Deepawali is the festival of lights — of joy, splendour, brightness and happiness.The uniqueness of this festival is its harmony and varied philosophies, with each day dedicated to a special thought or ideal.

The first day of Deepawali is called Dhanvantari Triodasi or Dhanwantari Triodasi, also called Dhan Theras. It is in fact the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksh. It is believed that on this day, Lord Dhanwantari came out of the ocean with Ayurvedic succour for mankind.

The second day is called Narak Chaturdasi. On this day Lord Krishna destroyed the demon Narakasur and made the world free from fear.

The third day is the day when worship unto Mother Lakshmi is performed.

Hindus worship Goddess Lakshmi to achieve the blessings for wealth and prosperity, the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness.

On the fourth day of Tihar, Govardhan Pooja is performed. Many thousands of years ago, Lord Krishna caused the people of Vraja to perform Govardhan Pooja. From then on, every year Hindus worship Govardhan to honour that first Pooja done by the people of Vraja.

The fifth day of Tihar is called Bhai Tika. It is a day dedicated to sisters. In the Vedic era, Yama (Yamraj, the Lord of Death) visited his sister Yamuna on this day. He gave his sister a Vardhan (boon) that whosoever visits his sister on this day shall be liberated from all sins. Thus, the tradition of Bhai Tika continues.