Diwali 2023: Date, Time, and Significance
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is the Hindu festival of lights. It is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in India, and is also celebrated by Hindus all over the world. Diwali falls on the darkest night of the Hindu lunar month Kartika, which usually occurs between October and November.
Diwali is a five-day festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. It is also a time to celebrate new beginnings, as it marks the start of the Hindu New Year.
On Diwali day, people light lamps and candles to illuminate their homes and businesses. They also decorate their homes with Rangolis, which are colorful designs made from sand or flowers.
People also exchange Deepawali gifts and sweets on Diwali, and visit their friends and family. It is a time for celebration and joy.
| Topic | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | Fri, 10 Nov, 2023 – Tue, 14 Nov, 2023 |
| Diwali Time | Five-day festival celebrating the victory of good over evil, including Dhanteras, Choti Diwali, Diwali Day, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj. |
| Significance of Diwali | Hindu festival celebrating the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. It marks the start of the Hindu New Year. |
| Different Names of Diwali | Narkachaturdashi, Mahanisha/Kali Puja, Divili Panduga, Deepawali |
| Diwali Celebrations | Illumination of homes, decoration with Rangolis, gift exchanges, and visits to friends and family. |
| Diwali Celebrations Worldwide | Observed in various countries such as the USA, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Fiji, and UK’s Golden Mile section. |
| Popular Diwali Foods | Crispy and spicy samosa, Aloo boonda, Murukku, Gulab jamun, Paneer tikka, Sooji halwa, Namakpare, and more. |
| Scientific Facts About Diwali | Mustard oil lamps eliminate harmful insects and germs, increase humidity levels, and promote a sense of energy and well-being. |
Diwali 2023 Date: When Is Diwali?
Diwali 2023 in India will be celebrated on Fri, 10 Nov, 2023 – Tue, 14 Nov, 2023
Diwali is a five-day festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil. It is one of the most important holidays in India, and is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains.
On Diwali day, people light lamps and candles to illuminate their homes and businesses. They also decorate their homes with rangolis, which are colorful designs made from sand or flowers.
People also exchange gifts and sweets on Diwali, and visit their friends and family. It is a time for celebration and joy.
Why Is Diwali Celebrated? – Significance Of Diwali
Diwali is a Hindu festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. It is one of the most important holidays in India and is celebrated by Hindus all over the world.
The Diwali festival is marked by five days of celebration and is one of the most significant occasions in Indian culture. The festival day and celebrations following before and after illuminate the country with their brilliance and help everyone indulge in a joyous affair.
The festival also coincides with the Hindu New Year and signifies new beginnings, with people lighting up lamps and electric bulbs outside and inside their homes.
But the true significance of Diwali lies deep. The celebration is not just about lighting lamps outside. Your inner light has to come alive, shining all bright and gleaming. According to traditional beliefs and Ramayana’s great story,
Diwali is the day when dark forces and evil spirits are put to death and light shines. Similar is the predicament of human life!
The lights of Diwali signify it’s time to destroy the dark desires inside us and pray to the lord for eternal strength to continue on the path of goodness for the rest of the year.
Different Names Of Diwali
Among all the other Indian communities, it’s the Hindus, Jains & Sikhs who celebrate Diwali Day with traditional pujas and religious affirmations. Though the motive continues to be the same triumph of good over evil, the name somewhat looks different, as mentioned below:
Narkachaturdashi:
The South Indians worship God Yama on Diwali to win over the fear of the demon Narakasura. They make an effigy of Narakasura, burn it, bathe, and later burst crackers.
Mahanisha / Kali Puja
In West Bengal, Assam, and Tripura, Diwali is celebrated as Kali Puja or Mahanishi Day. There is a popular belief that Maha Kali, accompanied by 64,000 yoginis, appeared today.
Divili Panduga
It is an important festival in Andhra Pradesh! The day commences by decorating the house with rangolis, lighting oil lamps, and celebrating with firecrackers.
5-Day Diwali Celebrations in India 2023
According to Hindu mythology, Diwali day commemorates Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after 14 years. And people to date continue to celebrate the day with utmost zeal and happiness. Diwali celebrations continue for five days, each with its own importance.
Dhanteras
The first day of the Diwali festival, Dhanteras is also known as Dhanvantari Trayodashi or Dhanatrayodashi. According to religious beliefs, Mata Laxmi, the goddess of fortune and wealth, was born on this day. So people clean their homes and worship her on this day. Also, many purchase silver, gold, a gadget, or kitchenware, deemed fortunate.
Choti Diwali
The second day of Diwali is known as Choti Diwali! People wake up before daybreak, bathe, wear new clothes, and prepare Rangoli in front of their homes or the courtyard. It’s believed that rangoli has the power to drive away evil spirits.
The Diwali Day
The third day is the festival’s major eve, i.e., the Diwali day! Families all over India assemble to worship Lakshmi and Ganesha with the desire to welcome success, prosperity, and money into the house. The Bengalis, however, worship Sakti Maa Kali on this day. The rituals are marked by Amavasya tithi – the darkest day of the month.
Govardhan Puja
Govardhan Puja marks the fourth day of Diwali! On this day, Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan Parvat (Mountain), defeating Indra. People observe this day by making a small hillock of Cow dung and worship it as Govardhan Parvat.
Bhai Dooj
The last day is Bhai Dooj! Sisters invite brothers to their house, perform a tilak ceremony, and treat them to a lavish meal. The brothers, in return, give gifts to the sisters.
How Diwali Is Celebrated Around The World?
Even after being an Indian festival, Diwali day is widely observed in the USA, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Fiji. People of these countries enjoy the cultural aspects of Diwali traditions and take part in rituals with the ultimate zeal.
One can notice the largest Diwali celebration outside India in Leicester, UK’s Golden Mile section. Mauritius, being a multicultural island, observes Diwali as a national holiday.
Popular Diwali Foods
Other than well-decorated rangolis, new clothes, little fairy lights, and crackers, the Diwali date is also marked by the encapsulating aroma of desi ghee laddoos and famous Indian savory items. Moving on to the popular Diwali foods, here is a comprehensive list highlighted:
Crispy and spicy samosa
Aloo boonda
Murukku
Gulab jamun
Paneer tikka
Sooji halwa
Namakpare
Onion bhaji
Moong dal ka halwa
Rice kheer
Masala peanuts
Gajar ka halwa
Soan papdi
Scientific Facts About Diwali
Every house is illuminated with burning lamps on the Diwali date. However, some people question the significance of burning lamps and seek thorough explanations behind other rituals maintained. Here is a complete elaboration of the basics:
Diwali lamps are always lighted with mustard oil! As per chemistry professors, certain elements in mustard oil react with environmental pollutants and can easily eliminate harmful insects and germs.
Also, lighting the Diwali lamps leads to an increase in the humidity levels in the atmosphere. As the air is heavy during the winter, lighting a lamp makes it lighter and clearer.
Another interesting fact is that the light from the lamps superposes over the magnetic field around one’s superficial electromagnetic flux. This activates one’s blood cells and makes them feel energetic. Thus calling for the reason why houses are cleaned during Diwali and lamps are lit. Just to ensure the atmosphere around you is safe.
That is all about Diwali, signifying the win of goodness over evil! Throughout India, this day marks nothing but happiness. Adding more to the festivities, you can trust IGP to send diwali hampers and meaningful assortments to your loved one within India and abroad.
Read More,
Diwali Gifts Under 500 | Diwali Gift Ideas Under 500 Rupees
Lesser known Legends of Diwali
How to Celebrate Eco-Friendly Diwali – Tips for a Sustainable Celebration
Diwali Legends and Stories: The Significance of Light and Victory
No Comments