Happy Diwali 2018: Festival Date, Significance, Celebration, Puja and Muhurat Time
The festival of Diwali is widely celebrated in most parts of India. The festivity is cheered by many Hindu followers as it is the day when Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and brother Lakshmana returned to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile.
Diwali or Deepavali which is also known as the festival of lights is the most awaited festivals for Hindus. The date of the festival varies every year as per the Lunar calendar. This year, in 2018, Diwali will be celebrated on November 7.
Although, the five-day long Diwali week has already begun. Diwali is the longest festival celebration of five days for Hindus -beginning with Dhanteras, follows Chhoti Diwali, then Badi Diwali, and later, Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj.
Here's a date-wise breakdown for you to understand the Diwali festivity this year:
Dhanteras 2018: 5th November, 2018
Chhoti Diwali 2018: 6th November, 2018
Badi Diwali 2018: 7th November, 2018
Govardhan Puja 2018: 8th November, 2018
Bhai Dooj 2018: 9th November, 2018
Diwali 2018: Significance
While the significance of Diwali varies in different parts of India, the most commonly accepted tradition is associated with the Hindu epic Ramayana.
Hindu followers celebrate the festival of Diwali to reiterate the joyous moment when Lord Rama returned from his 14 years exile after killing Ravana. This is why, the 'Festival of Lights' signifies the victory of the light over the dark. Diwali is a symbol of goodness winning over evil.
Diwali 2018: Celebration
To celebrate the 'Festival of Lights', people light up their public and private spaces including homes, offices, temples, buildings, and even streets are adorned in LED lights. Many shop owners get their work places decorated in flowers.
But to begin with its preparations, the first thing we do is #DiwaliKiSafai. Yes, its an age-old tradition to clean every corner of the home one week prior to Diwali festival. People get their furniture repaired, discard useless items, change their home interiors, or even renovate their homes completely as per the choice and finances.
As it is considered auspicious to buy new goods during Diwali days, many people buy different things. From electronics to kitchen appliances, from clothes to cars, and whatnot. Lastly, to enjoy the festival at its best, Diwali has always been a public holiday declared by the government.
Diwali 2018: Puja/ Muhurat Time
On Badi Diwali or the main day of Diwali celebration, Lakshmi Pujan is performed. Being the Goddess of Wealth, Maa Lakshmi is worshipped by many devotees. All the family members sit together and recite prayers and holy songs in front of the idols.
This year, the puja or auspicious timing which is called muhurat in Hindi for doing Lakshmi Pujan will be, approximately, in between 5.45 pm and 7.45 pm. So its better if all of you pray and perform your puja in these timings to seek the blessings of Maa Lakshmi.
After Lakshmi Pujan, family members generally indulge in exchanging gifts and sweets to celebrate Diwali.
Wishing you all a very Happy Diwali 2018!
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