2015 Diwali festival dates and Lakshmi puja timings

With the festival of lights starting tomorrow, colurful and yummy days are ahead - colours in kandeels, lights, diyas and garments and the 'yummy' part in what else but traditional sweets! The 3 important important deities worshipped during Diwali are the Goddess of Wealth, namely Goddess Lakshmi, the Lord of wisdom, namely Lord Ganesha and the Goddess of learning, namely Goddess Saraswati. Learn more about the pujas and rituals of Diwali: How to do simple Ganesha and Lakshmi pujas on 5 days of Diwali

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. 

How the Peacock became Goddess Saraswati’s mount & got its unique colours

Ever wondered how the peacock got its beautiful deep blue coat and unique train? This blog post narrates the mythological legend of the peacock and its beauty. 

Goddess Saraswati once expressed her desire to explore different places on earth. Sage Narada told her that the most beautiful place on earth was India as, of all the places on earth, it was the most colourful and enchanting place. He did not want Goddess Saraswati to go on her own, though, so accompanied her on her travels around India. 

2013 Diwali Festival dates and Lakshmi puja timings

The festival of Diwali is on the doorstep and it is time to light diyas, put out the buntings and kandeels, make artistic rangolis and gorge on yummy faraal and mithais. It is also the occasion when families and friends spend the maximum time together for a full 5 day celebration of joy and happiness.

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

Diwali Chopdi Puja traditions and rituals

On the all-important day of Lakshmi Puja during the festival of Diwali, besides the puja done at home and offices of the Goddess of wealth, there is an important puja performed by those in the business world. These businessmen include those who operate shops or restaurants or factories or any other type of business. Even stock brokers and chartered accountants perform this puja. This puja is done of the accounts books of the financial year and is called Chopdi Pujan or Chopda Puja. At one time it was the businessmen of the Gujarati community who did this puja on a large scale, but today businessmen of many other communities too perform this puja.

2012 Diwali festival dates and Lakshmi puja times

The festival of Diwali is the most popular festival in India, celebrated across most communities. It incorporates a joyous fervour and happiness that is enjoyed by families and friends. In fact, in the contemporary world of time-clocked schedules, Diwali provides for one of those rare occasions  when families get together to shop, eat and spend maximum time with one another. More so because it is not just a one or two day festival but is spread over five days in a year.

While Goddess Lakshmi is considered to be the most important deity during the Diwali festival, actually people worship a trinity of Lord Ganesha, Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Saraswati. Lord Ganesha is worshipped to gain wisdom, Goddess Lakshmi to become rich and Goddess Saraswati to become learned. You are thereby removing folly, poverty and ignorance.

Diwali Faraal Ladoo poem

Soft boondi ladoos

लाडू जणू  बोल  गोल

धक्का  दिल्यास  रोक-एंड-रोल 

लडूमध्ये साजुक  तूप

लाडू देते  शक्ति  खूप 

लडूमध्ये  वेलदोडे 

बादाम-काजुचे टुकड़े 

संगे त्यात चारोली 

लडूला लज्जत  आली 

लाडलाड  लाड  लडू गोद 

त्याची  केली  तोड़म तोड़

लाडू  खला  गोड़ोबा

लाडू  माझा लाडोबा

Written by Prakash Teredesai (Diwali Faraal, Amol Prakashan, Pune)

Diwali Faraal types & how to make them

Diwali Faraal Shankarpaale poem

Shankarpale

नाव शंकरपाले; पण त्याच्यामध्ये शंकर नाही 

नाव शंकरपाले; पण भस्मी तो लावत नाही

नाव शंकरपाले; पण नाग अवतीभवती नाही

नाव शंकरपाले; पण डमरू दिसत नाही

नाव शंकरपाले; पण चंद्रकोर जवळ नाही

नाव शंकरपाले; पण पार्वतिही जोडीस नाही

नाव शंकरपाले; पण शंकराशी नाते नाही

शंकर्पाले खुश्कुशीत त्यात मी आनंद पाही 

गोड शंकरपाले; पण कही अगोड असती 

ते कधी  मसालेधार कसेही  आवडती !

Written by Prakash Teredesai (Diwali Faraal, Amol Prakashan, Pune)
Diwali Faraal types & how to make them

Diwali Faraal Chakli poem

Chakli

 चकल चकल चकली 

गोल गोल केली

तल्ल्यानंतर ती

खुसखुशीत झाली

चकली खुसखुशीत 

सहज ती टूटते 

जेव्हा मी ती खातो 

कुर कुर कुर करते 

चक्लीच्या अंगावर 

काटे पुष्कल असती 

नहीं त्यांचा त्रास 

तेही कुर कुर टूटी 

चकली असते खमंग 

तशीच ती चवदार 

ती जणू भुईचक्र 

गरगरीत आकार 

चकली जरी सलग 

पाकल ती आतून 

ही जणू जादू 

आई दाखवी करून 

चक्लीची भाजणी

कद धन्यांची असे

त्यायील  जीवनसत्वे

अपुले टोनिक असे

Written by Prakash Teredesai (Diwali Faraal, Amol Prakashan, Pune)

Diwali Faraal types & how to make them

Diwali Faraal Karanji poem

Karanji

कर कर करंजी मजला आवडते

गुल-खोब्र्याचे सरन शक्ति देते 

कर कर करंजी मजला आवडते

सारण पुष्कल म्हणून गुज्गुबीत दिसते 

कर कर करंजी मजला आवडते

कारण तल्यावार कुश्कुशीत होते 

कर कर करंजी मजला आवडते

कारण आकाराने  चंद्रकोर  दिसते

कर कर करंजी मोदक तिचाच भाऊ

मोदक, करंजी मन्झे

आवडनारा  खाऊ!

Written by Prakash Teredesai (Diwali Faraal, Amol Prakashan, Pune)

Diwali Faraal types & how to make them

Diwali Prepaid Gift Cards

For the Diwali Festival, a number of banks in India have introduced unique pre-paid gift cards. Instead of the usual Diwali boxes of dry fruits, chocolate boxes, or cash, you can gift a prepaid gift card. In fact, Diwali prepaid gift cards are wonderful bhau-bheej gifts to give your sister on Bhau Bheej Day.

 

 

 

How to Gift a Diwali Prepaid Gift Card and How it Works

1. Purchase a prepaid gift card for a fixed amount. This varies from one bank to another and ranges between a minimum of Rs. 500/- to a maximum of Rs.50,000/-.


2. The prepaid gift card can be used in wider variety of places than a gift voucher.

3. The prepaid gift card can be redeemed online.

4. The prepaid gift card need not be redeemed at one go, at one time. That is, the amount need not be fully used all at one time. It can be used in installments over a period of time.

Where to Buy Diwali Prepaid Gift Cards:
* State Bank of India
* HDFC Bank
* Axis Bank
* Central Bank of India

Before buying  a Diwali Prepaid  Gift Card confirm:
(1) where all it can be used;
(2) whether the card needs to be used at one time or can be used in phases (in installments;
(3) till what date the card needs to be used (maturity date).

Diwali Bhau Bheej Tika Ceremony Procedure

The fifth day of the Diwali Festival is celebrated as Bhau Bheej (the word Bhau means brother and Biji means sister). It is also referred to as Bhai Dooj, the word dhooj referring to the second day after the new moon in the Hindu month of Kartika. In Maharashtra, Bhau Bheej is considered a major auspicious day and hence those who do not have brothers worship Darpanagayesha, the moon God. This festival is known as Bhai Bij in Gujarat, Bhai Phota in Bengal, and Bhai-Tika in Nepal.

Rangoli design of Bhau Bheej (18x17 dots)
[Design by Hemchandra Shankar Raje, Navrangavali rangoli design book]

Like most festive days, Diwali Bhau Bheej too has a mythological legend behind it.

Legend of Bhau Bheej: The most common Hindu mythological legend of Bhau Bheej centers around the story of Yama Raj and Yami. Yama Raj is the God of Death, and Yami his sister. It is said that Yama Raj visited his sister after many years and Yami was so happy that she put a tika (also called tilak) on his forehead as a gesture of safety and well-being for her brother. She also prepared a special meal for her brother which they shared together. Yama Raj was pleased with her devotion and welcoming gestures, so decreed that from then on, ever year, on the fourth day of the new moon when a sister put a tilak on her brother’s forehead, he would never come to any harm. Thus was born the Diwali Bhau Bheej day. 

Yet another legend relates the story of Subhadra welcoming her brother Lord Krishna with flowers and sweets, when Lord Krishna returned home after the slaying of the demon Narkasura (know the legend of Narakasura). Like Yami, Subhadra is said to have put a tilak on Lord Krishna’ forehead.

The purpose of Diwali Bhau Bheej is to ensure a brother’s safety and well-being, and the gesture of gifting the sister a gift is to show the brother’s affectionate love for his sister. Just as Yami and Subhadra prepared a meal for their respective brothers, so also today a special meal of the brother’s favourite food is made. In Maharashtra, on the day of Diwali Bhau Bheej a sweet known as Shrikhand Poori is made.

Know how to make Shrikhand Poori

How to perform Diwali Bhau Bheej Aarti Tika Ceremony at Home

Step 1: Prepare a thali containing a diya, some rice grains, a few ladoos or mithai, and a little red vermillion powder mixed with haldi (turmeric).

Step 2 : Light the diya in the thali.

Step 3: Put a tika of the red-and-turmeric powder on the brother’s forehead (in an upwards motion as a straight line between the eyebrows just where the nose line begins).

Step 4: Throw a few rice grains on the top of the brother’s head if he is younger to you and at his feet if he is an older brother. 

Step 5: Do aarti with the thali (make sure the diya is lit).

Step 6: Put a piece of the ladoo or mithai in your brother’s mouth. 

Step 7: Your brother will likely give you some cash or a gift. If your brother is older than you, touch his feet and take his blessings. If the brother is younger than you, you have to place your hand (palm down) on his head and give him your blessings.

Bhau Bheej Gifts are a traditional part of Diwali Bhau Bheej, with brothers giving cash or gifts to their sisters.   

Diwali Padwa Govardhan Puja Traditions Legends Rituals

The fourth day of the Diwali Festival is celebrated as the New Year, known as Kartik Shuddh Padwa, or simply as Padwa. 

Most Amazing Diwali Dry Fruits Boxes as Gifts

During the Diwali Festival, people often gift friends, relatives and colleagues boxes of dry fruits. Some Diwali dry fruit gift boxes contain bowls in floral or leaf patterns and these contain the dry fruits, where others are simply place in square sections of the box. Each Diwali dry fruit gift box is then covered with transparent cellophane paper and the entire box is wrapped in shiny gift paper. The dry fruits in a Diwali Dry Fruit Gift Box includes cashewnuts, figs, pistachios, dried black grapes, almonds, raisins, etc.

How to do a Simple Diwali Rangoli Pattern with Grains

Don't fret if you don't have rangoli colours! You can use grains to make a unique Diwali Ragnoli.
You can use moong dal, urad dal, methi seeds, coriander seeds, kasuri methi leaves, green gram dal, moong seeds, turmeric powder, sugar, red beans, etc. If you don't have white rangoli powder, use chalk. Simple!

Diwali Abhyanga Snan Materials and Procedure

The word Abhyanga has Sanskrit roots: ang means motion and abhi means different or contrary. The word snan means bath. Hence, the meaning of Abhyanga Snan is a bath-cum-massage of the body with herbs-and-flower-based paste. Abhyanga Snan is a ritual bath that is done during the Diwali Festival, specifically on the day of Narak Chaturdasi.

Diwali Rangoli Stickers

Rangoli Patterns Stickers

In today's modern rush-hour world of deadlines and hectic schedules, some people prefer to buy readymade rangoli design stickers. Simply peel off the backing and stick on the floor!

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All What You Need to Make a Rangoli Pattern Design

1. Buy a few Rangoli Design Books first. Choose those which have smaller designs requiring less than 15 dots before venturing into making larger designs. 

Rangoli Designs Books

2. Gheru: This is basically dark brown or red clay, which you get in the form of a stone (see picture below). Put a little water in a bowl and dip the gheru in it to wet it. Then apply it on the surface where you will be making your rangoli design. When applying, make sure you spread it in one even direction (horizontally or vertically) so that it does not become an uneven patch.

Gheru

3. Rangoli Colours: Make sure that you have all the colours you need before starting the design! If you want sky blue colour, adding white rangoli powder to a dark blue rangoli colour will not get you the exact shade of sky blue. It will more likely be just another shade of dark blue. So buy light blue colour too. In a traditional Indian market, rangoli powders are sold loose, by the spoonful (Rs.2/- per spoon) so you can buy 3 spoons or more of each colour. You can also buy packets of Rangoli powders (this year the price is Rs.5/- per packet).

Loose rangoli colours

Rangoli colours in packets

4. White Rangoli Powder: This is an absolute must! All colours must be mixed with white rangoli powder before use as the coloured powders are rough and create thickness when put directly, thereby making the design ugly. The white rangoli is sold by the glassful, with one packet costing Rs.5/-

White rangoli powder

5. Ruler of paper with punched holes: If you are unable to make a straight line of dots, use a ruler to align them properly. Better still, puch holes in a large sheet of paper at even intervals and use that, putting white rangoli powder through each hole on to the required surface (see image below).

6. Rangoli Accessories: You can use readymade rangoli chhaaps (see images below) to make smaller designs around your main rangoli design. New in the market are also rangoli rollers, in which you put the rangoli powder and create powders. The plastic rollers look very much like the water pitchkaris used during the Holi Festival!

Old type metal chaap (today you will get plastic ones)

Diya

Flower

Lotus

Kalash

Peacocks

Goddess Lakshmi

Rangoli rollers

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How to Make a Simple Diwali Rangoli Pattern Design with Dots

It is not at all difficult to create a simple rangoli design on the floor or any type of usable surface. You also need not worry if you don't have colours to fill it up. A plain white rangoli has its own inherent beauty. You can try out the simple rangoli pattern in this blog post - it is really easy!

Top 5 Diwali SMS Greetings Wishes in Hindi

लक्ष्मी  के  हाथ  हो 

सरस्वती  के  साथ  हो 

गणेश  का  निवास  हो 

और  माँ  दुर्गा  के  आशीर्वाद  से  आपके  जीवन  में  प्रकाश  हो

हैप्पी  दिवाली!

 

Lakshmi ke haath ho

Saraswati ke saath ho

Ganesh ka niwas ho

Aur Maa Durga ke Ashirwaad se aapke Jeevan mein prakash ho.

Wish you a Happy Diwali!

 -----------------------------

सजती  रहे  खुशियोंकी  महेफिल ,

हर  कुशी  सुहानी रहे,

आप  ज़िन्दगी  मी  इतने  कुश  रहे  क़ी 

हर  त्यौहार  क़ी  ख़ुशी  आपकी  दिवाली  रहो!

 

Sajti rahe khushiyonki mehefil,

Har kushi suhani rahe,

Aap zindagi me itne kush rahe ki

Har tyohaar ki khushi aapki Diwali रहो

---------------------------------------

 

सोचा  किसी  अपनेसे  बात  करू 

अपने  किसी  खास  को  याद  करू 

किया  जो  फैसला  दिवाली  के  शुभकामनायें  देने  का ,

दिल  ने  कहा  क्यूँ  न  आपसे  शुरवात  करू: हैप्पी  दिवाली!

Sochaa kisi apnese baat karu

Apne kisi khas ko yaad karu

Kiya jo faisla Diwali ke shubhkamnayen dene ka,

Dil ne kaha kyun na aapse shurwat karu – Happy Diwali

--------------------------

गुल  ने  गुलशन  से  गुलफाम  भेजा  है 

सितारों  ने  गगन  से  सलाम  भेजा  है 

मुबारक  हो  आपको  ये  ‘हैप्पी  दिवाली ’ हम  ने 

दिल  से  पैगाम  भेजा  है 

Gul ne gulshan se gulfam bheja hai

Sitaron ne gagan se salaam bheja hai

Mubarak ho aapko ye ‘Happy Diwali’ hum ne

Dil se paigam bheja hai

 ---------------------------

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