Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most celebrated and eagerly awaited festivals in India. It’s a festival that symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. In 2023, Diwali falls on November 12, determined by the Hindu calendar. In this blog, we will delve into the dates, significance, traditions, and the much-anticipated Shubh Muhurat (auspicious time) for Diwali 2023.
Diwali 2023 Date:
Diwali is celebrated on the day of Kartik Amavasya, which falls in the Hindu lunisolar calendar between mid-October and mid-November. In the year 2023, Diwali will be observed on November 12.
The Five Days of Diwali
- Day 1 – Dhanteras (November 10, 2023): The festival begins with Dhanteras, a day dedicated to wealth and prosperity. People clean their homes and purchase new items, especially gold or silver, which is believed to bring good fortune.
- Day 2 – Naraka Chaturdashi (November 11, 2023): Also known as Choti Diwali or Roop Chaudas, this day marks the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. People take a ritual oil bath before sunrise to cleanse themselves spiritually.
- Day 3 – Diwali (November 12, 2023): The main day of celebration, Diwali, is celebrated with the lighting of oil lamps, candles, and fireworks to symbolize the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
- Day 4 – Govardhan Puja (November 14, 2023): This day commemorates Lord Krishna’s lifting of the Govardhan Hill to protect the people from torrential rains. Devotees create small hillocks of cow dung to represent the Govardhan Hill.
- Day 5 – Bhai Dooj (November 15, 2023): The final day of Diwali is dedicated to the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters pray for their brothers’ long and happy lives, and brothers offer gifts in return.
Diwali Shubh Muhurat:
Drik Panchang states that the auspicious Lakshmi Puja Muhurat on Diwali will occur from 5:39 pm to 7:35 pm. The Pradosh Kal will extend from 5:29 p.m. to 8:08 p.m., and the Vrishabh Kal from 5:39 p.m. to 7:35 p.m. Additionally, the Nishita Kal for Lakshmi Puja falls on November 13, starting at 11:39 p.m. and concluding at 12:32 a.m. For various cities, the specific Muhurat for Lakshmi Puja may vary, ensuring that individuals across different regions can perform the puja at the most auspicious time.
Here are the citywide Muhurat timings for Lakshmi Puja on Diwali according to Drik Panchang:
- Chandigarh: 5:37 pm to 7:32 pm
- Pune: 6:09 pm to 8:09 pm
- New Delhi: 5:39 pm to 7:35 pm
- Chennai: 5:52 pm to 7:54 pm
- Noida: 5:39 pm to 7:34 pm
- Hyderabad: 5:52 pm to 7:53 pm
- Jaipur: 5:48 pm to 7:44 pm
- Kolkata: 5:05 pm to 7:03 pm
- Mumbai: 6:12 pm to 8:12 pm
- Bengaluru: 6:03 pm to 8:05 pm
- Ahmedabad: 6:07 pm to 8:06 pm
- Gurugram: 5:40 pm to 7:36 pm
Celebrations and Traditions
Diwali celebrations are a sight in India and among Indian communities worldwide. People adorn their homes with colorful Rangoli, creating decorative patterns with colored powders. They light clay lamps or diyas to dispel darkness and evil. Firecrackers light up the night sky, and families exchange gifts and sweets.
During Diwali, people perform the puja (prayer) to seek the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, making it one of the most significant aspects of the festival. The aroma of incense, the musical chants, and the beautiful decorations create an atmosphere of purity and spirituality.
Conclusion
Diwali 2023, the Festival of Lights, promises to be a time of joy, togetherness, and spiritual reflection. As you prepare to celebrate, remember the significance of each of the five days and make the most of the auspicious Shubh Muhurat. This is a time to spread love and light, not just in your homes but in your hearts and communities. Happy Diwali!
