5 Days of Diwali: Meaning, Stories, and Significance of Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj
Discover the meaning and stories behind the five days of Diwali—Dhanteras, Choti Diwali, Diwali, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj—celebrating light and love.
Diwali isn't just a festival of lights and sweets. It's a five-day celebration, each day with its own significance and story. Let's explore the stories associated with these five days and their spiritual and cultural significance.
Day 1: Dhanteras / Vasubaras
Dhanteras / Vasubaras is the first day of Diwali, considered auspicious for business, wealth, and new beginnings. On this day, merchants review their old ledgers and start new ones, a ritual called Chopra Pujan. Dhanteras is celebrated by worshipping Lord Dhanvantari, the god of health.
Why it's celebrated:
On Dhanteras, Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and Lord Dhanvantari, the god of health, are worshipped. This day is considered auspicious for health and prosperity.
Key points:
- Clean your home and shop.
- Worship Mother Cow.
- Settle old ledgers.
Day 2: Naraka Chaturdashi / Choti Diwali
The second day is celebrated as Naraka Chaturdashi / Chhoti Diwali. This day symbolizes the victory of good over darkness and evil. It is believed that Lord Krishna killed the demon Narakasura on this day.
Why it is celebrated:
It is believed that Lord Krishna killed the demon Narakasura and freed 16,100 captives. This day symbolizes the removal of darkness and negativity.
Key Points:
- Take a bath before sunrise and apply a light ointment.
- Light lamps and clean the house.
Day 3. Diwali
Diwali is the main and third day of Diwali. Lamps are lit in homes and Lakshmi and Ganesha are worshipped.
Why it is celebrated:
This day is significant for wealth, prosperity, and spiritual energy. Happiness, prosperity, and well-being are welcomed by lighting lamps in homes and worshipping Lakshmi and Ganesha. On this day, Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after completing his exile and was welcomed with the festival of lights.
Key Points:
- Worship Lakshmi and Ganesha with proper rituals.
- Light lamps in the house and courtyard.
- Distribute sweets and prasad.
Day 4. Govardhan Puja
Govardhan Puja is celebrated on the fourth day of the festival. It commemorates Lord Krishna lifting Mount Govardhan to protect the people from the wrath of Indra.
Why it's celebrated:
This puja teaches us to express gratitude towards nature and food.
Key Points:
- Make a Govardhan mountain at home from clay and worship it.
- Prepare a variety of dishes (Annakoot) and offer them as prasad.
Day 5. Bhai Dooj / Bhaiya Dooj
The fifth day, Bhai Dooj, is dedicated to the brother-sister relationship. Sisters pray for their brothers' long life and happiness and prosperity.
Why it's celebrated:
This day is celebrated to strengthen brother-sister love and family bonds.
Key Points:
- Apply a tilak to your brother and give gifts.
- Feed sweets.
- Strengthen relationships.
- Strengthen brother-sister bonds.
It is also called Yama Dwitiya because on this day, Yamraj had a meal at his sister Yamuna's house.
These five days of Diwali symbolize life's wealth, health, purity, light, and love. Understanding them gives us not only the essence of the festival but also its spiritual and social messages.
1. What are the five days of Diwali?
The five days of Diwali are: Dhanteras/Vasubharas, Naraka Chaturdashi/Chhoti Diwali, Deepawali (the main day), Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj.
2. Why is Diwali celebrated?
Diwali commemorates the victory of light over darkness and the arrival of Goddess Lakshmi.
3. What is the significance of Diwali?
Diwali is the festival of victory of light over darkness and the arrival of Goddess Lakshmi.
Read More: When is Diwali 2025 — October 20 or 21? Date, Lakshmi Puja Muhurat
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