Introduction
Swamishri's presence is always a reason to celebrate.
Special days of festivals, then, are especially enriched with
joy and jubilation whenever celebrated in his divine presence.
And among all celebrations perhaps,
nothing arouses more auspiciousness and elation
than the end and beginning of a year.
This year, in the presence of HDH Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the 2-day festival associated with Diwali, including the Annakut festival on New Year's day, were held in New Delhi, India.
Significance of Festivals
Diwali is the last day (Aso vad Amas; 1 Nov. 2005) of the year in the Hindu calendar, and celebrations begin two days before Diwali.
The first festival is called Dhanteras (Aso vad 13; 30 Oct. 2005). On this day, money is worshipped (Lakshmi Pujan) as a symbol of appreciation to the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi. Lakshmi Pujan is also performed with sentiments of purifying one’s wealth and that it be utilized for noble purposes during the New Year.
On the next day, Kali Chaudas (Aso vad 14; 31 Oct. 2005), Shri Hanumanji is worshipped to drive away all inauspicious and ill-omened elements. On this day, Shri Krishna destroyed Narkasur and released the 16,000 damsels that the demon had imprisoned.
Diwali (Aso vad Amas; 1 Nov. 2005), the last day of the year, is celebrated because Bhagwan Shri Ram returned victorious to Ayodhya from his 14 year exile in the forest. On this day, lamps are lighted as a symbol of jubilation for Shri Ram’s return to Ayodhya and a sign to kindle the light of knowledge and divinity within one’s heart.
Chopada pujan or the ritual for the sanctification of account books for the New Year is also held on this day.