Diwali 2021 puja time, date and schedule — everything you need to know

Diwali, the festival of lights, is a significant celebration for the Hindus and spans over five days. This popular festival is eagerly awaited by the young and the old alike.

Diwali signifies the victory of light over darkness, portraying the triumph of good over evil. The governments of several nations organize Diwali celebrations to convey their respect and appreciation of the Indian tradition.

Diwali 2021 date and puja timing

This year, Diwali falls on Saturday, 4th November 2021. Diwali is celebrated during the Amavasya of the Kartik month of the Hindu calendar. For those who celebrate Lakshmi Puja, mostly in north, central and west India, the puja Muhurat for performing Lakshmi puja on Diwali is between 06:9 pm and 08:04 pm. During this time, the Pradosh Kaal and Vrishabh Kaal muhurats coincide.

Diwali significance

In the North, Diwali marks Lord Rama’s arrival to Ayodhya after being exiled for 14 long years. Lord Rama defeated the demon Raavan after rescuing Mother Sita from his captivity. Hence people of Ayodhya celebrated the day by lighting lamps, and the tradition continues to this day. Meanwhile, in South India, Diwali marks the victory of good over evil as Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasur. In some parts of the country, it is also believed that Diwali marks the celebration of Goddess Laxmi’s wedding with Lord Vishnu. Few legends say Goddess Laxmi was born on the full moon day of Kartik, and that is why we celebrate the day.

In the eastern part of the country, it is celebrated by worshipping Goddess Kali.

Few legends in other parts of the country say Goddess Laxmi was born on the full moon day of Kartik, and that is why we celebrate the day.

Diwali puja and what to do on Diwali

On the day of Diwali, people wake up early in the morning and take a holy bath. Since abhyanga snan is done before the sunrise, it is considered sacred to take a bath in the River Ganges. People living in remote places mix up little Ganges water with the water they use for bathing.

Every household purchases new clothes for all the members to be worn on Diwali. In some households, Diwali puja is done during the early morning hours and then people eat sweets, snacks, special dishes and then start bursting crackers.

On the day of Diwali, people visit their grandparents and the elders in the family. Usually, the elders give gifts and money to the young ones in the family.

Lakshmi puja is performed during the Pradosh Kaal in the evening of Diwali. As part of the puja, a holy bath is given to the idol of Ma Lakshmi and the images of Lakshmi, Ganesh, Ma Sarawsati and Kuber are installed on a pedestal and worshipped together. Worshipping Lord Krishna and goddess Kali is also done on this day.

The most important aspect of Diwali is lighting lamps and placing them around the house. This practice is believed to ward off the evil forces, guide the spirits of ancestors ascending to the higher worlds and to bring in health, wealth and prosperity into the household.