Monday, October 20, 2014

2014 Diwali Festival dates and Lakshmi puja timings

The festival of Diwali beings tomorrow. There are sparkling, colourful days ahead, with diyas on the doorstep, marigold buntings at doorways and beautiful patterned rangolis on floors. It is time to indulge and have a lip-smacking time on faraal and mithais. It is also the occasion when family get-togethers with friends & relatives make for many a happy time, celebrating the 5 days of the festival of lights.

One of the most important deities worshipped during Diwali is Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. In addition, Lord Ganesha, the God of wisdom and Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of knowlege and learing, are worshipped too. 


2014 Five Days of Diwali 

Goddess Saraswati, Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha  form the trinity of deities woshipped during Diwali

Day 1: October 21st: Dhanteras marks the very first day of Diwali. A common tradition to mark the onset of this day is to light firecrackers in the early morning hours. Fresh marigolds and mango leaves are strung together as buntings (torans) above the main door of homes and offices.

Day 2: October 22nd: This days is Narak Chaturdashi, which celebrates the defeat of the demon Narakasur by Lord Krishna. It is also the day of the Abhyanga Snan (early morning).

Find out more: Diwali Abhyanga Snaan materials and procedure

Day 3: October 23rd: Lakshmi puja is performed on this day. 2014 Lakshmi Puja time: 6.09p.m. to 8.39p.m. (as per the Kalnirnay calendar).

Learn: How to do a simple Lakshmi puja at home

Know: Mahalakshmi aarti for Lakshmi puja

Businessmen perform chopdi puja too to invoke blessings of Goddess Lakshmi: Chopdi puja rituals and traditions

Day 4: October 24th: Deepavali Paadva is the New Year and Govardhan Puja is performed on this day.
Learn more: Diwali Paadva Govardhan Puja traditions

Day 5: October 25th: Bhau Bheej is the day when sisters pray for the safety of their brothers and receive gifts from their brothers.
Learn more: Bhau-Bheej Tikka ceremony procedure

Wishing all of you a Happy and Prosperous Diwali!

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