Diwali 2019 Calendar: Dates of Dhanteras, Narak Chaturdasi, Lakshmi Puja, Govardhan Puja, Bhai Dooj - Days of The Festival of Lights
The much-awaited festival of lights –Diwali 2019 – is just a few days away and here’s everything you should know about this auspicious festival!
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is among one of the highly awaited, celebrated and loved festivals of India. It is that time of the year when entire India is decked up like a newly-wedded bride with lights, colours, firecrackers and happiness all around. Diwali is also synonymous with lights for all the obvious reasons and is celebrated for a span of five days, with each day having a significance of its own. This year i.e., in 2019, Diwali is going to be celebrated on Sunday, October 27, 2019. However, in some states, it will be celebrated on Monday i.e., October 28.
History and significance of Diwali
As per the mythology, in the seventh century Sanskrit play Nagananda, Diwali was known as Deepapratipadutsava. During which, all the newlywed couples were gifted lamps and other souvenirs to honour Lord Vishnu marriage with Goddess Lakshmi. In the ninth-century work of poet Rajashekhar, Diwali was known as Dipamalika, in which, there was a mention of traditions like cleaning homes and decorating them with lights.
However, Diwali is majorly celebrated to mark the victory of good over the evil, as Lord Rama and Sita returned home after 14 years of exile (vanvas). And, as per a popular legend, Diwali is also connected with the story of Yama and Nachiketa on Kartika Amavasya and, in it, there’s a narration of various tales of true wealth, knowledge and right versus wrong. It is believed that this is among one of the most significant reasons behind Diwali being known as the festival of lights, prosperity and happiness.
Days
1 – Dhanteras (October 25, 2019)
Every year, Diwali commences with Dhanteras, a day wherein people follow the ritual of buying gold, silver or utensils. Well, it is firmly believed that purchasing any form of the precious metal during this day brings good luck.
2 – Choti Diwali AKA Narak Chaturdasi (October 26, 2019)
Choti Diwali is celebrated a day before the main Diwali and, on this day, people follow the practice of taking an oil bath with Ubtan, just before the sunrise.
3 – Lakshmi Puja (October 27, 2019)
Considered as the main Diwali, on this day, people worship the Goddess of wealth – Lakshmi – by organising puja at their houses, which should be cleaned beforehand. People also distribute sweets and gifts among their close ones and soak into the spirit of what we call it as the festival of lights.
4 – Govardhan Puja (Gudi Padwa) (October 28, 2019)
Mainly known as Gudi Padwa, Govardhan Puja is a tribute to the crowing of King Vikramaditya and Vikaram-Samrat that started on this day. Gudi Padwa has its significances in both North and South.
5 – Bhai Dooj (October 29, 2019)
On the final day of Diwali, known as Bhai Dooj, all the sisters pray for the well-being of their brothers, who, in return, shower them with gifts and love.
Here’s wishing a very Happy Diwali to all our dear readers!
(Also read - Diwali 2019: Sunny Leone, Kartik Aaryan, Rajkummar Rao, Karan Singh Grover, Bipasha Basu Dazzle At Anand Pandit’s Diwali Party)
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