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Deepawali is historically a Hindu religion festival having its origin in the Era of Bhagwan Rama or probably even before that. However, Deepawali is also celebrated in Sikhism and Jainism but for separate reasons. Sikh celebrates Deepawali as Bandi Chhor Divas and Jain celebrates it as a day to commemorate Mahavir.
Origin and Significance
Deepawali is historically a Hindu festival having its origin in the Era of Bhagwan Ram or probably even before that at the time of churning of milky ocean when Goddess Lakshmi came out as the boon to the Gods and whole humanity.
Customs
Various deities are worshipped and appeased during five days Deepawali festivity. However Goddess Lakshmi, Bhagwan Ganesha, Bhagwan Kuber are the most prominent names which come to the mind when Deepawali Puja is mentioned.
Bhagwan Yamraj, Bhagwan Dhanvantari, Bhagwan Hanuman, Goddess Kali, Goddess Saraswati, Bhagwan Krishna and Demon King Bali are other prominent deities who are worshipped during Deepawali .
Date and Time
Deepawali is celebrated as per luni-solar based Hindu calendar, its date(s) varies on Gregorian calendar and usually falls in mid-October and mid-November. Deepawali Calendar lists all five days of Deepawali festivities for 1000 years.
As per Amanta Hindu Calendar, five days Diwali festivity spans over two months.
Deepawali begins – Krishna Paksha Trayodashi (28th day) of Ashwin (7th month)
Deepawali ends – Shukla Paksha Dwitiya (2nd day) of Kartik (8th month)
As per Purnimanta Calendar
Deepawali begins – Krishna Paksha Trayodashi (13th day) of Kartik (8th month)
Deepawali ends – Shukla Paksha Dwitiya (17th day) of Kartik (8th month)
Festival list
The third day of Lakshmi Puja is the most important day of five days festivities and most of the times this day is referred as Deepawali Puja itself. Apart from above five festivals, the most famous festivals for which Deepawali is known, Deepawali Calendar lists several other festivals which are celebrated during 5 days Deepawali festivities.
Day 1 – Dhantrayodashi
Day 2 – Narak Chaturdashi
Day 3 – Lakshmi Puja
Day 4 – Govardhan Puja
Day 5 – Bhaiya Dooj
Observance
Numerous rituals are followed during Deepawali. These rituals vary from State to State and within Region to Region.
However, Cleaning and decorating homes usually by giving new whitewash or fresh paints, Buying new clothes and jewelry, Buying new household items either big or small, Preparing traditional home-made sweets, Worshipping deities, Lighting Diya(s) and decorating home with blinking electric lamps, Bursting firecrackers, trying Deepawali remedies to gain wealth, Visiting relatives and family friends, Distributing sweets, dry-fruits and gifts, Calling distant family members, relatives and friends to exchange Deepawali wishes are the most common activities.
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