Diwali | Dates | When to Celebrate?
Diwali is commended on the fifteenth day of Kartik, it is the holiest month of the Hindu lunar schedule. With respect to Gregorian schedule Diwali is generally celebrated in the month of October or November.
This year Diwali may be on 4th of November. Diwali is commemorated for more than 5 days. Dhanteras / Dhantrayodashi is the day one of Diwali, an auspicious bath is taken on this day with ubtan and a bitter fruit known as chirata which symbolizes a demon is crushed under the feet with left toe.
Small children wake up early morning and go outside to burst crackers after their auspicious bath. It is said that it is a good day to buy gold, silver and other expensive things.
Day two of Diwali is generally celebrated with friend and relatives wherein one exchanges sweets and faral (savory food). Lakhsmi Pujan is on the day three of Diwali.
Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha are worshiped on this day. Day four is Balipratipada. Bali was a king who was demon yet during his time there was peace and prosperity but he was killed by lord Vishnu.
People believe that he will return someday and they celebrate this day in his honor. Bhai dooj is on day five, it is a festival which celebrates the siblings bond.