DEEPAVALI:2013

HAPPY DEEPAVALI TO ALL READERS.  MAY LAKSHMI BLESS YOU WITH PEROSPERITY AND ENLIGHTENMENT.

Deepavali or Diwali is one of the most important festivals for Hindus. It means 'Row of Lamps/Lights'. It celebrates the victory of Goodness over Evil and Light over Darkness. Not only Hindus but Sikhs and Jains also celebrate this festival.

In West Bengal Diwali is celebrated as Kali Puja and whole night puja is performed.

LINK TO BELUR MATH KALI PUJA LIVE: 
click this link :http://new.livestream.com/belurmathorg/events/2501075
DATE/ TIME: Sat Nov 2, 2013/ 9:00 pm- Sun Nov 3, 2013/ 4:30 am 

Kali Image of Belur Math

KALI PUJA PANDEL ARRANGEMENTS IN KOLKATA DUM DUM AREA

Kali Image Kept ready for Puja

Swami Vivekananda

Sister Nivedita

Lord Shiva

Divine Mother

In Sothern parts of India Deepavali celebrations begin with waking up early in the morning, before sun rise, followed by an oil-bath. Then new clothes are worn and crackers and lights are used extensively as a part of celebrations.

Deepavali is a 4 days festival as Deepavali, Lakshmi Puja, Kartika Shuddha Padwa and Yama Dvitiya.

Deepavali 2013 Dates:

Sat, 02 November, 2013 - Deepavali (Naraka Chaturdasi)

Sun, 03 November, 2013 - Lakshmi Puja

Mon, 04 November, 2013 - Kartika Shuddha Padwa (Bali Padyami)

Tue, 05 November, 2013 - Yama Dvitiya

Note: In South India Deepavali starts one day earlier.

Day 1: Deepavali (Naraka Chaturdasi)

Commemorates the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Naraka. People taking a bath in the early morning before sunrise while the stars are still shining in the sky.

Day 2: Lakshmi Puja

Goddess Lakshmi emerged from Kshira Sagara (Ocean of Milk). Lakshmi Pooja is performed on this day.

Day 3: Kartika Shuddha Padwa/Bali Padyami

Celebrates the victory of god Vishnu in his dwarf incarnation Vamana over the daemon king Bali. Honours Bali's return to earth for his devotion to the Lord and for his noble deeds to his people. First day of the Hindu month Kartika.

Day 4: Yama Dvitiya

Yama (God of Death) had a feast with his sister Yami. She put an auspicious tilak mark on his forehead for his well-being. On this day sisters pray for well-being of their brothers. In return brothers giving gifts to their sisters.

Significant events associated with Diwali:

v The return of Rama after 14 years of Vanvas (exile). To welcome his return, diyas (ghee lamps) are lit in total of 14.

v Return of Pandavas after 12 years of Vanvas and one year of agyatavas (living incognito).

v The killing of Narakasura: Celebrated as Naraka Chaturdashi, one day before Diwali, it commemorates the killing of the evil demon Narakasura, who wreaked havoc. In different versions, either Krishna or Krishna's wife Satyabhama killed Narakasura during the Dwapara yuga.
                      
   COURTESY:deepavali.net; en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diwali.