From Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj: Untold tales of Diwali 2025
Beyond the shimmering lights and delicious sweets, Diwali holds centuries-old stories of devotion, courage, and divine blessings. From Dhanteras' call for prosperity to Bhai Dooj's celebration of sibling love, explore the hidden legends behind each of the five days that give Diwali its true spiritual meaning.
New Delhi: Diwali is often called the festival of lights, a time when homes sparkle with diyas, streets glow with decorations, and hearts brim with joy. But beyond the celebrations and sweets lies a deeper, timeless story—one that spans five days, each with its own meaning, rituals, and legends. Understanding these hidden stories allows us not just to celebrate Diwali but to connect with its spirit, wisdom, and cultural depth.
Let’s journey through the five days of Diwali, uncovering the fascinating stories, sacred rituals, and mantras that make this festival so enduring.
Day 1: Dhanteras – Welcoming Prosperity and Health
Dhanteras, the first day of Diwali, falls on the thirteenth day of Krishna Paksha in Kartik. Its name combines Dhan, meaning wealth, and Teras, the thirteenth day. This day is a celebration of prosperity, well-being, and auspicious beginnings.
The Hidden Stories
According to ancient scriptures, during the Samudra Manthan (the churning of the ocean), Lord Dhanvantari, the physician of the gods, emerged holding the Amrit Kalasha, the pot of immortality. This story links Dhanteras not just to wealth, but to health and life itself.
Another tale tells of a prince whose horoscope predicted death by snakebite. His clever wife kept him awake and lit lamps throughout the night. When Yama, the God of Death, arrived, the brilliance of the lamps and the shimmer of gold blinded him, saving the prince. This legend explains the ritual of lighting lamps and the belief in protective blessings.
Rituals and Practices
- Clean and Decorate the Home: A tidy, bright home invites positive energy and Goddess Lakshmi.
- Purchase Precious Metals: Buying gold, silver, or utensils symbolizes prosperity. Even a small diya or spoon is considered auspicious.
- Light a Yama Diya: Place a lamp outside your home to protect against untimely death.
- Offer Puja to Dhanvantari and Lakshmi: Use flowers, incense, and sweets to invoke blessings of health and wealth.
Short Mantras
- Lakshmi: "Om Shreem Hreem Shreem Mahalakshmiyai Namah”
- Dhanvantari: "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya Dhanvantaraye Amritakalasha Hastaya Sarvamaya Vinashanaya Trailokya Nathaya Shri Mahavishnave Namah”
Day 2: Naraka Chaturdashi / Choti Diwali – Triumph of Good Over Evil
The second day, known as Naraka Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali, celebrates the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon king Narakasura, who had terrorized kingdoms and imprisoned countless women. Krishna’s triumph, aided by his consort Satyabhama, symbolizes the eternal victory of righteousness over evil.
Rituals and Practices
- Abhyanga Snan: Take an early morning oil bath to cleanse body and soul.
- Light Diyas: Illuminate your home to dispel negative energy.
- Offer Prayers to Krishna: Seek divine guidance and protection.
- Prepare Sweets: Traditional treats like laddus and gujiyas celebrate joy and victory.
Short Mantra
"Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” – Chant in honor of Lord Krishna’s victory over darkness.
Day 3: Diwali – The Festival of Lights
The third day, simply called Diwali, is the most celebrated day, renowned for its luminous beauty and spiritual significance.
The Hidden Stories
- Return of Lord Rama: After 14 years of exile and defeating Ravana, Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya with Sita and Lakshmana. Citizens lit rows of lamps to welcome them, symbolizing the victory of dharma.
- Blessings of Goddess Lakshmi: Many believe Goddess Lakshmi descended to bless her devotees with wealth and prosperity on this night.
Rituals and Practices
- Decorate the Home: Rangoli, fresh flowers, and diyas create a sacred atmosphere.
- Lakshmi Puja: Offer incense, kumkum, rice, flowers, sweets, and fruits to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha.
- Light Diyas: Illuminate every corner to invite positive energy.
- Family Gatherings: Exchange gifts and sweets, share stories, and celebrate unity.
Short Mantras
- Lakshmi Gayatri: "Om Mahalakshmyai Cha Vidmahe Vishnu Patnyai Cha Dheemahi Tanno Lakshmi Prachodayat”
- Ganesh: "Om Gan Ganapataye Namah”
Day 4: Govardhan Puja / Annakut – Gratitude to Nature
The fourth day, Govardhan Puja, honors Lord Krishna and the bounties of nature. Krishna guided the people of Vrindavan to worship Govardhan Hill rather than Lord Indra. When Indra sent torrential rains in anger, Krishna lifted the hill to protect the villagers and cattle.
Rituals and Practices
- Make a Symbolic Govardhan Hill: Use cow dung, flowers, or decorations.
- Prepare Annakut: Offer a variety of vegetarian dishes to Krishna.
- Sing Bhajans: Devotional songs fill the air with reverence.
- Worship Cows: Adorn and honor sacred cows.
Short Mantra
"Om Devaya Namah, Om Govardhan Dharaya Vishnave Namah”
Day 5: Bhai Dooj – Celebrating Sibling Bonds
The fifth and final day, Bhai Dooj, is dedicated to the sacred bond between brothers and sisters. According to legend, Yamraj, the God of Death, visited his sister Yamuna. She welcomed him with aarti, tilak, and sweets, and he blessed her, promising long life to all brothers who receive a tilak from their sisters.
Rituals and Practices
- Sisters Perform Aarti and Tilak: Pray for brothers’ long life and well-being.
- Brothers Give Gifts: Tokens of love and protection.
- Family Gatherings: Celebrate unity, love, and completion of the Diwali festival.
Short Mantra
"Yamuna Deviya Sahita Yamrajaya Namah”
Why Understanding These Five Days Matters
Each day of Diwali is more than lights, sweets, and fireworks. They teach us:
- Dhanteras: The value of wealth and health.
- Naraka Chaturdashi: Courage and righteousness.
- Diwali: Light conquers darkness.
- Govardhan Puja: Gratitude for nature’s gifts.
- Bhai Dooj: The strength of family bonds.
By understanding the hidden stories and rituals, Diwali transforms from a celebration into a significant festival, connecting us with history, spirituality, and human values.