5 brilliant days of the Festival of Lights

There is a reason why Diwali is the most popular Indian festival. The scintillating festival stretches beyond cultures and religions, embracing and enveloping all. From detailed, long pujas for the pious to nightlong parties and Diwali do's for the younger, chic lot; from ebullient, fiery crackers for the jumpy, juvenile ones to the lovely, colourful earthen lamps and lanterns and fine rangolis for the creative ones - the festival of Diwali has something for everyone.

And not to forget the fact that this is rarely a day long festival - the festival actually stretches for almost the whole week, with festivities lasting for five days and the after-effects a few days here and there.

Here is a list of all the five days of Diwali, with their names, religious significance and forms in different parts of India.

Day 1

The first day of Diwali is called Dhanteras (Dhanvantari Triyodashi), and it marks the official beginning of Diwali festivities. This day has great significance in many parts of India and people consider this as an auspicious day and muhurat. The thirteenth lunar day of the Krishna Paksh (as per the Hindu calendar), the dark fortnight of the month of Karthik, Dhanteras is a special day. On this day, Lord Dhanwantari is believed to have come out of the ocean with Ayurveda, the science of medicine, for the benefit of mankind. A huge amount of buying, specifically gold, silver and precious stones, ornaments, new clothes and utensils, takes place on this day. In the evening, children light crackers, and people also light some earthen lamps outside their home. In parts of India like Gujarat, this day holds more importance than the actual Diwali day, and people hold Lakshmi, Kuber (the Hindu God of Riches) and Ganesh puja on this day.

Day 2

The second day of Diwali week is called the Kali Chaudas or Narak Chaturdashi. In some parts of India, it is simply called the Choti Diwali, the day before Diwali. On this day Lord Krishna is known to have destroyed the demon Narakasur, freeing the world from fear. On this day, it is believed that one should massage the body with oil to relieve it of fatigue, then bathe and rest, so that Diwali can be celebrated with vigour and devotion. It is also believed that one should not light diyas or step out on this day, and rather stay at home and relax. However, in modern times, on Choti Diwali, people go to each other's homes to greet each other and exchange gifts and sweets.

Day 3

The third day of these festivities is the actual Diwali, when Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped along with Lord Ganesha. People light diyas and candles in their homes and the streets all across India light up with millions of sparklers, crackers and fairy lights. After worshipping Lakshmi in the evening with their families, people visit temples, gurudwaras and even churches to light candles. They also exchange sweets as prasad.

Day 4

The fourth day is celebrated in various forms all across India. In the western states of India like Gujarat, this day is celebrated with great pomp as Bestu Baras, the New Year as per their calendar. In northern states, this day is widely celebrated as Govardhan Pooja and Vishwakarma Day, when people worship their instruments, arms and machinery. Most or all business establishments thus remain closed on this day. This day is also called as Annakut.

Day 5

In Bengal the fifth day of Diwali festivities is celebrated as Bhai Dooj or Bhai Beej or Bhai Teeka/ Tilak or Bhai Fota. Brothers visit their sisters on this day, and the sisters celebrate and prepare sweets in honour of their brothers, wishing a long, happy, healthy life and great success for them.