Diwali 2020 : Know the auspicious timings and muhurats

Ever since our childhood days, we’ve been writing plenty of articles on the importance of Diwali, why we celebrate it and what not. But over the years, the essence of Diwali is lost in translation. Nowadays, you know it’s Diwali, when you are given the responsibilities to deep clean and decorate the house. This day holds a very big importance, because it emphasis the victory of good over evil. In north India it is celebrated because  Lord Rama returned to his kingdom, after 14 years of exile, in the state of West-Bengal, people worship the goddess Kali, the destroyer of evil forces, during Diwali. And in Nepal, people celebrate Lord Krishna’s victory over the wicked king Naraka asura. In Sikhism, the day of Diwali is celebrated as Bandi Chhor Diwas that marks the release of their Guru Hargobind from the shackles of the Mughal Empire.

But as much as It is a time for commemorating our history and culture, Diwali nowadays is remarked with having a gala time with your friends and family, dressing up and posting pictures of your outfits and that rangoli you woke up early for, with cool Diwali hashtags. 

Diwali is celebrated in the course of 5 days, each with a particular purpose .

•Dhanteras (November 12 and 13)

The day of Dhanteras  marks a major day of the Diwali festival. The goddess of wealth, Laxmi is worshipped and businesses and households buy major items like Gold, Silver, Utensils made of Copper, Brass, Iron, as well as products like home appliances, cars, and jewelry.

Date: 13 November 2020

Pooja Muhurata: 13 November 2020 from 05:28 pm to 05:59 pm.

Duration: 30 minutes

•Choti Diwali (November 13 and 14)

Choti Diwali is also used to visit friends, relatives, exchanging gifts and making preparations for the next day of Lakshmi Pujan or Badi Diwali, as it is popularly known.

Date: 14 November 2020

Snan Muhurata: November 14 from 05:23 am to 06:43 pm.

Duration: 01 hours 20 minutes

•Lakshmi Puja – Main Diwali Day (November 14)

The main day of Diwali, is celebrated and everyone celebrates Diwali by illuminating their houses with ‘diyas’ and lights and decorate their houses with ‘Rangoli’, which are designs made with colours, ‘diyas’ and flowers and carry out the “Laxmi pujan” and pray for prosperity and happiness in their lives. This year the timings of puja are between 5:28pm and 7:24pm

•Padwa and Govardhan (November 15)

‘Go’ means cow and ‘vardhan’ means ‘nourishment’. Another meaning is ‘Go’ means ‘senses’ and ‘vardhan’ means ‘to increase’, meaning ‘increasing one’s senses’ and worshipping Lord Krishna. It is believed that one who worships Govardhan hill, also increases his devotion and belief towards Lord Krishna. It is celebrated just next day of Diwali, and people pay their respects to Lord Krishna by preparing ‘chappan bhog’, that is 56 varieties of food to make the God happy.

Date: 15 November 2020

Govardhan Puja Muhurta: November 15 from 03:19 pm to 05:27 pm.

Duration: 02 hours 09 minutes

•Bhai Dooj (November 16)

The day holds the special significance into the lives of a brother and a sister. Sisters pray to God for the well-being and longevity of their brothers against all the evils and bad fortune.

Date: 16 November 2020

Bhai Dooj Muhurta: 01:10 pm to 03:18 pm.

Duration: 02 hours 08 minutes

No matter where you are in India, you are sure to enjoy celebrating Diwali with the same level of pomp and fireworks as everyone else in the country.

by- Amodita Joshi