When Is Diwali? A Guide To The Festival

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Post on Oct 31, 2024

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When is Diwali? A Guide to the Festival of Lights

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is a major festival celebrated by Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs across the world. It is a vibrant and joyous occasion marking the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. But when exactly does this dazzling festival fall?

Diwali Dates and Significance

Diwali doesn't fall on a fixed date on the Gregorian calendar. Instead, it's celebrated on the 15th day of the Kartik month in the Hindu lunisolar calendar, which usually falls in October or November.

The exact date varies each year due to the lunar calendar, but it typically lands around the time of the new moon (Amavasya). This year, Diwali will be celebrated on **** November 12, 2023.

Why is Diwali Celebrated?

Diwali is a five-day festival with each day holding special significance. The most important day is the "Diwali" or "Diwali Night," which marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile.

Diwali commemorates several other significant events, including:

• The victory of Lord Krishna over the demon king Narakasura.
• The birth of Lord Vishnu as Dhanvantari, the god of health and medicine.
• The enlightenment of Mahavira, the founder of Jainism.
• The coronation of Guru Nanak, the first Sikh Guru.

Diwali Traditions and Customs

Diwali is a time for celebration, joy, and togetherness. Some of the most prominent customs observed during the festival include:

• Lighting Diyas (Clay Lamps): Rows of diyas, filled with oil and a cotton wick, illuminate homes, streets, and temples, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness.
• Fireworks: Skyrockets, sparklers, and firecrackers create a dazzling spectacle, adding to the festive atmosphere.
• Laxmi Puja: On the main night of Diwali, people worship Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, hoping for blessings of abundance and good fortune.
• Rangoli Designs: Intricate designs are created on the floors of homes with colored powders, rice, and flower petals, welcoming Goddess Lakshmi.
• Gifts and Sweets: Diwali is a time for sharing gifts and enjoying delicious sweets like ladoos, barfi, and gulab jamun.
• New Clothes: People wear new clothes and adorn themselves with jewellery, adding to the festive spirit.

Celebrating Diwali Beyond India

Diwali is not just celebrated in India; it's a global festival observed by millions around the world. From London to New York, people of Indian origin gather to light diyas, share sweets, and celebrate the triumph of good over evil.

Conclusion

Diwali is a magnificent festival rich in tradition and symbolism. It's a time for joy, reflection, and renewal, reminding us of the importance of light, knowledge, and the victory of good over evil. Regardless of your religious affiliation, Diwali offers an opportunity to experience the vibrant culture and joyous spirit of this unique celebration.