Diwali Torans

Apart from crackers and festivities, Diwali festival is also popular for the renovation and decoration of one’s home. The main idea behind the custom of decorating the homes and offices on Diwali is to please and attract the Goddess of wealth, Goddess Lakshmi as it is popularly said that she enters only in a clean and decorated home. Thus apart from the entire home, the decoration of the entrance of a place, which is called 'dwaar', also becomes very important. The beautiful door hangings that are called 'Bandanwaar', or even torans, have special significance as the decorative accessories in Diwali festivities.

These bandanwaars (torans) are the first thing that welcomes your guests as they step at your place. These door hangings not only enhance the charm of the main entrance of your home but also give a friendly welcome to those who drop in to wish you on Diwali. You can make these bandanwaars at your home. However, if you do not have any idea about making them, you can also buy it from the market where varieties of bandanwaars are available. Floral bandanwaars, mirror work torans, embroidered door hangings and dori bandanwaars are few of the available options.

Bandanwaars (Torans)

Floral Bandanwaars
These torans are made with colorful flowers. The flowers that are used in making toran could be fresh or artificial. The bandanwaars made of artificial flowers are of reusable nature while fresh flowers get dry in few days. 

Mirror Work Bandanwaars 
The mirror work torans are the speciality of Rajasthani culture. These door hangings are made on a piece of cloth and decorated by attaching lovely mirror pieces to that cloth piece. The mirror pieces could be in various shapes and sizes. 

Embroidered Bandanwaars
These torans are again made on small cloth pieces. The cloth pieces are decorated with different color embroidery threads. Many attractive shapes are embroidered on the toran like elephants, camels, 'kalash', 'shubh-labh', happy diwali, flowers and many more. 

Dori Bandanwaars 
Using the variety of threads, like wool and zari, makes these torans. They are prepared by attaching many pieces of threads, called 'doris' twisting together. When the doris are weaved together then some decorative accessories are also attached to the toran to make it more beautiful.

Puja Thali Decoration

Though people often relate Diwali to the crackers, lights and sweets, the most important aspect of the Diwali is the Lakshmi-Ganesh Poojan. People all over the country worship the Goddess of Wealth and the God of Wisdom this day in order to seek wisdom and prosperity in their home. The Lakhsmi-Ganesh Poojan is a very elaborate affair where the entire family sits together and offers prayers to the deities with several auspicious materials like flowers, sandalwood, kumkum, aroma sticks, diya and panchamrits.

In order to accumulate the entire Pooja material, it is always advisable to arrange them into a Pooja Thali. Though the decorated Diwali pooja thalis containing all the puja accessories can be purchased from the market but the satisfaction and the pleasure of decorating this special thali yourself is a divine feeling. Decoration of a pooja thali is not a very tedious phenomenon; in fact if you have a little interest in arts and crafts, making this thali would be an interesting activity for you. You can also take guidelines from the tips given below.

How To Decorate Pooja Thali

• Take a thali of your choice, made of steel, gold, silver, brass or any other metal. This thali could be in various shapes like round, oval or any other. It would be preferable if you chose a thali with little engravings and designs as you will need to decorate them much.
• Cover the thali with colorful designer packing paper sheet or cloth and put all the pooja accessories in the thali. Alternatively, you can also spread ghee or butter on the plate and take some roli in a small bowl and mix little water in it to make a paste and draw the holy symbols such as the 'Om', the 'Swastika' and the 'Shree' on the thali with the roli paste.
• You can cover the thali with the betel leaves, which will make your thali look green, and when you put the colorful puja accessories in the thali, it will look just beautiful.
• Cover the puja thali with petals of flowers like marigold, rose or any other. Decorate various designs with single color petals or a combination of different colors.
• You can also decorate your puja thali with different rangoli colors and place diyas over it.
• You can also decorate the thali with rice grains and vermilion and place some flowers over it along with Diyas and incense sticks.
• If you want to be experimental with your pooja chali you can also decorate it with water paint by making different kinds of colorful motifs like swastika and Om. If you are not adept at painting designs, then you can also paste stickers on the thali. It is advisable to choose patterns that look ethnic and truly Indian.

Diwali Pooja Thali

The festival of Diwali is not just limited to bursting of firecrackers, shopping, wearing new clothes and sharing sweet delicacies, decorating homes and offices attractively, but also about worship of the Almighty to ensure health, wealth and prosperity. The ceremonious occasion, which lasts for five days of extravaganza, encompasses spiritualism in it, which reminds us of its connection to the Hindu mythology. This is the reason why, people indulge themselves in offering prayers to their favorite deity. A number of pujas add to the spiritual mood of the celebrations. A puja thali becomes important, when you worship.

A puja thali is the plate in which all the items required to perform the worship or the puja of the God and Goddess are kept. The puja items include Roli for tilak, Akshat, Ghanti (bell), a small Kalash filled with water, Kalava to tie around the wrist, gold or silver coins, aarti-diya and some colorful flowers. The puja-thali has special significance for the festival of diwali in which the worship of Goddess Lakshmi is the main theme. Agarbatti, camphor, coconut, betel, betel leaves, sandalwood paste, candles, flowers, seasonal fruits and sweets (as Prasad) and silver or gold coins having image of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesh, Om, Swastika or Shree are also kept in a thali.

Deepavali Puja Thali Ideas

Puja Thali With Kumkum
If you want to decorate your Diwali puja thali with kumkum, then you need a small to medium sized steel thali. Smear the thali with two tablespoons of ghee (clarified butter) and then sprinkle kumkum (holy vermilion) all over it. Now, draw a swastika symbol in the center of the thali, using your finger. After the kumkum is set completely, spread the petals of flowers, say, marigold or roses. Next, it is the time to arrange diyas. Add a bell, camphor, haldi, Prasad (a sweet) and a little amount of rice. You may now use the beautifully decorated thali for your Lakshmi puja.

Puja Thali With Mirror Pieces
A puja thali with small pieces of mirrors would look very attractive. First, cover a medium sized steel or bronze thali with bright colored satin cloth. You may choose red or orange for the purpose. Now, stick a contrasting lace around the rim of the thali, using glue. Next, small sized oval shaped mirrors of different shapes in the thali. Place a fancy aroma candle at the center of the thali, which will be now surrounded by mirrors. Include puja items, such as Prasad, rice, kumkum and a bell, in the thali. Be careful not to break the mirrors due to improper handling of the thali. Moreover, the size of the candle should perfectly complement the size of the thali.

Diwali Rangoli

Rangoli is the art of drawing images and figures on the floor, at the doorstep of one's home. With the beautiful combination of colors, rangoli makes a magnificent piece of art. It has been a tradition in culturally rich India, to draw rangoli on festivals and other auspicious occasions, as it is considered a holy ritual. It makes a part of Diwali celebrations too. The main purpose of making rangoli at the doorstep, on Diwali, is to welcome Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth.

The art of rangoli is known by different names in different regions of the country. In Maharashtra, it is called 'rangoli', while it is known as 'kolam' in South India and 'alpana' in Bengal. While most of the Rangoli designs are made with the use of dry colors, the patterns can also be done by using the paste of rice grains, turmeric paste, vermilion powder or chalk. So, this Diwali, use the rangoli decoration ideas given below and bring a sense of completion in the joyous celebration of the festival.

Decoration Ideas 
There are myriad ways to add to the overall appeal of rangoli. The designs of rangoli are created by a combination of different colors. It could be decorated either by colored powders or by colored pastes such as painting colors. You can enhance the beauty of your rangoli pattern by adding some decorative pieces to it, such as the lighted diyas, colorful flower petals and leaves, colored rice grains, colorful pulses, and colored sand. You may place a diya at the center of the rangoli.

Designs 
Originated from Maharashtra, the art of rangoli is popular all over the country and therefore, different designs of rangoli have come into existence. The rangoli designs for Diwali have been passed on from one generation to the other, some of them being as old as hundred years. Although the designs vary largely, in different regions of India, the basic approach of the people is common - to please Goddess Lakshmi, so that she enters the home and brings in health, wealth and prosperity. Generally, the rangoli designs are geometrical shapes, proportioned in a balanced way. Geometrical figures such as circles, triangles, squares, ovals and rectangles dominate. Apart from geometrical figures, images of flowers, their petals, trees and creepers are also drawn. 

Themes 
The common rangoli themes are the holy symbols like mangal kalash, leaves of Ashoka tree, Om, Swastik symbol, a lighted Deepak, Shree, lotus and other flowers, creepers, trees, rising sun, moon, stars, chakra, fish, birds, elephants, dancing figures, trident, human figures and geometrical figures such as circles, semi-circles, curves, triangles, squares, ovals and rectangles. The footsteps of Goddess Lakshmi entering into the home are designed at the main entrance of the home or near the place of worship, which indicates the entrance of prosperity in the home.

Diwali Lamps

Illuminating the homes and premises with beautiful earthen diyas, on the festival of lights - Diwali - is a good old tradition. The traditional oil lamp - diya remains the center of attraction of the occasion. It has evolved from being a brown colored clay lamp to colorful lamp, made of different materials. While earthen diyas is the traditional way of illuminating the homes and premises on the festival, today, with competition and the varying needs of the people, electronic lamps have occupied the shelves in the market. A lot of variety is provided by the manufacturers, which helps the consumers to choose according to their need.

Diwali Lamp Decoration
There is a wide variety of designer and decorative lanterns available in the market that can be customized to suit the individual taste and requirements. The lanterns are designed magnificently. Low voltage luminaries such as handcrafted lanterns, post lanterns, wall lanterns, hanging lanterns, landscape lanterns and chandeliers are in hot trend. The lanterns are available for a number of materials, metals like copper or brass being the most common. Some of the lanterns are also exquisitely made from good quality cotton, decorated with embroidered star motifs, hanging thread or small decorative mirrors. 

You may also opt for paper lanterns to decorate your home on the festival of Diwali. Paper lanterns can be made in a number of patterns. Both intricate and simple designs for paper lanterns look very attractive. Apart from the decorative lanterns, the lamps used for aarti form an important part of the rituals of Diwali. On the occasion, people indulge themselves in worshipping their favorite deity, sing bhajans and perform a number of pujas. It is a customary to culminate the pujas with aarti. Aarti is performed by showing lamps (deep) to the deity and singing aarti songs. For the purpose, you may purchase attractive lamps.

Deepavali Lantern Ideas
Depending upon your budget, you may choose a lot of variety of Diwali lamps. You may purchase middle sized deep that is divided into three or more steps, each step having space to illuminate five to seven wicks. Aarti lamps with artistic handles, provided with majestic pedestal stands are the popular choice in the present time. Apart from using them for aarti, you may place them at the center of your doorstep and surround them with earthen diyas. This is a nice way to welcome Goddess Lakshmi on the occasion of Diwali.

Diwali Diya

Diya is a small earthen lamp primarily lit during Diwali, the festival of lights. Also, known as 'deep', diya is traditionally made of clay. Lighting a deep during aarti is a custom in the Hindu culture. During Diwali, the earthen lamps are used for illuminating the entire home and premises, apart from aarti. The diya is filled with ghee or oil, which work as fuel for it. A wick, usually made of cotton, is inserted into the diya. Today, with the increasing competition and due to the popularity of candles, diya is now available in a variety of material, the most common being those made of metals and blue pottery. Designer diyas have also been introduced in the stores. In addition to these, you can decorate the earthen diya at home and use it for the festival. Given below are some decoration ideas for Deepavali diya.

Diwali Diya Decoration Ideas

• To make the ordinary earthen diya look more beautiful, you may color it with different colors. You may make use of bright acrylic colors for the purpose. You can also paint some portion of the diya, instead of whole of it, draw various shapes on it with paint, to give it a traditional look. Do not forget to leave the diya to dry completely, after painting.
• Bring some small decorative glass pieces and stick them on the edge of the diya. When you light the earthen lamp, the flame would be reflected by the small mirrors, which would add to the beauty of the lamp. This type of decoration is especially suitable for metal diya, because glass can easily adhere to their surface.
• Take wheat flour in a bowl and prepare its dough, with the help of water. The dough should be made thick, which can be rolled into balls. Now, rolls the balls of the dough and make diya out of them. With this dough, you can make diya of any shape and size of your choice. After shaping the lamps, color them using acrylic or poster colors. Set them aside to dry completely and use them.
• Another way to make diya and decorate them is to use the dough of wheat flour and mix it with fresh petals of rose. It will not only add some natural color to your diya, but also the particles of petals attached here and there on the diya will also make it look stunning.
• You may make use of ceramic clay to decorate the diyas. Make beautiful shapes of flowers, using the ceramic clay. Before it dries, stick it to the diya. Now, paint the lamp with acrylic color and allow it to dry completely. This would give your earthen lamp a cool look.

Diwali Candles

A festival of lights, Diwali celebrates the victory of divine spirit over the evil. Apart from the exchange of sweets and gifts, new clothes, shopping and fireworks, illumination of premises with diyas and electric lights plays a prominent part of the festival. By lighting candles in every nook and corner of the home and premises, we try to destroy the reign of darkness, on the night of Diwali. While lighting earthen diyas is the traditional way to celebrate Diwali, candles have gained popularity, for the festival of Diwali. Apart from being superior to diyas in terms of attractiveness, candles burn for a longer time, as compared to them.

Diwali candles are available for different price ranges, to satisfy every kind of consumer, in India. Numerous types of candles have been literally flooding the market. The candle business has gained considerable success over the passing time, because it is believed that lighting candles in home on Diwali brings in the positive spirits. The collection of candles is an ideal to be used for your Diwali puja and for decorating your home. They make perfect gift items as well. Read more about the different types of Diwali candles, in the following lines.

Types Of Deepavali Candles

Tealight Candles 
Made of high quality wax, tea light candles are scented ones, which can burn for many hours. Tea light candles are safe and perfect for lighting crackers.

Designer Candles
A nice way to brighten up your home on Diwali is to make use of designer candles. Depending upon your budget, purchase some designer candles. 

Gel Candles 
Gel candles come in set of petite glass pots that contain colored gel in them. Apart from illuminating your home on Diwali, gel candles can serve as beautiful decorative items.

Flower Candles 
A variant of decorative candles, flower candles comes with a mini glass filled with colorful wax. Sunflower candles are in hot trend. Other types of flower candles include roses, lilies and orchids. Flower candles are beautiful ornamental show pieces as well.

Sparkling Candles 
Sparkling candles look very charming and attractive. With the glory of their sparkles, they would make your Diwali truly bright and sparkling. 

Perfumed Candles
Perfumed candles are molded in small containers. When illuminated, they would fill the ambience with soothing fragrance and boost up the festive spirit of your family and friends.

Handmade Candles 
There are handmade designer candles available in shapes of various fruits such as apple, orange, mango, lemon etc. and colored accordingly. These candles when lighted fill in your ambience with the lights of joy. 

Cylindrical Candles 
Cylindrical candles are molded as tall cylindrical glass shaped containers. The glass containers are designed with the images of Lord Ganesha, Lakshmi ji, swastik, om, shree and many other symbols.

Om Jai Jagadish Hare Aarti

One of the most popular Hindi aartis, 'Om Jai Jagadish Hare' is sung almost in every puja. The song was originally composed by Pandit Shardha Ram Phillauri in Punjab, in 1870s. Hindus of all background are well acquainted with the tune of the song, which is used in many other Hindi aarti songs that have similar lyrics. According to the historical records, 'Om Jaya Jagadisha Hare' was inspired by Dashavatara section of Gita Govinda of Jayadeva, a lyrical composition that dates back to the 12th century, which has the same refrain. 'Om Jai Jagadish Hare' is sung by the entire congregation of devotees, although they might not know the full lyrics of the song. If you do not want to miss out the essence of 'Om Jai Jagadish Hare', go through the article, check out the lyrics and learn the song.

Om Jaya Jagadisha Hare Arti

Om Jai Jagadish Hare
Swami Jaya Jagadish Hare
Bhakta janon ke sankat

Bhakta janon ke sankat Kshan me door kar
Om Jai Jagadish Hare 

Jo dhyave phal paave
Dhukh vinashe man ka
Swami dhukh vinashe man ka
Sukha sampati Ghar aave
Sukha sampati Ghar aave
Kashht mite tan ka
Om Jai Jagadish Hare 

Mata pita tum mere
Sharan padun mai kis ki
Swami sharan padum mai kis ki
Tum bina aur na doojaa
Tum bina aur na doojaa
Asha karun mai kis ki
Om Jai Jagadish Hare 

Tum pooran Paramatma
Tum Antaryaami
Swami Tum Antaryaami
Para brahma Parameshwara
Para brahma Parameshwara
Tum sab ke Swami
Om Jai Jagadish Hare 

Tum karuna ke saagar
Tum palan karta
Swami Tum palan karta
Mai sevak tum swaami
Mai sevak tum swaami
Kripa karo bhartaa
Om Jai Jagadish Hare 

Tum ho ek agochar
Sab ke prana pati
Swami sab ke prana pati
Kis vidhi miloon dayamaya
Kisi vidhi miloon dayamaya
Tum ko mai kumati
Om Jai Jagadish Hare

Deena bandhu dukh hartaa
Tum rakshak mere
Swami tum rakshak mere
Apane hast uthao
Apane hast uthao
Dwar khada mai tere
Om Jai Jagadish Hare 

Vishaya vikar mithao
Paap haro deva
Swami paap haro deva
Shraddha bhakti badhao
Shraddha bhakti badhao
Santan ki seva
Om Jai Jagadish Hare 

Tan man dhan sab kuch hai tera
Swami sab kuch hai tera
Tera tujh ko arpan
Tera tujh ko arpan
Kya laage mera
Om Jai Jagadish Hare 

Om Jai Jagadish Hare
Swami Jai Jagadish Hare
Bhakta janon ke sankat
Bhakta janon ke sankat
Kshan me door kare
Om Jai Jagadish Hare

Maa Lakshmi Aarti Song

In order to please the Goddess of Wealth, Lakshmi puja is conducted on the third (main) day of the five-day festival, Diwali. On the day, people clean their home and premises, illuminate the place with earthen lamps (diya) and electric lights. In the evening, they offer prayers to Goddess Lakshmi and pray for good health and prosperity. During the puja, some like singing bhajans, while others chant mantras. The puja is culminated by aarti, which is accompanied by a song. If you do not know any song suitable for aarti, this article would be helpful. In the lines below, we have provided the lyrics for Goddess Lakshmi aarti song. You may sing the song to the tune of 'Om Jai Jagadish Hare'. 

Maa Lakshmi Aarti

Jai lakshmi maataa, maiyaa jai lakshmi maataa
Tumko nishadin dhyaavata, hara vishnu vidhaataa
Brahmaani, rudraani, kamlaa, tu hi hai jaga maataa
Surya chandramaa dhyaavata, naarada rishi gaataa
Durgaa rupaa nirantara, sukha sampati daataa
Jo koi tumko dhyaavata, riddhi siddhi dhana paataa
Tu hi hai paatala basanti, tu hi shubha daataa
Karma prabhaava prakaashaka, jaganidhi ke traataa
Jis ghara mein tum rahati, saba sadaguna aataa
Kara sake koii kara le, mana nahin ghabaraataa
Tuma bina yagya na hove, vastra na koii paataa
Khaana paana ka vaibhava, sab tumse hi aataa
Shubha guna mandira sundara, kshirodadhi jaataa
Ratana chaturdasha tuma hi, koii nahin paataa
Aartii lakshmii ji ki, jo koii nar gaataa
Ura aananda umanga ati, paap utar jaataa

Jaya Aadya Shakti Ma Aarti

Puja is an important ritual in Hindu culture. It marks the beginning as well as the culmination of many customs. Pooja finds prominence in various Hindu festivals, such as Durga Pooja, Diwali, Dussehra etc. The ritual is regarded as the most convincing way to invoke a deity and seek his/her blessings. This is the reason why special arrangements are made for a pooja, so that the proceedings are carried on smoothly. Taking about the proceedings, aarti is an important part of pooja. Arti is performed at the end of every puja. When the aarti is done, the devotees would sing an aarti song, especially dedicated to the diety. In this article, we have given Jaya Aadya Shakti Ma aarti, sung in praise of Ma Shakti.

Jai Aadya Shakti Ma Arti

Jaya aadya shakti, ma jaya aadya shakti 
Akhand brhamand dipavya, panave pragatya ma
Om jayo jayo ma jagdambe

Dwitiya mehsarup shivshakti janu, ma shivshakti janu
Brahma ganapti gaye, brahma ganapti gaye
Hardayi har ma
Om jayo jayo ma jagdambe

Trutiya tran sarup tribhuvan ma betha, ma tribhuvan ma betha
Daya thaki karveli, daya thaki karveli
Utarvenima
Om jayo jayo ma jagdambe

Chouthe chatura malaxmi ma, sachrachal vyapya
Char bhuja cho disha, char bhuja cho disha
Pragtya dakshin ma
Om jayo jayo ma jagdambe

Panchame panchrushi panchami gunpadma, ma panchami gunpadma
Panchtatv tya soshiye, panchtatv tya soshiye
Panchetatvo ma
Om jayo jayo ma jagdambe

Shashthi tu narayani mahishasur maryo, ma mahishasur maryo
Narnari na rupe, narnari na rupe
Vyapaya saghale ma
Om jayo jayo ma jagdambe

Saptami sapt patal sandhya savitri, ma sandhya savitri
Gau ganga gayatri, gau ganga gayatri
Gauri geeta ma
Om jayo jayo ma jagdambe

Ashthmi ashtha bhujao ayi ananda, ma ayi ananda
Sunivar munivar janamya, sunivar munivar janamya
Dev daityoma
Om jayo jayo ma jagdambe

Navmi navkul nag seve navadurga, ma seve navadurga
Navratri na pujan, shivratri na archan
Kidha har brahma
Om jayo jayo ma jagdambe

Dashmi dash avtaar jay vijyalaxmi, ma jay vijyalaxmi
Rame ravan marya, rame ravan marya
Ravan maryo ma
Om jayo jayo ma jagdambe

Ekadashi agiyar tatyanikama, ma tatyanikama
Kaldurga kalika, kaldurga kalika
Shama ne vama
Om jayo jayo ma jagdambe

Barase kala rup bahuchar amba ma, ma bahuchar amba ma
Asur bhairav souie, kal bhairav soiye
Tara chhe tuj ma
Om jayo jayo ma jagdambe

Terase tulja rup tu tarunimata, ma tu tarunimata
Brahma vishnu sadashiv, brahma vishnu sadashiv
Gun tara gata
Om jayo jayo ma jagdambe

Shivbhakti ni aarati je koi gaye, ma je koi gaye
Bhane shivannad swami, bhane shivannad swami
Sukh sampati pashe, 
Har kaileshe jashe
Ma amba dukh harashe
Om jayo jayo ma jagdambe

Diwali Aarti

Aartis are the special prayers that are sung to please the God. Through these prayers, we admire and appraise the Almighty and pray to bestow blessings upon us. In India, songs are sung in melodious tunes during the performance of aarti, which marks the culmination of any puja, jaagran or keertan. It is believed that these aartis please the Lord in the most convincing way. 'Bhajans' are also sung during the worship rituals. Singing devotional songs at the time of aarti creates a divine environment and fills everyone's heart with spiritualism.

Songs, either the traditional or the new ones, are sung at the time of aarti during Lakshmi Puja, Ganesha Puja and Kali Puja on Diwali. Either the devotees present in the puja sing the songs, or professional singers are called upon for the purpose. While bhajans are sung all through the kirtans, certain songs are especially sung during the performance of aarti. The tune of the very popular song 'Om Jai Jagdish Hare' is in wide use for a number of aarti songs. In this section, we have compiled the lyrics of some of the popular songs that can be sung during aarti, on the occasion of Diwali. 

Jaya Aadya Shakti Ma Aarti
Puja is an important ritual in Hindu culture. It marks the beginning as well as the culmination of many customs. Pooja finds prominence in various Hindu festivals, such as Durga Pooja, Diwali, Dussehra etc. The ritual is regarded as the most convincing way to invoke a deity and seek his/her blessings. This is the reason why special arrangements are made for a pooja, so that the proceedings are carried on smoothly. 

Maa Lakshmi Aarti
In order to please the Goddess of Wealth, Lakshmi puja is conducted on the third (main) day of the five-day festival, Diwali. On the day, people clean their home and premises, illuminate the place with earthen lamps (diya) and electric lights. In the evening, they offer prayers to Goddess Lakshmi and pray for good health and prosperity. During the puja, some like singing bhajans, while others chant mantras. 

Om Jaya Jagadeesha Hare
One of the most popular Hindi aartis, 'Om Jai Jagadish Hare' is sung almost in every puja. The song was originally composed by Pandit Shardha Ram Phillauri in Punjab, in 1870s. Hindus of all background are well acquainted with the tune of the song, which is used in many other Hindi aarti songs that have similar lyrics. According to the historical records, 'Om Jaya Jagadisha Hare' was inspired by Dashavatara section of Gita Govinda of Jayadeva, a lyrical composition that dates back to the 12th century, which has the same refrain. 

Ganesh Aarti
Lord Ganesha, the elephant-deity, is one of the most worshipped Hindu idols. He is regarded as the God, who banishes all the obstacles, when worshipped with utmost sincerity and devotion. Known by as many as 108 names, Lord Ganesha is worshipped in innumerable temples that are especially dedicated to him. In fact, Ganesh Puja is performed before worshiping any other deity. After the puja is performed, aarti is done, which marks the culmination of the ritual. 

Shri Ram Aarti
It is hard to see a Hindu, who doesn't have adoration for Lord Rama. Lord Rama is regarded as the epitome of humankind. Lord Rama is considered as the perfect husband, ideal son and adored father. According to the Hindu epic 'Ramayana', Lord Rama was born in the human form in the Tretha Yug, as the seventh incarnation of Lord Maha Vishnu. Lord Rama is worshipped with sincerity by his devotees. Temples dedicated to the deity conduct special pujas during occasions like Dussehra and Rama Navami.

Diwali Around The World

Diwali is celebrated in almost all the regions of India. Apart from India, the festival is celebrated worldwide. It has become synonymous with the culture and celebrations of India. People in different parts of the world celebrate Diwali with zeal and enthusiasm. They consider the festival as the one that signifies the victory of good over the evil. It is believed that the evil spirits are destroyed into ashes by the fireworks. On the occasion, there are jubilations and feasts all around. The Hindus in Guyana, Fiji, Mauritius, Myanmar, Malaysia, Nepal, Japan, Thailand, Srilanka, Trinidad and Tobago as well as Britain, Indonesia, Singapore, Africa, Australia and even Southern America are known to celebrate Diwali. In the following lines, we have given information on worldwide Deepavali celebrations. 

Diwali Celebrations Around The World 

Diwali In India
Diwali is a five-day extravaganza in India. Diwali celebrations in India is marked by multi-colored display of Rangoli designs at the entranceway of residents, special pooja ceremonies, lines of colorful and sparkling lights and earthen lamps (diyas), exchange of sweets and gifts, fireworks and lots of shopping. Every home in the country shines with the glow of the dazzling lights and candles that are lit to welcome Goddess Lakshmi on Diwali. 

Diwali In UK
In Britain, people indulge themselves in spring-cleaning their home. They wear new clothes and decorate their homes with fancy lights. The British city of Leicester is notable for the Diwali extravaganza. The official switch-on ceremony is the highlight of Diwali celebrations in Leicester. Thousands of people witness the ceremony. 

Diwali In USA
Diwali celebrations in USA are akin to that witnessed in India. In USA, houses are decorated with earthen lamps. Spectacular display of sparkling electronic lights is the highlight of the celebrations. Colorful rangoli are also displayed. People in USA gather in the evenings, at a community hall nearby, where cultural events are organized. Fire crackers are burst and Diwali sweets and snacks are distributed among the family and friends.

Diwali In Australia
Diwali in Australia is marked by magnificent display of fireworks. The population of Australia, with Indian origin, celebrates the festival with much pomp and gaiety. Indians living in Australia use the opportunity to showcase their unity in diversity and the rich cultural heritage of India. They illuminate their homes with colorful lights and diyas. 

Diwali In Mauritius
About 63% population in Mauritius has Indian origins and 80% of them are Hindus. Therefore, the celebration of Hindu festivals is a common sight in Mauritius. Diwali is celebrated to commemorate the return of Lord Rama, after 14 years of exile. Much like India, earthen lamps are lit in rows, in Mauritius. Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped and crackers are burst to ward off the evil spirits

Diwali In Nepal
In Nepal, Diwali is known as 'Tihar' and celebrated for five days, in October/November. On the first day, cows are worshipped and given offerings. On the second day, dogs are revered and offered special food. On the third day, Diwali celebrations in Nepal are similar to that in India, with lights, lamps and social activities. On the fourth day Yama, the Lord of Death, is worshipped and appeased. On the fifth and final day, brothers and sisters meet and exchange gifts.

Diwali In Malaysia 
Diwali is celebrated in most parts of Malaysia, except in the regions of Sarawak and Federal Territory of Labuan. Nearly 8% of the population of Malaysia comprises of Hindus, who celebrate 'Hari Diwali' that symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. Malaysian people start their Diwali celebrations with the traditional oil bath, visit the temples and offer prayers. Small earthen lamps with coconut oil are lit to commemorate the victory of Lord Rama over the demon-king Ravana. 

Diwali In Indonesia 
Although majority of the Indonesian population follows Islam - Hindus constitute only 2% of the population - Diwali is celebrated with much pomp and gaiety. The island of Bali is famous for Diwali celebrations, as majority of the Indians are concentrated there. They celebrate the festival by following rituals that are native to India. The celebrations in the country are similar to that of India.

Diwali In Trinidad 
Diwali celebrations in Trinidad are marked by the colorful display of fireworks. Since 1966, the festival is celebrated for nine days and culminated with a national holiday. Indian classical music performances, Hindu devotional song renditions, dance shows are organized during the festival. People clad themselves in ethnic Indian attire, to take part in the merrymaking.

Diwali In Singapore
Serangoon Road in Singapore is famous for Diwali celebrations. This is the place where maximum people of Indian origin reside. During Diwali, the streets in Singapore are filled with families, who are busy shopping for the festival. The archways are decorated with flowers and garlands. Diyas are also lit. People visit Hindu temples in Singapore to offer prayers.

Diwali In Fiji
The people belonging to the Indo Fijian community decorate their homes with flashing lights. Apart from Hindus in the island nation, non-Hindus also take part in the festivities. Crackers are burst by children, who take part in various extracurricular activities held in their schools. Exchange of sweets and fireworks are part of the merrymaking. The diyas, candles and electric lights are lit in the evening. The celebrations are culminated by feasting.

Diwali Milan

Diwali, the festival of lights and firecrackers, is a perfect occasion to revive personal relationships and social ties. Indians all over the world celebrate this festival with great enthusiasm. The festivities associated with this festival encourage people to socialize and interact with each other. Such reunions are popularly called 'Diwali Milan'. The series of ceremonious occasions that Diwali brings with itself gives an opportunity to the people to pay visits to their relatives, friends, neighbors and business associates and exchange sweets and gifts with them. Go through the following lines to know more about Diwali Milan.

Diwali Milan is a significant affair, as it is the time when younger people express respect to the elder one and the latter shower blessings upon the former. A special friendly and pleasant atmosphere is created all around, where every one is busy greeting, wishing and exchanging gifts with one another. The 'Grihalakshmi' (leading woman of a family) prepares lots of snacks and sweets at home, especially for serving on Diwali Milan gatherings. The women share these snacks and sweets with their guests as well as their families. Thus, people cherish the sweet memories of this festival by sweetening each other's mouth with mouthwatering variety of eatables. 

Till some time back, Diwali Milan was just the formal affair of paying a visit to the acquaintances' home and exchange gifts and sweets with them. As the time has changed and so has the trend, Diwali Milan has now taken the shape of a party, rather than just being a family get together. Enthralling parties are arranged by people, just a weekend before the festival, a few days prior to it or on the day itself (in some cases). Party halls are booked several days before the event. On the other extent, if it is a traditional family get together, then the host(s) would arrange a lavish dinner for the guests. 

If you are planning to arrange a Diwali Milan for your close friends, relatives and business associates, then consider spending for the occasion wisely. In case you are planning to organize a lunch or dinner, then plan it beforehand. Be sure to select the food and beverages according to the general taste and preferences of the guests. Include one or two varieties of sweets in your menu. You may arrange some Diwali party games for the guests. Since Diwali is known for the game of playing cards, you may arrange it on the occasion, but be sure not to involve the bet of money in the game. At the end of the get together/party, you may present favors to your guests, such as, dinner set, table cloth, timepiece, photo frame, gift baskets, sweets etc.

Diwali Gift Ideas

Celebrated throughout the world by Indians, Diwali is a festival that brings with it the tradition of worshipping Goddess Lakshmi, tradition of cleaning the homes and decorating it with colorful lights, bursting firecrackers, exchange of gifts, lots of shopping and the sense of togetherness. The festive season is the perfect time to revive your emotional and personal relationships as well as the social bond. Exchanging gifts is a lovely tradition of Diwali, which helps you make your personal, social and business ties stronger. The custom of exchanging gifts on Diwali is followed to show love, respect, thankfulness, appreciation and togetherness. If picking a suitable present for your loved ones is your confusion, then read the article. We have provided some of the best gift ideas for Diwali. 

Presents For Deepavali 

Dry Fruits Gift Basket
Dry fruit gift basket is one of the most common and preferred gifts for Diwali. Gift packs containing an assortment of several varieties of dry fruits including nuts, cashews, chestnuts, almonds and many more are available in the market. You may choose the price range for the gift basket as well. 

Traditional Indian Outfits
Since Diwali is a ceremonious occasion, consider sending traditional Indian outfits to your near and dear. You may either opt for readymade garments or buy the materials for salwar-kameez, suit etc.

Sweets Pack 
A traditional Diwali gift, sweets are inevitable parts of the celebration. Consider buying a gift pack of mixed sweets for your relatives. Ensure that you satisfy their taste. In case you are presenting the gift to calorie conscious people, you may opt for the low-calorie sweets.

Jewelry
Buying and exchanging jewelry as gifts on Diwali is considered auspicious. You may buy A piece of jewellery made of silver, gold or diamond such as bracelets, rings, chains, pendants, cufflinks, tie-pins etc. Jewellery boxes are also good gift items. 

Time Piece
In the present time, wrist watches are not only used to check the time, but also worn as accessory, matching the attire. Hence, wrist watch makes a perfect Diwali gift item, to bestow upon an individual. In case you are purchasing present for a family, you may buy wall clocks that are now available in various attractive shapes and sizes. 

Gadgets
Electronic devices like television, mobile phone, DVD player, home theatre system, mp3 player are perfect gifts for the entire family. During the festive season, a number of electronic manufacturers come up with attractive offers, like 'buy one get one free' or exchange offers. Make the most of the offer, during the festive season! 

Kitchenware
Utensils used in the kitchen, including pots and pans, mixing bowls, cutting boards, knives and spoons are included in kitchenware. You may purchase crystal glass, optical fiber, plastic or crockery, depending upon your budget. 

Showpiece
If you are planning to buy showpiece for your relatives, then consider buying artworks. You may also go for wall hangings. A wide variety is available in the market, during the festive season.

Bhai Duj

Diwali, the vibrant festival of lights, brings with it a chance to revive relationships. The fifth day of the five-day festival is especially dedicated to honor the unique bond between brother and sister. Known as Bhai Dooj or Bhaiya Duj, it falls on the second day after Diwali, that is, on 'Shukla Paksha Dwitiya' in the Hindi month of 'Kartik'. Thus, Bhayya Duj is the festival that marks the end of Diwali celebrations. This festival is popular in different regions with different names, such as 'Bhai-Dooj' in north India, 'Bhav-Bij' in Maharashtra, 'Bhai-Phota' in Bengal and 'Bhai-Teeka' in Nepal. Read on to know more about Bhai Duj.

The Legends
Like the other four days of Diwali, Bhai Duj finds its roots in mythology. According to the legends, Lord Yamraj, the God of Death, visited his sister Yamuna on the 'Shukla Paksha Dwitiya' day in the Hindi month of 'Kartik'. He was given a hearty welcome by his sister, when he visited her home. On his arrival, she performed aarti, applied tilak on his forehead and adorned his neck with a beautiful garland. She cooked delicious dishes and prepared sweets for him. Touched by her heartfelt welcome, Yamraj bestowed presents upon her and showered blessings on her. He gave her a boon that every time a brother visits his sister on this day, he would be prospered with health and wealth. This is why Bhayya Duj is also known as 'Yam-Dwitiya'. 

One more story is associated with the celebrations of Bhai Duj. According to the story, after Bhagwaan Mahavir attained 'Nirvana', his brother Raja Nandi-Vardhan became very sad. He missed Bhagwaan Mahavir very badly. At that moment, his sister Sudarshana comforted him. Since then, the women have been revered during this festival, by their brothers. Therefore, Bhai Duj is not only significant for the people following Hinduism, but also important for the Buddhists of India. By celebrating Bhai Duj, they put an end to the celebration of the Nirvana of Lord Mahavir.

Bhaiya Duj Celebrations 
On the auspicious day of Bhaiya-Dooj, brothers and sisters get up early in the morning and get ready for the day. On the arrival of their brothers, the sisters perform 'aarti' (of their brothers) and apply a beautiful 'Tilak' or 'Teeka' on their forehead. The sisters they sweeten the mouth of their brother, with mouth-watering eatables, such as ladoo. Thereafter, the brothers and sisters exchange gifts with each other. On the auspicious day of 'Yam-Dwitiya', the people of 'Kayastha' community of Hindus celebrate the holy function of worshipping Lord Chitragupta, the God who maintains the records of life and death of the living beings. The 'Kayastha' community also worships the pen, paper and ink on this day, in the honor of Lord Chitragupta.

Govardhan Puja

The fourth day of Diwali celebrations is 'Padwa' or 'Varshapratipada'. In the North India, it is called as Govardhan Puja. This pooja is performed with great zeal and enthusiasm and in the states of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. In this pooja, there is a tradition of building cow dung hillocks, which symbolize the Mount Govardhan, the mountain which was once lifted by Lord Krishna. After making such hillocks people decorate them with flowers and then worship them. They move in a circle all round the cow dung hillocks and offer prayers to Lord Govardhan. Read on this article to explore more about the Govardhan Puja.

Govardhan Puja Legends 
'Govardhan' is a small hillock situated at 'Braj', near Mathura. The legends in 'Vishnu Puraan' have it that the people of Gokul used to worship and offer prayer to Lord Indra for the rains because they believed that it was he who sent rains for their welfare but Lord Krishna told them that it was Mount Govardhan (Govardhan Paevat) and not Lord Indra who caused rains therefore they should worship the former and not the latter. People did the same and it made Lord Indra so furious that the people of Gokul had to face very heavy rains as a result of his anger. Then Lord Krishna came forward to ensure their security and after performing worship and offering prayers to Mount Govardhan lifted it as an umbrella on the little finger of his right hand so that everyone could take shelter under it. After this event Lord Krishna was also known as Giridhari or Govardhandhari. 

Govardhan Pooja Celebrations

Anna-Koot 
The fourth day of diwali celebrations is also observed as Anna-Koot, which literally means 'mountain of food'. On this auspicious day the people prepare fifty-six or one hundred and eight different varieties of delicious dishes to offer Lord Krishna as 'Bhog'. In the temples, specifically in Mathura and Nathdwara, the deities are given milk bath, dressed in new shining attires and decorated with ornaments of dazzling diamonds, pearls, rubies and other precious stones and metals. Then they are worshipped, offered prayers and bhajans and also offered delicious sweets, fruits and eatables that are ceremoniously raised in the form of a mountain before the idols. 

Padwa 
The fourth day of diwali celebrations or the day following the 'Amavasya' is 'Kartik Shuddh Padwa', which is also the day when the King Bali would come out of the 'Patal Lok', the nether land and rule the 'Bhoo Lok', the world as per the boon given to him by 'Batu Waman', Lord Vishnu. Therefore this day is also known as 'Bali Padyami'. 'Padwa' or 'Varshapratipada' also marks the coronation of King Vikramaditya as 'Vikaram-Samvat' was started from this Padwa day. 

Gudi Padwa 
The day of Gudi Padwa has special significance for the Hindu families. There is a custom in which on this holy day the wife applies the 'Tilak' on the forehead of her husband, garlands him, performs his 'Aarti' and also prays for his long life. Then the husband gives her a gift in appreciation of all the tender care that his wife showers on him. Thus the Gudi Padwa is festival of celebrations and respect of love and devotion between the wife and the husband. People invite their newly married daughters with their husbands on this day of Gudi Padwa for special meals and give them gifts.

Lakshmi Pooja

Diwali is one of the most popular and liked Indian festival. This beautiful festival of light is celebrated by all the Indians around the globe. Lakshmi Pooja is one of the most important features of Diwali celebrations. Lakshmi, who is considered the goddess of light, beauty, good fortune and wealth, is worshipped on the occasion of Diwali to bring prosperity in the family. She is also worshiped to achieve success and fortune. It is however said that she does not reside long with anyone who is lazy and untidy or desire her only as wealth. That is why before the Lakshmi Pooja, people actively clean their home and worship her with immense devotion. 

Lakshmi is said to be the daughter of the sage Bhrigu. Legends say that she took refuge in the ocean of milk when the gods were sent into exile. Lakshmi was reborn when Lord and Demon churned the ocean to get ‘Amrut’, the drink of immortality. However as the God had a glimpse of Lakshmi, they all fell in love with her mesmerizing exquisiteness. First of all, Shiva claimed Lakshmi as his wife, but as he had been given the Moon, Lakhsmi’s marriage was performed with Vishnu, who was also a preferred choice by the Goddess.

Steps of Lakshmi Pooja
Lakshmi Pooja is done in a very specific manner. First of all the entire place for the pooja is cleaned and a higher platform with a new cloth over at it is made realy for deity’s establishment. A kalash (pitcher) made of gold, silver, copper, or terracotta is then placed over it with handful of grains at the base. Three-fouth of the kalash is then filled with water and a betel nut, a flower, a coin, and some rice is placed in it. The Kalash is then decorated with mango leaves and covered with a plate containing rice grains. It is auspicious to draw a lotus with turmeric powder (haldi) over the rice grains and then place the idol of goddess Lakshmi over it, along with coins. 

Once the Goddess is established the Pooja is started in the presence of entire family. At most of the places, Lord Ganesha is also worshipped along with the Goddess. It is said that worshipping two of them together is very auspicious and it brings wisdom and wealth together. The idol of Ganesha is placed infront of the kalash, on the right (South-West direction). It is said that placing ink and books related to your business or occupation on the platform in front of him will bring wisdom and knowledge.

The Pooja begins in the presence of entire family by lighting a lamp or diya. The deities are offered haldi, kumkum, and flowers to the platform on which the kalash is placed. Then Goddess Lakshmi is invoked by reciting the Vedic mantras addressed to her. It is said that even if you do not remember mantras you can also invoke the Goddess by simply closing your eyes and remembering her with full devotion. Like other god and goddesses, you can also offer her flowers and bathe her in panchamrit, a mixture of milk, curd, ghee or clarified butter, honey, and sugar). It is considered auspicious if Goddess Lakshmi is offered some gold ornament or a pearl.

If you want to do an extensive pooja you can offer sandal paste, saffron paste, perfume ( itr ), haldi, kumkum, abeer, and gulal to the goddess along with a garland of cotton beads. Flowers specially marigold and leaves of Bel, wood apple is also considered to be the favorite of Goddess Laksmi. Along with earthen lamps, you can also light an incense stick, dhoop and perform an elaborate havan. At the end, the aarti for goddess Lakshmi should be performed.

Chhoti Diwali

Diwali is a festival, which brings a series of festivals with it. One after another we get a chance to celebrate five festivals together. Narak Chaturdashi is one of these festivals and it is celebrated on the second day of Diwali celebrations, just one day before the actual Diwali celebrations. The Narak Chaturdashi, falls on the fourteenth day of the Hindi month, Kartik is more popular by the name of Chhoti Diwali. It is celebrated with same zeal and enthusiasm as the main Diwali but it is on comparatively lower scale. Just like Diwali people light diyas on Chhoti Diwali to fill their homes with light and worship Goddess Laxmi.

Legends
One famous story behind the celebrations of Chhoti Diwali or Narak Chaturdashi is about the demon king Narakasur who was ruler of Pragjyotishpur, a province to the South of Nepal. During a war, he defeated Lord Indra and snatched away the magnificent earrings of Mother Goddess Aditi who was not only the ruler of Suraloka but also a relative of Lord Krishna's wife, Satyabhama. Narakasur also imprisoned sixteen thousand daughters of Gods and saints in his harem. 

When Satyabhama came to know about this malevolent act of Narakasur she got furious and she prayed to Lord Krishna to empower her so that she could destroy Narakasur. The legend also tells that Narakasur was under a curse that a woman would kill him. So, Lord Krishna empowered Satyabhama to fight with Narakasur and himself became the charioteer of her 'Ratha' in the battlefield. Thus, by the grace of Lord Krishna Satyabhama beheaded Narakasur on a day before to Narak Chaturdashi and released the imprisoned ladies from Narakasur's harem and also recovered the precious earrings of Mother Goddess Aditi. 

In order to save all those imprisoned ladies from embarrassment Lord Krishna accepted them all as his wives. As a symbol of the victory over Narakasur, Lord Krishna smeared his forehead with this demon king's blood. Then Lord Krishna returned home with his new wives early morning of the Narak Chaturdashi day. The womenfolk massaged scented oil to his body and gave him a good bath to wash away the filth from his body. Since then, there is a custom to take bath before sunrise on the day of Narak Chaturdashi, especially in the state of Maharashtra. It is said that the mother of the Narakasura, Bhoodevi, declared that the death of her son should not be a day of mourning but an occasion for celebrations. Since then people celebrate Chhoti Diwali with joy and fun every year. 

Another legend is about King Bali, who was king of the nether world. His power and increasing influence posed a threat to the security of all 'Devatas' so they prayed Lord Vishnu to help them out. To help Devatas and to curb King Bali's powers Lord Vishnu went to King Bali in the guise of a short-height 'Brahmin', who is known as incarnation of 'Batu Waman', and begged to give him only that much area of land that he could cover with in three steps because King Bali was well known for his philanthropy. King Bali saw just a short-height 'Brahmin' asking for a little piece of land so he proudly granted him his wish. 

That very moment that short-height 'Brahmin' disappeared and there was almighty Lord Vishnu in place of him. In his first step, Lord Vishnu covered the heaven and in the second step the earth and asked King Bali where to put his third step. Then King Bali offered his head to Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu put his third step on his head and pushed him deep into the underground. But at the same time being impressed by his generosity Lord Vishnu gave King Bali the lamp of knowledge and allowed him to return to earth once a year to light millions of lamps. 

Chhoti Diwali - The Narak Chaturdashi Celebrations
People wake up early in the morning break any bitter fruit and apply the kumkum-oil paste, which is called 'Ubtan', on their foreheads and then take bath. The breaking of the fruit represents the head of the demon King, Narakasur and the kumkum-oil paste symbolizes the blood that Lord Krishna smeared on his forehead. In the state of Maharashtra, people take the traditional early baths after applying the paste of gram flour, fragrant powders and oil on their foreheads. As long as the ritual of bath takes place, deafening sound of crackers and fireworks could be heard so that the children enjoy bathing. At dusk, people start lighting Diyas and candles in and around their house to mark the celebration of Chhoti Diwali.

Dhanteras

The festival of Dhanteras is also known as Dhantrayodashi and Dhanvantari Trayodashi (Dhanwantari Trayodashi). This festival marks the beginning of the Diwali celebrations and that is why, it is considered the first day of five days long festivities of Diwali. The term 'Dhanteras' consists of two factors 'dhan', which means wealth and 'teras', which means thirteenth. Here thirteenth is meant to indicate the day 'Trayodashi', i.e. the thirteenth day of the month on which Dhanteras falls. Dhanvantari Trayodashi (Dhanwantari Trayodashi) is celebrated on the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha, of the Hindu month of Kartik, which is two days before Diwali.

Dhanteras Celebrations 
People worship Lord Yamaraj, the God of death, on this day and light a 'Yama-Diya' in the night to offer prayers to him to bless them with prosperity, well being and protection. They also purchase a new utensil, silver or gold coin or some other precious metal as a sign of good luck on the day of Dhanteras. The day of Dhanteras has great importance for the mercantile community of Western India. In Maharashtra, there is a peculiar custom to lightly pound dry coriander seeds with jaggery and offer as Naivedya. In the rural areas the cultivators worship their cattle because they form the main source of their income and livelihood. 

Dhanteras Legends
There are several popular legendary stories to explain the foundation of this celebration. One famous story is about Lord Dhanvantari and his service to mankind. Lord Dhanvantari, who is considered to be the physician of Gods and an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, came out of the ocean that was churned by the Gods and the demons on the day of Dhanteras. Lord Dhanvantari appeared with Ayurvedic for the welfare of the mankind. It was because of this reason that the Dhanteras was celebrated in his honor. 

Another interesting story famous about Dhanteras is related to the son of King Hima and his intelligent wife. It was predicted about King Hima that he would die on the fourth day of his marriage and the reason behind his death would be snakebite. When his wife came to know about such a prediction she decided not to let her husband die and for this she made a plan. On the fourth day of their marriage she collected all the jewelery and wealth at the entrance of her husband's boudoir and lighted lamps all around the place and started telling stories and singing songs one after another in order to not let her husband sleep. 

In the mid night Lord Yama, the God of death arrived there in guise of a snake. The bright lights of the lamps lit by the wife of the king's son blinded his eyes and he could not enter their chamber. Therefore, Lord Yama found a place to stay comfortable on top of the heap of the jewelry and wealth and kept sitting there for the whole night waiting to get a chance to bite the king's son but as the wife of the king's son kept telling stories and singing songs for the whole night therefore he could not get any chance and in the morning he left the place quietly. Thus, the wife saved her husband's life from the cruel clutches of death. Since then the day of dhanteras is also known as the day of 'Yamadeepdaan' and it has become a tradition to light a diya on dhanteras and to keep it burning throughout the night in reverential adoration of Lord Yama, the God of death.

Diwali Celebration

The festival of Diwali is celebrated by the Indians throughout the world with special enthusiasm and zeal. May be this is why, it is the most popular as well as liked festival in the country as well as abroad. This festival of lights brings along with itself immense enthusiasm and pleasure. Unlike other Indian festivals, the Diwali celebrations are not limited to just one-day but it brings a series of festivals and holidays with itself. As Diwali is the festival of Goddess Lakshmi,the goddess of wealth, it is celebrated with great pomp and show. Lights, crackers, sweets and abundant shopping are the most awaited features of the Diwali season. Diwali is the festival, which means celebration one after another, each day with a new philosophy. Given here is a list of events that Diwali brings along with itself.

Diwali Celebrations in India

First Day - Dhanteras
Diwali begins with Dhanvantari Trayodashi (Dhanwantari Trayodashi), which is the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha, of the Hindu month of Kartik. Dhanvantari Trayodashi is popularly known as Dhan-teras. Legends have it that Lord Dhanwantari (Lord Dhanwantari) came out of the ocean with Ayurvedic on this day for the welfare of the mankind. The people worship Lord Yamaraj, the God of death, on this day and light a 'Yama-Diya' in the night to offer prayers to Him. Purchasing a new utensil by the people on this day is also a tradition related with Dhanvantari Trayodashi. 

Second Day - Choti Diwali
After the Dhanvantari Trayodashi the second day of Diwali is Narak Chaturdashi. Legends have it that Lord Krishna killed the demon Narakasur on this day to make the mankind free from his fear. It is a tradition to massage the body with oil and to bathe on this day. According to an interesting saying it is believed that those who do not bathe on this day go to the Narak (hell). 

Third Day - Badi Diwali or Lakshmi Puja 
The third day of DIWALI also called Badi Diwali is the main day of celebrations of the festival of Diwali. People perform Lakshmi Pujan (worship of divine Goddess Lakshmi) on this day and offer prayers to her to bless them with wealth and prosperity. On this day people clean their homes and decorate it with various colorful lights and fire crackers to express their joy. 

Fourth Day - Govardhan Puja (Gowardhan Puja) or Padwa
As the name itself suggests the fourth day of diwali is devoted to Govardhan Pooja (worship of Lord Govardhan Parvat). Legends have it that Lord Shri Krishna once performed the Govardhan Pooja along with the people of Vraja for their protection from heavy rains. Since then it became a tradition for Hindus to worship Govardhan Parvat to honour that first Pooja on this day. 

Fifth Day - Bhai Duj (Bhaiya Dooj) or Bhratri Dooj
The fifth day of the diwali is Bhai Dooj, the time to honour the brother-sister relationship. Legends have it that in the Vedic era, Lord Yamaraj (the God of death) visited his sister Yamuna on this day and blessed her with a boon that if brothers visit their sisters on this day then they will be liberated from all their sins. Since then it is a tradition that brothers visit their sisters on this day and the sisters sweeten their mouths with variety of sweets. In the Bengali culture this day is celebrated as 'Bhai Fota'. The celebration of the Bhai Dooj marks the end of the five days long festivities of Diwali.