Diwali is the Indian “festival of lights”—a holiday that celebrates the triumph of good over evil.

It has become a cultural event in North America that’s celebrated with sweets and special foods. Stores like Walmart, Costco, Trader Joes, Apna Bazar, Patel Brothers, carry Indian foods and Groceries.

Learn about Diwali, when it occurs, and common traditions! Five Festive Days of Diwali :

Diwali also known as the Festival of Lights is a five days Hindu festival, celebrated between mid-October and mid-November. Deepawali or Diwali is the biggest Hindu festival among all, celebrates to victory of the Good over the Evil and Light over Darkness.

The Festival of Lights commemorates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14-years of Vanvas other associates events are killing of Narakasura and Return of Pandavas after 12 year. Five Days of Diwali starting from Dhanteras to Bhaiduj but in Maharashtra it starts with Vasu Baras, the cow and calf are worship on this day.

धनतेरस (Dhanteras)

The first day of Diwali festival is named as Dhanteras falls on 13th day of 2nd half of lunar month. Dhanteras is considered as one of the most auspicious day by Hindu to for buying utensils,silver coins,gold and vehicle. Dhanteras is celebrate as birth of Sri Dhanvantari God, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu as the physician of the gods.

नर्क चतुर्दशी (Naraka Chaturdasi)

The second day of Diwali is celebrate as Naraka Chaturdasi or Kali Chaudas, demon Narakasura was killed by Lord Shri Krishna, An Avatar of Lord Vishnu. During the day Hindus get up before the sun rise take a holy bath and then clean or new clothes are worn followed by breakfast with relatives and friends.

(लक्ष्मी पूजा) Lakshmi Puja

The third day of Diwali is known as Lakshmi Puja, the most important day among the five days of festival. Lakshmi Puja is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi,the Hindu goddess of wealth, fortune, prosperity and the embodiment of beauty.

Lakshmi Mata, the goddess of wealth is worship as Mahalakshmi, Mahasaraswati and Mahakali with Lord Ganesha, the God of auspicious beginnings with light lamps in the every corner of home to welcome prosperity.

(गोवर्धन पूजा) Govardhan Puja

The fourth day is Diwali is celebrate as Govardhan Puja and Bali Pratipada also known as Padava. Govardhan Puja is celebrated as the day Krishna defeated Indra asked the people to worship nature.

The fifth day “Labh Panchami” is known as Saubhagya Panchami, Gyan Panchami and Labh Pancham in Gujarat. In some regions, it is also known as Saubhagya-Labh Panchami. Saubhagya and Labh mean good luck and benefit respectively. Hence this day is associated with benefit and good luck.

In Gujarat, Diwali festivities culminate of the day of Labh Panchami and this day is considered highly auspicious. It is believed that Puja performed on the day of Labh Panchami brings benefit, comfort and good luck in the life, business and family of the worshipper.

In Gujarat, most shop owners and businessmen restart their business activities on Labh Pancham after Diwali festivities. Hence in Gujarat, Labh Pancham is the first working day of Gujarati New Year. On this day businessmen inaugurate new account ledgers, known as Khatu in Gujarati, by writing Shubh on left, Labh on right and drawing a Sathiya in the centre of the first page.

Play a trivia game with kids and family this Diwali 🙂

Trivia game questions: (answers below)

1. What is Hanuman’s mother’s name?

2. Which Hindu month Diwali is observed on?

3. What does the Sikh community call Diwali?

4. Who killed Narakasura?

5. What type of oil is traditionally used to light lamps?

6. In Diwali celebrations what is celebrated on last days?

7. In which country the Festival of Light is known as Lin Kriyongh?

8. For how many days Diwali is celebrated according to lunar Hindu calendar?

9. Which country celebrates the lantern Festival of Lights?

10. Playing cards during Diwali is part of celebrations in which Indian metropolis?

11. Name the sweet made during Diwali?

12. Sita’s three sisters and their husbands –  name them?

Answers:

1.  Anjani

2. Ashwin

3. Bandichhorh diwas.

4. Lord Krishna

5. Mustard

6. Yama Dwitiya.  Bhaiduj.

7. Thailand.

8. 5 days

9. China

10. Delhi

11. Gujia.

12. Urmila married to Lakshman. Mandavi to Bharat. Shrutkirti to Shatrughan.

Parsi Cuisine

Cookbooks are published and printed in USA and available on Amazon.com and https://www.amazon.com/shop/parsicuisine Good food leads to Good Health and a Good Life.