How to celebrate Diwali?

The word Diwali has been derived from Deepavali which in turn is formed by dipa + avali (row). Deepavali is thus a line or a row of lamps. During Diwali, lamps are lit everywhere. It is celebrated on four consecutive days - the thirteenth day (Dhanatrayodashi), the fourteenth day (Narak chaturdashi) and the new moon day (amavasya) [Lakshmipujan] of the dark fortnight of Ashvin and the first day of the bright fortnight of Kartik (Balipratipada). Some exclude the thirteenth and consider only the remaining three days as Diwali. Since Vasubaras and Bhaubij respectively precede and follow Diwali, they are included in it. However in reality they are separate holy festivals.
Dhanatrayodashi: The thirteenth day of the dark fortnight of Ashvin

This itself is called Dhanteras in common language. Businessmen worship their treasuries on this day. A commercial year comprises of the period between one Diwali and another. New account books are begun on only this day.
Lord Dhanvantari
Lord Dhanvantari
Dhanvantari jayanti

According to the Ayurveda it is the birthday of the deity Dhanvantari, so on this day Ayurvedic doctors (vaidyas) worship Him. They make an offering (prasad) of small pieces of neem leaves and sugar to visitors. This is of great significance as the neem fruit has originated from divine nectar (amrut) and Dhanvantari is the deity bestowing immortality. If one chews five to six neem leaves everyday then there is no chance of suffering from any malady. Such is its importance. It is for this very reason that it is distributed as a sacrament (prasad) of Dhanvantari.
Yamadipadan

Lord Yama (Yamaraj) is alloted the task of abducting one's life (pran). None has escaped or will escape death, according to time. However to prevent untimely death, on Dhanatrayodashi thirteen lamps made of wheat flour should be placed lit with oil, outside the house, facing southwards, in the evening. A lamp is never kept facing southwards except on this day.

OPSINGH
NEW DELHI

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