Diwali in Maharashtra
Diwali is an important festival of Maharashtra. This festival is different from other parts of the country. In Marathi family Diwali festival starts from 'Vasu-baras' which comes on tithi 'Ashwin Krushna Dwadashi' as per Marathi calendar. This is celebrated in honor of cours which is regarded as mother by Hindus.The people of Maharashtra worship cows on this day. The married women of the house worship cows having calf. This tradition tells us the importance of mother in a family who serves them and their children.
Diwali is celebrated for five days in Maharashtra.
The First Day of Diwali is known as Dhantrayodshi or dhanteras. In some places of Maharshtra Dhanvantari Jayanti is celebrated to markthe honour of the great ancient doctor Dhanvantri.On thid day ‘Yama-Deep-Daan’ is organized in which mothers and wives make one divas each for all living male in their family. This diva is made from kneaded flour and is lit and offered to Lord Yama in the evening. The women of the houses worshipped Lord Yama who is the Hindu mythological god of Death to save their husband and children and blessed them with a long life.
The Second Day of Diwali is known as narak chaturdashi or Choti Diwali. On this day demon Narkasura was killed by Lord Krishna. People celebrate the death of demon Narkasura on this day. People get up early in the morning and massaged theirbodies with scented oils. Then they took bath by using ‘utane’ or ‘utanah’ instead of soap. This special bath is known as ‘abhyang-snan’. This ‘utane’ is made from several things having ayurvedic properties like sandalwood, camphor, manjistha , rose, orange skin and turmeric.
The Third Day of Diwali is known as Laxmi Pujan or Chopda Pujan. The people decorate their houses with lights and lamps. At evening they worship Laxmi, The Goddess of wealth, Lord Ganesha and other Gods and Goddesses. Marathi people hang ' Akash-dive' and light up' panti's outside their houses on this day. There is also a tradition of drawing Rangoli in their houses on this day. After worshipping, the people distribute sweets and gifts to their friends and relatives. Avariety of sweets and namkeens are made like chivda, chakali, anarse, radaboli, raranji etc on this festival. The children burn fire crackers on this day.
The Fourth Day of Diwali is known as Diwalicha Padva'. This festival embark us the togetherness of husband and wife and love shared by them. In this festival wife does'aurshan of her husband and in return husband present a special gift to their wife.
The Fifth day of Diwali is known as 'Bhau By. In this festival sisters do 'ausrshan' of their brothers and pray for their long life . and in return brothers blessed their sisters and gave them lots of gifts.
