Mumbai, November 5: Diwali festivities have begun across the nation with houses being lit with colourful lanterns, various delicacies being prepared at homes, and most importantly, bursting a variety of firecrackers is on the go. Among the most important things during the festival of lights, one such is Lakshmi Puja. This year, Dhanteras falls on November 5 while Lakshmi Puja will be performed on November 7. However, the two-hour window of the Supreme Court for the bursting of firecrackers coincides with the Lakshmi Puja Muhurat.

On November 7, the Lakshmi Puja evening Muhurat begins at 19:35 and will end at 21:31 (7.35 PM to 9.31 PM). Also, the Morning Muhurta (Labh, Amrit) begins from 06:45  to 09:34, Morning Muhurta (Shubh) begins at 10:58 and will end at 12:22, the Afternoon Muhurta (Char, Labh) will start at  15:10 - 17:59. Diwali 2018 Calendar With Dates in India: When Is Dhanteras, Lakshmi Puja, Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj? Get Complete Deepavali Holiday Dates.

It must be noted that the Amavasya Tithi ends at 21:31 on November 7, which again coincides with the time alloted by the top court for the bursting of firecrackers. In line with the Supreme Court directive, the Tamil Nadu government had earlier said people would be allowed to burst firecrackers between 6 am and 7 am and 7 pm and 8 pm on Diwali.

Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi or Dhanvantri Jayanti, is considered to be very auspicious by Hindus. Followers worship Goddess Lakshmi, who is considered as the Goddess of wealth and prosperity. Dhanteras is derived from two words, 'Dhan' which means wealth and 'teras' means 'the thirteenth day'. The festival falls on the thirteenth day of the dark fortnight in the month of Kartik. Dhanteras Images & HD Wallpapers for Free Download Online: Wish Diwali 2018 With Beautiful GIF Greetings & Messages.

On October 23, a bench comprising Justices Ashok Bhushan and A K Sikri fixed the 8 pm to 10 pm time period for the bursting of firecrackers on Diwali and other festivals. The Court had permitted the sale and manufacture of low emission "green" firecrackers countrywide and had fixed a two-hour time period. Later, the Court modified its order saying that authorities in states are at liberty to change the timings but the duration will not exceed two hours a day.

The court was hearing a plea by Tamil Nadu government which sought its nod for the bursting of crackers on Diwali morning in accordance with the religious practices in the state. In its judgment, the Supreme Court had also said that its directions on "green crackers" were meant only for Delhi-NCR.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 05, 2018 10:13 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).