The festival of the Second Day-Choti Diwali
In every Indian household, the second day is celebrated with the lighting of 5-7 Lamos (Clay Diyas) on the door and corners. The Choti (Small) Diwali is the festival Diwali itself on a smaller scale, with little less lights lit and fewer crackers burst. The different regional names associated with the second day are:
Choti Diwali: Choti Diwali or 'Small Diwali' is Diwali on a smaller scale, with fewer lights lit and fewer crackers burst. This day is known as Choti Diwali in most North Indian States.
Narkachaturdashi: Celebrated in all South Indian states and Nepal, God Yama is worshiped on this day to get rid of the fear of demon Narakasura. People make an effigy of Narakasura, and burn it. Later, they take bath and burst crackers.
Roop Chaturdashi: In all north Indian States, the second day of Diwali is also known as Roop Chaturdashi. On this day, Hindus takes a ritual bath and perform Sadhana (Meditation) for gain of beauty and magnetism for success and happiness.
Kali Choudas: The day before Divali is called Kali Chaudas and on this day, a head wash and application of kajal in the eyes is believed to keep away the kali nazar (evil eye).
Mahanisha / Kali Puja: The festival of Diwali is known as Mahanisha in Bengal. It is believed that Maha Kali appeared on this day, accompanied by 64,000 yoginis.
Divvela Panduga / Divili Panduga: Divvela Panduga, also known as Divili Panduga is one of the most significant festival of Andhra Pradesh that include the legend of Narakaasura, decoration of house by rangolis, oil lamps and celebration with fire crakers.
The festival of the Third Day-Diwali/Dipavali:
Marked with the worship of Godess Laxmi, the exchange of sweets and gifts, and the bursting of fireworks, the third day of Diwali is the most important and significant day. The name Diwali comes from the Sanskrit word Deepavali, meaning the "row of lights". Other names that vary according to the regions are:
Laxmi Pujan: Diwali is synonymous with laxmi pujan. Houses are decorated, Goddess laxmi is worshiped and the women do "aarti" to their husbands while praying for financial gains and long life.
Chopda Pujan: Diwali also represents the start of a new business year so all businesses close their accounts and present them to Lakshmi and Ganesh during the Chopda Pujan.
Deva Divali: Diwali is known as Deva Divali by Jains. It is on this day that Lord Mahavira got Moksha, and He is worshiped, sacred scriptures are recited and homes and temples are illuminated.
Sukhsuptika: The Kashmiri Pandits celebrate the festival of lights as Sukhsuptika, which literally means, "Sleep with happiness".
Kaumudi Mahostavam: In some part of Andhra Pradesh the festival of Diwali is known as Kaumudi Mahotsavam.
Badhausar: In Gujarat, Diwali is known as Badhausar. On this day, Lakshmi is believed to visit the homes that are clean and well lit. So, families clean, paint and decorate their houses with light, flowers, new novelties and paper chains.
Balindra Pooja: Diwali is also known as Balindra Pooja in many South Indian States. In the morning, a pooja offering oil to Lord Krishna is performed.
Karthigai Deepam: On Karthigai Deepam, people clean their houses and draw 'Kolams' (Rangoli) in front of the houses and also place some lamps on it.
Thalai Deepavali: The first Diwali of the newly wed in Tamil Nadu is known as Thalai Deepavali.
Sharda Pujan: To get success, financial gains and happiness, those involved in trade and business do pujan of beginning their new ledgers. This is known as Sharda Pujan.
Bandi Chhor Diwas: Diwali is celebrated as Bandi Chhor Divas by Sikhs throughout India. The story of Divali for the Sikhs is a story of the Sikh struggle for freedom, as Guru Hargovind freed and returned from the captivity on this day. Also, the foundation stone of the Harmandir Saheb/Darbar Saheb was laid on the Diwali day in 1557.
Diyari: The festival of Diwali is known as Diyari among the Sindhis. They celebrate this festival by performing puja to Goddess Lakmi.
-------------------------------------- Start of Baby Names Column ------------------------------------
Browse Baby Names
Browse by Alphabets
Browse by Girls Names
Browse by Boys Names
---------------------------------------------------- END -----------------------------------------------------