How to Celebrate the Five Days of Diwali

Diwali, which is also known as the "Festival of Lights," is a five-day festival which celebrates the triumph of good over evil and hope for all mankind. Originating in India, Diwali, which is also known as Deepavali in the southernmost part of the country, is a time for fireworks, the lighting of lamps and strengthening the bonds of family and friends.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Hindu calendar
• Lamps
• Fireworks
• New clothes

Celebrate the Five Days of Diwali

1. Find out the exact time of the five days of Diwali each year. Diwali is usually celebrated at the end of the Hindu month of Ashwauyuja, which is generally in October or November, exactly 20 days after Vijayadashami, another annual Indian festival. Use a Hindu calendar like the one at Hindunet.org in order to determine the dates to celebrate Diwali (see Resources below).
2. Determine which version of Diwali you want to celebrate. Diwali is observed by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains in slightly different ways according to the specifics of their religious beliefs. In India, however, Diwali has been nationalized, and it is celebrated by many people in a purely secular manner.
3. Celebrate the first day of Diwali, known as Dhan teras, by shopping for all of the clothing, fireworks, lights and supplies for the festival.
4. Begin the second day, known as Naraka Chaturdasi, by waking before dawn and bathing. Then, put on the new clothes you purchased the day before and light lamps all over your home. Meet with friends and family, and let the children light firecrackers to ward off demons.
5. Note that the third day of the festival is the actual day of Diwali, the center of the celebration, which occurs at the advent of a new moon.
6. Observe the religious aspects of Diwali during the fourth day of the festival, also known as Annakut, which celebrates Krishna defeating Indra. Mountains of food are prepared on this day.
7. Conclude the Diwali celebration on the fifth day, called Bhayiduj, by spending time with your brothers and sisters.

Tips & Warnings

• Most of the Diwali celebration should occur just before dawn and just after sunset, when the lighting of the lamps is the most dramatic.
• Before lighting any fireworks to celebrate the five days of Diwali, check to see if they are legal in your area. Note that in India, there are many campaigns to reduce or eliminate fireworks as part of Diwali due to both safety and pollution concerns.
• Be especially cautious when allowing children to light firecrackers. You may wish to provide them with simple sparklers instead.