Diwali begins with Vasubaras on November 5 and ends with Bhaubeej on November 11

In Hinduism, Diwali is regarded as the biggest festival of joy and auspiciousness. The glow of lamps, colourful rangolis at the doorstep, fireworks and the aroma of festive dishes fill the atmosphere with excitement. The festival, which celebrates the victory of light over darkness and truth over falsehood, is now only a few days away.

The festival is celebrated with great fanfare across the country. Each tithi, from Ashwin Krishna Trayodashi to Kartik Shukla Dwitiya, has its own significance. It is believed that Lord Ram returned to Ayodhya with Sita around these days after completing 14 years of exile. The people of Ayodhya celebrated with a festival of lamps, and the celebration has been held every year since.

The first day of Diwali is Vasubaras, which falls on Thursday, November 5. It is observed a day before Dhanatrayodashi, on Ashwin Krishna Dwadashi. It is also called Govatsa Dwadashi. On this day, married women worship a cow with her calf.

Dhanatrayodashi falls on Friday, November 6. It is observed on the Trayodashi tithi of the Krishna paksha of the month of Kartik, and the day is considered highly auspicious. Wealth is worshipped on this day. It is said that during the churning of the ocean, Lord Dhanvantari, the god of health and physician of the gods, appeared on this day holding a pot of nectar, which is why he is worshipped. To keep happiness, prosperity and wealth in the home, Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and Lord Kubera, keeper of the treasury of wealth, are also worshipped.

Narak Chaturdashi and Lakshmi Puja fall on Sunday, November 8. Abhyang snan is performed on Narak Chaturdashi. Amavasya begins at 11.27 am that day. Lord Krishna slew the tyrant demon Narakasura, and the festival is observed in memory of this and as a symbol of the victory of good over evil.

The muhurat for Lakshmi Puja is from 6 pm to 8.33 pm. On this day, Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, prosperity and splendour, is worshipped wholeheartedly at home.

Ashwin Amavasya falls on Monday, November 9. The Amavasya begins on Sunday morning and ends at 12.31 pm on Monday, November 9.

Balipratipada falls on Tuesday, November 10. The month of Kartik begins on this day, and Govardhan Puja is also performed. According to legend, on this day Lord Vishnu took the Vamana avatar, sent King Bali to Patala and granted him a boon to visit the earth.

Bhaubeej falls on Wednesday, November 11. It is also called Yama Dwitiya. It got the name Bhaubeej because it falls on Kartik Shukla Dwitiya. It is said that on this day Yama went to his sister's house. She performed his aarti and expressed her joy. The tradition of a sister performing aarti for her brother began from then.