దీపావళి

Significance

Diwali commemorates multiple auspicious events: the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana and completing 14 years of exile, the slaying of the demon Narakasura by Lord Krishna and Satyabhama, the emergence of Goddess Lakshmi from the cosmic ocean during Samudra Manthan, and Lord Mahavira's attainment of nirvana. It marks the beginning of the Hindu new year in many regions and is considered the most auspicious time to seek the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and prosperity.

Date & Muhurtam

Diwali 2026 falls on Saturday, 7 November, on the Amavasya (new moon) of Kartika month. Lakshmi Puja is performed during Pradosh Kala (evening, around 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM) when the Amavasya tithi prevails. The Sthir Lagna (fixed ascendant) — Vrishabha Lagna — is considered the best for Lakshmi Puja, ensuring the goddess remains in the home permanently.

Rituals & Traditions

Homes are cleaned, painted, and decorated with rangoli and torans. Rows of clay diyas, candles, and electric lights illuminate every corner. On Diwali night, families perform Lakshmi-Ganesha Puja with offerings of sweets, fruits, coins, and account books (for businesses). Crackers are burst, new clothes are worn, and sweets like ladoo, kaju katli, and barfi are exchanged. The five-day celebration includes Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdashi, Lakshmi Puja, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj.

Regional Variations

In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Diwali is celebrated as Deepavali with Naraka Chaturdashi being the main day, marking Krishna's victory over Narakasura. Tamil Nadu observes it as Deepavali with the famous oil bath at dawn (Ganga Snanam). North India celebrates all five days with Lakshmi Puja being central. Gujarat marks it as the start of the new year with Bestu Varas. West Bengal worships Goddess Kali on Diwali night. South India focuses more on Naraka Chaturdashi than Lakshmi Puja.

Mantras & Prayers

ఓం శ్రీం హ్రీం శ్రీం కమలే కమలాలయే ప్రసీద ప్రసీద |
శ్రీం హ్రీం శ్రీం ఓం మహాలక్ష్మ్యై నమః ||

Om Shreem Hreem Shreem — O Goddess of the lotus, dweller in the lotus, be pleased, be pleased with us. Salutations to Mahalakshmi, the supreme bestower of wealth and grace.

Fasting Rules

Many devotees observe a fast on Diwali day until the evening Lakshmi Puja, consuming only fruits and milk. After the puja, the fast is broken with prasad and a festive meal. Some businesspeople fast as part of Chopda Pujan (worshipping new account books). Naraka Chaturdashi morning involves an early oil bath (abhyanga snanam) before sunrise, followed by light eating. The festival emphasizes feasting and sharing rather than strict fasting, with elaborate sweets and savories prepared in every household.