PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
The ongoing uncertainty surrounding the celebration of Deepawali has raised concerns among residents as Pandits are not unanimous in their opinion on the date of Deepawali. It will be recalled that last year, also confusion arose regarding Lakshmi Pooja during Deepawali, causing unease in the community. This year, residents find themselves perplexed by two dates- October 20 and 21. Many priests have pointed to the influence of social media as a factor contributing to this date-related confusion.
In response to this situation, resident Pinky Chauhan said that the debate over when to perform Lakshmi Pooja has become an annual trend on the occasion of Deepawali. Some groups advocate celebrating Deepawali on October 20, while others prefer October 21. This lack of clarity has made the preparations for the festival particularly challenging, she said.
Religious scholars are also divided on the appropriate day for this year’s observance. Paripurnanand Naithani pointed out that, according to the Panchang, Deepawali, along with the Lakshmi Pooja, will take place on October 20. Traditionally, Lakshmi Pooja and the Deepawali festivities are held on the night of Amavasya. Therefore, the period of Amavasya will begin on the evening of October 20 and end at 5 PM on October 21. Consequently, the celebrations and Lakshmi Pooja for Deepawali are set for October 20, with the Lakshmi Pooja scheduled from 7 PM to 9 PM on that day.
Priest Krishnand Jaguri stated that the confusion surrounding the dates for various festivals has arisen due to people’s influence on social media platforms. Traditionally, the celebration of Deepawali and the worship of Lakshmi occur on Amavasya, the new moon day. This year, rather than on October 20, Amavasya is observed for the entire day on October 21, which means that Diwali celebrations and Lakshmi Puja will take place on that date.
Another priest, Janardin Prasad Naithani, emphasised that the Deepawali celebrations are scheduled for October 21. According to the Panchang, the date for Diwali, including Lakshmi Puja, aligns with October 21. It is advised that people perform the Lakshmi Puja on this designated day.
