When is Diwali 2023? Dates, Shubh Muhurat, Puja Vidhi, History, Significance, and More Explained

Diwali 2023: Significance, Dates, Traditions, and Celebrations

When is Diwali 2023 : – 

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most significant and widely celebrated festivals in India and among Hindus worldwide. This festival of lights holds immense cultural and historical significance, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. It brings families and communities together, fostering love, unity, and a sense of renewal. Whether celebrated with grandeur or simplicity, the essence of Diwali remains the same – spreading joy and positivity. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the various aspects of Diwali, from its significance and traditions to the regional variations in its celebration.

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Diwali 2023: Date and Timing

Diwali is celebrated on the fifteenth day of Kartik, the holiest month in the Hindu lunar calendar. In 2023, the festival of lights will be celebrated on Sunday, November 12. Diwali typically spans five days, with each day having its unique significance and rituals.

During Diwali, devotees seek the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha for wealth, prosperity, and wisdom. The auspicious timing for Lakshmi Puja is anticipated to be from 5:40 PM to 7:36 PM. Let’s take a closer look at the important timings for Diwali 2023:

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Diwali 2023: History and Significance

The exact origins of Diwali remain undocumented, but several legends surrounding the festival all share a common theme: the triumph of good over evil. It can be said that different regions of the country commemorate this day for various reasons.

In northern India, Diwali is observed as the occasion when Lord Rama, accompanied by his wife Sita, and his brothers Lakshman and Hanuman, returned to Ayodhya following 14 years of exile and their victory over the demon king Ravana. As their return occurred on a moonless night (Amavasya), people lit earthen lamps on Diwali night to welcome them.

On the other hand, South Indians celebrate Diwali as the day when Lord Krishna vanquished the demon Narakasura. Additionally, it is believed that the divine union of God Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi took place on this day. Other legends also suggest that Goddess Lakshmi was born on the new moon day of the Kartik month.

Diwali 2023: Celebration Date in Different Regions of India

Diwali is celebrated with great enthusiasm across India, but the dates and customs can vary from one region to another. Here’s a brief overview of Diwali celebration dates in different parts of India for 2023:

• South India: November 12, 2023
• Goa and West India: November 11, 2023 (usually the day before Diwali)
• Varanasi: November 26, 2023
• Punjab: November 12, 2023
• All over India including West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Gujarat: November 12, 2023

Diwali 2023: 5 Days Festival

Diwali is not just a one-day festival; it spans five days, each with its own significance and customs:

Day 1 – November 10, 2023 – Trayodashi, Dhanteras

Dhanteras is a festive celebration of wealth and prosperity, marking the auspicious beginning of Diwali. People engage in house cleaning, purchase new attire, and buy gold and silver, considering it auspicious on this day.

Day 2 – November 11, 2023 – Chaturdashi, Choti Diwali

Choti Diwali sets the stage for the grand main festival the following day. Homes are adorned with decorations, colorful rangoli designs, and oil lamps are lit.

Day 3 – November 12, 2023 – Amavasya, Diwali

On the main day of Diwali, people wear new clothes and gather with their families for prayers and pooja. The most auspicious time for worship, or Puja Mahurat, is from 05:40 pm to 07:36 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.

Day 4 – November 13, 2023 – Pratipada, Goverdhan Pooja and Padwa

Goverdhan Pooja celebrates Lord Krishna’s divine intervention, with devotees creating 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. Padwa is a celebration of the bond between husband and wife, with husbands buying gifts for their wives. People also start new business accounts as it is considered auspicious.

Day 5 – November 14, 2023 – Dwitiya, Bhai Dooj

Bhai Dooj is a special day 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 2023: Customs and Traditions

Diwali, known as the Festival of Lights, extends over a span of five days, each imbued with its own significance and customs. Let’s explore some of the key customs and traditions associated with Diwali:

1. Lighting Diyas and Lamps: One of the central rituals of Diwali is the lighting of diyas (oil lamps). These lamps symbolize the victory of light over darkness and the dispelling of ignorance.

2. Rangoli Designs: Colorful rangoli designs are created on the floor at the entrance of homes to welcome guests and add to the festive decor. These intricate patterns are made using colored powders, rice flour, or flower petals.

3. Puja and Prayers: Families gather for prayers and worship during Diwali. The most auspicious time for these rituals is during the evening, with a focus on seeking blessings from Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha for prosperity and wisdom.

4. Exchange of Gifts: Diwali is a time for exchanging gifts and sweets with family and friends. It symbolizes love and goodwill and strengthens relationships.

5. Special Cuisines and Sweets: Families prepare delicious meals and sweets during Diwali. Traditional treats like mithai (sweets), namkeen (savouries), and homemade delicacies are shared with loved ones.

6. Bursting Firecrackers: While the bursting of firecrackers has been a traditional part of Diwali celebrations, there is a growing awareness of the environmental impact, and many people are choosing eco-friendly celebrations.

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Diwali 2023: Mythological Connection with Ramayana

One of the most renowned Diwali narratives revolves around Lord Rama’s triumphant return to Ayodhya following 14 years of exile and his vanquishing of the demon king Ravana. During this exile, the wicked ruler Ravana of Lanka abducted Mata Sita. After encountering numerous challenges and embarking on a lengthy quest, Lord Rama ultimately defeated Lanka and rescued his beloved wife, Sita.

In jubilant celebration of this victory and the homecoming of King Rama, the people of Ayodhya illuminated the kingdom with clay lamps, exchanged sweets, and ignited fireworks. This tradition, still cherished by countless Diwali celebrants, is why we refer to Diwali as the “festival of lights.” It symbolizes the triumph of light and knowledge over darkness and 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 (colorful designs) and flower garlands.

The Significance Of Lighting 13 Diyas On Diwali

Lighting diyas is a significant ritual during Diwali. The 13 diyas represent various aspects of blessings and protection for the family and the environment. Here’s a breakdown of the significance of each diya:

1. The first diya protects the family from unexpected death and is placed facing south near garbage outside the house to ward off death.
2. The second diya is lit with ghee on Diwali night and kept in front of the puja mandir or place at home to usher in good luck.
3. The third diya is supposed to be lit in front of Goddess Lakshmi to seek her blessings for good fortune, prosperity, and abundance.
4. The fourth diya is placed in front of Tulsi (basil plant) and is meant to bring in peace and happiness in the household.
5. The fifth diya must be placed outside the main entrance of your house to signify welcoming joy, love, good luck, and happiness to your home.
6. The sixth diya, lit with mustard oil, is supposed to be placed under a peepal tree as it is considered auspicious. It signifies relief from financial crisis, health woes, and is meant to bring fame and fortune.
7. The seventh diya needs to be lit in any temple in the vicinity of your house.
8. The eighth diya must be lit near the garbage to purify the surroundings.
9. Place the ninth diya outside your washroom to maintain the flow of positive energy around the house.
10. Light the tenth diya at the roof coping as it signifies protection.
11. Decorate the window with the eleventh diya to spread cheer and positivity.
12. Place the twelfth diya on the terrace or rooftop to celebrate the festive spirit.
13. Decorate the intersection of your house by lighting the thirteenth diya.
    

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How To Celebrate Green Diwali 2023

Green Diwali promotes eco-friendly celebrations while minimizing environmental damage, particularly from firecrackers. Here are some eco-conscious ways to celebrate Diwali:

Skip the Firecrackers: Firecrackers are a major source of air and noise pollution and can be harmful to animals. Instead, opt for eco-friendly alternatives like lighting diyas and candles.

Use Eco-Friendly Gifts: Instead of giving plastic toys or other disposable items, choose gifts made from sustainable materials, such as handmade crafts, organic food, or gift certificates to local businesses.

Make Your Own Rangoli: Create colorful rangoli designs using natural ingredients like turmeric, rice flour, and flowers. This not only adds beauty to your home but is also eco-friendly.

Reduce Electricity Consumption: If you’re decorating your home with lights, use energy-efficient LED lights instead of incandescent lights. LED lights use less energy and last longer.

Recycle and Compost: Diwali is a time for cleaning and getting rid of old things. Instead of throwing away your trash, recycle and compost as much as possible.

When is Dhanteras 2023?

Dhanteras will be celebrated on November 10, 2023.

What is the muhurat time for Diwali in 2023?

According to Drik Panchang, the Lakshmi Puja Muhurat is anticipated to take place between 5:39 PM and 7:35 PM, which is a duration of 1 hour and 56 minutes.

Which day is Diwali in 2023?

Diwali will be celebrated on Sunday, November 12, 2023.

What are the 5 days of Diwali?

The 5 days of Diwali 2023 are Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdasi (Choti Diwali), Lakshmi Puja (Diwali), Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj.

How many days is Diwali?

Diwali is a 5-day festival.

What is the time of Lakshmi Pooja?

According to Drik Panchang, the Lakshmi Puja Muhurat is anticipated to take place between 5:39 PM and 7:35 PM, which is a duration of 1 hour and 56 minutes.

Are Crackers Banned in Diwali 2023?

The Delhi government announced the re-imposition of a ban on the production, sale, storage, and utilization of all types of firecrackers in the capital region during this Diwali season.

Which countries declared a Diwali holiday?

The main day of the festival of Diwali (the day of Lakshmi Puja) is an official holiday in Fiji, Guyana, India, Malaysia, Mauritius, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago.

When is Choti Diwali?

Choti Diwali will be celebrated on November 11, 2023.

Is it Diwali or Deepavali?

The word “Diwali” comes from the Sanskrit word “Deepavali,” which means “rows of lighted lamps.” So, both words can be used.

When was Diwali in 2022?

Diwali was celebrated on October 24, 2022.

Where did Diwali get its name?

The name is derived from the Sanskrit term “Deepavali,” meaning “row of lights.” The festival generally symbolizes the victory of light over darkness.

Where did Diwali come from?

According to the Jain tradition, this practice of lighting lamps first began on the day of Mahavira’s nirvana in 527 BCE, when 18 kings who had gathered for Mahavira’s final teachings issued a proclamation that lamps be lit in remembrance of the “great light, Mahavira.”

Where is Diwali celebrated in the world?

India isn’t the only place that celebrates the festival of lights. Although Diwali is primarily an Indian festival, it is also widely observed in Malaysia, Singapore, Nepal, and Fiji. In fact, in some countries, Diwali is a national holiday.

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Conclusion

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is a time of joy, unity, and spiritual renewal. Its rich history and diverse regional traditions make it a truly unique and vibrant celebration. While the festival has evolved over the centuries, its core message of triumphing over darkness and spreading light and love remains unchanged. As Diwali 2023 approaches, let us embrace the spirit of this festival, celebrating with eco-consciousness and a deep appreciation for its cultural and spiritual significance. Happy Diwali!

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