Diwali

Diwali is the festival of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance and hope over despair. "Deepavali" means a row of lamps. Different traditions give different reasons for it: • In North India it is believed that Shri Ram returned to Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile and the defeat of Ravana, and the people of Ayodhya welcomed him by lighting lamps. • In many traditions this night is linked with the appearance and worship of Goddess Lakshmi, which is why Lakshmi-Ganesh puja is the main ritual. • In South India and some other regions, Narak Chaturdashi is linked with the memory of Shri Krishna slaying the demon Narakasura. • In many parts of Bengal, Odisha and Assam, Kali Puja is performed on this night. • In the Jain tradition it is the day of Lord Mahavira's nirvana, and in the Sikh tradition it is remembered as "Bandi Chhor Divas", marking the release of Guru Hargobind Sahib.

Diwali is celebrated on the new moon (Amavasya) of the Kartik month (in regions that follow the Amanta calendar, this same Amavasya is counted in the Ashwin month). The celebration usually lasts five days: 1. Dhanteras, Trayodashi of the dark fortnight: worship of Dhanvantari, and the tradition of buying a new utensil or gold and silver. 2. Narak Chaturdashi (Chhoti Diwali), Chaturdashi: abhyanga bath and a lamp lit in the name of Yama. 3. Diwali, Amavasya: Lakshmi-Ganesh puja and the festival of lamps. 4. Govardhan Puja / Annakut, Pratipada of the bright fortnight: worship of Govardhan hill and of cows; in Gujarat the new year (Bestu Varas) begins on this day. 5. Bhai Dooj, Dwitiya: sisters apply tilak to their brothers. Sometimes a tithi is split across two days, so two festivals may fall on the same day or Diwali may be announced for two days. For the correct day, check the dates above and the Panchang for your city.

By tradition, Lakshmi Puja is performed on the evening of Amavasya during Pradosh Kaal (roughly the two to three hours after sunset). Many Panchangs also consider a fixed ascendant (such as Taurus) especially auspicious. Sunset and muhurat vary by city, so check today's Panchang page or a local priest for your location.

• Idol or picture of Lakshmi and Ganesh, a wooden stool (chowki), a red or yellow cloth • Kalash, mango leaves, coconut, water, Gangajal • Roli, sandalwood paste, turmeric, rice grains (akshat), kumkum, sindoor, moli • Lotus or marigold flowers, garland, durva grass (for Ganesh ji) • Incense, agarbatti, camphor, ghee and oil lamps, cotton wicks • Paan, betel nut, cloves, cardamom, coins, khil (puffed rice), batasha, sweets, dry fruits, fruits • A silver or gold coin, account books (for traders) • Conch, bell, aarti plate • Rangoli colours, toran (door hanging), clay lamps

1. Clean the house before evening, make rangoli at the door and hang a toran. Arrange the lamps. 2. Bathe and wear clean clothes. Spread a cloth on the chowki at the puja spot and install Ganesh ji and Lakshmi ji. By tradition Ganesh ji sits on the right and Lakshmi ji on his left. 3. Take water, rice grains and a flower in your hand and make the sankalp (resolve). 4. Worship Ganesh ji first, then remember the kalash and the Navagraha. 5. Invoke Lakshmi ji and offer her a bath, clothes, sandalwood paste, flowers and a garland. 6. Offer khil-batasha, sweets and fruits as bhog. 7. Show incense and the lamp. Chant "Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah" (108 times, with a mala). 8. Perform Lakshmi ji's aarti, then Ganesh ji's aarti. 9. Light lamps in every room, at the door and in the courtyard. Many homes keep one lamp burning all night. 10. Distribute the prasad and take the blessings of elders.

• Lakshmi mantra: "Om Shreem Hreem Shreem Kamale Kamalalaye Praseed Praseed Shreem Hreem Shreem Om Mahalakshmyai Namah" • Lakshmi beej mantra: "Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah" • Ganesh mantra: "Om Gam Ganapataye Namah" • Kuber mantra: "Om Yakshaya Kuberaya Vaishravanaya Dhanadhanyadhipataye Dhanadhanyasamriddhim Me Dehi Dapaya Svaha" You can read the full texts at the mantra links given at the bottom of this page.

• North India: Lakshmi-Ganesh puja, lamp offerings, rangoli, sweets and gifts. • Gujarat and Rajasthan: Chopda Puja (worship of account books) and the new year. • Bengal, Odisha, Assam: Kali Puja. • Maharashtra: Vasubaras, Dhantrayodashi and Padwa (Shukla Pratipada) have special importance. • Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra: an oil bath at dawn (Ganga snan) and the celebration of Narak Chaturdashi.

• Keep the home, the doorway and the puja spot clean, and keep the mind calm and cheerful. • Take the blessings of elders, and donate sweets, clothes or lamps to those in need. • If you light firecrackers, follow local rules and safety guidance and be mindful of air and noise pollution. Let children use them only under adult supervision. • Avoid gambling, intoxicants and quarrels. Tradition advises keeping Diwali auspicious and peaceful. • Take care with fire when using lamps and electric decorations.