Dhantrayodashi, Dhanvantari Jayanti, Yama Deepam

Lakshmi and Kuber are worshipped after sunset, and buying gold, silver or new utensils is considered lucky. It is also the birthday of Dhanvantari, the physician of the gods. At dusk a lamp is lit outside the front door for Yama, to keep untimely death away from the family.

When: Puja in the Pradosh window after sunset while Trayodashi lasts, best when the fixed Vrishabha lagna is rising.

Bhut Chaturdashi

Gujarat’s night of protection. Mahakali, Hanuman and Veer Vetal are worshipped late at night to drive away evil and fear. It is not the same as Narak Chaturdashi: that is a morning observance and often falls on the next day.

When: Decided by Chaturdashi at midnight (Nishita), so it can fall the day before Narak Chaturdashi.

Hanuman is worshipped on the night of Kali Chaudas for strength and protection, especially in Gujarat. Hanumangarhi in Ayodhya celebrates Hanuman Jayanti on this day.

When: The night of Chaturdashi, the same night as Kali Chaudas.

Narak Chaturdashi, Roop Chaudas, Choti Diwali, Tamil Deepavali

Before sunrise the body is rubbed with sesame oil and ubtan and bathed (abhyang snan), remembering Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura. Lamps are lit in the evening. In Tamil Nadu and Karnataka this dawn is the main Deepavali celebration, with new clothes and crackers.

When: The bath is taken between moonrise and sunrise while Chaturdashi lasts.

Lakshmi Puja, Deepavali, Chopda Pujan, Sharda Pujan

The main night. Lakshmi, Ganesha and Saraswati are worshipped at home and at work, and lamps are lit in every corner. Business families, especially in Gujarat, open new account books (Chopda Pujan) before Lakshmi and Sharda.

When: Kept on the day Amavasya covers the evening (Pradosh). Puja in the Pradosh window, best during the fixed Vrishabha lagna.

Shyama Puja

In Bengal, Odisha and Assam the Diwali new moon is for Kali, worshipped at midnight. Some years it falls a day before Lakshmi Puja.

When: Decided by Amavasya at midnight (Nishita).

Kedara Gowri Vratham

A fast to Shiva and Parvati together, kept mainly in Tamil Nadu on Diwali Amavasya. Some families keep it for 21 days, ending on this day.

Annakut

Krishna lifted Govardhan hill to shelter the people of Braj from Indra’s storms. A hill of food, the Annakut, is offered to him, and a small Govardhan is shaped and worshipped.

When: Kartik Shukla Pratipada, puja in the morning.

Bali Padva, Diwali Padwa

King Bali, pushed to the underworld by Vamana, is allowed to return to the earth, and is welcomed with a puja. In Maharashtra it is also Diwali Padwa, a day for married couples.

When: Same day as Govardhan Puja.

Gujarati New Year, Nutan Varsh

The Gujarati New Year: a new Vikram Samvat year begins. Families visit elders and temples and greet each other with "Saal Mubarak".

Bhau Beej, Bhai Beej, Yama Dwitiya

Sisters put a tilak on their brothers, pray for their long life and feed them; brothers give gifts in return. It is named Yama Dwitiya after Yama visiting his sister Yamuna for a meal on this day.

When: Tilak in the afternoon (Aparahna) while Dwitiya lasts.

The Kayastha community worships Chitragupta, who keeps the record of every soul’s deeds, along with pens, ink and account books.

When: Afternoon (Aparahna), the same day as Bhai Dooj.