The festival of the Fourth Day-Goverdhan Puja:
The fourth day of Diwali falls on the first day of the lunar New Year. At this time, it is the New Year for most of the Hindus, while for other on this day old business accounts are settled and new books are opened. The fourth day is known as:
Goverdhan puja: Govardhan Puja is an occasion to worship Lord Krishna and Govardhan Parbat or Mount Govardhan, near Mathura.
Bestavarsh: The fourth day is celebrated as New Year and the families celebrate it by dressing in new clothes, wearing jewelery and visiting family members.
Gudi Padava: The association of the New Year termed as Padava or Padavo, with Diwali also substantiates the harvest festival theory.
Varsha Pratipada/ Pratipad Padwa: The Fourth day is also called Varsha Pratipada or Pratipad Padwa that marks the coronation of King Vikramaditya and Vikram-Samvat was started from this Padwa day.
Annakoot: On the fourth day, Annakoot is celebrated in observance of the episode in Sri Krishna's childhood, in which He gave protection to the cowherd clan of Vrindavan from the wrath of Indra.
Bali Padyam / Bali Pratipada : In Karnataka and other states, the fourth day is celebrated as Bali Paadyami or Bali Pratipada, commemorating the annual visit of demon king Bali to his subjects on Earth.
Muharat Pujan: All business establishments and families perform muharat pujan or veneration of their books.
The festival of the Fifth Day-Bhai Duj:
The fifth day of Diwali is widely known as Bhai duj or Bhatri Ditya, and is dedicated to the sacred bond shared between brothers and sisters. It is a big family day and the various regional names of this festival are:
Bhai Phota: In Bengal this event is called 'Bhai Phota'. Two days after Kali puja, 'Bhai Phota' is celebrated. On this day, sisters keep a fast and invite their brothers to be felicitated.
Bhaubeej / Bhav-Bij: The fifth day of Diwali is known as Bhaubeej or Bhav-Bij among the Marathi speaking community.
Bhai-Tika: The last day of Diwali is known as Bhai Tika in Nepal. Also known as brother and sister day, sister pray to Yamraja for her brother's long life and prosperity.
Yamadwitheya / Bhathru Dwithiya: As the legend goes Yamraj, the God of Death visited his sister Yamuna on this particular day. That is why this day of Bhayyaduj is also known by the name of "Yama-Dwitiya" or Bhathru Dwithiya.
Gorehabba: A unique festival celebrated by a remote village of Karnataka, Gorehabba fills joy and enthusiasm in people's life. On this day the villagers start playing with the cow dung and there are also a few interesting rituals that are done.
Bhatri Ditya: A festival in tune with the Diwali celebration, Bhatri Ditya is a special occasion amongst brothers and sisters and is observed as a symbol of love and affection.
Bhathru Dwithiya : Bhathru Dwithiya is a significant Hindu festival that lay utmost importance to the love shared between a brother and his sister. Various rituals and customs are followed while celebrating Bhathru Dwithiya.
Other Names:
Kojagara: Besides Diwali, in some regions a festival called "Kojagara" is also celebrated to propitiate the Goddess of prosperity, Lakshmi.
Labh Pancham: The final festival during the Diwali period is Labh Pancham. It is also known as 'Laakheni Panchmi' and 'Saubhaagya Panchmi.'
Tulsi Vivah: A long awaited festival observed in every Hindu household of Goa, Tulsi Vivah is enthusiastically celebrated with the preparation of special sweet dishes.
WISHING YOU AND YOUR FAMILY A HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS DIWALI'2007
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