Diwali, also known as Deepawali, is a Hindu festival celebrated with immense zeal and fervor across many parts of the world. It symbolizes the eternal victory of good over evil and the triumph of light over darkness. Falling during the darkest days of October or November, it is celebrated in the holy month of Kartika in the Hindu calendar. In this article, we delve into everything you need to know about this radiant festival.
When is Diwali Celebrated? Date and Timings |Diwali 2023 Date in India Calendar
In 2023, Diwali will be celebrated on November 12th, coinciding with the fifteenth day of Kartik, the holiest month in the Hindu lunar calendar. However, Diwali isn’t confined to a single day; it involves preparations well in advance. Typically, the festival spans five days, each with its unique significance and associated rituals.
Diwali Muhurat:
Diwali is a time for prayers, invoking blessings for wealth, prosperity, and wisdom from Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha. According to the Drik Panchang website, a well-regarded astrological portal in India, the Lakshmi Puja Muhurat is expected to occur between 5:40 PM and 7:36 PM, lasting for 1 hour and 56 minutes. Various rituals are performed during different times of the festival, including Dhanteras Puja, Hanuman Puja, Lakshmi Puja, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj Aparahna Muhurat.
History and Significance of Diwali:
Diwali is celebrated in various ways across India, reflecting the nation’s rich cultural diversity. However, the common thread in all Diwali celebrations is the belief in the victory of good over evil, righteousness over falsehood, and the triumph of the oppressed over injustice.
In northern India, Diwali commemorates Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya with his wife Sita, aided by Lakshman and Hanuman, after defeating the demon king Ravana. The people of Ayodhya welcomed them by lighting earthen lamps throughout the city on a moonless night, creating a spectacle brighter than daylight.
In South India, the festival celebrates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura. Other legends suggest that Goddess Lakshmi was born on the new moon day of the Kartik month, making it highly auspicious.
Different Celebration Dates Across India:
Diwali, known by various regional names, is celebrated on different days, though usually within close proximity. For example, South India observes Diwali on November 12, 2023, while Goa and West India celebrate it on November 11, 2023, a day before Diwali. In Varanasi, it will be celebrated on November 26, 2023. In regions like Punjab, West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, Diwali will be observed on November 12, 2023.
Customs and Traditions | Diwali 2023 Date in India Calendar
Diwali encompasses several days of celebration. Here is Diwali 2023 Date in India Calendar.
1. Dhanteras (November 10, 2023): The festival begins with Dhanteras, symbolizing wealth, prosperity, and cleanliness. It is considered an auspicious day for buying gold, silver, or new clothes.
2. Choti Diwali (November 11, 2023): Choti Diwali sets the stage for the main festival. Homes are adorned with beautiful decorations, rangoli designs, and lamps to dispel darkness.
3. Diwali (November 12, 2023): The main day of Diwali is marked by prayers, new attire, the exchange of gifts, lighting diyas, fireworks, and illuminations that fill the moonless night with prosperity.
4. Goverdhan Puja and Padwa (November 13, 2023): Goverdhan Puja commemorates Lord Krishna’s role in averting the destruction of the world by evil forces through divine intervention. Padwa celebrates the bond between lovers, be it a couple or a business owner.
5. Bhai Dooj (November 14, 2023): Bhai Dooj nurtures the bond between brothers and sisters through love and blessings.
Significance of Diwali:
Diwali signifies the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya symbolizes the triumph of truth over falsehood. The illumination of the entire city upon his arrival signifies that truth welcomes us with open arms when we overcome falsehood.
Customs and Traditions:
Both South India and North India celebrate Diwali with enthusiasm. The rituals include cleaning homes, decorating and lighting lamps, performing prayers, chanting mantras, and preparing delicious meals. Another custom involves arranging 13 earthen lamps, each signifying different blessings and protection. However, it is essential to consider the environment, and individuals who enjoy fireworks may need to adjust to the true essence of Diwali, which is celebrating the victory of good over the darkness of evil.
This Diwali, as you engage in the festivities, you can explore preparing a variety of delicious dishes, including whole wheat papdi, Poha chidwa, and chakli. For those conscious of calorie intake, consider a baked version of the traditional fried namak para to enjoy the festival’s essence while maintaining a healthier lifestyle. Diwali, with its luminous celebrations and cultural significance, is a time to cherish the triumph of light, knowledge, and goodness in our lives.
