THE FIVE DAYS OF DIWALI ARE SIGNIFICANT WITH DIFFERENT LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS.

Dhanteras
The first day of Diwali, called Dhanvantari Triodasi or Dhan Theras, is the 13th lunar day of Krishna Paksha, of the month of Kartik. On this day, Lord Dhanwantari came out of the ocean with Ayurveda for mankind. Houses and business premises are renovated and decorated.

Naraka Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali
On the second day, Lord Krishna destroyed the demon Narakasura and made the world free from fear. People practice customs such as an oil bath to relieve themselves of fatigue. The God of Death, Lord Yama is also worshipped on this day and devotees place a single deepa (the 'Jam Deepa') at the entrance to the home to prevent untimely death. The single deepa is a reminder of the lamp lit by Bharata to welcome home his brother Lord Rama after 14 years of exile. This day is also called Choti Diwali.


Lakshmi Puja
This is the day (third day) when Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped to get the blessings of wealth and prosperity. It is a time of forgiveness and healing of broken relationships. Many businessmen close accounts now.

Bali Padyami, Varshapratipada and Govardhan Puja
On the fourth day, Govardhan Puja is performed by the people of Vraj to honour the first miracle performed by Lord Krishna. Also, another story goes that Lord Vishnu gave the lamp of knowledge to King Bali and allowed him to return to earth once a year to dispel the darkness and ignorance, and radiate love and wisdom among his people.



Bhai Dooj
The fifth and final day of Diwali is a day dedicated to sisters. It is celebrated by some as Bhratri Dooj. Women serve their brothers khichdi as Lord Krishna's sister is said to have served him some when he visited her after slaying Naraksura. In North India, women who don't have brothers perform a puja to the Moon God.

Another legend has it that Yamraj visited his sister Yammi on this day. He gave his sister a boon that whosoever visits her on this day will be liberated from all sins.