Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated on the new moon of Krishna Paksha of Kartik month. This year this festival will be celebrated on Thursday, November 4, 2021. Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha are worshiped on this day for peace, wisdom, wealth and prosperity. Read on to ..
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THE TRIUMPH OF GOOD OVER EVIL – THE SIGNIFICANCE OF DIWALI
Diwali in Sanskrit means row of lights. Hence, on Diwali, please eluminate their homes with earthen lamps (diyas). According to Shanda Purana, diyas represent the sun or the universal giver of light and positive energy.
According to Ramayana, on this day, Lord Rama, Hanuman, Lakshmana and goddess Sita returned to Ayodhya after spending 14 years in the forest.
Rama was born to Kausalya, raja (king) Dasaratha’s first wife. He was the rightful heir to the throne. However, Dasaratha’s second wife, Kaikeyi, asked the throne of Ayodhya for her son, Bharata (a kind hearted soul who adored and prayed to Rama as god) and also Ram’s exile from the kingdom for 14 years.
The king has to grant her wishes as he was indebted to Kaikeyi for saving his life once in a battle and had promised her two boons. As a result, Rama, Lakshman and Sita (Rama’s wife) went to live in the Dandak forest.
One dark day, Ravana (demon) plotted and kidnapped Sita and took her to Lanka. Hanuman, Ram & Lakshman along with Sugriva and Vaanar Sena (army of monkeys) reached lanka and in a great battle, Rama killed Ravana & returned to Ayodhya at the end of 14 years.
Upon their arrival, the rejoiced people of the kingdom lighted diyas, fireworks, cooked and distributed sweets to celebrate the victory of good over evil.
Hence, today, Diwali across India is celebrated for ending of old & beginning of a new phase in life. In north-western India, markets are decorated, home are lit bright, delicacies are cooked and sweets are distributed. People light candles, diyas, burst fireworks & visit their relatives and friends.
DHANTERAS & DIWALI 2021 DAY AND PUJA MUHURAT:
Dhanteras Day: November, 2, 2021, Tuesday
Dhanteras Puja Muhurat (Indian Standard Time): 06:50 PM to 08:36 PM
Diwali Day: November 4, 2021, Thursday
Diwali Puja Muhurat (Indian Standard Time): 06:42 PM to 08:35 PM
Diwali Aarti in Hindi (Print or Download): Ganesh Ji | Lakshmi Mata
Amavasya Tithi Begins: 06:03 AM on Nov 04, 2021
Amavasya Tithi Ends: 02:44 AM on Nov 05, 2021
DIWALI 2021: LAKSHMI PUJA PREPARATIONS / SAMAGRI & VIDHI
Below is the list of samagri or list of things you will need:
Picture or Murti of Lakshmi Ji and Ganesh Ji (Right click and save the image)
Bahi – Khata (Accounting Books for Office)
Red Cloth
Gangajal
Coconut / Naariyal
Silver Lakshmi Coins / Lakshmi Chaandi ke Sikke
Sandlewood / Chandan
Metal Container / Kalash
Mango Leaves / Aam ke Patte
Wood Stool for Keeping Idols / Puja / Making Nav Graha
Earthen Pot / Kalash
Mustard Oil / Sarson Ka Tel
Turmeric / Haldi
Broken Rice / Chawal
Flowers / Phool
Garlands x 3-4 / Phool Mala
Clarified Butter / Ghee
Sugar / Chakkar
Milk / Doodh
Honey / Shahad / Madhu
5 Coins / Sikke
Thread/Moli
Scent / Ganda
Fruits / Phal
Sweets / Mithai for Bhog
Durva Grass
Vermillion / Sindoor
Bell / Ghanti
Betel Leaf / Paan Ke Patte
Betel Nuts
Curd / Dahi
Camphor / Kaapoor
Incense / Agarbatti
Earthen Lamp / Diya
DIWALI 2021: LAKSHMI PUJA VIDHI / PROCEDURE – 10 EASY STEPS
Phase 1 of Diwali 2020 Puja
Step 1 – Purify the wood stool on which the idols will be placed and puja will be done. Use gangajal or fresh water. Also, wash your hands and make sure you start preparations only after taking bath.
Step 2 – Place the red cloth and put a fistful of rice in the center. Fill half Kalash with fresh water. Put 1 betelnut in it, few coins, few rice grains, one flower, turmeric, durva grass and 5 mango leaves. Make sure the leaves are vertical and form a circle. Place the coconut on the kalash.
Step 3 – Prepare Aarti Thali by taking a fresh plate. Draw a swastika in the center using Kumkum. Place a betel nut on it and sprinkle some broken rice. Offer one banana and some flowers. Now, place camphor on one side along with sandalwood powder. Light and place a diya next to it.
Step 4 – Place the idols of Ganesh Ji and Lakshmi Mata next to the Kalash. Ganesh Ji must be placed on the right side of the kalash and Lakshmi Mata on the left side. If you are using a sticker, place it on either side of the kalash. You can stick it on to something or use a support to place it. Also, keep the bahi khata or accounting books on the table.
Step 5 – Welcome the gods by sprinkling water using druva grass on the sticker. If you are placing the idols, wash their feet using fresh water. Then, offer flowers to welcome them. Next, bathe the idols first – using fresh water, then using panchaamrit (mixture of milk, honey or sugar, curd, ghee and jaggery), then using scent/ganda and finally using fresh water again. If you are using a sticker, sprinkle all of the above using druva grass.
Phase 2 of Diwali 2021 Puja
Step 6 – The next step is to offer Vastra. Place 3-6 inch of Moli on the idols. Offer Vermillion to Lakshmi Ma. Additionally (and optional), you can also offer Abeer Gulal & Kumkum to Laskhmi Mata.
Step 7 – Now offer scent to Ganesh Ji and Mata and apply Chandan or Kumkum tik to the gods. Apply broken rice on the tilak. Offer garlands.
Step 8 – Light the diya and incense/agarbatti in front of the gods. Next offer sweets, fruits, betel leaf/ paan and water to the gods. Finally, offer dakshina to the gods.
Step 9 – Perform the below aarti using thali made in step 3. Open the accounting books and on the first page of each book, draw a swastika, do tilak and offer broken rice and flowers. Write om shree ganeshaya namah below the swastika. Keep the books open during aarti.
(Print or Download) Aarti in Hindi: Ganesh Ji | Lakshmi Mata
Step 10 – Shama Prarthana – After the aarti, pray to god and seek forgiveness for any mistake (knowingly or unknowingly) during the puja.