DIWALI PUJA

Diwali is a festival of celebrating the blessings bestowed on us by Goddess Lakshmi and Diwali Puja is a way of commemorating the Goddess. Well Diwali is also celebrated for many other mythological reasons like the coming of Lord Ram to Ayodhya along with Sita and Lakshman. Whatever may be the reason for celebrating Diwali but the Diwali Puja is regarded to be a perfect way of thanking the Gods especially Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha for all the peace, prosperity and blessings showered by them on us and the mention of the Diwali puja can be found in the history of Diwali also.

The general things required for Diwali Puja are uncooked rice, paan leaves, kumkum, sweets, camphor, dry fruits and idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha. The Puja is performed in the evening when hundreds of diyas are lighted to illuminate the evening. The diwali puja is then followed by presenting each other with ideal Diwali gifts, offering delicious Diwali sweets to the guests, presenting beautiful Diwali cards to the loved ones and greeting each other with nicest Diwali greetings. The process of Diwali Puja is further divided into different pujas in the honor of different Gods like Ganesh Puja, Lakshmi Puja, Kali Puja and Diwali Aarti. 

Recognizing the importance of Diwali Puja amidst the celebrations of Diwali we have come up with a proper section of Diwali Puja under which we have discussed and have given information regarding the different pujas to be performed at the time of Diwali.

FAMOUS STORIES BEHIND DIWALI

India encompasses in it's lap diverse cultures and therefore is imbued in the aura of festivities round the year. Most of the Indian festivals find their origin in Hindu Mythology. Diwali is one such widely loved festival. The popular story related to Diwali is the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile. But, that is not all. There are many mythical stories that enriches the significance of Diwali.

There are a number of myths surrounding the festival. For instance, the stories of the killing of Ravana and Narakasura, the emergence of Goddess Lakshmi etc. are the stories that accentuates the glory of Lord Rama and reinforce his position of "Purushottam", that is, the Man of Honor.

The festival of Diwali is the auspicious day when people enjoy sweets, new clothes and fireworks. Offering Puja to Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi is the highlight of the day. People get their houses white washed and decorate them way before the festive day. Loved ones exchange gifts among each other. All these activities hold deep importance in the mythical stories.

The very essence of Diwali celebrations lie in these stories. In an attempt to honor the great Lord Rama, we have come up with some amazing tales, which have been passed on from generation to generation and are preserved as India's ancient heritage. 

STORY OF DIWALI

The preparations, the rituals, the entire celebration focuses on the home and family, spanning out to cover the community as a natural extension. Diwali is a festival synonymous with celebrations in India and among Indians all over the world, is an occasion for jubilation and togetherness. Like other festivals the festival of lights also has its origin in mythology. By reading the mythological tales you get to know the real story of Diwali.

The most famous legend associated with the story of Diwali is the return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya. Lord Ram was sent to exile by his stepmother for 14 years in the jungle. His wife Sita and younger brother Lakshman also accompanied him there. In the jungle Ravan kidnapped sita and Lord Ram had to take the help of God Hanuman and monkey king Sugvir to kill Ravan. After killing Ravan and completing his period of exile, Lord Ram returned to Ayodhya and to celebrate his comeback the citizens of Ayodhya decorated their houses, exchanged sweets and ignited firecrackers. Since that day Diwali came to be celebrated in order to commemorate the coming back of Lord Ram.

According to another legend associated with the Story of Diwali, on this particular Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity incarnated. She incarnated due to the churning of the ocean, which came to be known as the incident of 'Samundra Manthan', by the demons as well as the deities.

Another famous Diwali story talks about the killing of demon Narkasura by Satyabhama with the support of Lord Krishna. Narkasura once defeated Lord Indra, the king of heaven and also snatched away the earrings of Mother goddess Aditi, who was a relative of Satyabhama. On hearing this news Satyabhama got very furious and asked for Lord Krishna's help for killing the demon who readily agreed.

No matter what the legend but the festival of lights is celebrated with much enthusiasm and zeal in all over the country by people of all religions.