The festival of lights Deepavali occurs during the months of October or November, i.e., according to Telugu almanac, in Aswayuja masa on Bahula Amavasya (No-moon day). It is celebrated for three days Chathurdasi, Amavasya and Karthika Shuddha Padyami.
In Northern India, this festival is celebrated for 5 days. The 1st day being Asweyuja Bahula Thrayodasi (Dhana Thrayadasi or Dhantheran), the 2nd day is Naraka Chathurdasi, the 3rd day is Deepavali Amavasya, the 4th day is Balipadyami and the 5th day Bhathru Dwithiya or Yamadwitheya. This 5th day is also called as Divvela panduga or divili panduga (festival of lamps).
Religious books furnish many details about Deepavali. It is the festival of the business community. On Thrayodasi, all business persons whitewash their shops and close their accounts. They worship goddess Lakshmi and the accounting books with coins. Some organise a doll show also. Lamps are lighted and placed at the entrance after dusk in order to combat untimely death.
