How many days is Diwali celebrated for?

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the various days associated with Diwali and the days before and after it.

Correct Answer: E) 5

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, CLAT

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

Diwali, or Deepavali, is one of the most significant and widely celebrated festivals in India. It is a five-day festival that is observed in the Hindu lunar calendar month of Kartika, which typically falls between mid-October and mid-November in the Gregorian calendar. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.

The five days of Diwali are as follows:

Dhanteras (Day 1): The first day of Diwali is known as Dhanteras, which is celebrated by buying gold or silver items and new utensils. It is believed that buying these items on this day brings prosperity and good luck. The word "Dhan" means wealth, and "Teras" refers to the 13th day of the lunar month. On this day, people worship the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi, and the god of wealth, Kubera.

Choti Diwali or Naraka Chaturdashi (Day 2): The second day of Diwali is known as Choti Diwali or Naraka Chaturdashi. It is believed that on this day, Lord Krishna killed the demon Narakasura, thus freeing the world from his tyranny. People wake up early in the morning, take an oil bath, and burst firecrackers to celebrate the victory of good over evil.

Diwali (Day 3): The third day is the main day of Diwali, which is celebrated with great pomp and show. On this day, people light diyas (oil lamps), decorate their homes with rangolis (colorful patterns made on the floor), and exchange sweets and gifts with their loved ones. It is believed that on this day, the goddess Lakshmi visits homes that are clean and well-lit, bringing prosperity and good fortune.

Govardhan Puja or Annakut (Day 4): The fourth day of Diwali is known as Govardhan Puja or Annakut. It is celebrated in honor of Lord Krishna, who lifted the Govardhan mountain to protect the villagers from the wrath of Lord Indra. On this day, people prepare a mountain of food and offer it to Lord Krishna, symbolizing the mountain that he lifted.

Bhai Dooj (Day 5): The fifth and final day of Diwali is known as Bhai Dooj. It is a day dedicated to the bond between brothers and sisters. On this day, sisters pray for the long life and prosperity of their brothers, and brothers promise to protect their sisters. It is a day of love, affection, and togetherness.

Thus, Diwali is a five-day festival that is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Each day of the festival has its own unique significance and rituals, making it a rich and vibrant celebration of Indian culture and tradition.

Option Analysis:

Option A: This option is incorrect because Diwali is not celebrated for just one day. The festival spans over five days, each with its own significance and rituals.
Option B: This option is incorrect because Diwali is not celebrated for just two days. The festival includes several days of preparation and celebration, culminating in the main Diwali day and continuing for two more days.
Option C: This option is incorrect because Diwali is not celebrated for just three days. The festival begins with Dhanteras and ends with Bhai Dooj, making it a five-day celebration.
Option D: This option is incorrect because Diwali is not celebrated for just four days. The festival includes Dhanteras, Choti Diwali, Diwali, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj, making it a five-day celebration.
Option E: This option is correct because Diwali is celebrated over a period of five days. The festival begins with Dhanteras and ends with Bhai Dooj, each day having its own unique significance and rituals.

Mnemonic: Five days of lights: Dhanteras, Choti Diwali, Diwali, Govardhan Puja, Bhai Dooj.

Back to Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 345 – Practice all questions