Diwali the festival of lights is celebrated all over India with fun and fervour. Deepavali is observed on the 15th day of the holiest Kartika month. On this auspicious day, people lit up lamps and Diyas, worship various Gods and Goddess, wear new clothes, and exchange gifts and sweets with their near and dear ones.
Diwali also marks the victory of light over dark, and good over evil. The Festival Of Lights is believed to be the beginning of a new journey by forgetting all the troubles of the past and stepping into the light.
But due to COVID-19 the celebration this year will be subdued.
Here is all you need to know about Deepavali from Shubh Muhurat to date and legends behind it:
Date:
Deepawali this year will be celebrated a day after Dhanteras ie on November 14.
Diwali 2020: Laxmi Puja Timings:
The shubh muhurat for Lakshmi Puja on November 14 will begin at 5.28 pm and continue till 7.24 pm.
The timings for pradosh Kaal are 5.28 pm to 8.07 pm.
Lakshmi Puja timings for Diwali 2020:
The Amavasya Tithi will begin at 2.17 pm on November 14 and continue till 10.36 am on November 15.
Significance of Celebrating Diwali:
Diwali is all about the triumph of the Light over Darkness, triumph over evil and knowledge over ignorance.
Legends behind the Festival Of Light:
The Victory of Rama:
As per Ramayana Lord Rama, conquered Lanka by defeating Ravana. After 14 years of exile, Rama returned to Ayodhya with his wife Sita and brother Lakshman. To celebrate his homecoming the kingdom was illuminated with Diyas.
The return of the Pandavas:
As per Mahabharata, It is the day of the new Moon when the Pandavas returned home after an exile of 12 years with their wife Draupadi. To welcome them the city of Hastinapur was lit with earthen lamps.
Goddess Kali:
As per the legends, Gods lost the battle to Asuras. Goddess Kali was born from the forehead of Goddess Durga to save the earth from their cruelty. She went on a killing spree that finally ended with Lord Shiva lying down in front of her. She in her rage steps on the Lord and repents. Since then people have been celebrating the day as a win of good over evil.
Lord Krishna defeats demon Narakasura, who ruled Pragjyotishapura, which is considered to be near present-day Assam. To free the people of his kingdom, who lived in absolute fear, Krishna slew the demon and declared that the day is marked with festivities.
Puja Vidhi and Rituals:
On the evening of Diwali, first, the idol of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha is placed on a platform covered with red cloth. Kheel, Sweets, Batashe are offered. Apply the tilak, offer flowers and light diya with the mixture of ghee. After that, offer water, Roli, Rice, Fruits, Jaggery, Turmeric, and Gulal and then begin the puja. Remember that all the family members must be present during puja.
Deepawali in other places:
The festival of light is not bound only in India, but in other parts also, places like Tobago, Nepal, Suriname, Mauritius, Singapore, Fizi, and so on.
Bhai Dooj:
Bhai Dooj will be celebrated on November 16.
The Dwitiya Tithi starts at 7:06 AM on November 16 and ends at 3:56 AM on November 17.
The Bhai Dooj rituals must be performed between 1:10 PM to 3:18 PM.
Wishing Our Readers A Happy Diwali and Prosperous New Year.
Also Read: Dhanteras 2020: Date, Shubh Muhurat and Significance