Diwali, or Deepavali, is by far the most popular and extravagant festival of the Hindu Religion. Its significance is that Diwali is also celebrated by the followers of Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism in various forms and customs. It will not be an exaggeration to repute this festival as the biggest festival in India. Diwali is also celebrated in various parts of the world with equal enthusiasm. It is known as the “Festival of Lights.”
Diwali or Deepavali is made up of two words – “Deep,” which means Lamp or Diyas, and “Avali,” which means a row of lamps. It symbolizes the victory of Goodness and the lifting of spiritual darkness. It is celebrated on the 15th day of the dark fortnight, “Amavasya,” in the Hindu month of Kartik. This usually falls in October or November.
Diwali has the status of being the favorite festival of Indians. Homes are decorated, lamps are lit, and the sounds of firecrackers engulf the atmosphere to create a world of fantasy around us. The festivity and enthusiasm linked with Diwali go on to make it the most glamorous festival in India. It is also a gazetted holiday in India. Government Offices, post offices, and banks are closed in India on Diwali.
The Diwali festival marks Bhagwan Rama‘s return to his kingdom Ayodhya after completing 14 years in exile. Goddess Lakshmi, symbolizing wealth and prosperity, is also worshiped on Diwali. The festival is celebrated as “Kaali Pooja” in West Bengal. In southern India, Diwali commemorates the conquering of the Asura Naraka.
Diwali Date 2023
Diwali festivity lasts for five days. It begins on Dhanteras and ends on Bhaiya Dooj. However, in Maharashtra, the festival begins one day earlier on Govatsa Dwadashi, whereas in Gujarat, the Diwali festivities begin two days earlier on Agyaras and culminate on Labh Panchami.
Diwali Date: 12th November 2023, Sunday
Diwali Puja Dates for 2023
Deepavali Day 1 Govatsa Dwadashi, Vasu Baras: 9th November 2023, Thursday
Deepavali Day 2 Dhantrayodashi, Dhanteras: 10th November 2023, Friday
Deepavali Day 3 Kali Chaudas, Hanuman Puja: 11th November 2023, Saturday
Deepavali Day 4 Narak Chaturdashi, Lakshmi Puja, Kali Puja, Diwali: 12th November 2023 Sunday
Deepavali Day 5 Diwali Snan, Diwali Devpuja: 13th November 2023, Monday
Deepavali Day 6 Govardhan Puja, Annakut Bali Pratipada: 14th November 2023, Tuesday
Deepavali Day 7 Bhaiya Dooj, Bhau Beej Yama Dwitiya: 15th November 2023, Wednesday
!! Happy Diwali !!
