17/10/2025
Celebrating the Festival of Lights ✨
From all of us at Thamesbank Credit Union, we wish our community peace, prosperity, and light as we approach Diwali! This five-day festival is a sacred time for spiritual cleansing and financial new beginnings.
Here is your detailed guide to the main days and their special significance:
🪔 Friday, 17th October: Rama Ekadashi
The start of the festive period, this day is focused on the virtues of Lord Ram (an avatar of Vishnu) and marks his return to Ayodhya—heralding the Festival of Light. It also marks the Jayanti of Kamala Lakshmi.
🪔 Saturday, 18th October: Dhanteras A key day for financial well-being! This is the time for Dhan Shudhi—the cleansing and purifying of wealth. Many business owners perform special Poojas to encourage income and a blessed financial year.
Auspicious Times for Pooja: 6pm - 7:30pm (Labh Yog) / 9pm - 12am (Shubh & Amrit Yog)
🪔 Sunday, 19th October: Kali Chaudas (Neeved)
A day dedicated to dispelling negative energy and cleansing the home. Poojas to Mahakali, Hanuman, and others are performed to take away grief and replace it with happiness. Reciting the Hanuman Chalisa is highly beneficial for inner health.
Auspicious Times for Pooja: 6pm - 9pm (Shubh & Amrit Yog)
🪔 Monday, 20th October: Diwali / Sharada Poojan & Deepavali
The central day of the festival, celebrating the triumph of light over darkness and the return of Shree Ram.
Focus: Worship of Mahalakshmi, Mahasarawati, & Ganesh for peace, happiness, and light.
For Business Owners & Artists: This day often marks the start of the new business year, with prayers offered for prosperity, fresh talent, and creativity.
Auspicious Times for Pooja: 3pm - 6pm (Shubh & Amrit Yog) / 6pm - 7:30pm (Char Yog for evening pooja)
🪔 Wednesday, 22nd October: Nutan Varas (New Year)
A day celebrating the start of the Hindu New Year. Ankut is offered to Lord Krishna, and divas are lit all around, symbolising new hope and fresh starts.
Auspicious Times for Pooja: 6am - 9am (Labh & Amrit Yog) / 10:30am - 12pm (Shubh Yog) / 7:30pm - 9pm (Shubh & Amrit Yog)
🪔 Thursday, 23rd October: Bhai Beej
The closing day of the festival, honouring the sacred bonds between brothers and sisters. Sisters traditionally invite their brothers to dinner.
Auspicious Times for Pooja: 6pm - 7:30pm (Amrit Yog)
Wishing our entire community a bright and prosperous season!