Hyderabad: Ahead of Diwali, priests have cleared the air as to when Laxmi puja should be celebrated (on Oct 31 or Nov 1). Though the Amavasya thithi spans both Oct 31 and Nov 1, leading to uncertainty on when to celebrate Diwali, they made it clear that the festival should be celebrated on Oct 31.
“Diwali usually lasts for five days. Most people in Telugu states think that Naraka Chaturdasi (the second day of festival) and Laxmi puja (when firecrackers are burst and Laxmi puja performed) combine Diwali festival. But the actual puja and celebrations begin with Dhana trayodashi (Dhanteras), Naraka Chaturdasi, Laxmi puja (which is generally considered major Diwali), Balipratipada puja, and Yama Dwitiya,” Rajeswar Sharma, a priest, said.
On the day when firecrackers are burst and Laxmi puja is offered, it should coincide with Amavasya thithi, timings of which should encompass the sunset and most of the night on the same day. This time, Amavasya timing fell on two days. On Nov 1, Amavasya concludes at 6.16 pm.
On Oct 31, the Amavasya timing starts at 3.52 pm, which will continue during sunset time (unlike on Nov 1). And the entire night will have Amavasya timing which is auspicious to do Laxmi puja and celebrate Diwali,” Sharma said.
In Hindu almanac period following sunset, referred to as ‘Pradosh Kaal’, is suitable for conducting Laxmi puja. On Oct 31, this auspicious timeframe is from 5.12 pm to 7.43 pm, making it ideal for the ritual. Conversely, on Nov 1, the Amavasya thithi concludes at 6:16 PM, which shortens the Pradosh Kaal and renders it less favourable for worshipping the goddess, a pandit said.
“Diwali usually lasts for five days. Most people in Telugu states think that Naraka Chaturdasi (the second day of festival) and Laxmi puja (when firecrackers are burst and Laxmi puja performed) combine Diwali festival. But the actual puja and celebrations begin with Dhana trayodashi (Dhanteras), Naraka Chaturdasi, Laxmi puja (which is generally considered major Diwali), Balipratipada puja, and Yama Dwitiya,” Rajeswar Sharma, a priest, said.
On the day when firecrackers are burst and Laxmi puja is offered, it should coincide with Amavasya thithi, timings of which should encompass the sunset and most of the night on the same day. This time, Amavasya timing fell on two days. On Nov 1, Amavasya concludes at 6.16 pm.
On Oct 31, the Amavasya timing starts at 3.52 pm, which will continue during sunset time (unlike on Nov 1). And the entire night will have Amavasya timing which is auspicious to do Laxmi puja and celebrate Diwali,” Sharma said.
In Hindu almanac period following sunset, referred to as ‘Pradosh Kaal’, is suitable for conducting Laxmi puja. On Oct 31, this auspicious timeframe is from 5.12 pm to 7.43 pm, making it ideal for the ritual. Conversely, on Nov 1, the Amavasya thithi concludes at 6:16 PM, which shortens the Pradosh Kaal and renders it less favourable for worshipping the goddess, a pandit said.
