Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, stretches back more than two millennia and is normally celebrated for five days each year.

Diwali is a five-day festival celebrated during the sacred month of Kartika (mid-October to mid-November). Each day has a different theme but they always center on family, goodness and fun. Owing to this here’s a breakdown of the five days of Diwali celebrations:

The First Day: Dhanteras

Dhanvantari Triodasi or Dhanwantari Triodasi, also known as Dhanteras, is the first day of Diwali. It is the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha, the gloomy fourth night of Kartik. On this day, Lord Dhanwantari emerged from the sea bearing Ayurvedic medicine for humanity. This day marks the commencement of Diwali celebrations.

On this day (at sunset), Hindus should bathe and present a lighted Diya with Prasad (sweets served at worship time) to Yama Raj – the Lord of Death and pray for protection against early death. This offering should be offered beside a Tulsi tree, Holy Basil or any other sacred tree in one’s yard.

The Second Day: Choti Diwali

Narak Chaturdasi is the second day of Deepawali. On this day, Lord Krishna slew the demon Narakasur and freed the world from dread. On this day, one should massage the body with oil to reduce exhaustion, take a bath and rest to celebrate Diwali with vim and commitment.

The Third Day: Lakshmi Pujan on Diwali

This is the day when Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped. Hindus cleanse themselves, assemble with their families and worship the heavenly Goddess Lakshmi in order to celebrate Diwali and get the blessings of wealth and prosperity as well as the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness.

The Fourth Day: Padwa & Govardhan Puja

Govardhan Pooja is done on this day. Lord Krishna preached to the people of Vraja to perform Govardhan Pooja hundreds of years ago. Every year since then, Hindus have worshiped Govardhan to commemorate the first Pooja performed by the inhabitants of Vraja.

The Fifth Day: Bhai Duj

The fifth day of Diwali is known as Bhai Duj. This is the day following Goverdhan Pooja and is usually two days after Diwali. It is a day to honor sisters. As per legends, it is said that Yama (Yamraj, the Lord of Death) paid a visit to his sister Yamuna on this day many moons ago in the Vedic era. He granted his sister a Vardhan (a blessing) that anyone who visits her on this day will be cleansed of all sins. They shall obtain Moksha or ultimate liberation. Since then, brothers have visited their sisters on this day to inquire about their well-being.

Key Takeaway

Diwali, being a pleasant, joyous, family-oriented holiday that embraces people from all walks of life, can be enjoyed by those who grew up in a culture that observes it as well as friends and family who are new to it and with the decorations, dining and of course, the presents there truly is something for everyone.

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No mention of fireworks please