The first day of Diwali is called Dhanteras (Dhanvantari Triodas) and it marks the official beginning of the glittering Diwali festivities. This is, in fact, the thirteenth lunar day of the Krishna Paksh (as per the Hindu Calendar), the dark fortnight of the month of Karthik. Dhanteras is a special day since on this day Lord Dhanwantari is believed to have come out of the ocean with Ayurveda, the science of medicine, for the benefit of mankind. A huge amount of buying, specifically that of gold, silver and precious stones, ornaments, new clothes and utensils takes place on this day.

On this day at sunset, Hindus bathe and offer a lighted deeya with Prasad (sweets offered at worship time) to Yama Raj, the Lord of Death and pray for protection from untimely death. This offering is made near a Tulsi tree, the Holy Basil or any other sacred tree that one might be present in one’s yard.

This day marks the beginning of diwali celebrations.

2nd Day of Diwali – Choti Diwali

The third day of these festivities is the actual Diwali or Deepawali. This is the day when worship unto Mother Lakshmi is performed along with Lord Ganesha. Hindus cleanse themselves and join with their families and their Pandit (priest) and they worship the divine Goddess Lakshmi to achieve the blessings of wealth and prosperity, the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. People light diyas and candles in their homes, and the streets all across India light up with millions of sparklers, crackers and fairy lights. After worshipping Mahalakshmi in the evening with their families, people visit temples, gurudwaras and even churches to light candles. They also exchange sweets as prasad.

4th Day of Diwali – Govardhan Puja

The fourth day is celebrated in various forms all across India. In the Western states of India like Gujarat this day is celebrated with great pomp and show as Bestu Baras, the New Year as per their Calendar.

In Northern states of India, this day is widely celebrated as Govardhan Puja and Vishwakarma Day, when people worship their instruments, arms and machinery. Most or all business establishments, thus, remain closed on this day. This day is also called as Annakut.

Many thousands of years ago, Lord Krishna caused the people of Vraja to perform Govardhan Puja. From then on, every year Hindus worship Govardhan to honour that first Puja done by the people of Vraja.

5th Day of Diwali – Bhai Dooj

The fifth day of Diwali festivities is celebrated as the Bhai Dooj or Bhai Beej or Bhai Teeka/Tilak or Bhai Fota (In Bengal). Many moons ago, in the Vedic era, Yama (Yamraj, the Lord of death) visited his sister Yamuna on this day. He gave his sister a Vardhan (a boon) that whosoever visits her on this day shall be liberated from all sins. They will achieve Moksha or final emancipation. From then on, brothers visit their sisters on this day to enquire of their welfare and the sisters celebrate and prepare sweets specially in honour of their brothers, wishing a long, happy, healthy life and great success for them.

This day marks the end of the five days of diwali celebrations.