Diwali 2017 - 19th October 2017

If we ponder over Diwali 2017 then, in the dawn of 21st century, where selfie pays off for smartphone companies, the same way lightning, enthusiasm and the exuberance among the people illustrates the grand Diwali festival. So, unraveling the day of immense jamboree 19th of October 2017, epitomizes the Diwali date.

When is Diwali in 2017?

In 2017, Diwali falls on 19th of October 2017. Diwali 2017 Muhurat is envisaged below -

Diwali- The festival of Lights

Diwali or Deepavali is the most auspicious festival, celebrated with immense joy and is highly regarded as the festival that brings prosperity among people. On this day, people decorate their house with lights and they purchase adorning items. Neighbours visit each other’s house and share sweets with one another. Though, it is a Hindu festival, masses in India celebrate it together disparaging the fact that some of them belong to different religion. Diwali brings people closer to each other.

Many people enjoy a family get together, while others enjoy the festival in company of their friends. According to the historical events, it brought a sense of contentment among people post Lord Rama’s return from an exile of 14 years. People from various religions celebrate it on the basis of different historical events. But the celebrations are similar everywhere. It is a euphoric feeling, which also signifies positivity.

How to Celebrate Diwali?

The festival of Diwali is celebrated for 5 days. Each day serves a different purpose and are envisaged below:

Dhanteras

On the first day, people clean their houses as they prepare for the arrival of Goddess Lakshmi and they also purchase new utensils, this day is famously known as Dhanteras. The festival is also known as Dhanvantri Jayanti, as God Dhanvantri discovered Amrit Kalash by churning the sea. The legend says, God Dhanvantri appeared out of the sea with a pot of elixir, and this is the reason it is said to buy utensils on the day of Dhanteras.

Narak Chaturdashi

On the second day, folks start decorating their home with clay lamps and they also design Rangoli on the floor. It brings more vibrancy among people and it also spreads a color of enlightenment among them. This day is known as Choti Diwali or Narak Chaturdashi.The legend behind it illustrates that the demon Narakasura was killed by Lord Krishna and Goddess Kaali.

Diwali

On the third day, the festival of Deepavali or Diwali festival is celebrated. It is the prime festival and all the preparations are done in advance for this day. In the evening family members gather together and chant prayer to Goddess Lakshmi, post which they celebrate the event with their neighbours or other family members and exchange diwali greetings. Usually, people burst diwali crackers on this day, but Diwali lights also do good to light up the house.

Govardhan Puja

Fourth day is acclaimed as Govardhan Puja. According to the legends, Lord Krishna lifted Govardhana Hills to safeguard the citizens of Vrindavan from Lord Indra. Since then the devotees celebrate this day, they share sweets with each other after offering it to the deities.

Bhai Dooj

On the fifth day, masses celebrate Bhai Dooj which is also referred to as Bhai Teeka. This festival is dedicated to the sisters. This Festival is eminent because people are of the belief that thousand years ago, Yamraj visited his sister Yamuna on this day. He blessed her and said that whomsoever will visit her on this day, will be free from all the issues of life. Since that day, Hindu families celebrate this day with a keen interest.

Puja Vidhi

The following points should be considered while performing the Diwali Puja:-

• The house should be cleaned and purified by sprinkling Ganga Jal. Bedeck the house with clay lamps, candles and rangoli.
• Create a raised platform and cover it with a red cloth. Then, place the idols of Maa laxmi and Lord Ganesha. Also a kalash filled with water is also placed there.
• A tilak of turmeric and vermilion is applied on Goddess Laxmi and Lord Ganesha. A clay lamp is lit and is placed there.
• According to the rituals after worshiping Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Vishnu, Kuber, Goddess Saraswati are also reverenced according to the desired rites.
• All the ceremonies of the puja are performed with all the members of the family.
• After the Laxmi Puja, revere is also paid to the books.

The Legend Behind Diwali Festival Celebration

Diwali festival is celebrated worldwide. Though, its origin is India, however the Hindus living in different countries celebrate it with great delight. Lord Rama returned after 14 years of exile and a tremendous virtue of jubilation was witnessed among the inhabitants of Ayodhya. They had decorated the entire city by lighting Diyas and every citizen participated in the celebration. Since then every year people decorate their homes and light diyas. Masses burst firecrackers to show allegiance to the heavens, which brings health, knowledge and prosperity in an individual’s life. Some people believe that the sound of the crackers is addressing to God about the happiness that the masses have experienced on earth. The other prevalent legends behind Diwali also includes the fact of Lord Vishnu, when he incarnated as Vamana, the dwarf priest and confronted the Demon Bali to give him adequate space to cover the three strides. Lord Vamana covered earth and the heaven in two steps and consequently Asura Bali proffered his head for the third step. Thus, he was allocated hell as his kingdom. The other legend illustrates the slay of Narakasur by Lord Krishna and Goddess Kaali.

There are many people who enjoy card games during this festival. Many people are of the view that Goddess Parvati and her Husband Lord Shiva enjoyed this game, and she declared that whosoever will play this game on the night of Diwali would receive riches throughout the year. Masses participate in this game and sing the joyous music of victory.

Another reason of celebrating the festival wholeheartedly is the victory of good over evil. Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana brought prosperity among people. The reason to light diyas and decorate homes is to spread more brightness which is a symbol of positivity and to curtail the darkness, which is the symbol of negativity. People celebrate their victories and try to spread positivity everywhere.

Astrological Significance of Diwali

On the day of Diwali, the Sun and the Moon are conjunct and are placed in Libra sign and Swati Nakshatra. This transit of the sun and the moon endows upon us compassion, solace, friendliness, understanding etc. The worthwhile rays from the Libran placed Sun and Moon bestows the natives all around with a better frame of mind and in this period, individuals tend to remain happy. This transit of the Sun and the Moon steers the consonance in the marital lives of the individuals and the individual also becomes the beneficiary of immense love and endearment from parents.

We, at MyKundali wish you all a very Happy Diwali and we hope that this Diwali millions of lamps illuminate your life with eternal joy, prosperity and wealth.