It commences with the Dhan-Teras, on the 13th day of the dark half of Kartik, followed the next day by the Narak Chaudas, the 14th day, and by Deepavali proper on the 15th day.

Waking up during the Brahmamuhurta, at 4a.m.in the early morning is a great blessing from the standpoint of health, ethical discipline, efficiency in work and spiritual advancement. It is on Deepavali that everyone wakes up early in the morning.

On Deepavali day some people celebrate the marriage of Lakshmi with Lord Vishnu. In Bengal the festival is dedicated to the worship of Kali. On this day the triumphant Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana and Sri Krishna killed the demon Narakasura.

In South India people take oil bath in the morning and wear new clothes. They share sweets with their relatives and friends. They light fireworks which are regarded as the effigies of Narakasura who was killed on this day. They greet one another, asking, "Have you had your Ganges bath?" which actually refers to the oil bath that morning as it is regarded as purifying as a bath in the Holy Ganges river.Everyone buys new clothes for the family. Employers, too, purchase new clothes for their employees.

On this day Hindu merchants in North India open their new account books and pray for success and prosperity during the coming year. The homes are cleaned and decorated by day and illuminated by night with earthern oil-lamps.

HAPPY DEEPAVALI WISHES!