For the young and old, expressing joy during Diwali has become synonymous with lighting expensive fire-crackers. Joy during Diwali can be multiplied if we celebrate it as advised by our Dharmashastras (Hindu Scriptures).
Tulsi Vivah consists of uniting Shri Vishnu [a murti of Balkrushna (Infant Shrikrushna)] and the Tulsi (Basil plant) in wedlock.
On Bhai dooj, the Scriptures have emphasized on nurturing the brother-sister relationship. Just as the love of mother towards her child is pure so also is that of a sister for her brother. On this day, Deity Yama visits His sister Yamuna for a meal. Hence, it is also known as Yama Dwitiya.
On Balipratipada a picture of King Bali and his Queen Vindhyavali is drawn with rangoli on the floor, decorated with five colours and worshipped. On Balipratipada, Bali is worshipped.
According to Shrimadbhagvat Puran on this day Shri Krushna slayed Narkasur. A powerful demon called Bhoumasur or Narkasur formerly ruled a place named Pragjyotishpur.
Dhanatrayodashi is also known as Dhanteras and Dhanvantari Jayanti. Businessmen worship their treasuries and Deity Shri Lakshmi on this day while Ayurvedic vaidyas (doctors) worship Deity Shri Dhanvantari (vaidya of Deities).
A legend has it that after samudramanthan (churning of the ocean) five kamadhenus (wish-fulfilling cows) were created from it. This vrat is performed to worship the Divine cow Nanda, one amongst them.
Due to the lockdown imposed in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, as well as some other restrictions, celebrating Navaratri festival, as usual, will be restricted in some places this year.
Against the backdrop of disasters like coronavirus, Hindu Dharma has suggested some options in practising code of conduct as per Dharma.
