Diwali

The word "Diwali" is the corruption of the Sanskrit word "Deepavali" - Deepa meaning light and Avali, meaning a row. It means a row of lights and indeed illumination forms its main attraction. Every home from a hut of the poor to the mansion of the rich, is alit with the orange glow of twinkling diyas-small earthen lamps - to welcome Lakshmi, Goddess of wealth and prosperity. In Bengal this day is celebrated as "Kali Puja". This festival is celebrated on a grand scale in almost all the regions of India and is looked upon mainly as the beginning of New Year.

Diwali or more aptly Deepavali is very enthusiastically celebrated for five continuous days and each day has its significance with a number of myths, legends and beliefs.

The First day is called Dhanteras or Dhantrayodashi that falls on the thirteenth day of the month of Ashwin. The word "Dhan" means wealth.

The Second day is called Narka-Chturdashi or Choti Diwali, which falls on the fourteenth day of the month of Ashwin.

The Third day of the festival of Diwali is the most important day of Lakshmi Puja, which is entirely devoted to the propitiation of Goddess Lakshmi.

The Fourth day is Padwa or Varshapratipada, which marks the coronation of King Vikramaditya and Vikaram-Samvat, was started from this Padwa day. Govardhan-Puja is also performed in the North on this day.

The Fifth and final day of Diwali Festival is known by the name of "Bhayya-Duj" in the Hindi-speaking belt "Bhav-Bij" in the Marathi-speaking communities and in Nepal by the name of "BHAI-TIKA" and in Bengal called as Bhai-phonta.