Deepavali (Diwali) — Festival of Lights

Dhanteras (Dhanvantari Jayanti)

Worship of Dhanvantari (Ayurveda) and purchasing brass/gold

Naraka Chaturdashi (Chhoti Diwali)

Abhyanga Snan & destruction of Narakasura

Lakshmi Puja (Main Diwali)

Evening Lakshmi-Ganesha & Kuber Puja during Pradosh Kaal

Govardhan Puja / Annakut

Offering 56 food items (Chappan Bhog) honoring Krishna

Bhai Dooj (Yama Dwitiya)

Sister-brother bond & longevity prayer to Lord Yama

After 14 years of exile and defeating Ravana, Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana returned to Ayodhya. Citizens lit millions of clay lamps (Diyas) to illuminate the dark Amavasya night.

Goddess Lakshmi emerged during the churning of the cosmic ocean (Samudra Manthan) on Kartik Amavasya and chose Lord Vishnu as Her eternal consort.

Lord Krishna and Satyabhama vanquished Narakasura on Naraka Chaturdashi, liberating 16,000 captive princesses.

🧘 Spiritual Meaning

Lighting Diyas represents awakening the inner Atman (Divine Light) within oneself, dissolving ignorance, anger, and egoism.

🤝 Social & Family Unity

Strengthens family bonds, fosters forgiveness (forgiving past debts and grudges), unites communities through sharing sweets and charity (Daana).

🪙 Economic & Artisan Tradition

Historically marked the beginning of the new financial year (Chopda Pujan for merchants), supporting local artisans, potters, and weavers.

Focus on Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya and evening Lakshmi-Ganesha Puja.

Celebrated as Kali Puja to invoke Goddess Mahakali's protective power.

Celebrated as Naraka Chaturdashi; morning oil bath (Ganga Snanam) before sunrise.

Marks Bestu Varas (Gujarati New Year) on the day following Diwali.