Diwali 2023, also known as Deepavali, is a significant festival celebrated on the fifteenth day of Kartik, the holiest month in the Hindu lunar calendar. This year, Diwali falls on Sunday, November 12, 2023. The festival spans five days, each with its unique significance and customs.
Diwali begins with Dhanteras on November 10, 2023, which is dedicated to acquiring wealth and prosperity. People engage in house cleaning, purchase new attire, and buy gold and silver, considering it auspicious on this day.
Choti Diwali, observed on November 11, 2023, sets the stage for the grand main festival the following day. Homes are adorned with decorations, colorful rangoli designs, and oil lamps are lit.
The main day of Diwali is on November 12, 2023, known as Lakshmi Puja. On this day, people wear new clothes and gather with their families for prayers and pooja. The most auspicious time for worship, or Puja Mahurat, is from 5:40 PM to 7:36 PM. The exchange of gifts and sweets is an integral part of Diwali celebrations. Diyas and fireworks illuminate the night sky, and people indulge in special cuisines and sweets.
On November 13, 2023, people celebrate Govardhan Puja, which commemorates Lord Krishna’s divine intervention. Devotees create a replica of Goverdhan Hill using food items such as rice and sweets. This day also emphasizes the importance of environmental conservation and sustainable practices. It is also a day for husbands to buy gifts for their wives.
The final day of Diwali, Bhai Dooj, falls on November 14, 2023, and is dedicated to celebrating the strong bond between brothers and sisters. It provides an opportunity to express love, gratitude, and blessings to strengthen the sibling relationship.
Diwali is a festival of lights, symbolizing the triumph of light and knowledge over darkness and ignorance. It is celebrated with various customs and traditions, including puja (prayers), lighting diyas (oil lamps), exchanging gifts, preparing special meals, and decorating homes with rangoli (colorful designs) and flower garlands.
To make Diwali more eco-friendly and sustainable, consider skipping firecrackers, using eco-friendly gifts, making your own rangoli with natural ingredients, reducing electricity consumption by using LED lights, and recycling and composting.
Diwali is celebrated with enthusiasm across India, and the dates and customs may vary from one region to another. South India celebrates it on November 12, 2023, while Goa and West India observe it on November 11, 2023. Varanasi celebrates on November 26, 2023, and Punjab on November 12, 2023. In other parts of India, including West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, Diwali is also celebrated on November 12, 2023.
Diwali is a festival with deep mythological connections, with stories from the Ramayana and other ancient texts highlighting the victory of good over evil. It is a time for joy, togetherness, and spreading light and positivity.
Diwali Dates and Puja Timings
- Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated on the fifteenth day of Kartik, the holiest month in the Hindu lunar calendar.
- This year, Diwali falls on Sunday, November 12, 2023.
- The festival spans five days, each with its unique significance and rituals.
Lakshmi Puja Muhurat
- The Lakshmi Puja Muhurat for Diwali is from 5:40 PM to 7:36 PM.
- Devotees seek the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha for wealth, prosperity, and wisdom.
- Other important timings include Pradosh Kaal (5:29 PM to 8:08 PM) and Vrishabha Kaal (5:39 PM to 7:35 PM).
Five Days of Diwali
- Dhanteras (November 10, 2023)
- A celebration of wealth and prosperity, marking the auspicious beginning of Diwali.
- People engage in house cleaning, purchase new attire, and buy gold and silver.
- Choti Diwali (November 11, 2023)
- Sets the stage for the grand main festival the following day.
- Homes are adorned with decorations, colorful rangoli designs, and oil lamps are lit.
- Diwali (November 12, 2023)
- The main day of Diwali, dedicated to prayers, pooja, and celebrations.
- The Lakshmi Puja Muhurat is from 5:40 PM to 7:36 PM.
- Exchange of gifts, sweets, diyas, and fireworks illuminate the night.
- Govardhan Puja (November 13, 2023)
- Commemorates Lord Krishna’s divine intervention.
- Devotees create a replica of Goverdhan Hill using food items.
- Emphasizes environmental conservation and sustainable practices.
- Bhai Dooj (November 14, 2023)
- Celebrates the strong bond between brothers and sisters.
- An opportunity to express love, gratitude, and blessings.
Diwali 2023: Customs and Traditions
- Diwali is celebrated with customs such as puja, lighting diyas, exchanging gifts, and decorating homes with rangoli and flower garlands.
- An eco-friendly Diwali can be achieved by skipping firecrackers, using sustainable gifts, making natural rangoli, and reducing electricity consumption with LED lights.
- Recycling and composting are encouraged to minimize waste.
Diwali Celebrations Across India
- Diwali is celebrated with enthusiasm across India, but dates and customs vary by region.
- South India celebrates on November 12, 2023.
- Goa and West India observe it on November 11, 2023.
- Varanasi celebrates on November 26, 2023.
- Punjab marks Diwali on November 12, 2023.
- Other regions, including West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, also celebrate on November 12, 2023.
Diwali’s Mythological Connection with Ramayana
- Diwali’s most renowned narrative revolves around Lord Rama’s triumphant return to Ayodhya following 14 years of exile.
- It symbolizes the victory of light and knowledge over darkness and ignorance.
Diwali: The Festival of Lights
- In celebration of King Rama’s homecoming, people illuminate their homes with clay lamps, exchange sweets, and ignite fireworks.
- This tradition symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.
How to Celebrate Diwali
- Diwali celebrations include performing puja (prayers), lighting diyas (oil lamps), exchanging gifts, preparing special meals, and decorating homes with rangoli and flower garlands.
- Traditional treats like mithai (sweets) and namkeen (savouries) are prepared and shared with family and friends.
The Significance of Lighting 13 Diyas on Diwali
- Dhanteras or ‘Dhantrayodashi’ is the first day of Diwali festivities.
- Lighting 13 earthen pots is a custom symbolizing various blessings and protections.
How to Celebrate Green Diwali 2023?
- Skip firecrackers to reduce air and noise pollution.
- Use eco-friendly gifts made from sustainable materials.
- Create natural rangoli using ingredients like turmeric, rice flour, and flowers.
- Reduce electricity consumption by using LED lights.
- Promote recycling and composting to minimize waste.
Frequently Asked Questions About Diwali 2023
- When is Dhanteras 2023? – November 10, 2023.
- What is the muhurat time for Diwali in 2023? – 5:40 PM to 7:36 PM.
- Which day is Diwali in 2023? – November 12, 2023.
- What are the 5 days of Diwali? – Dhanteras, Choti Diwali, Diwali, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj.
- How many days is Diwali? – A 5-day festival.
- Where is Diwali celebrated in the world? – Primarily in India, and also in countries like Malaysia, Singapore, Nepal, Fiji, and more.
