• Diwali or Deepawali, known as the “festival of lights”, is usually celebrated yearly in October or November.
• It is one of the major religious festivals of Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism and is celebrated worldwide.

The name is derived from the Sanskrit word dipavali, which means “row of lights”. Diwali symbolizes the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.

The most widespread custom is the lighting of diyas (small earthen lamps filled with oil) on the night of the new moon to invite the presence of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth.  

These diyas are placed in rows in houses and temples or set adrift on rivers and streams.

Celebrants clean and decorate their homes for Diwali. House floors are often covered with rangoli (colorful art circle patterns), consisting of elaborate designs made of colored sand, flower petals, or rice.

Puja (worship and prayer), havan (fire offering), vrat (fasting), and dāna (charity) are also popular components of the Diwali festivities.

1. The first day, known as Dhanteras, is dedicated to cleaning homes and purchasing small items of gold and kitchen utensils. Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, is the focus of worship on this day.
2. The second day, called Naraka Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali, commemorates Lord Krishna’s destruction of Narakasura. Prayers are also offered for the souls of ancestors.
3. On the third day, which is the main day of the Diwali festival and is called Lakshmi Puja, families seek blessings from Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity, light diyas, visit temples, host feasts, and set off firecrackers.
4. The fourth day, known as Goverdhan Puja or Padwa, commemorates Lord Krishna’s defeat of Indra. This is also the start of the new year in the Hindu calendar, and merchants often open new fiscal account books on this auspicious day.
5. The fifth day, called Bhai Dooj or Bhai Bij, celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Festivities continue with the exchange of gifts and welcoming of families and friends into homes.

From all of us here at CPESN, we would like

to wish you a bright and happy Diwali!