Deepavali - Festival of Lights

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is the five-day festival celebrated with much gusto and enthusiasm. This festival of lights is celebrated for five days throughout India. Diwali festival celebrations start with Dhan Teras, also known as Dhanvantari Triodasi, and ends with Bhai Dooj, also known as Bhatru Dwitiya. Here are some details about the five festive days celebrated during Diwali festival.

Dhan Teras or Dhan Triodasi – First day of Diwali:
Dhan Teras or Dhan Triodasi marks the beginning of Diwali festival. On this day Dhan Tears Puja is performed by business people. This is very auspicious to buy or purchase gold, flat, plot and any other property. Dhan Triodasi day also marks Dhanvantari Jayanthi. Dhanvantari is the God of Ayurveda or Health as per Hinduism.

Choti Diwali or Narak Chaturdashi – Second day of Diwali:
It is observed on Kartik Krishna Chaturdashi as per North Indian calendars. On this day, Lord Krishna along with Satyabhama killed demon Narakasur and freed the world from fear of evil.

DhanaLakshmi Puja during Diwali – Third day of Diwali:
It is the actual Diwali day. It is celebrated on Kartik Amavasya as per North Indian calendars and according to other calendars Diwali falls on Ashwin Amavasya. Lakshmi Puja is performed on this day.

Govardhan Puja or Bali Padyami – Fourth day of Diwali:
It is performed on the day after Diwali. It is also observed as Bali Padyami. Lord Sri Krishna along with cattle is worshipped on Kartik Shukla Pratipada. On this day, Sri Krishna lifted the Mountain called Govardhan Giri to rescue the cattle and the people of Gokul.

Bhai Dooj or Bhatru Dwitiya or Yama Dwitiya – Fifth and last day of Diwali:
Bhai Dooj, also known as Bhai Phota, Bhayya Dhooj, Bhai Tika, Bhatru Dwitiya, Bhaubeej or Bhav Bij or Yama Dwitiya, is the last and final day of Diwali festival. On this day, sisters perform Raksha puja to their brothers. This day marks the eternal love and affection between a brother and sister.

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Atla Taddi Bhogi - Atla Taddi Vratam – Atla Thadde Gauri Puja

Atla Taddi Bhogi:

Atla Taddi Bhogi is first day of Atla Taddi festival. After Atlataddi Bhogi day, Atla Taddi festival is celebrated. In 2009, Atla Taddi Bhogi date is October 5. It is observed on Ashwayuja Krishna Paksha Vidiya. On this day, Telugu women wake up early morning and take ritual or ceremonial bath. In some places, Gauri Puja is also performed on the day. Gorintaku (Mehndi) designs are drawn on their hands during the day. This is the main ritual on Atla Taddi Bhogi. Thambulam (betel nut leaf) is taken after meals. Preparations for Atla Thaddi are done on Atla Thaddi Bhogi.

Atla Taddi Festival:

Atla Taddi is the festival which falls after Dasara every year. It is the regional festvial of Andhra Pradesh, celebrated by married women as well as unmarried women. Goddess Gauri is worshipped on the day of Atla Taddi. It is celebrated on the third day after Ashwayuja Purnima, the Full Moon day in Ashwayuja masam of Telugu calendar, and falls in October as per Gregorian calendar. Atla Taddi is the festival which falls after Dasara every year. It is the regional festvial of Andhra Pradesh, celebrated by married women as well as unmarried women. Goddess Gauri is worshipped on the day of Atla Taddi. It is celebrated on the third day after Ashwayuja Purnima, the Full Moon day in Ashwayuja masam of Telugu calendar, and falls in October as per Gregorian calendar.

Atla Thaddi Gauri Puja Procedure:

A small idol of Gauri is made with Pasupu (turmeric) and installed in a sacred and sanctified place. The idol is called Gauramma. Gauramma is offered Abhisheka (bath) while reciting the mantras, the performers spill Pasupu (turmeric powder), Kumkuma (crimson powder) and shower flowers. At the end of the puja, Goddess is offered Naivedyam (food offerings) and then Aarti is given to Goddess Gauri. After Gauri Puja or Atla Thaddi Nomu, the performers and all family members take theertham and prasadam.

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