Diwali in Maharashtra

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In Maharashtra, Diwali starts from "Vasubaras" which is the 12th day of 2nd half of the previous month i.e. "Ashwin". This day is celebrated by performing an Aarti of the cow and its calf- which is a symbol of love between mother and her baby.

The next day is "Dhantrayodashi" (tra-3 dashi-10 i.e. 10+3=13th day) or Dhanteras. This day is of special importance for traders and business people.

The 14th day of Ashwin is "Narakchaturdashi". On this day before sunrise, people wake up & bathe after rubbing scented oil on their body (also bathe using "Utna"). After this the entire family visits a temple and offers prayers to their God. After this visit, everyone feasts on "Faral" which is a special Diwali preparation consisting of delectable sweets as "karanji", "ladoo", "shankarpale" and "mithai" as well as some spicy eatables like "tschakli", "sev" and "chivda"

Then comes “Laxmi- poojan”. It occurs on 'Amavasya' i.e. no moon/ new moon day. The dark night is illuminated by lamps and at dusk crackers are burst. New account books are opened after a pooja. The stock exchange performs a token bidding called 'Muhurta' bidding. Generally the traders do not make any payments today (according to their belief 'Laxmi' should not be given away but must come home). In every household, cash, jewellery and an idol of the goddess Laxmi is worshipped. Friends, neighbours and relatives are invited over and celebrations are in full galore. The broom used to clean one's house is also worshipped in some places.

”Padva” is the 1st day of the new month - Kartik in the Hindu calendar.

”Bhaubeej” - it is the time where in the bond of love between a brother and sister is further strengthened as the sister asks God for her brother/s long and successful life while she receives presents from her beloved brother/s.

Homes are cleaned and decorated before Diwali. Offices perform pooja. Bonuses and holidays are granted to employees on these auspicious days. People go ahead & buy property and gold on these days too.

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