Diwali 2023: Diwali (Deepavali) is one of India’s most celebrated festivals, commemorating Lord Ram and Sita’s return home after defeating Ravana. Also known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali symbolizes victory over evil: knowledge triumphing over ignorance, light over darkness, peace over joy.

Diwali coincides with the Hindu New Year, providing an opportunity for business ventures and other endeavors. Across its five days in India, various ceremonies are held at which people pray to Lakshmi/Ganesh for wisdom, wealth, and prosperity.

Diwali (also spelled Deepawali in India and abroad) is a Hindu holiday commemorating the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. Diwali occurs around Kartika month in October or November, according to their calendar.

When is Diwali? Date and timings

Diwali will occur this year on 15 Kartik, the most revered month in the Hindu lunar calendar, marking November 12 as the Diwali 2023 date. However, Diwali preparations often start months in advance, with each day’s rituals and significance.

Diwali 2023 Muhurat

Some people pray to Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi on the auspicious day of Diwali to gain wealth and prosperity. Others seek wisdom.

According to Drik Panchang, an astrological portal based in India, Lakshmi Puja Muhurat will occur between 5:40 PM and 7:36 PM. It is expected to last for one hour and 56 min. The timings of various rituals are listed below:

– Pradosh Kaal: 5:29 PM to 8:08 PM

Vrishabha kaal: 5 : 39 PM to 7 : 35 PM

Amavasya Tithi Starts: 2:44 PM, November 12, 2023

Amavasya Tithi ends at 2:56 PM, November 13, 2023

Diwali Puja timings

– Dhanteras Puja Muhurat : 6:20 p.m. to 8:20 p.m. on November 10, 2023

– Hanuman Puja at Choti Diwali: 11:57 AM to 12:48 PM on November 11, 2023

– November 12 Lakshmi Puja Muhurat : 5:40 AM to 7:36PM

– “Govardhan puja” on November 13: 6:45 to 9:00 am

– November 14, Bhai dooj Aparahna Muhurat : 1:30 PM – 3:45 PM

Diwali – History and meaning

Diwali celebrations may differ depending on who is celebrating it and where they live. Yet, all share a common thread: believing that good will triumph over evil, truth over lies, and oppressed peoples will prevail against injustice.

Diwali, celebrated annually in northern India, marks Lord Rama and Sita’s return from defeating Ravana to Ayodhya after defeating him. Their return was celebrated with earthen lamps lit throughout Ayodhya on nights without a full moon, illuminating Ayodhya even more vividly than during daytime!

South India considers this day auspicious as it marks when Lord Krishna defeated Narakasura, and according to legend, Goddess Lakshmi was said to have been born on the first day of Kartik. For these reasons, this day is considered particularly auspicious.

Diwali 2023: Celebrate Different Dates in India

Diwali is celebrated in different parts of India on other dates, even though they are close together. In South India, the festival is on November 12, 2023. Goa and West India celebrate it on November 11, 2023, a day before Diwali. Varanasi will celebrate it on November 26, 2023. Punjab, West Bengal, Odisha, and Assam will observe Diwali on November 12, 2023.

From Dhanteras To Bhai Dooj 

Dhanteras marks the start of Diwali celebrations in India and is considered an auspicious time to purchase gold, silver, kitchen appliances, and metallic goods. On Diwali itself (November 5), many purchases take place. Northern Indians traditionally refer to this day as Chhoti Diwali.

At the same time, East and Southeast Indians celebrate Bhoot Chaturdashi, while Naraka Chaturdashi occurs in both West and South India. Every household decorates its entrance with rangoli and lights candles or diyas to celebrate Diwali.

On the third day, considered the most significant, prayers are said for Lakshmi (goddess of wealth) and Ganesh (god of good luck and wisdom). Clay lamps are used to illuminate homes while fireworks explode overhead.

On the fourth day, Govardhan Puja takes place; this festival honors Lord Krishna for lifting Govardhan Mountain to protect people from Indra’s fury. Bhai Dooj, where sisters pray for their brothers’ wellbeing, is observed on Diwali’s final and fifth day.

Diwali 2023: Customs

Day 1: Dhanteras (November 10, 2023):

Diwali starts with Dhanteras. This day symbolizes wealth, prosperity, and cleanliness. This is an excellent day to buy gold, silver, or new clothes.

Day 2: Choti Diwali (November 11, 2023)

Choti Diwali is the prelude to the main festival. To dispel the darkness, homes are decorated with rangoli patterns, beautiful decorations, and lamps.

Day 3: Diwali (November 12, 2023)

Prayers and chants mark Diwali’s primary day. It also includes the exchange of gifts and the lighting of diyas, fireworks, and illuminations to fill the night without the moon with prosperity. The auspicious time for puja is between 5:40 PM and 7:36 PM.

Day 4: Goverdhan Puja (November 13, 2023)

Goverdhan Puja celebrates the role of Lord Krishna in saving the world from destruction by evil forces. Padwa is a celebration of the love between lovers, whether they are a couple or business owners.

Day 5: Bhai Dooj (November 14, 2023)

Bhai dooj strengthens the bonds between brothers and sisters through love and blessings.

Diwali: Its significance

Diwali is not just the triumph of good over evil but also light over dark and knowledge over ignorance. The victory of truth and falsehood is symbolized by Lord Rama returning to Ayodhya. The entire city was illuminated upon Lord Rama’s arrival, a sign that truth will welcome us with open hearts when we defeat falsehood.

What is the Diwali Celebration in India? 

Diwali celebrations in Uttar Pradesh begin with an aarti on the Ganga River and spiritual activities such as hymn recitation. Earthen lamps float downriver with earthen lamps floating downriver, too. Sikhs in Punjab observe Bandi Chhor Diwas for Diwali. Bandi Chhor Diwas marks the day of liberation.

Amritsar’s Golden Temple and houses are illuminated. Deepavali in southern India is also known as Naraka Chaturdashi or Kali Chaudas, as this day is believed to be when Lord Krishna and Goddess Kali defeated the demon Narakasura. Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu residents traditionally take an oil bath every morning before donning new clothing to worship Goddess Lakshmi.

Kerala people enjoy special oil baths on this day, while in Karnataka, it is known as Balipadyami when prayers are offered to honor King Bali, who was killed during one of his Vishnu avatars. West Bengal in east India celebrates Kali Puja to commemorate when Goddess Parvati appeared as Kali to kill the demon Bakasura.

Maharashtra in western India honors cows with Vasu Baras. Furthermore, Dhanteras marks a special day to pay our ayurvedic god’s physician, Dhanvantari, by keeping him on Dhanteras day.

Diwali 2023: Customs & Traditions

Diwali, also known as the “Festival of Lights,” is celebrated across India and transcends regional differences. Diwali serves as an unifying event that unites everyone regardless of regional differences.

Diwali preparations start weeks in advance with cleaning and beautifying homes. Families decorate them with earthen lamps in rangoli patterns to signify light’s triumph against darkness; lighting candles represents knowledge and goodness prevailing over ignorance.

Diwali is celebrated through prayers, rituals, mantras, and sweets; families come together for a feast, give gifts, and exchange warm wishes – one particular tradition is to arrange 13 earthen lamps, each representing a different blessing or protection.

Diwali fireworks were once an essential part of celebrating Diwali. Still, environmental concerns and their associated hazards have altered its traditional celebration. Now, many prefer to embrace its true meaning — which emphasizes good over evil — by finding alternative ways to commemorate it and celebrate it instead.

Diwali marks renewal, spiritual reflection, and togetherness – a celebration of light, love, and good values that triumph over fireworks’ excitement! Diwali represents unity and positivity while honoring India’s cultural diversity.

Diwali celebrations require many delicious dishes. Some options for your Diwali feast include whole wheat papdi or Poha chiwda and Chakli (an iconic Diwali dish). Baking can reduce calories while frying usually doesn’t.

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DIWALI 2023: HISTORY, SIGNIFICANCE, AND CELEBRATION IN INDIA