Diwali is here, and it needs no introduction! The Festival of Lights is India's brightest festival that everyone eagerly awaits. This festival exemplifies unity as every Indian celebrates the festival with great enthusiasm regardless of caste, creed, gender, and religion.
Let's explore the significance of Diwali for Indians and the dates of the celebration in 2023.
Diwali falls on Amavasya. It is observed on Krishna Paksha in the Kartik month every year. Usually, it falls in October or November, according to the Gregorian calendar.
The Diwali 2023 timings given below are as per Delhi, India.
Note: The timings can change depending on your geographical location. So, it is best recommended that you refer to the Panchang for the correct timings.
Diwali is a five-day festival in North India, starting with Dhanteras (also called Dhantrayodashi) and ending with Bhai Dooj. The 2023 dates for the festivities are given below.
The excitement for Diwali, the festival of lights, is unbeatable! Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated in India and various parts of the world. The word 'Deepavali' means the row of lamps people put outside their homes. The lamps symbolize the inner light that safeguards us from spiritual darkness. The lamps signify the removal of darkness or ignorance from our lives and the welcoming of light or enlightenment.
Light also is a depiction of success, hope, and fortune. Diwali illustrates the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. This is why Diwali is popularly referred to as the ‘festival of lights.’
The Diwali preparations in the household start much before the actual day. The celebrations begin with Dhanteras, which is observed on the Trayodashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha during the auspicious month of Kartik, as per the Hindu Calendar. On Diwali, Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and fortune, is worshiped. Diwali is followed by Govardhan Puja, and the festival ends with Bhai Dooj.
Lakshmi Puja is an integral part of Diwali. Known as the Goddess of wealth, good fortune, and prosperity, Goddess Lakshmi is revered and worshiped on the auspicious occasion of Diwali. According to the scriptures, Goddess Lakshmi descends to the Earth on the night of Kartik Amavasya and roams around. She resides in a house that is spick and span. This is why proper cleaning is done, and the houses are decorated, as it is believed to delight Goddess Lakshmi. People worship Goddess Lakshmi for receiving incredible material abundance.
If Goddess Lakshmi is pleased, she blesses her devotees with gifts and wealth. It is believed that if you worship the divine Goddess with complete devotion, you can obtain her blessings, which will allow you to live a comfortable life. Moreover, devotees of the Goddess will obtain financial peace in their lives. When it comes to Lakshmi Puja, people should perform the Puja when 'Sthir Lagna' prevails during the Pradosh Kaal. Kuber Puja is also done along with Lakshmi Puja.
People follow different rituals depending on their region and individual family culture, so the rituals can have some variations. Let's get to know the Diwali rituals and the Diwali Puja Vidhi.
Make sure to do Aarti to conclude the Puja. Once the Puja is over, you should take the blessings of the elders. You should light Diyas, eat Prasad, and have fun with your loved ones.
Are you eager to know more about Diwali 2023 rituals? The Astroyogi astrologers can help!
Diwali is one such festival that Indians celebrate around the globe. In countries with a sizable Indian population, the Indian diaspora celebrates Diwali with great enthusiasm and gusto.
Diwali is a National Holiday in India, with even private institutions closing their doors to celebrate the festival. In preparation for this festival, people clean their houses and shops and then decorate them with Diyas filled with oil or Ghee and beautiful electric lights. People also decorate their living spaces, like their homes, shops, and offices, with Diyas, lights, Rangoli, and flowers on Diwali. The house's entrance is typically decorated with traditional and colorful Rangoli designs. The footprints of Goddess Lakshmi are also drawn at the house's entrance.
Fairs are also organized in many towns and villages. Feasting and meeting with friends and families are a must during Diwali. People also wear new clothes and worship the divine Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha on this day.
Undoubtedly, people are excited about Diwali. No wonder there is joy everywhere as people wish 'Happy Diwali!' to each other and exchange sweets and gifts. Diwali is spent meeting family, friends, and relatives and exchanging sweets and good wishes.
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Diwali exemplifies the victory of good over evil. Almost everyone knows the significance behind Diwali. The Diwali story goes like this.
The festival of Dussehra is the day when Lord Rama killed Ravana and rescued his wife, Sita, from his clutches. Diwali signifies Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya with Sita and his brother, Lakshmana, after defeating Ravana. Ayodhya's citizens welcomed their beloved Lord Rama back by lighting earthen lamps. Despite Amavasya or New Moon, the entire city was illuminated because of the thousands of earthen lamps lit for Lord Rama's return. This is why every year, Diwali is celebrated with lights and zeal to mark the homecoming of Lord Rama.
As Diwali is celebrated in different parts of the country, multiple legends, beliefs, and mythological tales are associated with the festival. In West Bengal, Diwali is celebrated by worshiping Goddess Kali. This is called Kali Puja in West Bengal. On the other hand, Diwali is considered significant in Jainism because it is the day Lord Mahavir attained Nirvana. Diwali was also celebrated as a harvest festival in ancient India. Additionally, Diwali is also a noteworthy occasion for the Sikh community. On this occasion, they celebrate 'Bandi Chhor Divas' (Day of Liberation) as the Sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind Ji, gained freedom from prison on this day.
Diwali is the one festival that brings Indians together the most! Individuals from different walks of life come together to celebrate Diwali. Thus, this grand festival of lights is a major unifying factor across India; everyone joins in the festivities wholeheartedly. Diwali certainly can illuminate our homes and hearts!
Have a fantastic time this Diwali 2023 on 12th November 2023.
Astroyogi wishes you a Happy Diwali!
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