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DAYS OF DIWALI

The festival of Diwali is usually spread over 5 days and each day had a different significance. The traditions also vary in different parts of the country, for different communities. Here are the dates and days, for Diwali 1999, according to this year's Hindu calendar.

5th November, 1999; Day 1- Dhanteras

Diwali begins with Dhanteras or Dhanatrayedeshi. Doorways are decorated with strings of mango leaves. Houses are adorned with Rangolis, in a variety of colours, to welcome guests.

6th November 1999; Day 2 - Naraka Chaturdashi or Bali Pratipada or Kali Choudas

The second day is known as Chotti Diwali or Naraka Chaturdashi. It is also known as Bali Pratipada, to signify the defeat of Bali. The myth goes that when God felt that King Bali was becoming too powerful, Vishnu, disguised as a sage of diminutive proportions, appeared in his court. Bali offered to fulfil any of the sage's wishes. The sage asked for all the land he could cover in 3 paces. King Bali agreed immediately. Vishu then assumed a gigantic form and claimed the world (Mrityuloka), and the heavens (Swargloka) in two paces. To keep his foot down the 3rd time, he asked for King Bali's head, who, being a noble, agreed. Thus, the reign of Bali was overthrown. The word "Pratiprada" literally means "below the opponent's foot".

In West Bengal, Diwali is celebrated as Kali Puja or Kali Choudas. Goddess Kali, Shiva's consort, is worshipped on this day.

7th November, 1999; Day 3 - Diwali, Laxmi Puja or Chopada Puja

Laxmi Puja is celebrated on the 3rd day, and reflects the fact that this is a time of harvest. Traditionally, the time of harvest is a time of prosperity. According to myth, Laxmi Puja is performed on the day when Goddess Laxmi emerged from Kshira Sagora when the gods and goddess were churning the Amrutha Bandhan.

The third day is also celebrated as Chopada Puja, and the entire day is devoted to worshipping books.

8th November, 1999; Day 4 - Dhoka

This year, according to the Hindu calendar, there is an extra day, which is termed "Dhoka" meaning "false", as the day does not have any special significance.

9th November, 1999; Day 5 - Padava or New Year

Padava or the New Year is usually celebrated on the 4th day (this year, it falls on the 5th day). Sometimes, according to the Hindu calendar, it falls on the same day as Laxmi Puja. Padava is etymologically close to the Sanskrit word "Pradhubhu", which may be the corrupted word for "crop", again signifying the connection with the harvest season.

10th November, 1999; Day 6 - Yama Dvitya or Bhai Dooj

The 5th day (according to the Hindu calendar this year, it is the 6th day) is referred to as Yama Dvitya or Bhai Dhooj. It is on this day that the sisters invite brothers to their homes.

13th November, 1999; Day 9 - Labh Paacha

This year, there is another significant day as well. After the 7th and 8th days, the 9th day is celebrated as Labh Paacha, which is the day when new business ventures, or, for that matter, any new venture, should begin.

If you know of any other traditions about the days of Diwali, do share them with us.

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