The sentiments behind the Diwali festival, is that all darkness, i.e. ignorance, worldly desires and thoughts should be removed from within us and replaced with the light, the divinity of the Lord. Lamps are symbolic of truth and knowledge of the Lord. Therefore lamps are lit everywhere allowing us to remember and reflect on the true purpose of this festival period.

The Diwali festival lasts for 5 consecutive days. Each day has a significance that was derived from various different episodes of Hindu legends. Depending on the region of India, these legends will vary. However the essence behind each story is the abolishment and conquering of evil, replaced by the establishment of good.

Dhan Teras

The first day is called Dhan Teras. It is also sometimes called Dhantrayodashmi. Dhan literally means wealth. In the past, the number of cattle that was owned determined one's wealth; therefore, the cow was offered worship on this day. Over the centuries, this has evolved to offering poojan to Laxmi, the deity of wealth. In this context, Laxmi is personified through currency and a ceremony involving money is traditionally performed on this day. The sentiments behind this are that we must remember never to obtain money in any manner that contravenes the path of morality, of dharma.

Kali Chaudas

The next day is called Kali Chaudas. Kali is the deity of strength. Hence this day focuses on acquiring the divine strength to abolish idleness and immorality. Historically people offered poojan to Hanuman. It is said that this removes all fear of evil spirits and establish auspiciousness within us. By eradicating evil, we become internally enlightened. This internal evil refers to the evil spirits that reside within us, lust, anger, greed, avarice, etc. Once these have been banished from within us, we can offer true devotion unto the Lord.

Diwali

Sadguru Din dhyan in the sabha mandap

This day is the final day of the Hindu year, Aso vad (15) amass. Traditionally the New Year's accounts are sanctified on this day. Fireworks are exploded; a symbol of the burning of evil, and the resurrection of good light, the truth and divinity of the Lord. Divas are lit in homes and temples. Rangoli, elaborate patterns are artistically created using powdered paint at the entrance of homes as a welcoming symbol. The sky during this night would be moonless, therefore the lighting of the divas eradicate this darkness; yet another symbol of good over evil. The sentiment for a disciple of the Lord when lighting a divo is to pray for forgiveness of past misdeeds and for spiritual strength and wisdom for the coming year so that he can please the Lord more and more.

Nidar Sidhantvadi Sadguru Shree Ishwarcharan Swamibapa relinquished His human darshan on this day in Samvat 1999. Therefore, disciples of Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan also commemorate Shree Sadguru Din on this day.

New Years Day - Nootan Varsh

Annakut darshan at Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Maninagar

Today is the 1st day of the New Year, Kartik sud 1.

The new crop that had been planted after the monsoon season would have grown during the final month of the year, Aso, and would now be ready. This crop is harvested and first offered to the Lord on the first day of the year. This is the origin of ankutotsav, the offering of a vast array of elaborate dishes to the Lord. An literally means food (grain) and kut translates as mountain. Hence a vast mountain of different foods is placed before the Lord.

This auspicious day is filled with happiness and joy. It is said that he who remains joyous on this first day will also remain so for the rest of the year. But he, who wastes it by being miserable, will encounter the same sentiments for the forthcoming 12 months. For a disciple of the Lord, the sentiments are slightly different. They would spend the day visiting the Mandir, take part in the singing of kirtans, and performing devotional practices to the Lord. That way, the rest of the year would also be filled with the same divinity.

Bhai Beej

The final day of the Diwali festival, Bhai beej falls on the second day of the year. Traditionally, a sister would serve her brother with food on this day. Disciples of the Lord come together in the Temple and partake in the prasad of the Lord, as all of the Lord's children are brothers and sisters.