History of Dharmashastra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India) v6.c81.786

v6.c81.786

Taken all in all Dīpāvali spreads over about five days. The whole festival comprises five principal items spread over five days, viz. worship of wealth, the celebration of Viṣṇu's victory over Narakāsura, worship of Lakṣmī, victory of Viṣṇu over Bali and dice-play and the exchange of brotherly and sisterly affection. There are illuminations and the discharge of crackers on almost all the five days from the 13th of the dark half of Āśvina This last is called in Gujarat and Saurāṣṭra 'Dhanteras'. Before and on this day houses are painted and decorated, the courtyards of houses are cleaned, and metal vessels are polished and illuminations begin. The Padmapurāṇa VI. 124. 4 refers to illuminations on the 13th of the dark half of Kārtika (by the pūrṇimānta reckoning). Skanda quoted by Nirṇayāmṛta provides for lighting lamps at the advent of night on Kārtika dark 13th outside the house in honour of Yama in order to avoid accidental death ⁵⁰⁰