Diwali Schedule at Cleveland Shiva Vishnu Temple

On Saturday, November 10
3 PM – Lakshmi Puja
4:30 - PM Govardhan Puja
5 PM – Annakoot Puja
6 PM – Arati
6:15 PM – Maha Prasad

Deepavali is one of the most widely celebrated festivals of the Hindus from all walks of life, and brings great joy and jubilation. Deepavali is celebrated in 5 parts, starting with Dhanteras, which is the invocation of Bhagwan Dhanvantari, who brought to society the important therapeutic medicines during ocean churning.

On this day, people clean and illuminate their houses, and get ready for the next day, which is called Choti Deepavali, when Bhagwan Shri Krishna is said to have killed the terrible demon Narkasur, releasing 16,000 captive women.

Deepavali means a row of deepaks or lamps, and the reason for lighting lamps is to symbolically remove darkness from our lives. On this day, the citizens of Ayodhya decorated their houses with lamps to welcome Bhagwan Shri Ram on his return from 14 years of Banwas, after having killed Ravana and freeing the world from his terror. This day has added significance, since Bhagwan Mahavir is considered to have attained eternal bliss or Nirvana, and Swami Dayananda Saraswati and Swami Ram Tirth took Samadhi on this day. Thus, Deepavali unifies Hindus from all beliefs.

Govardhan Pooja is celebrated the next day, with devotees offering hundreds of dishes of food to Bhagwan Shri Krishna in gratitude of him freeing them from the wrath of Lord Indra.

Finally, the last day is the celebration of Bhaiya Duj, when brothers get blessings from their sisters for a long and happy life.

Happy Diwali to you all