Diwali or Deepavali marks the return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile and therefore return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya is widely celebrated across the nation.
Diwali is celebrated on the new moon day of Kartik month. This year, Diwali is falling on November 4, 2021. Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha are worshipped on this festival and it is believed that worshipping mother Lakshmi and Lord Ganesh on Deepawali bring peace, progress, and prosperity.
When Lord Rama returned after a fourteen-year exile to Ayodhya, people rejoiced and lit their homes with diyas. Hence it is also known as 'the festival of lights, and it became customary to light earthen diyas and candles to celebrate the day.
Preparations for this grand festival Diwali begins with cleaning the house and in addition to the houses; offices and shops are decorated with lights. On the day of Dhanteras, Lord Dhanvantari and Kubera are worshipped two days before the festival. Even many people purchase and wear new clothes and jewelry during this period, and pray to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha.
Kali Puja is performed in Eastern States of India such as West Bengal, and in Tamil Nadu, the day is celebrated as Narak Chaturdashi.
The festivities will begin on November, 3, i.e. Dhanteras and Choti Diwali. The festival will be followed by Govardhan Puja on November 5 and Bhaiya Dooj on November 16.
Diwali 2021: Date and Puja Timings
Lakshmi puja is an integral part of Diwali. Its shubh mahurat or auspicious timing for 2021 is from 06:09 PM to 08:04 PM (New Delhi). The timing can be varied for different cities.
Sweets are integral to any festival, and Diwali without sweets is incomplete. People prefer sweets such as:
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Kaju Katli
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Soan Papdi
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Mysore Paak
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Motichoorke Laddoo
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Kheer
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Gulab Jamun
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Shankarpaleand so much more.
May this Diwali light up your new dreams, new hopes, new avenues, and new perspectives. Happy Diwali 2020!!
