Diwali in Bihar
Diwali is one of the most important festivals of Bihar. The people of Bihar celebrate this festival with great zest. In Bihar Diwali is celebrated for five days. This festivals begins two days before Diwali.
The First Day of Diwali is known as 'Dhanteras' or 'Dhantrayodashi' which is celebrated in honour of ' Dhanvantari' who was the physician of Gods. The people believed that he had emerged himself with a pot of 'Amrita' during'Samudra Manthan'. On this day people byt new utensils of kitchen from the market and keep in their pooja room at the place of worship. The people of Bihar took bath early in the the morning and they observe a fast which is completed only after sunset with sweet dishes, puri and other delicious items.
The Second Day of Diwali is known as 'Choti Diwali'. The people of Bihar cleaned and decrated their houses on this day. The women of the house make beautiful and fabulous rangoli in the footway and courtyard early in the morning. The women also make Tiny Footprints' made from rice paste which indicates the footprints of Goddess Laxmi, as she enters the house.
The Third Day of Diwali is known as ‘Laxmi Pujan. The people of Bihar clean and decorate their houses and shops. Their houses, shops, markets and even streets are enlighted with elluminus lamps and lights. The people wear new clothes on this day. At night they worship Goddess Laxmi, God Ganesha and other Gods and Goddesses. In order to praise their God they sung ‘Aarti’ and other religious songs. After completing puja, they offered kheel,batashe, khitone and various other sweet dishes. After this the diyas are placed in and around the house on the doorway, near Tulsi plant, in backyard in every room and even in temple also which is nearest to their house children burn crackers. People meet their friends and relatives. They distributed sweets and gifts to their relatives and friends.
The Fourth Day of Diwali is known as ‘ Govardhan Puja’ .On this day people worship Lord Krishna and Govardhan Parwat which is near to Mathura. This day is also known as ‘ Varsha pratipada’ . According to Hindu calendar, this day is known as the first day of the year. The people celebrate this day by wearing new clothes and by visiting their family members and friends. Various dishes are made on this day like ‘ Annakoot’. Annakoot is a dish which is made from mixed vegetables,’Kadi’Bazara e.t.c.
The Fifth Day of Diwali is known as ‘ Bhaiya Dooj’ . On this day sisters put tikka on foreheads of their brothers and prayed for their long lives and in return brothers promised their sisters to always help them.
There is one more festival which is related to this festival. This festival is known as ‘Chhath’. It is celebrated on the sixth day of Diwali. Some people keep fast on this day. They neither eat nor drink on this day. The next day after sunrise, they complete their fast by drinking water and by eating delicious dishes
