The 5 Days of Diwali: Rituals, Poojas & Mantras

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is celebrated over five days, each with its own unique significance, rituals, and spiritual practices. Here’s a detailed guide to help you observe each day with devotion and understanding.

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Day 1: Dhanteras (October 18, 2025)

Significance:
Marks the beginning of Diwali; dedicated to Lord Dhanvantari (god of health), Lord Kubera (god of wealth), and Goddess Lakshmi.

Rituals:

• Lakshmi Puja: Perform evening prayers to invite wealth and prosperity.
• Purchasing Precious Metals: Buy gold, silver, or utensils to symbolize the welcoming of wealth.
• Lighting Diyas: Illuminate your home with diyas to dispel darkness and negativity.
• Rangoli Decoration: Create designs at the entrance to welcome positive energy.
• Tulsi Puja: Worship the sacred Tulsi plant for family health and well-being.
• Charitable Acts: Donate to the needy to accumulate positive karma.

Mantras:

• ॐ श्रीं महालक्ष्म्यै नमः (Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah)
• ॐ गं गणपतये नमः (Om Gam Ganapataye Namah)

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Day 2: Narak Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) (October 19, 2025)

Significance:
Commemorates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.

Rituals:

• Abhyang Snan (Oil Bath): Apply oil, take a bath before sunrise to purify the body and soul.
• Lighting Diyas: Place diyas to ward off evil spirits.
• Recite Mantras: Chant prayers for protection and well-being.

Mantras:

• ॐ यमदीपाय नमः (Om Yamadeepaya Namah)
• ॐ नरकासुराय नमः (Om Narakasuraya Namah)

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Day 3: Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) (October 20, 2025)

Significance:
The main Diwali day; honors Goddess Lakshmi for wealth, prosperity, and well-being.

Rituals:

• Kalash Sthapana: Place a sacred pot with water, mango leaves, and a coconut.
• Ganesha Puja: Worship Lord Ganesha to remove obstacles.
• Lakshmi Puja: Offer prayers to Goddess Lakshmi with sweets, fruits, and flowers.
• Aarti: Perform aarti with incense and camphor.
• Lighting Diyas: Illuminate the home to invite divine blessings.

Mantras:

• ॐ श्रीं महालक्ष्म्यै नमः (Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah)
• ॐ गं गणपतये नमः (Om Gam Ganapataye Namah)

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Day 4: Govardhan Puja (Annakut) (October 21, 2025)

Significance:
Celebrates Lord Krishna’s lifting of Mount Govardhan to protect villagers from Indra’s wrath.

Rituals:

• Chappan Bhog: Prepare 56 or 108 different food items as offerings.
• Govardhan Hill Worship: Create a replica of Mount Govardhan and offer prayers.
• Community Feasts: Share prasad with family and community.

Mantras:

• ॐ गोवर्धनाय नमः (Om Govardhanaya Namah)
• ॐ कृष्णाय गोवर्धनाय नमः (Om Krishnaya Govardhanaya Namah)

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Day 5: Bhai Dooj (October 22, 2025)

Significance:
Honors the bond between brothers and sisters; sisters pray for brothers’ well-being.

Rituals:

• Tilak Ceremony: Sisters apply tilak on brothers’ foreheads.
• Prayers: Offer prayers for brothers’ health and prosperity.
• Gifts: Exchange gifts as a token of love and affection.

Mantras:

• ॐ यमुनायै नमः (Om Yamunaye Namah)
• ॐ यमराजाय नमः (Om Yamarajaya Namah)