Karva Chauth Fast
Karva Chauth fast is celebrated on Chaturthi of Krishna Paksha in Kartik month. Married women keep this fast and ask for their husband’s long life. Moon is worshipped on this day by married women. Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha and Goddess Gauri are also worshipped on this day. Women keep a fast on Karva Chauth and pour water in front of the Moon before eating or drinking anything.
Ahoi Ashtami Fast
This fast is kept by mothers on Ashtami in Kartik month. On this day, mothers ask for a long life for their children. This fast is also known as Ahoi Attha. An interesting thing about this fast is that it is celebrated on the same day.
Dhanteras
This festival is celebrated two days before Diwali. It is also known as Dhan Trayodashi. A tradition of buying new utensils is followed on this day. People also buy gold ornaments on Dhanteras. A big lamp is lit on the main door during evening.
Narak Chaturdashi
A day before Diwali, Choti Diwali is celebrated. This day is known as Narak Chaturdashi or Narka Chaudas. It is believed that Lord Krishna killed Narkasur on this day. Therefore, this day is known as Narka Chaudas. Prayers are offered in evening and lamps are lit according to your own customs and traditions.
Dipawali
This is the most important day of the five day long festival. A lot of zeal and excitement can be noticed since morning. People offer their wishes and blessings to each other. Everyone decorates his or her house. Lord Ganesha and Goddess Laxmi are worshipped in evening. Dhoop, lamps, sweets, red thread, sindoor, flowers etc. are used in puja. There is a tradition of eating sweets after the puja.
Diwali is celebrated every year on Amavasya in Kartik month. This is a very important festival for Hindus. People decorate their house since morning. Lamps are lit in evening. Lord Ganesha and Goddess Laxmi are worshipped and sweets or gifts are distributed among friends, relatives and neighbours. Children as well as adults burn fire crackers at night.
Annakut Festival
Annakut festival is celebrated on the next day of Diwali. On this day, vegetables are mixed together to form a special dish. This dish is known as Annakut. Devotees visit various temples to eat this dish on this day. Puris are also offered with Annakut. Curry and rice are also cooked.
Govardhan Puja
Govardhan Puja is carried out at night on this day. Cow dung is used to create a replica of Govardhan Parvat. It is worshipped with dhoop and lamps. Food or prasad is also offered. After the puja, family members circle this replica.
Vishwakarma Day
Vishwakarma day is also celebrated on the same day. Labourers worship their tools on this day. Factories and workshops remain closed on this day.
Bhaiya Duj
The festival of Diwali ends on the day of Yam Dwitiya or Bhaiya Duj. This festival is celebrated on the day of Dwitiya in Shukla Paksha of Kartik month. Sisters put a tilak on their brothers’ forehead and offer sweets on this day. In return, brothers give gifts to their sisters.