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Notes 3

Uploaded by

rangaswamy1000
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Dear Friends/ Colleagues,

Let me wish you and your family a very happy & prosperous Diwali.
One of the most popular festivals, Diwali symbolizes the “victory of light over darkness, good over evil & knowledge
over ignorance.” Light is a metaphor for knowledge & consciousness.
This year the festival begins on 25th Oct on Dhanteras (13th lunar day of Krishna Paksha - waning moon) and ends
on 29th Oct on Bhaidooj ( 2nd lunar day of Shukla Paksha- waxing moon).
Diwali festival is believed to be the symbol of Goddess Lakshmi coming home. Thus we celebrate by lighting many
clay lamps called ‘diyas’ around our homes. People worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha on this day as
they are believed to bring good luck, prosperity and wealth.
One would wonder, while Holi is celebrated on poonam (full moon), Diwali is celebrated on Amavasya (no moon).
Diwali celebrations go on for five days in Gujarat and each day has its significance.

(1) Dhanteras
Diwali begins with the first day known as ‘Dhanteras’ or the worship of wealth.
Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped on this day and there is a custom to purchase
something precious. People clean and decorate their homes.
There are many stories pertaining to Dhanteras. It's said that king Hima's son's
death was predicted by serpent's bite & to save his life, his wife made pile of all
the jewellery at the doorway & lit lamps so when Yama came in form of serpent,
he was dazzled by wealth & light and was mesmerized with it & sat whole night
listening to the stories that she told. She used the knowledge wisely & saved her husband's life.
My take on this is, ' real power lies in knowledge & wisdom’. May almighty light your mind with knowledge &
wisdom for your prosperity.

(2) Naraka Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali


The second day is Naraka Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali. It’s a reminder
to us to remove all sins and impurities.
Kali Chaudas is a day to abolish all the negativity from your mind, body
& soul & be positive in our approach.
Festivities include , wearing new clothes, prayers and enjoy by lighting
diyas and bursting few crackers.

(3) Lakshmi Puja


The third day is the main Diwali festival. Lakshmi Puja is performed on this
day. Goddess Lakshmi is believed to enter homes and bless people with
good fortune.
Diwali, the festival of lights and joy, celebrated with equal zest all over
India.
During the celebration, temples, homes, shops & office buildings are
brightly illuminated with lamps & diyas. The preparations, rituals,
ceremonies start by cleaning, renovating & decorating home or work place.
During the climax, revellers adorn themselves in their finest clothes, illuminate the interior & exterior of their
homes with diyas (oil lamps or candles), offer puja (worship) to Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity & wealth, light
fireworks, & partake in family feasts, where mithai (sweets) & gifts are shared.
May God bless your soul to be lit with the light of happiness that is eternal.
(4) Gujarati New Year/ Govardhan Puja
This day brings the lunar cycle to completion & new cycle starts from
next day which in Gujarat is celebrated as new year.
Festivities include, family reunions, meet & visit friends & families,
accept & grace blessings, exchange sweets & wish each other a
prosperous & a healthy happy new year.
Some people perform Govardhan Pooja to commemorate the
Govardhan parbat that saved lives of many people when lord Indra, the
rain god got angry & drenched the town with heavy rains. Lord Krishna
lifted the huge Govardhan Mountain.
People make a small hillock, usually of cow dung, symbolising Govardhan and worship it. The pooja is performed
by preparing around 56 or more types of different vegetarian dishes & is offered to Lord Krishna. The thaal is
known as Annakut.
The idols are adorned with new clothes & jewellery & whole ritual is performed with pleasure & enthusiasm.

(5) Bhai Dooj


The fifth and last day is Bhai Dooj. On this day sisters invite their brothers
for a lavish meal and perform a ‘tilak’ ceremony. Sisters pray for their
brother’s long and happy life while the brothers give gifts to their sisters.

“May the divine light of Diwali spread into your life .. Peace, Prosperity, Happiness and Good health.”
As celebrations also include bursting crackers during Diwali festivities , a word of caution - take utmost care and ensure
safety of people and assets.

Best Wishes,
Site-President SEZ refinery
Y K Lodha

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