Factales

Why do we worship only Goddess Lakshmi on Diwali?

 Lakshmi Puja is performed on the following day of Amavasya, the new moon night. It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi’s destroyer form is active on this day and she will wander the earth in search of the cleanest house to destroy negative energies and offer blessings of fortune and prosperity.

What exactly is Narka Chaturdashi?

Narka Chaturdashi, or Chhoti Diwali marks the death of demon Karkasura. Who slaid him and why? Our very own Lord Krishna, because Narkasura had imprisoned thousands of daughters of saints and Gods in his harem. But why do we celebrate his death? His mother, Bhumi, declared that this day should be a day of festivities not mourning, so there you go!

In Ramayana & Mahabharatha

- Hindus across the world celebrate Diwali in honor of the return of Lord Rama, his wife Sita and his brother Lakshmana from exile of 14 years after Rama defeated Ravana. To honor the return of Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshmana from Lanka and to illuminate their path, villagers light Diyas to celebrate the triumph of good over evil.

- Diwali also celebrates the return of Pandavas after 12 years of Vanvas and one year of "Agyatavas" in Mahabharata.

Why do we wake up before dawn and burst crackers on Narka Chaturdashi?

 The slaying of Narkasura also symbolises driving away wickedness and negative energies out of your home. Waking up at dawn, followed by a fragrant oil massage by the matriarch of the family and then bathing is believed to cleanse your system and your surroundings on the first prahar (first unit of time). This is followed by crushing the fruit karat outside your house, which symbolises Narkasura. There is no historical or scientific explanation for why people burst crackers at dawn. So it’s safe to assume it is only for fun!

Why do people keep a small broom in the prayer house during Diwali?

It is a popular belief that Goddess Lakshmi likes cleanliness, and she will visit the cleanest house first. This is also the reason why the broom is worshipped on this day. 

Do thieves worship Goddess Kali on Diwali?

The second day of diwali, Choti Diwali, is also known as Kali Choudas, a day for thieves to worship Goddess Kali in hopes that the Hindu deity will protect them from the police. Astonished? A number of eastern states in India follow this custom.

 Earning your money and keeping it safe?

Along a similar vein, Hindu families will worship the deity Kuber, God of wealth, on Dhanatrayodashi, popularly known as Dhanteras, which is signified by dry coriander seeds and jaggery (dhane ani gool). Lord Kuber guides individuals who are not good at saving money even though they may have no problems earning it.