Fasting and Prayers During Diwali | Spiritual Meaning & Rituals
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most sacred and widely celebrated festivals in India. Beyond the glittering lamps, delicious sweets, and joyful celebrations, lies a deeper spiritual essence — fasting, prayers, and inner purification.
Fasting and prayer during Diwali are not just rituals; they represent self-discipline, gratitude, and devotion to the Divine. They help cleanse the body and mind, preparing devotees to welcome Goddess Lakshmi, the symbol of wealth, peace, and prosperity, into their homes and hearts.
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| Fasting and praying during Diwali helps cleanse the soul and welcome divine blessings. |
In this article, let’s explore the significance of fasting and prayers during Diwali, their methods, and how you can observe them meaningfully in modern times.
Discover the spiritual meaning of fasting and prayers during Diwali. Learn rituals, mantras, and meditation tips to invite peace and prosperity this festival.
🌸 The Spiritual Significance of Fasting During Diwali
Fasting during Diwali is practiced to honor Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, and other deities associated with purity and prosperity. It is believed that fasting helps remove negative energies and invites divine blessings.
✨ Why Fasting Matters:
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Purification: Fasting purifies both the body and mind, making one receptive to divine grace.
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Discipline: It symbolizes control over desires and self-restraint.
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Gratitude: A way of thanking the Divine for wealth, health, and happiness.
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Renewal: It allows devotees to start the new year with a clear and positive mindset.
In Hindu tradition, fasting is seen as a form of tapasya (penance) that brings inner light — aligning perfectly with the spirit of Diwali.
🌙 Types of Fasting During Diwali
Fasting styles vary across regions and traditions. Some people observe strict fasts, while others follow partial or symbolic fasts.
1. Ekadashi Fasting Before Diwali
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Observed on Ekadashi tithi (two days before Diwali).
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Devotees abstain from grains, salt, and certain foods.
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Special prayers are offered to Lord Vishnu for purification of sins and spiritual progress.
2. Lakshmi Puja Day Fasting
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On the main Diwali day, devotees fast until the Lakshmi Puja in the evening.
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They eat only after the puja, often a meal of fruits, sweets, and light vegetarian dishes.
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It is believed that fasting on this day helps invoke Goddess Lakshmi’s blessings for prosperity.
3. Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj Fast
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In some regions, devotees also fast during Govardhan Puja (the day after Diwali) to honor Lord Krishna.
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Bhai Dooj fasting symbolizes the love and protection between brothers and sisters.
🍃 Foods Allowed During Diwali Fasting
While fasting rules differ by family and community, certain foods are considered pure and sattvic (light, non-toxic).
✅ Common Fasting Foods:
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Fruits (banana, apple, pomegranate)
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Nuts and dry fruits
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Sabudana (tapioca) khichdi or vada
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Potato-based dishes
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Rock salt (sendha namak)
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Milk, yogurt, and ghee
❌ Avoid:
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Rice, wheat, lentils
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Onion, garlic
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Non-vegetarian food
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Alcohol or smoking
The aim is to simplify the diet, purify the body, and focus the mind on prayer rather than indulgence.
🙏 Prayers and Puja During Diwali
Diwali is a festival of five days, each associated with specific prayers and deities. Let’s look at the most important rituals and mantras for each day.
🪔 1. Dhanteras (Day 1)
Significance: Welcoming wealth and good fortune.
Deity: Lord Dhanvantari (God of Health) and Goddess Lakshmi.
Prayer:
“Om Dhanvantre Namah” — Chant this to seek blessings for health and longevity.
Lighting a lamp with ghee on this day is believed to remove poverty and diseases.
🌕 2. Naraka Chaturdashi (Day 2)
Significance: Cleansing and renewal.
Deity: Lord Krishna and Goddess Kali.
Ritual: Take an oil bath before sunrise — symbolic of removing negativity and ignorance.
Mantra:
“Om Krishnaya Namah” – for protection and strength.
🌸 3. Lakshmi Puja (Main Diwali Day)
Significance: Worshipping Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and prosperity.
Deities: Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Kubera.
Mantra:
“Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah”
Chanting this mantra 108 times invites abundance and happiness.
Ritual Steps:
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Clean and decorate the home with lamps and rangoli.
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Place idols of Lakshmi and Ganesha on a decorated altar.
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Offer sweets, fruits, and coins.
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Light 11 or 21 diyas to symbolize the victory of light.
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Perform aarti and distribute prasad.
🌿 4. Govardhan Puja (Day 4)
Significance: Honoring Lord Krishna and nature.
Ritual: Prepare vegetarian dishes, symbolizing gratitude to the Earth for providing food.
Chant:
“Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya”
💖 5. Bhai Dooj (Day 5)
Significance: Celebrating sibling love.
Ritual: Sisters pray for their brothers’ health and happiness; brothers give gifts in return.
Mantra:
“Om Yamaya Namah” – in honor of Lord Yama and Yami, the divine siblings.
🕯️ The Inner Meaning of Fasting and Prayer
Fasting and prayer during Diwali are not just external rituals. They teach us to let go of greed, anger, and ego — replacing them with light, compassion, and gratitude.
When you fast, your body becomes lighter; when you pray, your mind becomes clearer.
This combination opens the heart to divine energy — the true meaning of Diwali’s light.
🧘♀️ How to Combine Meditation with Prayer
During the fasting period, practicing Diwali meditation enhances spiritual energy.
Simple Meditation Technique:
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Sit comfortably and close your eyes.
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Focus on your breath.
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Visualize a golden light spreading around you.
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Silently chant “Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah.”
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Sit in stillness for 10–15 minutes.
This helps you connect with the inner light of the soul — the essence of Diwali.
🌺 Benefits of Fasting and Prayer During Diwali
✨ Physical Benefits: Detoxifies the body and improves digestion.
🧘 Mental Benefits: Reduces stress, improves focus, and builds self-control.
💫 Spiritual Benefits: Cleanses karma, attracts divine grace, and brings inner peace.
🌼 Tips for a Meaningful Diwali Fast
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Start the day with a positive sankalpa (intention).
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Keep the home and mind clean.
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Spend time in chanting, reading holy texts, or meditation.
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Avoid gossip, anger, and distractions.
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Break the fast after sunset with pure vegetarian food.
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Fasting and prayers during Diwali are not just traditions — they are pathways to self-purification, inner peace, and divine connection.
By observing these rituals mindfully, we light not only lamps in our homes but also the flame of wisdom and gratitude within our hearts.
So this Diwali, let’s celebrate with light, love, and mindfulness — honoring our traditions while embracing eco-friendly, spiritual living. 🌿✨