Happy Diwali

Photo Credit D. Laird Allan/Sportswave

Sportswave wishes everyone who are celebrating this special festival of Diwali which is a five-day celebration marking the first day of the Hindu New Year, which is known as the Grand Festival of Lights. 

Each of the five days has a special meaning and customs which are listed below:

Diwali: Day 1, or Dhanteras

The first day of Diwali is known as ‘Dhanteras’ or the worship of wealth and many worship Goddess Lakshmi which is somewhat like India’s reflecting on Black Friday!

Diwali: Day 2, or Choti Diwali

The second day is Naraka Chaturdashi or ‘Choti (small) Diwali where several individuals get up early to practice purification rituals that have this day emphasizing cleanliness and beauty.

Day 3: the main Diwali festival, Lakshmi Pooja

The main Diwali celebration takes place on the third day. This is the day of the new moon,  and this is when the goddess Lakshmi is invited at home. 

Day 4, Padva

The fourth day–Govardhan Puja or “Padva”–celebrates Lord Krishna which is the beginning of the Hindu New Year when friends and relatives visit with gifts and wishes for the season.

The final day of Diwali: Bhai Dooj

On the fifth and final day of the festival, brothers visit their married sisters where they present fabric printed on Lakshmi Pooja thas has the sisters welcome their brothers and cook a meal.

Diwali foods, treats, and sweets

Feasting is an important role in Diwali celebrations where many homes take pride in making sweet delicacies known as faral.