Third night of Diwali is most sacred

ON THE third evening of Diwali, the most powerful and sacred night of the year, to please Maha Lakshmi, you should add a further 10 diyas, or even increase your total to 51. You should chant “Shreem” (pronounced Shree-m) 108 to 1 080 times.

While chanting, concentrate on a picture of Mother Lakshmi on a lotus flower, with two elephants and their raised trunks on either side or her.

The fourth day is Govardhan Pooja. This prayer is performed by making a mound called Govardhan Parbat by using cow dung. Early that morning, the mound is usually placed at the entrance of the home’s front gate, where it must be worshipped during this day.

It is believed there once was drought in a Vridavan village. The villagers were worried and wanted to pray to Lord Indra (God of heaven). At the time, Lord Krishna convinced the villagers they should instead pray to Mount Govardhan. This made Lord Indra angry and he directed a massive thunderstorm that flooded the village.

Lord Krishna responded by raising the Mount Govardhan, which formed an umbrella over the village and protected the villagers and their cattle.

Bhai Dooj is the last day of the fiveday Diwali festival. On this day, sisters show their love by putting a tilak or a vermillion mark on the forehead of their brothers. They perform aarti for their brothers and show the light of the holy flame as a mark of love and protection from evil forces. Sisters are spoilt with gifts and blessings from their brothers. Astrologically, it improves brothers’ luck for a year.

In India, legend accounts are the backbone of the festival and a great way for parents to interest the younger generation and impart the values of festivals.