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.