Diwali 2023: We since kids have learned unity in diversity and used to celebrate every festival at our schools irrespective of our caste or religion. And one such festival is the festival of lights, or what we commonly call Diwali. It is indeed India’s biggest festival and every household celebrates it with all joy and enthusiasm. While everyone has different traditions and customs they follow, this Hindu festival that falls on the day of the new moon also known as Amavasya in the month of Kartik and takes place 20 days after Dussehra or Vijayadashami each year, lasting for five days from Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj.
And with that let us know more about Diwali 2023 dates, their significance, different traditions and customs, different ways of celebrating, its story, and more.
Deepavali 2023: When Is Diwali Date 2023? Important Dates And Laxmi Puja Muhurat
Diwali is a diverse festival and is celebrated by both Hindus and Non-Hindus in various different ways and with variations of customs. Associated with the festival of lights, celebrating the victory of good over evil, Diwali is celebrated on the 15th day of the Kartik month when Amavasya falls. This year's Diwali date is November 12, 2023, Sunday.
The 5 days of Diwali celebrations will start from 10th November, 2023 with Dhanteras ending with Bhai Dooj on the 15th of November 2023.
Diwali Date And Laxmi Puja Muhurat
Diwali 2023: 5 Days Of Diwali Festival
Diwali 2023 Date: How Many Months Left To Deepavali 2023?
Since Diwali 2023 date is on November 12, there are still around 2.2 months left to the festival as of August 22, 2023.
Diwali 2023 Date: How Many Days Left To Deepavali 2023?
Exactly 81 days are left for the Diwali Festival which is occurring on November 12, 2023, as of August 22, 2023.
Diwali 2023: What Is Diwali?
The festival of lights or Deepavali celebrates and represents the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and wisdom over ignorance. It is the Hindu festival of lights with its variations also celebrated in other Indian religions. According to the Hindu tradition, this is the day Lord Rama, Goddess Sita, and Lord Lakshmana returned to Ayodhya after spending 14 years in the forest. It is also signified as the birth goddess Lamxi and lord Kuber.
It is 5 days of celebration in most parts of India, starting from Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj. The main Diwali night is the most auspicious day when everyone lights up dozens of candles and diyas in their homes and streets, making every corner shine bright leaving no darkness behind.
Deepavali 2023: History And Significance
Diwali is a 5-day long festival with no clear records of its main origin. Considering its main aspect which is the victory of good over evil, it is celebrated in various different ways throughout the country. While some celebrate it as the return of lord Rama and goddess Sita to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and defeating the demon king Ravana. In some parts, it is celebrated as the birth of the goddess Laxmi.
On the other hand, South Indians celebrate the occasion as the day when Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura. But the one thing that is common in all about the Diwali festival is the lighting up of thousands of candles and diyas throughout India indicating the elimination of darkness and evil from the world.
Diwali 2023: Who Celebrates Diwali?
As said India is a secular country, there is no stopping on who celebrates Diwali and who doesn't. Diwali though is one of the major religious festivals in Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism. Although not a primary festival of Buddhism, the Diwali festival is celebrated by some Buddhists as a commemoration of the day when Emperor Ashoka converted to Buddhism in the 3rd century BCE. It is also celebrated in several other parts of South Asian countries and is also a national holiday.
Diwali 2023 Date: Tradition And Customs
Being a 5 days festival, each day has its own importance and significance. These Diwali celebrations have their own auspicious meanings which are as follows:
Day 1 - Dhanteras: Celebrated on Trayodashi, Dhanteras is the first day of the start of the Diwali festival. This is the day people start preparing for the celebration days ahead. Celebrating wealth and prosperity, this is also a busy shopping day, when it is considered lucky and auspicious to go to markets and buy gold, silver, or new kitchen items.
Day 2 - Choti Diwali: The second day celebrated on Chaturdashi is when people start their decorations by putting up lights, making rangolis, distributing gifts, and setting and cleaning up their temples at home.
Day 3 - Diwali: This is the main event, the Diwali celebration time. People dress in new clothes and gather with their families for prayers, variations according to one's traditions. The exchange of gifts and sweets is an integral part of Diwali celebrations. Lighting up diyas, burning firecrackers, and having a fun time with your family and friends is another most important aspect of the day.
Day 4 - Pratipada – Goverdhan Pooja and Padwa: Day 4 is celebrated in different forms throughout the country. While some celebrate in honor of lord Krishna, for some it is Padwa which is a celebration of a bond between husband and wife. Some also call it Annakut or Annakoot Puja.
Day 5 - Bhai Booj: The last day of the Diwali celebration ends with Bhai Dooj on Dwitiya which is dedicated to the bond of brothers and sisters. Sisters perform a special ceremony for their brothers for their protection and express love, gratitude, and blessings to strengthen the bond.
Diwali 2023: What Is Diwali Tradition And Culture?
Diwali or Deepavali, is one of the most significant and widely celebrated festivals in India and by Hindus worldwide. Celebrating the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness, Diwali celebrations vary from state to state and religion to religion.
Here are some key aspects of Diwali festival traditions and customs:
- The lighting of lamps, candles, and diyas.
- Exchange of sweets and gifts.
- Prayers to the gods and goddesses.
- Wearing new traditional attires.
- Decortaing your homes.
- Gettogether and festival feast.
- Charity and Philanthropy.
- Fairs and Cultural Performances.
Diwali Story: Rituals Across India
While being a wholesome and joyous festival, every part of India celebrated Deepavali in different forms. There are various legends associated with the origin of Diwali. Many of these stories are about the triumph of good over evil. Let's Have a look at some of the most common story of Diwali.
Diwali Celebration And Ramayana Connection
One of the most common and auspicious Diwali depictions is associated with the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and defeating the demon king Ravana. During this exile after going through numerous obstacles, Lord Rama defeated the evil king of Lanka and rescued his wife Goddess Sita. In joyful celebration of this victory and the return of King Rama, the people of Ayodhya rejoice by lighting up the kingdom with diyas, distributing sweets, and setting off firecrackers as a tradition for this festival.
Goddess Kali And Diwali Story
In the Bengali tradition, the manifestation of Diwali differs a bit. Deepavali is also considered as Kali Puja where it is believed that Maa Kali appeared on that day along with 64,000 Yoginis and killed many demons including Rakta Beej.
Jain Culture And The Story Of Diwali Festival
In the Jain culture, this day is of utmost importance as Mahavira attained the final 'nirvana' on this day. Diwali marks the end of the year for Jains, and it likewise commemorates the passing of their twenty-fourth Tirthankara Mahavira and his achievement of moksha.
Goddess Laxmi And Diwali Story
Most Indian and Hindu people worship Goddess Lakshmi on Diwali, considering her a goddess of prosperity and wealth. It is marked as the birth of the goddess Laxmi and Lord Kuber on the New Moon day of the month of Kartik. Charmed by the serene beauty of Laxmi, God Vishnu decided to marry her and thus the diyas were lit in succession to mark the occasion. Since then Diwali is celebrated to worship Goddess Lakshmi and seek her blessings.
Diwali 2023: Top Picks And Gift Ideas For Diwali Celebration
The Diwali celebrations involves using and gifting various items. Therefore, we have made you a list of some products that you can decorate your homes with or also use as gifting ideas for your friends and family. Have a look!
1. Collectible India Laxmi Ganesh Saraswati Idol
One of the most meaningful and positive gifts you can give someone or buy for yourself during the Diwali festival is an idol of Laxmi Ganesh. Most of India prays to the goddess Laxmi in order to bring prosperity to their homes during Diwali.
This handcrafted antique idol diya is made of pure gold metal which makes it durable and classy looking. The Laxmi Ganesha Saraswati diya oil lamp can be used as a home decor item or it can also be gifted to your near and dear ones. God Idol Price: Rs 539.
2. JR Gifts And Handicrafts Brass Silver Plated Floral Bowls
Another good gifting option for your loved ones during Diwali 2023 can be this silver-plated bowls set. Made using highly pure brass, which is coated with silver and gold polish, this set will give a classy and stylish touch to your dining tables.
Two beautiful real silver plated round bowls with 2 spoons and a tray is suitable for gifting on Diwali, wedding, anniversary, and other festive occasions. Bowl Set Price: Rs 186.
3. Quace 12 Diyas Window Curtain Lights
One of the most important Diwali decoration items is a light. We all decorate our homes with plenty of lights, diyas, and candles and make them shine bright to element all the darkness and evil from our homes and lives.
These lights are ip44 waterproof, safe, power-saving, and eco-friendly. Directly plug in and unplug it for power on and off and decorate your rooms or outer side of the house this Diwali festival. Lights Price: Rs 429.
4. Larah by Borosil Bella Opalware Dinner Set
Have family and friends coming over for a Diwali feast or seeking a good gifting option that one can use in his daily life? This Borosil dinner set is the perfect choice for you. With floral prints all over, these look super classy and stylish.
It comes in a set of 35 pieces which include plates, bowls, lids, and more. The dinnerware is also scratch resistant so it always looks as good as new, no matter how many times you use it, and is completely free of any animal-derived components. Dinner Set Price: Rs 1,999.
5. Food Library Gourmet Food Gift Hamper Basket
One of the most common gift items of Diwali celebrations is a food hamper basket. We all love giving and receiving them. They are the safest and most loved gifting options used all over India.
This hamper gift basket assorted food items like chips, chocolates, drinks, and more. Thoughtfully hand packed & presented in a beautiful way, you can not only use it as a Diwali gift, but for business parties, birthdays, and more. Gift Hamper Price: Rs 625.
Explore more on Diwali celebrations gift and decoration options here.
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Disclaimer: The prices mentioned here are subject to change with respect to Amazon.