Deepavali Pooja
Naraka Chathurdasi in the month of Aippasi. It begins before sunrise.
Next: 28 October 2027, Thursday · Aippasi 11
Significance
In Tamil Nadu, Deepavali begins with an oil bath early in the morning. On that day, people ask each other “Ganga snanam aacha?” (Have you had your Ganga bath?).
Things you need
- Nallennai (sesame oil), seeyakkai (soap nut powder)
- New clothes
- Palagaram (festival snacks), Deepavali legiyam (herbal paste)
- Turmeric, kumkumam, flowers
- Clay lamps, camphor
How to do it
- The night before, keep the new clothes, snacks and firecrackers in the pooja room and put a dot of turmeric on them.
- Early in the morning, the elders put sesame oil on everyone's head and bless them.
- Take a head bath with hot water.
- Wear your new clothes, light the lamp and pray.
- Eat the legiyam, offer the snacks to God and then eat them.
- Get the blessings of elders and give sweets to relatives.
- In the evening, light clay lamps at home. Some families do Lakshmi Kubera Pooja that day or the next day.
Please note
- Burst firecrackers only at the times allowed by the government, in an open place, with adults watching. Keep a bucket of water nearby.
This is only a general guide. If your family custom is different, follow that. Ask your elders and your priest.