Diwali in Maharashtra runs from Vasu Baras to Bhaubeej, and its centre is Lakshmi Pujan on the new-moon evening of Ashwin. Lakshmi is worshipped after dusk with coins, the new account books and a new broom, and offered batashe and puffed rice with coriander seed. Outside hangs the akash kandil; in the yard children have built a mud fort and garrisoned it with clay soldiers.
The story
The children's forts, the killa, remember Shivaji's hill forts; weeks before, they are built of earth and stones, sown with mustard to grow green slopes, and set with a small figure of the king.
The next day is Bali Pratipada or Diwali Padwa, the half muhurta of the three and a half, when the generous demon king Bali is remembered with the wish that his reign return; wives wave a lamp before their husbands. The last day, Bhaubeej, is for brothers and sisters.
दिन दिन दिवाळी, गाई म्हशी ओवाळी
Day by day comes Diwali; wave the lamp before the cows and buffaloes
A children's Diwali rhyme
The days of Diwali
- Vasu BarasThe cow and her calf are worshipped; the festival opens.
- DhanatrayodashiNew utensils or gold are bought; a lamp is lit for Yama.
- Lakshmi PujanOn the new-moon evening; traders close the old books and open the new.
- PadwaGifts between husband and wife, and the Vikram year begins for merchants.
- BhaubeejSisters wave the lamp before their brothers and are given a gift.
Why this date
Lakshmi Pujan is on the Amavasya of Ashwin, on the day the new-moon tithi covers the hours after sunset.
Diwali in other years
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Sunday | |
| 2027 | Friday | |
| 2028 | Tuesday | |
| 2029 | Monday | |
| 2030 | Saturday | |
| 2031 | Friday |
More Marathi festivals
28 OctoberNarak Chaturdashiनरक चतुर्दशी
14 NovemberTripurari Purnimaत्रिपुरारी पौर्णिमा
9 OctoberDasaraदसरा
8 OctoberKhande Navamiखंडेनवमी
7 OctoberDurga Ashtamiदुर्गाष्टमी
3 SeptemberGanesh Chaturthiगणेश चतुर्थी
Where to see Diwali
In Maharashtra
- Mahalakshmi Temple, KolhapurMaharashtraThe goddess of the night in her own city.
- Shaniwar Wada, PuneMaharashtraThe Peshwas' palace is lit with thousands of lamps, and the city's children compete at fort-building.
- Marine Drive, MumbaiMaharashtraThe whole curve of the bay watches the fireworks.
- RaigadMaharashtraShivaji's capital, the model for a million mud forts.
Across India
- AyodhyaUttar PradeshLamps along the Sarayu for Rama's return.
- AmritsarPunjabThe Golden Temple, lit for Bandi Chhor Divas.
- KolkataWest BengalBengal keeps the same new-moon night as Kali Puja.