Diwali 2023: A 5-Day Festival of Lights
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most important festivals in Hinduism. It is a five-day festival of lights, which is celebrated in the month of Kartik (October-November) according to the Hindu lunisolar calendar. The following are the five days of Diwali 2023:
- Dhanteras: November 10, 2023 (Friday) Trayodashi
- This is the first day of the festival when people clean their homes and prepare for the events ahead. This is also a busy shopping day, when it is considered lucky to go to markets and buy gold or new kitchen items.
- On this day, people also buy clay lamps, diyas, and other decorations for their homes. They also buy toys for their children and sweets for their family and friends.
- Chhoti Diwali: November 11, 2023 (Saturday) Chaturdashi
- The second day is when people start decorating their homes. Many families will put up string lights and start creating their rangoli, which are intricate designs placed on the floors of homes.
- They also light diyas and candles to welcome the goddess Lakshmi into their homes.
- Diwali and Lakshmi Puja: November 12, 2023 (Sunday) Amavasya
- The most important day of the festival is Diwali, which is also known as the Deepavali. This is the day when people celebrate the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance.
- On this day, people light diyas and fireworks to illuminate their homes and streets. They also visit temples and offer prayers to the goddess Lakshmi, who is the goddess of wealth and prosperity.
- The most auspicious time for worship (Puja) is from 05:40pm to 07:36pm.
- Padwa: November 13, 2023 (Monday) Pratipada
- The fourth day of celebrations is dedicated to the love between husband and wife, and men will often buy gifts for their wives. Many businesses open new accounts on this day as it is considered auspicious.
- On this day, people also eat special foods, such as laddoos and gulab jamuns.
- Bhai Duj: November 14, 2023 (Tuesday) Dwitiya
- Bhai Duj (Bhaubeej), the last day of celebrations, is dedicated to brothers and sisters. To celebrate their bond, sisters perform a special ceremony for their brothers for their protection. Brothers give presents to their sisters.
- On this day, sisters pray for the long life and well-being of their brothers. They also feed their brothers with their hands, which is considered a sign of love and affection.
Diwali is a time for joy and celebration. It is a time for families and friends to come together and rejoice. It is also a time for giving and receiving gifts, and for spreading happiness and goodwill.
Significance of Diwali
Diwali is a festival of joy and celebration. It marks the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. It is also a time for family and friends to come together and celebrate.
There are many different stories about the significance of Diwali. One story tells of the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. The people of Ayodhya lit diyas to welcome him home. Another story tells of the destruction of the demon Narakasura by Krishna.
Celebrations of Diwali 2023
Diwali is celebrated in a variety of ways across India. Some of the common ways to celebrate Diwali include:
- Lighting diyas (lamps) and fireworks
- Decorating homes and businesses
- Exchanging gifts
- Visiting temples and offering prayers
- Spending time with family and friends
Diwali is also a time for feasting. Some of the traditional Diwali foods include sweets, savories, and mithai (desserts).
