Happy New Year!

Okay, so you're probably thinking "Happy New Year? In November?"

It is true! Well, in India it is.
It's Diwali time, or as you may know it, New Year's day, or week. Diwali is India's festival of lights and most important festival of the year. Diwali starts today and Indian families all over the world will be celebrating for the next five days. Here's the rundown of each day:

Day 1: Dhanteras

A diya, or candle, is lit to celebrate the
Fesitval of Lights.

The first day of festival begins with Dhanteras, Dhan means "wealth" and Trayodashi means "13th day". Dhanteras falls on the 13th day of the second half of the lunar month. On this day, homes are thoroughly cleaned, people exchange gifts, and purchase new items for the house. This year you can surprise your close ones by sending them Dhanteras gifts. People pray for prosperity on Dhanteras to Lakshmi, because it is believed to give the best results for the year ahead.

 Day 2: Narak Chaturdasi
The second day of Diwali is called Narak Chaturdasi. Narak means "of new era of Light and Knowledge". Chaturdasi implies the 14th day. Narak Chaturdasi is the 14th day of the dark forth night of the month of Ashwin. On this day Lord Krishna destroyed the demon Narakasur and made the world free from fear.

Day 3: Laxmi Puja on Diwali

An Indian women creates a rangoli masterpiece using
powders of different vibrant colors.

The third day is the main day of  celebrations of the festival of Diwali. "Diyas", or candles, are lit and shine brightly in every home. Lakshmi Puja on Diwali is performed on the day as Laskshmi is the goddess of wealth and Ganesha is the Lord of Happiness. Lakshmi Puja is performed for prosperity, material abundance, and spiritual prosperity. The Puja is performed in the evening. On the third day fireworks are let off everywhere. The diyas and fireworks give Diwali the name of "Festival of the Lights". People also decorate their homes with "rangoli", which is Hindu folk art.

Day 4: Goverdhan Puja/New Year:
The fourth day of Diwali is called Goverdhan Puja, also known as Annakut. In ancient times, the people of Gokul would celebrate a festival in honor of Lord Indra, worshiping him at the end of each monsoon season. However, in one particular year, the young Krishna halted the custom of offering prayers to Indra, who in a fit of anger poured down a deluge in order to destroy Gokul. Krishna saved Gokul by lifting up the mountain called Govardhan and holding it over the people as an umbrella. So, on this day, Goverdhan Puja is performed to commemorate this act of Sri Krishna.

Lord Krishna lifts Govardhan with his finger to
protect the Gokul from the storm

Day 5: Bhai Dooj:
The fifth day of Diwali is Bhai Dooj; it is the second day of the bright fortnight of Kartika. In the Vedic era, Yamraj, the Lord of Death visited his sister Yamuna, who marked the auspicious Tilak on his forehead. They are and talked together, enjoying each other's company, exchanging special gifts as a token of their love for each other. Since that time the custom has been for brothers to visit their sisters to celebrate Bhai Dooj.

More on Hindu Religion during Diwali:

Lord Ganesha

Goddess Lakshmi

The rituals vary according to region. However, special blessings are given to Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and prosperity, and Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. The Goddess Lakshmi is believed to have been created from the churning of the ocean on the main Diwali day, and that she'll visit every home during the Diwali period, bring with her prosperity and good fortune. It's said that she visits the cleanest houses first, therefore people make sure their houses are spotless before lighting diyas invite her in. Small statues of the Goddess are also worshiped in people's homes.


Happy Diwali Everyone! I hope you have a wonderful new year!
:)