Diwali and Lakshmi Puja 2016

Diwali and Lakshmi Puja is observed on October 30.
Amavasya is the no moon day in a month in a traditional Hindu lunar calendar. Amavasya October 2016 date and time is October 30.
Diwali lamps signify the removal of spiritual darkness and the ushering in of knowledge capable of realizing Brahman (That) – the Supreme Being present in all animate and inanimate.
There are several reasons for celebrating Diwali. The most important one is the commemoration of the return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile.
Lakshmi Puja during Diwali is observed as it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the ocean on this day during the ‘samudra manthan’ (churning of ocean) by demons and gods as mentioned in the Puranas. So for the business people, the new business year begins on Diwali.

Dhanteras is celebrated two days before Diwali honors Dhanvantari, the physician of the gods. He is believed to have emerged from the ocean on this day during samudra manthan.

The Amavasya Time begins at 7:51 PM on October 29 and ends at 9:33 PM on October 30. The Amavasya Snan, dhan, Shradh and Tarpan are performed on October 30.
Amavasya is the darkest day in a traditional Hindu month and is considered both auspicious and inauspicious by different Hindu communities.
There are many Hindus who undertake a fast on Amavasi. Some devotees only take a single meal on the day.

Kartik month ends in traditional calendars followed in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka on October 30.

Diwali 2013 - A Five day Celebration

Diwali, an important festival for the Hindus is celebrated throughout India at the New Moon or the waning Moon, on the fifteenth day of the auspicious month of Kartika, which is on 3rd Nov 2013.

It is a festival that is celebrated by Indians spread around the world with much joy and fun-fare. The celebration of Diwali is spread over a period of five days. The festivals celebrated on the event of Diwali are Dhanteras, Narak Chaturdashi, Diwali, Govardhan Pooja and Bhai Dooj. 

The date for Dhanteras in 2013 is 1st November which is the day of Kartik Krishna Trayodashi. The Muhurat of worship on Dhanteras will start in the evening in the Pradosh Kaal. From evening people can dedicate their prayers to Yam and Shri Kuber to faithfully complete the rituals of Dhanteras. Dhanteras is widely known for buying gold, utensils, steel and different things. 

Lakshmi Puja should be done during Pradosh Kaal which starts after sunset and approximately lasts for 2 hours and 24 minutes.

Lakshmi Puja Muhurta = 18:12 to 18:19

Pradosh Kaal = 17:30 to 20:08

Amavasya Tithi Begins = 20:12 on 2/Nov/2013

Amavasya Tithi Ends = 18:19 on 3/Nov/2013

Diwali is a festival that is dynamic in nature, in the sense it occurs on various days in each year. The word Diwali comes from the Sankrit word "deepavali" meaning a "garland of lamps".

Like most of the Indian festivals, Diwali has an astrological connection with strong Vedic fundamentals. It marks the transition into a new lunar year. This is a seasonal festival related to the harvest season as well. The planetary positions on the day of Diwali is such that it confers wealth and prosperity on all individuals. 

During Diwali period, the luminaries Sun and Moon are in conjunction (0deg). This is a highly harmonious position in mundane astrology.  

During Diwali, the Sun God, Hanuman, Goddess Lakshmi and God Ganesha are worshipped fervently. It is believed that these Gods shall confer riches, health and prosperity on all during the festive period.