In various countries and religions, Diwali, the five-day festival that originated on the Indian subcontinent, is known as Jain Diwali, Bandi Chhor Diwas, Tihar, Sowanti, Sohrai, Bandna, etc.
When is Diwali 2023?: Deepavali, also known as Dewali, Divali, or Deepavali, is a cultural celebration. The term is derived from the Sanskrit words ‘Deepa‘, meaning “lamp, light, lantern, candle, that which glows, shines, illuminates or knowledge” and vali, meaning “a row, range, continuous line, series.” It is associated with a variety of religious events, deities, and personalities, but is most commonly celebrated as the 14-year-long return of Rama to his dominion in Ayodhya. It is also commonly associated with Lakshmi, the deity of prosperity, and Ganesha, the god of wisdom and obstacle-remover.
In various countries and religions, Diwali, the five-day festival that originated on the Indian subcontinent, is known as Jain Diwali, Bandi Chhor Diwas, Tihar, Sowanti, Sohrai, Bandna, etc. Regardless of the names, the significance of the holiday remains the same: the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.
Diwali is a five-day festival celebrated in the Hindu lunisolar months of Ashvin and Kartika (mid-October to mid-November) according to Amanta tradition. According to the ancient calendar, Diwali is annually observed on Amavasya or the fifteenth day of the month of Kartik. The date of this year’s festival of lights is Sunday, November 12, 2023.
Happy Diwali 2023: Wishes, Messages and Images to share on Deepavali
| Date | Event |
| Diwali | 12 November 2023 |
| Laxmi Puja Muhurat | 04:21 PM to 06:02 PM |
| Amavasya Tithi Begins | 11:14 AM on Nov 12, 2023 |
| Amavasya Tithi Ends | 11:26 AM on Nov 13, 2023 |
| Date | Day | Event |
| 10 November 2023 | Friday | Dhanteras |
| 11 November 2023 | Saturday | Chhoti Diwali |
| 12 November 2023 | Sunday | Diwali |
| 13 November | Monday | Govardhan Puja |
| 14 November | Tuesday | Bhaiya Dooj |
Dhanteras, which derives from the words Dhan, which means wealth, and teras, which means thirteenth, signifies the beginning of Diwali and the thirteenth day of the dark fortnight of Ashwin or Kartik in the majority of India. The name Dhan also refers to the Ayurvedic god of health and healing, Dhanvantari, who is believed to have arisen from the “churning of the cosmic ocean” on the same day as Lakshmi. It also signifies annual renewal, purification, and a prosperous start to the subsequent year.
The second day of Diwali festivities includes Naraka Chaturdashi, also known as Chhoti Diwali, which occurs on the fourteenth day of the dark fortnight of Ashwin or Kartik. Chhoti translates to “small,” Naraka to “hell,” and Chaturdashi to “fourteenth,” accordingly. According to mythology, this jubilant day commemorates Krishna’s victory over Narakasura, the demon who abducted 16,000 princesses.
The greatest celebration of Diwali occurs on the last day of Ashwin’s or Kartik’s dark fortnight. Diwali is also known as the “festival of lights” because Hindu, Jain, and Sikh temples and homes are illuminated during the celebration. It represents a “reenactment of the cleansing, purifying action of monsoon rains.”
Happy Diwali 2023: Wishes, Messages and Images to share on Deepavali (www.eduvast.com)
The first day of Kartik’s radiant fortnight is the day after Diwali. It is also known as Annakut (mound of grain), Padwa, Goverdhan puja, Bali Pratipada, Bali Padyami, and Kartik Shukla Pratipada in some parts of the world. According to the most well-known legend, the Hindu deity Krishna lifted the Govardhan mountain to save the farming and cattle-herding villages from Indra’s wrath-caused continuous rains and floods.
The final day of the festival, which occurs on the second day of Kartik’s dazzling fortnight, is known as Bhai Dooj, Bhau Beej, Bhai Tilak, or Bhai Phonta. Similar to Raksha Bandhan, it celebrates the link between sisters and brothers. Some interpret this happy day as Yama’s sister Yamuna greeting him with a tilaka, while others see it as Krishna’s arrival at Subhadra’s home after the defeat of Narakasura. Subhadra also greeted him, placing a tilaka on his forehead.
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a globally significant purchasing season. During this five-day celebration, individuals decorate their residences with oil lamps and vibrant rangoli patterns. They exchange gifts, don new attire, and feast on delectable desserts and festive foods. The atmosphere is illuminated by fireworks, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness. To celebrate Diwali, a time of joy, togetherness, and the triumph of good over evil, families convene to engage in religious rituals and prayers, seeking blessings for prosperity and well-being.
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