The five day long Diwali celebrations start on October 25, 2019 and conclude on October 29, 2019. The list of events for Diwali are as follows.
October 25, 2019 (Friday) Dhanteras
October 26, 2019 (Saturday) Chhoti Diwali or Naraka Chaturdashi or Hanuman Puja
October 27, 2019 (Sunday) Main Diwali Festival and Lakshmi puja
October 28, 2019 (Monday) Govardhan Puja
October 29, 2019 (Tuesday) Bhai Dooj
The main Diwali festival
On the day of Diwali, many people perform Lakshmi puja. This year, the main Diwali festival falls on Sunday, October 27, 2019. The best time for Diwali Lakshmi puja is between 06:43 pm and 08:15 PM on this day.
Diwali celebration in households
There are several regional variations on how Diwali is celebrated in India. However, the main aspects of Diwali celebrations are notably the same across the country. People clean up their homes, decorate it, draw rangolis, light lamps and perform pujas at homes. Delicious dishes and new clothes are the most integral part of Diwali celebrations. Bursting crackers is a great excitement for families on the day of Diwali. Due to environmental concerns, fireworks and crackers are restricted this year. Hence people are finding some alternative ways to celebrate Diwali with merriment.
The importance of Diwali for business communities
For many business communities in India, Diwali is the last day of the financial year. Hence, performing Lakshmi puja on this day is considered very auspicious and it becomes a kind of invitation to Goddess Lakshmi to bless the business with prosperity and success during the coming year. The businessmen place the new account books, silver and gold coins and other important tools and things connected to their trade in front of the altar on the day of Diwali puja.
Auspicious things to do on Diwali day
Diwali day starts with holy bath. It is very auspicious to take bath in the Ganges. People who do not have access to the Ganges waters have a dip in other holy rivers or mix up a few drops of Ganga water in the water they use for bathing and purification rituals.
Wear new clothes, share sweets, do charities, burst crackers and socialize with friends and families.
Decorate the homes and business places with rangolis, flowers and festoons. Light lamps in the morning and evening and arrange them in different patterns throughout the house and business places.
In the evening Pradhosh Kaal on the day of main Diwali celebrations, perform Lakshmi puja and Kuber Puja.
Final word about Diwali
Diwali is a festival that unites families, friends and people together. This festival refreshes and rejuvenates the human consciousness. Celebrate Diwali in a traditional way and fill your homes and businesses with prosperity and happiness.