Diwali's a festival that unites all communities

Happy Diwali...................

 

 

Abhyang Snan Muhurta = 05:05 to 06:37

Duration = 1 Hour 31 Mins

Chaturdashi Tithi Begins = 21:33 on 1/Nov/2013
Chaturdashi Tithi Ends = 20:12 on 2/Nov/2013

2013 Abhyang Snan on Narak Chaturdashi

Five days Diwali festivity starts on Dhantrayodashi and lasts on Bhaiya Dooj day. Abhyang Snan has been suggested on three days i.e. on Chaturdashi, Amavasya and Pratipada days during Diwali.
Abhyang Snan on Chaturdashi day, which is popularly known as Narak Chaturdashi, is the most significant one. It is believed that people, who do Abhyang Snan on this day, can avoid going to Narak. Til (i.e. sesame) oil should be used for Ubtan during Abhyang Snan.
Abhyang Snan on Narak Chaturdashi might be one day before or on same day of Lakshmi Puja day on English Calendar. When Chaturdashi Tithi prevails before sunrise and Amavasya Tithi prevails after sunset then Narak Chaturdashi and Lakshmi Puja fall on the same day. Abhyang Snan is always done during moonrise but before sunrise while Chaturdashi Tithi is prevailing.
Our Muhurta window for Abhyang Snan is between moonrise and sunrise while Chaturdashi Tithi prevails. We provide Abhyang Snan Muhurta exactly as it has been prescribed in religious Hindu texts. We consider all exceptions and list the best date and time for Abhyang Snan.

Narak Chaturdashi day is also known as Choti Diwali, Roop Chaturdashi and Roop Chaudas.

Often Narak Chaturdashi is considered same as Kali Chaudas. However both are two different festivals observed on the same Tithi and depending on the start and end timing of Chaturdashi Tithi might fall on two different consecutive days.
 

Diwali's a festival that unites all communities

Srishti Ghosh Shinde, TNN | Nov 2, 2013, 02.08 PM IST

It may be known as one of India's biggest Hindu festivals, but it's not just celebrated by Hindus.

Diwali is celebrated by most communities in the country. In fact, every year, people from all religions celebrate the victory of good over evil in a grand way. From lighting up homes with diyas and lanterns, gorging on yummy sweet and savoury treats and playing with fireworks with friends, this festival brings out the spirit of unity.

Selma Collaco, a teacher by profession, is all excited about Diwali. She first celebrated the fete with the kindergarten kids in her school. "I wear a sari on Diwali night and both me and my mom light diyas all around the house. In fact, my mom also makes yummy besan laddoos for the fest. Later, my friends and I meet up at anyone of our homes for a Diwali party. We refrain from lighting crackers though," she says.

It's not just the Christian community. Many people from other religions, too, celebrate the festival with the same enthusiasm. Raina Assainar, a Muslim by origin, celebrates all festivals, be it Holi or Diwali. Since it's her daughter's first Diwali, this year is extra special. "Diwali is as special for us as Eid. We get diyas and light them on all the four days. We also put up a lantern in the house. And, since it's my daughter's first Diwali, I will take her to see some interesting fireworks since she loves crackers," says Raina.

Chembur resident Khalid Munshi and his entire family also celebrate every festival with pomp and fervor. "We stay in a place that is so friendly that we love to be a part of every fest. We always light diyas at home since my daughter Saarah loves the festival. She enjoys crackers, sweets and the lights. In fact, we also buy her new clothes and crackers so that she can enjoy with her friends," adds Khalid.

Riaan George, a Malyali-Christian-Parsi, celebrates Diwali in a grand way. Despite living in

Australia, he continues to deck up his house for the festival. "I actually bought myself a new phone out here on Dhanteras. And, I have bought metal diyas that I will be lighting tonight. Gorging on yummy Indian food is something I do every day. My family celebrates it in a big way back home," says Riaan.