Diwali 2017: Significance of the Diwali,Date, Laxmi Puja and Prasad

For the land of festivals, India, this time of the year is rather joyous and celebratory time. Why you ask? Because its Diwali. Also known as the festival of lights, Diwali is one of the most significant festivals celebrated across the country . Diwali 2017 falls on 19th October 2017 and the preparations for it have already begun in full swing. From buying new clothes to painting your houses and organizing Diwali parties, one can't help but notice the festive spirit in the air.

Significance of Diwali or Deepavali

Diwali marks the homecoming of Lord Rama with his wife Sita and brother Laxmana to his kingdom Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. Lord Rama who left for his 'Vanvaas', following his father King Dasharat's command, spent 14 years wandering in the forests and villages of India. Towards the end of his exile, Sita is abducted by the ten-headed king of Lanka Ravana who disguises himself as a Yogi as asks Sita for 'Bhiksha' (offerings). While handing it over to him, Sita crosses the Laxman-Rekha drawn by Ram's younger brother Laxman and Ravana is able to capture her. Lord Ram, on hearing this, launches a war against the army of Ravana and reaches Lanka to fight Ravana and bring his wife back. The victory of Lord Rama in the epic battle of Ramayana symbolizes the victory of good over evil.

_{Diwali 2017: Deepavali marks the homecoming of Lord Rama}

It is believed that when the news of Lord Ram returning to his homeland reached Ayodhya, the entire city was lit with thousands of oil lamps (diyas) and decorated with flowers and beautiful rangolis. Since then, Diwali has been known as the festival of lights. In order to welcome, Lord Ram into their homes people decorate their houses with oil lamps, which is why the festival is also called 'Deepavali'. The tradition of lighting oil lamps symbolizes the victory of good over evil. People also make preparations to welcome Goddess Lakshmi by drawing beautiful rangolis, and Paduka (footsteps) on the entrance of their houses. In Bengal, people conduct the Kali puja on the Diwali day which takes place overnight. There is also a tradition of distributing sweets and dry fruits to friends, relative and neighbours to celebrate the festival of Diwali. Kaju Katli, Besan Laddoo and Soan Papdi are some of the most common sweets enjoyed during Diwali.

(Also Read: Diwali 2017: 9 Delicious Diwali Snacks for the Festive Celebrations)

Kaju Katli, Besan Laddoo and Soan Papdi are some of the most common sweets of Diwali

Five-Day Festive Extravaganza

Diwali celebrations are spread across a period of five days with each day having its own significance and traditional rituals that are followed. The celebrations kickstart with 'Dhanteras', the auspicious day on which people buy utensils, silver ware or gold. It is believed that new "Dhan" or some form of precious metal bought on this auspicious day is a sign of good luck and prosperity. Choti Diwali follows next, which involves preparations for the Badi Diwali. People start decorating their houses with lights, and hold get-togethers. The next day is celebrated as Badi Diwali, the main festive day which is on 19th October 2017. On this day, people perform laxmi puja, visit each other's houses with sweets and gifts, burn fire crackers and spend time with their family and friends. The day after Diwali is celebrated as Govardhan Puja and finally the five-day celebration comes to an end with Bhai Dooj where sisters apply tilak on their brother's forehead and siblings pray for each other's well-being.

Diwali Date