Diwali, also referred to as Deepavali, is one of the most prominent festivals of the Hindu community. This festival of lights holds a sacred place in the hearts of millions around the globe. With its origins deeply rooted in the rich tapestry of Indian culture, this enchanting celebration marks the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and joy over despair. In this article, we will learn all about Diwali 2023 date, its history and significance, the timing of Lakshmi Puja, how to celebrate etc.
When is Diwali in 2023?
According to the ancient calendar, Diwali is observed on Amavasya (or new moon) — the 15th day — of the month of Kartik, every year. In India, Diwali 2023 will be celebrated on 12th November (Sunday). Diwali is observed as a Gazetted Holiday throughout the nation. According to the Hindu calendar, this year Diwali will be celebrated after 20 days of the Dussehra 2023 festival.
History and Significance of Diwali
Although, there are no official records stating the origin of Diwali; among many legends about this festival, one thing is common — the triumph of good over evil. It would be apt to say that different parts of the nation celebrate this day for different reasons. The northern part of India observes this day as the occasion when Lord Rama along with his wife Sita, brother Lakshman and Hanuman, returned to Ayodhya after defeating the demonic king Ravana. Since the night they came back was a no-moon day (Amavasya), people light earthen pots on the night of Diwali.
On the other hand, South Indians celebrate the occasion as the day when Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura. Further, it is believed that Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi tied the knot on this day. Alternate legends also claim that Goddess Lakshmi was born on the new moon day of Kartik month.
5-Days of Diwali 2023 Celebrations in India
Diwali is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India and among Hindus worldwide. This festival of lights spans five days, with each day holding its own significance and customs. Check the below table to learn about the 5 days of Diwali 2023 with Date, Shubh Muhurat timing and more.
Diwali 2023 Date and Muhurat Timings
| Date | Day | Event | Muhurat Timings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 November 2023 | Friday | Dhanteras | 06:02 PM to 08:00 PM |
| 11 November 2023 | Saturday | Chhoti Diwali | 11:39 PM to 12:32 AM |
| 12 November 2023 | Sunday | Diwali | 05:40 PM to 07:36 PM |
| 13 November 2023 | Monday | Govardhan Puja | 06:18 AM to 08:36 AM |
| 14 November 2023 | Tuesday | Bhai Dooj | 01:17 PM to 03:30 PM |
1. Diwali Day 1: Dhanteras: November 10th, 2023 Trayodashi – Dhanteras is a joyous festival that celebrates wealth, prosperity, and the auspicious beginning of Diwali. People clean their homes, buy new clothes, and purchase gold and silver as it is considered to be auspicious on the day of Dhanteras.
2. Diwali Day 2: Choti Diwali: November 11th, 2023 Chaturdashi – Choti Diwali sets the stage for the main grand festival, which follows the next day. People decorate their homes, create colourful rangoli designs, and light oil lamps.
3. Diwali Day 3: Diwali: November 12th, 2023 Amavasya – On the main day of Diwali, people dress in new clothes and gather with their families for prayers and puja. 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 light up the night sky, and people enjoy special cuisines and sweets.
4. Diwali Day 4: Govardhan Puja and Padwa: November 13th, 2023 Pratipada – Govardhan Puja celebrates the divine intervention of Lord Krishna. Devotees create a replica of Govardhan Hill using food items like rice and sweets. Govardhan Puja also emphasizes the importance of environmental conservation and sustainable practices. Padwa is a celebration of a bond between husband and wife. On this day, husbands buy gifts for their wives. People also start new accounts for their businesses as it is considered to be auspicious.
5. Diwali Day 5: Bhai Dooj: November 14th, 2023 Dwitiya – Bhai Duj is a special day that celebrates the beautiful bond between brothers and sisters. It is a time to express love, gratitude, and blessings to strengthen the bond of siblinghood.
How to do Diwali Puja/Deepawali Puja in 2023
Lakshmi Puja is one of the most important rituals performed during Diwali. There are numerous ways as to how you can perform the puja, but here is an easy step-by-step guide for you to create the perfect ambience during the Lakshmi Puja.
1. Clean the House: Since Goddess Laxmi is invited to a home during the puja, it is essential to create the perfect environment for her. Clean the house thoroughly including the walls and floors. Sprinkle Gangajal (you can also use the water from Ganga River) to purify the house. Then, arrange banana and mango leaves, and bunches of marigolds to decorate the house.
2. Prepare the Puja Altar: Locate a small, raised platform and place a red cloth over it. Then, keep a handful of rice and keep it in the centre of the altar.
3. Place the Kalash: Place a bronze or silver kalash in the centre of the rice. Fill 3/4th Kalash with water and add a marigold flower, a pinch of rice, a coin, and 1 betel nut. Place 5 mango leaves at the mouth of Kalash. Finally, keep a small plate with turmeric on the mango leaves and draw a lotus flower in the turmeric.
4. Display Lord Ganesha and Lakshmi Figures: Place the picture frame and idol towards the centre of the table. Keep the idol in the southwest direction of the Kalash. Keep a small plate of rice in front of Goddess Laxmi and draw a lotus flower with turmeric on the rice. Also, keep a few coins in front of the Goddess.
5. Seek Career Success: Place items related to your career or work like pens, laptops, books, or tools next to Lord Ganesha and Goddess Laxmi. This way you will be able to offer your success to the deities.
6. Remove the Darkness: After the above steps, apply a tilak or a mark of turmeric on the idols. Light an oil lamp (or diya) and place 5 wicks inside the diya. Keep this diya on the altar.
7. Chant the Mantra: Gather your family at the altar, sit in front of the platform and put a tilak on the Kalash. Chant: “Ya Sa Padmasanastha Vipul-Kati-Tati Padma-Patrayatakshi, Gambhirartav-Nabhih Stana-Bhara-Namita Shubhra-Vasttariya. Ya Lakshmirdivya-Roopairmani-Gana-Khachitaih Svapita Hema-Kumbhaih, Sa Nityam Padma-Hasta Mam Vasatu Grihe Sarva-Maangalya-Yukta.”
8. Offerings to the God: Offer rice grains and flowers to the Goddess after you have recited the prayer.
9. Cleanse the Idol Lakshmi: Place the Lakshmi idol on a thali and bathe it with Panchamrita (which is a mixture of many things including ghee, jaggery, honey, milk etc.). Clean it with water again, wipe it and keep it with the Kalash.
+ There are no comments
Add yours