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Diwali is much more than a festival of lights—it’s a celebration of the victory of light
over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. No matter which part
of India you’re in or what faith you follow, the essence of Diwali remains the same:
bringing light, happiness, and prosperity into our lives. For many, it also marks the
beginning of a new year.
But when we talk about Diwali, the first thing that comes to mind is the diya—the
rows of bright, flickering lamps that light up homes and hearts alike. It’s a festival
that transforms not just our surroundings but our mindset, filling us with hope, joy,
and positivity.
This year, why not elevate your Diwali celebrations by incorporating a few Vastu
tips? With the right guidance, you can channel the festival’s energy to attract even
more wealth and happiness into your home.
Table of Contents
The significance of Diwali in different places
Did you know that Diwali is celebrated across different faiths with unique origin
stories, yet all with the same underlying theme of good conquering evil?
In Hinduism alone—there are several versions of the Diwali story that vary among
geographic communities. These, however, are all epic tales of victory won by men
who were considered incarnations of the Hindu god Vishnu , regarded as the
sustainer of the universe, and whose role it is to restore the balance of good and evil
in times of trouble.
In northern India, Diwali commemorates Prince Rama’s triumphant return to the city
of Ayodhya after 14 years of exile due to the plotting of his evil stepmother—and after a heroic rescue of his wife Sita, an incarnation of the goddess Lakshmi, who had been kidnapped by the rival king Ravana.
In South India, meanwhile, Diwali honors the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon
king Narakasura, who had imprisoned 16,000 women in his palace and meted out
harsh punishments to any of his subjects who dared stand up against him.
And in western India, the festival celebrates Vishnu’s banishment of King
Bali—whose immense power had become a threat to the gods—to the underworld.
For Sikhs, Diwali commemorates the release of the 17th-century guru Hargobind
after 12 years of imprisonment by Mughal emperor Jahangir.
Jains observe Diwali as the day that Lord Mahavira, the last of the great Jain
teachers, reached nirvana.
Beyond these stories, Diwali is also a celebration of the Hindu goddess of wealth and
good fortune, Lakshmi. In ancient India, Diwali coincided with the last harvest before
winter—a time to pray for Lakshmi for good fortune. Today, Indian businesses still
consider Diwali the first day of the financial new year.
Vahi Poojan for Businessmen
The Vahi poojan also called as the Bahi-Katha Poojan has deep roots in Indian
traditions, especially within business communities. It represents the practice of
honoring the tools of financial accounting, symbolizing a respectful relationship with
wealth, prosperity and the divine.
During the times of empires and kingdoms, merchants, traders, and business communities maintained bahi-khaatas to record their financial transactions. These were to ensure smooth trade and keeping track. The worship of Goddess Lakshmi (the goddess of wealth and prosperity) and Lord Ganesha (the remover of obstacles) has long been associated with the celebration of prosperity and new beginnings. These deities became central to the Vahi Poojan.
Diwali, which is known as the festival of lights, is closely tied to prosperity and
wealth. It also marks that start of new year for businessmen in parts of the country
like Gujarat and Maharashtra.
Five days of Diwali
Each of the five days of Diwali has its own significance. The first day,
known as Dhanteras, is dedicated to cleaning homes and purchasing small items of
gold. Lakshmi is the focus of worship on that day.
The second day, called Naraka Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali, commemorates Krishna’s
destruction of Narakasura; prayers are also offered for the souls of ancestors. This
day is also called as Kali Chaudas.
On the third day, Lakshmi Puja, families seek blessings from Lakshmi to ensure their
prosperity; light diyas, candles, and fireworks; and visit temples. It is the main day of
the Diwali festival.
The fourth day, known as Govardhan Puja, Balipratipada, or Annakut, commemorating Krishna’s feat of lifting up a mountain, Govardhan Hill, to protect the local cowherds in defiance of Indra , the king of the gods, who had sent a torrential rain upon them. It is also the first day of Karttika and the start of the new year in the Vikrama (Hindu) calendar. Merchants perform religious ceremonies and open new account books.
The fifth day, called Bhai Dooj, Bhai Tika, or Bhai Bij, celebrates the bond between
brothers and sisters. On that day sisters pray for the success and well-being of them
brothers, similar to the holiday Raksha Bandhan.
Kali Chaudas/ Naraka Chaturdashi
Kali Chaudas is primarily associated with Goddess Kali, the fierce and powerful form
of Goddess Durga. She symbolizes the destruction of evil and ignorance, and
devotees seek her blessings for protection and strength.
The festival is an occasion to invoke her presence, emphasizing the need to
overcome darkness and negativity in one’s life.
This day is also significant for honoring and remembering deceased ancestors. Many
families perform Tarpan (rituals to appease the souls of the departed) on this day,
believing that it helps them attain peace and blessings from the ancestors. It is
customary to offer prayers and perform rituals that acknowledge the contributions
and sacrifices of forebears, seeking their blessings for the family’s prosperity.
Jhadu Pooja on Diwali
The practice of Jhaadu pooja during Diwali holds a unique and cultural significance.
This practice is deeply rooted with the symbolism of clealiness, prosperity, and the
honoring of tools that play a vital role in maintaining a harmoniuos and prosperous
environment.
Diwali has long been associated with cleaning of houses to welcome goddess
Lakshmi, Cleaning of the house signifies removing negativity, dirt and anything that
might obstruct prosperity. It is believed that a clean and clutter-free environment
pleases the goddess and invites her blessings.
Pandit Rajendra Ratnakar tells that according to the scriptures, the Sik Jhaadu should
be worshipped, which is made in small size for worship only. This broom is easily
available in the market, if not then you can use a big broom as well. While bringing
the broom home, sprinkle water on it and apply a Tilak of Kumkum and rice, tie Roli
with a red cloth and a thread. Then keep it at the place where Lakshmi Puja is to be
done. During the puja, worship the broom along with Maa Lakshmi. This will please
Maa Lakshmi.
Vastu Tips
During the festival, diyas are lit and placed in rows along the parapets of temples and
houses and set adrift on rivers and streams. Homes are decorated, and floors inside
and out are covered with rangoli s, consisting of elaborate designs made of colored
rice, sand, or flower petals. The doors and windows of houses are kept open in the
hope that Lakshmi will find her way inside and bless the residents with wealth and
success. Here are some Vastu tips to attract wealth and positivity.
Dhanteras
Begin by placing a red cloth in your home's South-East direction.
On this cloth, position a copper utensil and fill it to the brim with currency coins,
letting them spill onto the red fabric.
Sprinkle fragrant rose petals for a touch of abundance.
Narak Chaturdashi
To commence these sacred rituals, light a lamp or diya using mustard oil upon a
mound of rice. This offering is typically placed in the southern direction of your
home.
Embrace the spirit of the day by crafting a vibrant rangoli in the East direction of
your home, using natural flowers and leaves.
In the prosperity corner, place 9 pieces of Kachchi Haldi; or 9 strands of Kesar
within a golden cloth potli (bag). These offerings are intended to invoke
abundance and blessings into your life. Further enhancing the positive energy,
position fresh flowers in a vessel (Urli) filled with water in the North direction.
In the North-East direction, play the soothing melodies of 108 chants of the
Gayatri Mantra, spreading harmonious vibrations throughout your space.
Following the puja, illuminate your surroundings with the radiance of 21 Diyas
and 21 candles, thoughtfully positioned in the South-East direction.
Vastu enhanced Rangoli designs
Energize your home's financial health with Rangoli patterns featuring floral and
triangular designs in the South and South-East directions. The vibrant colors of
red, green, and orange are your allies here.
For those seeking increased wealth and business success, Rangoli patterns
sporting circular shapes and geometrical designs in the West and North-West
directions are the key. Opt for colors like golden, yellow, grey, white to draw in
prosperity.
To usher in new opportunities, attract clients, and boost monetary inflow, focus
on Rangoli patterns in wavy and flowy shapes and designs in the North and
North-East directions. Embrace colors like green, white, and silver to invite
positive energy.
Promote prosperity and harmonious relationships within your home with floral
patterns and Rangoli designs in the East and South-East directions. Embrace the
refreshing hues of green and orange.
Diwali Pooja
The placement of the gaddi should be in the north direction to maximize wealth
benefits in diwali, since it is the zone of the esteemed Lord Kuber devta and Kali
mata.
The cloth on the gaddi should be green in colour- it represents.
Blue and black colour should be avoided.
Seek Expert Guidance
When doing rituals of Diwali, it is essential to seek expert guidance to ensure that the remedies and rituals are performed correctly. While general Vastu tips can provide a starting point for balancing energies in your home, a personalized consultation is often necessary for a more accurate assessment. Contact us for Expert Vastu Consultation.
Conclusion
As we celebrate Diwali, let’s not forget the importance of supporting local artisans
and businesses. By purchasing from them, we not only enrich our celebrations but
also empower our communities. Imagine the joy of seeing local families thrive during
this festive season!
Reflecting on the past, Diwali used to be a time of gathering among families and
friends, a celebration of togetherness. Let's remember our roots and embrace these
traditions with sincerity, inviting our loved ones to share in the joy of rituals that
bring us closer together.
In this festive season, let’s light up our homes and hearts with not just diyas, but
with love, compassion, and a commitment to support one another.
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