Diwali celebrations are not restricted to the Hindu religion but in India in general, celebrations are observed across different faiths such as Jainism and Sikhism.
'Deepawali' marks the day of Lord Ram's return to his kingdom Ayodhya after defeating the 'Lanka' King Ravana. On his return, it is believed, Ayodhya welcomed him with stunning celebration by lighting diyas. It is also the festival where Goddess Lakshmi and Kubera are worshipped to bring wealth and prosperity.
Here are the important dates, puja timings, shubh muhurat and other details of the five days of Diwali week:
Diwali Date & Shubh Muhurat
Diwali celebrations will be observed on November 14 and 15 as people all over the nation will celebrate it on these dates.
Shubh Muhurat For Lakshmi Pujan
The auspicious period for Lakshmi Puja is on November 14 from 6 pm to 8 pm. Meanwhile, the Pradosh Kaal is 5:55 pm to 8:25 pm and Vrishabh Kaal is 6:00 pm to 8:04 pm.
Choti Diwali
Narak Chaturdashi, also known as Choti Diwali, is celebrated a day prior to the main festival of Diwali but this year, it will be celebrated on the same day that is November 14. The auspicious time of Abhyanga Snan (Diwali bathing ritual) will begin from 5:23 am to 6:43 am.
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Dhanteras
Dhanvantari is celebrated on the second day, the day immediately following Diwali. So, the festival will be observed on November 13. The auspicious time for the same will begin at 6:01 pm and will end at 8:33 pm.
Govardhan Puja
Govardhan Puja is celebrated on the fourth day of Diwali which is November 15 this year. On this day, Lord Krishna defeated Lord Indra by lifting the Govardhan Mountain on his little finger. The auspicious time of Govardhan Puja is from 3:45 pm to 6:00 pm.
Bhai Dooj
Bhai Dooj is celebrated on the fifth day of Diwali week so this year, it falls on November 16. On this day, sisters wish for the long life of their brother and a ritual is observed for the same. The auspicious time will begin from 1:31 pm to 3.45 pm.
Celebrations Amid Covid-19
As already witnessed throughout the year, the Coronavirus pandemic has affected the celebrations of all festivals, and the same is expected with the Diwali week. People are advised to follow all necessary precautions such as social distancing, wearing a mask and avoiding crowding. This year, Indians face the double whammy of Covid-19 and air pollution and hence, states like Delhi, West Bengal, Maharashtra and Karnataka have banned the bursting of crackers to prevent an already alarming situation from escalating. As PM Narendra Modi urged citizens in an earlier address, "Jab tak dawai nahi tab tak dhilaai nahi" (No negligence till there is a vaccine) should be the motto this year.