Deepavali celebrations begin on Naraka Chaturdashi.

This is the day Lord Krishna slew a demon called

Narakasura son of Mother Earth and Lord Vishnu. Goddess Earth requested Lord Vishnu to make this
day as a celebration of Deepavali that signifies win over evil. Celebrations begin before dawn with the
ritualistic oil bath (abhyanga snanam). Since abhyanga snanam is taken before the sunrise (Oct 27
Sunday between 6.15am – 7am) it is considered as holy as taking bath in the river Ganges. According to
Sastras, goddess Mahalaxmi is said to have hid behind a sesame tree, which is why sesame oil is used for
the oil bath. Symbolically oil bath implies new beginning by removing all the egos, negative
thoughts, enmity, self-esteem and jealousy.

Deepavali, the festival of lights, the festival of rituals and the festival of different myths brings
hope and prosperity in the life of everyone with blessing of Goddess Lakshmi