Bhopal, October 18 (Daily Kiran): This year’s Diwali festival will span six days instead of the usual five, beginning today with Dhanteras. Due to the occurrence of Pitru Karya Amavasya on November 21, the sequence of festive days has shifted by one day. The main Diwali celebration will take place on November 20, followed by Govardhan Puja on November 22 and Bhai Dooj on November 23.
According to Dr. Sarveshwar Sharma, Head of the Department of Astrology at Vikram University, Ujjain, the six-day Deep Mahotsav will include Dhanteras on November 18, Roop Chaturdashi on November 19, Diwali on November 20, Pitru Amavasya on November 21, Govardhan Puja on November 22, and Bhai Dooj on November 23. He noted that this year’s festival is especially auspicious, falling under the Purva Phalguni Nakshatra and Brahma Yoga, both considered highly favorable.
Astrologer Pandit Chandan Vyas said that the Trayodashi Tithi will begin at 12:20 pm on Saturday, bringing together Purva Phalguni Nakshatra and Brahma Yoga, which makes the occasion particularly auspicious. As per Hindu belief, on this day Lord Dhanvantari emerged from the ocean churning with a pot of nectar, marking the origin of Dhanteras. Traditionally, people worship Lord Dhanvantari, Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kuber, Yamraj, and Lord Ganesha on this day.
Dhanteras is also regarded as an auspicious day for purchases. Buying gold, silver, utensils, vehicles, Kuber Yantra, Gomti Chakra, and idols of deities is believed to bring prosperity. Even purchasing a broom is considered auspicious, as it symbolizes the removal of poverty and the arrival of Goddess Lakshmi. Scholars advise purchasing items within one’s means to ensure lasting blessings.
Astrologer Bharat Dubey added that this year, Dhanteras coincides with Shani Pradosh Vrat, enhancing its spiritual significance. At Ujjain’s Mahakaleshwar Temple, special rituals including Rudra Path and evening aarti will be held. Temple priest Dileep Guru said the day will begin with an early morning abhishek and worship of Lord Mahakal, followed by rituals and offerings throughout the day.
Auspicious Timings for Worship and Purchases
On Dhanteras, the best times for rituals and shopping will be from 1:38 pm to 4:21 pm, 6:00 pm to 7:31 pm, and 9:00 pm to 12:10 am. For Roop Chaturdashi, Pitru Deepdan can be performed between 6:00 pm and 10:30 pm. On Diwali day, the three most favorable periods for Mahalakshmi Puja are 6:30 am–8:00 am, 3:00 pm–6:00 pm, and 10:38 pm–12:12 am.
Performing Lakshmi Puja during a fixed (sthir) lagna is considered especially beneficial. The timings for fixed lagna are: Vrishchik Lagna (8:40 am–10:45 am), Kumbh Lagna (2:45 pm–4:15 pm), and Vrishabha Lagna (7:30 pm–9:20 pm).
Pitru Amavasya will be observed on November 21 (Tuesday), followed by Govardhan Puja and Annakoot Utsav on November 22, with auspicious hours from 4:30 pm to 10:30 pm. Bhai Dooj or Yama Dwitiya will be celebrated on November 23 (Thursday), with the best tilak times from 12:10 pm to 3:00 pm and 4:30 pm to 9:00 pm.
Astrologers believe that this year’s Deepotsav carries exceptional religious and astrological significance. The combination of Purva Phalguni Nakshatra, Brahma Yoga, and Shani Pradosh makes both Dhanteras and Diwali particularly auspicious. Devotees across Madhya Pradesh, especially in Ujjain, will offer prayers to Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Dhanvantari, and Lord Mahakaleshwar for happiness, good health, and prosperity.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
