Diwali, more popularly known as the Festival of Lights, is almost upon us. As Indians in India and abroad gear up to light earthen lamps, fairy lights and more to celebrate Diwali 2023 with great festive spirit, it is important to remember that this festival is all about auspicious beginnings and the victory of good over evil. Legend has it that Diwali was the day when Lord Ram returned to his capital of Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and defeating King Ravana, and the city welcomed him with lit diyas—and the tradition has continued ever since.
In 2023, Diwali will be celebrated with all its associated rituals, pomp and show on November 12. As you may already know, Diwali 2023 is basically a festival which is celebrated in the evening with rituals such as making of Rangolis, lighting of lamps and worshiping Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesh. Diwali is always celebrated on the Amavasya of the month of Kartik according to the Hindu calendar. Here is everything you need to know about Diwali 2023, the correct date and timings for Lakshmi Puja and more.
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All About The Five Days Of Diwali
Diwali, in case you didn’t know, is a five-day festival that celebrates different aspects of the Hindu Lunisolar calendar during this time of season change. Here is everything you need to know about the five days of Diwali.
1. Dhanteras: Celebrated two days before Diwali, Dhanteras is dedicated to the worship of Lord Kuber and Goddess Lakshmi, the gods of wealth as per the Hindu mythology. Dhanteras is considered to be an auspicious day to buy metal products, especially utensils and jewellery. This year, Dhanteras 2023 will fall on November 10, 2023.
2. Chhoti Diwali: Also known as Bhoot Chaturdashi or Narak Chaturdashi in Eastern states of India like West Bengal, Assam, Odisha and Tripura and many South Indian states too. It is believed that Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura on this day. 14 earthen lamps are lit on this day and a dish with 14 varieties of greens is also prepared. This year, Chhoti Diwali will fall on November 11, 2023.
3. Diwali: The main day of the five-day Diwali festivities is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesh. Lighting diyas, donning new clothes, worshiping Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesh in the evening and hosting family and friends is considered to be a key part of the celebrations. In the Eastern states of India, this day often coincides with Kali Puja, where Goddess Kali is worshipped. This year, both Lakshmi Puja and Kali Puja 2023 will take place on November 12, 2023.
4. Govardhan Puja: On the fourth day of Diwali, Govardhan Puja is conducted to worship Lord Krishna’s legendary story of saving Mathura from Lord Indra’s wrath and torrential rains. It is tradition to offer Lord Krishna a Chhappan Bhog with 56 types of food offerings on this day. In Gujarat, this day is also celebrated as Bestu Varas or the beginning of the new year. This year, Govardhan Puja will be held on November 13, 2023.
5. Bhai Dooj: The final day of the five-day Diwali festival is demarcated for the celebration of the bond between brothers and sisters. Also known as Bhai Tika, Bhai Phonta and Bhau Beej, this festival is celebrated by sisters who apply sandalwood tika on their brothers and pray for their wellbeing. Brothers vow to protect sisters and pray for their wellness too. This year, Bhai Dooj will be celebrated on November 14, 2023.
Diwali 2023 Lakshmi Puja Timings & Rituals
According to the Drik Panchang, Diwali 2023 will fall on November 12, which is a Sunday. The Amavasya Tithi will begin at 2.44PM on November 12 and end at 2.56PM on November 13. The auspicious Lakshmi Puja Muhurat will last from 5.39PM to 7.35PM on November 12, but it is recommended that the worship or Puja of Goddess Lakshmi be conducted during the Pradosh Kaal, which will last from 5.29PM to 8.08PM on November 12.
On the day of Diwali, it is ritual to wake up early, clean the home, take a bath and don new clothes in the morning. Many people apply large, colourful and stunning Rangolis outside their homes on Diwali to welcome Goddess Lakshmi with. In the evening, once the right time arrives, it is ritual to perform a Lakshmi Puja with all the members of the family present. Lord Ganesh is also worshipped along with the goddess at this time. Following this, it is also tradition to exchange sweets and snacks, gifts and keep the doors and windows open to welcome Goddess Lakshmi.