Deepotsavi is a spiritual festival to remove the darkness of ignorance by lighting the lamp of knowledge in the heart!

- Vikha-Vithika-Devesh Mehta

Di Potsavi means the festival of light to dispel darkness by lighting a lamp. This is not only about erasing the external physical darkness, but also includes the Purushartha of erasing the darkness of ignorance hidden within a person. Ignorance is given the metaphor of darkness in the scriptures. In the tenth and eleventh verses of the tenth chapter of Srimad Bhagavad Gita, 'Vibhuti Yoga', Lord Sri Krishna says - 'Tesha is always pleased with the practice of yukta. Dadami buddhiyogan tan yen mamupayanti te. Teshamevanukamparthamamahgyanjan tamah. Nashyamayatmabhavastho jnandeepen bhasvata.

I give such enlightened yoga to those devotees who constantly meditate on me and worship me with love, by which they attain me. In order to be gracious to them, I myself who reside in their hearts destroy the darkness of their ignorance with the shining lamp of knowledge.'

Deepotsavi is the festival of lighting the eternal lamp of knowledge in the heart. When the light of this lamp of knowledge shines, many virtues are manifested in life, due to which good deeds are done. Such a divine life makes life blessed by works of love, harmony, dedication, cooperation and selfless service.

Deepotsavi Parva is mentioned in Padmapurana and Skandapurana. It is also pointed out in Harsha's play Nagananda. In it, Harsh has called it 'Deep Pratipadutsav'. Similarly, Rajasekhar has also called her as 'Deep Malika' in Kavyamimansa. The spiritual significance of Deepotsavi is supreme. It also has mythological, cultural and historical glory. It is also called Panchaparva Utsav or Panchotsavi as it is celebrated for five days. These five days include Dhanteras, Kali Chaudas, Diwali, Nutan Varsha and Bhaibij.

Dhanteras is the festival of worshiping Lakshmi, the demigod of Lord Vishnu. On that day, Dhan, the symbol of Lakshmiji, is worshipped. Lakshmi's grace constantly increases wealth-wealth-wealth-wealth. It is said in the scriptures - 'Sri Rmangalyat Prabhavati, Pragalbhyat Sampravardhate. Dakshyattu Kurute Mool Sanyamat Pratitishtha. Lakshmi arises from Mangalya, grows cleverly, takes root with skill i.e. strengthens her roots and dwells forever with restraint.' On this day Lord Kuber is also worshiped along with Lakshmiji. Kubera Bhandari, the treasurer of heaven, also gives wealth. Samudramanthan was churned by gods and demons on Dhanteras day itself. At that time Lakshmiji and Lord Dhanvantari appeared. Dhanvantari originated the health science Ayurveda. Worshiping Lord Dhanvantari on this day brings good health and happiness.

The date of Kartik Vad Chaudas is also called Narak Chaturdashi, Kali Chaudas and Roop Chaturdashi. Narakasura, who stole mother Aditi's ornaments and abducted sixteen thousand girls, was killed by Lord Shrikrishna and freed those girls, hence it is called Naraka Chaturdashi. Mahakali Mata is worshiped on the day of Kali Chaudas.

On the day of Vijayadashami, Lord Sri Rama defeated Ravana over my demonic element and made Vibhishana the king of Lanka and left for Ayodhya. The residents of Ayodhya decorated their houses and lit lamps at night to welcome them. It was the day of Diwali. Since then Deepotsavi festival started to be celebrated by lighting lamps. Kartik Sud Ekam Day is the first day of New Year. It is believed that Lord Vishnu defeated Baliraja on that day. Nandanandan Lord Shri Krishna took Govardhan mountain on this day in honor of Devraj Indra. On that day Lord Shri Govardhannathji was kept in Annakoot and cows were worshiped and sacrificed to him. So Govardhan Puja is always performed on this day.

Kartak Sud Bij is also called Bhai Bij or Yamadvitiya. On this day, the god of death Yamaraja went to his sister Yamuna's house to have food. It is believed that on this day, if brothers and sisters take a bath together in the river Yamuna, both of them will be freed from the evil cycle of birth and death.