the bond between them stronger. Sisters also fast on this day for their loving brothers and pray for their good health and future. 

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