Diwali 2023: History, Significance, And Celebration In India

Diwali is also known as Deepavali, one of Hinduism’s most important festivals. This Festival of light holds a special place in the hearts of millions of people worldwide. This enchanting celebration, with its roots deeply rooted within the rich tapestry that is Indian culture, marks the triumph over darkness, ignorance and despair. This article will teach you all about Diwali. We’ll learn its history, significance, and when is Diwali 2023.

When is Diwali in 2023?

According to the ancient calendar, Diwali 2023 will be celebrated on Sunday, November 12 2023. Diwali 2023 will be observed on Sunday, November 12. Diwali has been declared a Gazetted Holiday across the country. The Festival will be celebrated according to the Hindu calendar after the Dussehra festival 2023.

History and Meaning: Diwali 2023

There are many stories about Diwali, but they all have in common the triumph of the good over the evil. This day is celebrated differently in different parts of India. In northern India, this is the day when Lord Rama, his wife Sita and brothers Lakshman Hanuman returned to Ayodhya with their brother Lakshman after they defeated the demon king Ravana. People light earthen pots to commemorate that the night they returned was an Amavasya (no-moon) day.

South Indians, on the other hand, celebrate this day as the one when Lord Krishna defeated Narakasura. On this day, Lord Vishnu is also believed to have married Goddess Lakshmi. Other legends claim that Lakshmi’s birth was also on the first day of Kartik.

Diwali 2023 Celebrations for 5 Days in India

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is celebrated by Hindus all over India. The Festival of Light spans five days. Each day has its customs and significance. The table below shows the dates, Shubh Muhurat and other details of the five days of Diwali 2023.

Diwali 2023 Date and Muhurat Timings

Diwali Day One: Dhanteras: November 10 2023 Trayodashi- Dhanteras celebrates wealth and prosperity and the promising start of Diwali. Dhanteras is a day when people clean their homes and buy new clothes. They also purchase gold and other precious metals.
Diwali Day 2, Choti Diwali: November 11 2023 Chaturdashi- Choti Diwali sets the scene for the main Festival the following day. People light oil lamps, decorate their homes and create colourful rangoli patterns.
Diwali Day 4: Diwali is November 12th 2023 Amavasya. Today, people wear new clothes and gather with their families for prayers and puja. The best time to worship, or Puja Mahurat, is between 05:40 and 07:36. Diwali celebrations include the exchange of sweets and gifts. All enjoy Diyas, fireworks and special sweets.
Diwali Day 4, Govardhan Puja, Padwa and Pratipada: 13th November 2023. Govardhan Puja is a celebration of the divine intervention by Lord Krishna. Devotees recreate Govardhan Hill with food such as rice and sweets. Govardhan puja emphasizes environmental conservation and sustainable practices. Padwa celebrates the bond between husband and spouse. On this day, husbands purchase gifts for their wives. It is also a good day to open new business accounts.
Diwali Day Five, Bhai Dooj: November 14, 2023, Dwitiya-Bhai Duj is an important day to celebrate the bond between brothers. This is the time to show love, gratitude and blessings to strengthen the bonds of siblings.

How to perform Diwali 2023 Puja or Deepawali Puja 2023

Lakshmi Puja, one of Diwali’s most important rituals, is performed by many people. You can perform Lakshmi Puja in many ways, but this step-by-step guide will help create the perfect atmosphere.

Clean Your House: Goddess Laxmi will be invited into a home for the puja. It is important to create a perfect environment for Laxmi. The walls and floor should be thoroughly cleaned. Purify your house by using Gangajal. Next, decorate the house with banana, mango, and marigold leaves.
Prepare a Puja Altar. Find a small raised platform and drape a red cloth on top. Keep a handful (or two) of rice in the middle of the altar.
Place Kalash: Put a bronze or a silver Kalash in the middle of the rice. Fill 3/4th of the Kalash with water, add a marigold, a pinch of rice, one betelnut, and a coin. Five mango leaves should be placed at the mouth. Keep a small plate of turmeric on the leaves, and draw a lotus in the turmeric.
Display the Lord Ganesha Figures: Position the picture frame and the idol towards the centre of the table. Keep the idol facing southwest of the Kalash. A small rice bowl before Goddess Laxmi, and use turmeric to draw a lotus on it. Keep a few coins and a small plate of rice before Goddess Laxmi.
Seek Success in Your Career: Place things related to your work or career, like pens, laptops, books, or tools, near Lord Ganesha or Goddess Laxmi. You can then offer the success you have achieved to the deities.
Remove Darkness: Apply a tilak (or a mark with turmeric) on the idols after the steps above. Light an oil lamp (or diya), then place five wicks in the diya. This diya should be kept on the altar.
Chant this mantra: Gather the family around the altar and place a tilak over the Kalash. Chant: “Ya Sa Padmasanastha Vipul-Kati-Tati Padma-Patrayatakshi, Gambhirartav-Nabhih Stana-Bhara-Namita Shubhra-Vasttariya. You Lakshmirdivya-Roopairmani-Gana-Khachitaih Svapita Hema-Kumbhaih, Sa Nityam Padma-Hasta Mam Vasatu Grihe Sarva-Maangalya-Yukta.”
Offerings for God: After you have said the prayer, offer rice grains and flowers.
Cleanse Idol Lakshmi: Place Lakshmi on a thali and wash it with Panchamrita. (Panchamrita is a mixture that includes ghee. Honey. It is best to clean it again with water, wipe it down and store it with the Kalash.

Deepavali Symbols

Diwali is associated with many auspicious traditions and customs. Take a look at the Deepavali symbols.

Diyas: Diyas, lit on Diwali as a symbol of the triumph of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance, symbolizes the triumph over evil. They are made from clay and filled with oil.
Rangoli: Rangoli is a traditional Indian art form in which colourful designs are made on the floor with flower petals and powders. It is said to bring good luck and keep away evil spirits.
Fireworks: The fireworks create a festive mood and add a touch of splendour to your celebrations. Fireworks were traditionally used to scare off negative energy and bring positive vibes.
Lakshmi: Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, is worshipped at Diwali. She is also a symbol of spiritual enlightenment, purity and prosperity.
Ganesha: Vinayaka, or Lord Ganesha, is highly revered as the God who represents wisdom and new beginnings. He represents intelligence, strength, and the ability to overcome any challenge.
Toran: A toran is a traditional decoration made from marigold flowers, mango leaves, and other colourful elements. It is hung at the entrance of a home to bring good luck and prosperity.

Also Read: GANESH CHATURTHI: THE FESTIVAL OF LORD GANESHA

Diwali and fireworks

Several states have banned firecrackers before Diwali due to increased coronavirus cases and pollution. It’s still a good decision because bursting firecrackers can cause serious health concerns amid the pandemic.

Firecrackers can release toxic chemicals such as nitrous dioxide, sulphur oxide and carbon monoxide. These can cause respiratory problems in people who are vulnerable and can worsen the health of Covid-19-positive individuals.

Many people have pledged not to use crackers after applauding the ban and understanding its devastating effects. Others, however, were against the ban, claiming it hurt Hindu sentiments, as firecrackers play a major role in Diwali.

Are firecrackers an Essential Part of Diwali Celebrations?

The answer is complex. Diwali, ‘basically’, is a festival that celebrates lights. However, Indians have associated firecrackers with it for many decades. Let’s start by looking at the history of this Festival. Deepavali means a line of lamps or lights. Diwali is celebrated because it is believed that Lord Ram returned to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana on this day. Ayodhya’s citizens decorated their city with earthen lamps to celebrate the happy occasion. The earthen lights symbolized the victory of the light over the darkness.

Diwali 2023 celebrations in India: Top 5 places to celebrate the Festival

Hindus around the globe celebrate Deepavali, the Festival of Light, with great joy and excitement. In every household, valuable objects and Lord Ganesha are worshipped. After the puja, devotees give sweets and other gifts to their neighbours and close friends. Children and elders light candles and burst crackers to celebrate the occasion. Everything on the shelves is rearranged, from clothes to furniture and pottery to jewellery. Diwali’s aura is so special that people come from all over to witness it. Take a look at India’s top 5 Diwali celebration spots.

Jaipur, Rajasthan

Jaipur is a must-see. The decorations are outstanding. The city is covered in lights and lanterns of all shapes and colours. The illuminations in Jaipur are spectacular. They range from popular markets like MI Road, Nehru Bazaar and Tripolia Bazaar to community centres. The best-decorated market is awarded at a shopping festival. Enjoy authentic Rajasthani sweets.

Amritsar, Punjab

Punjab is a state that has a charm all its own. Locals are known for their magnetic personality and spirit of zeal. Punjabis celebrate Diwali in the most extravagant way possible. The majestic Golden Temple, for example, is illuminated with thousands of lights and diwas, which speak volumes about people’s faith in this revered site.

Mumbai, Maharashtra

Mumbai is not only on this list because of its importance but also for the spectacular fireworks it displays during Diwali. Zaveri Bazaar and Crawford Market are must-visit shopping destinations. Marine Drive is even more beautiful at this time of year. Many events in the city feature celebrities, and they’re fun to attend. Go to the market and shop until you drop. Then, indulge in some delicious delicacies.

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

A thousand diyas light up the ghats in Varanasi. You will be in awe when you witness the Ganga Aarti at Diwali. During the festival season, the whole city is lit up. You can see homes decorated with fresh flowers, and DIYas are all over. Varanasi’s streetside food stalls, which serve delicious local food at a low price, are even better during this season.

Kolkata, West Bengal

Diwali is no less festive than Durga Puja in the City of Joy. Diwali is a time when Bengalis celebrate Goddess Kali. It’s a different experience to witness the celebrations and lighting. Imagine how vibrant the city would be during the festive period.

Conclusion

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is a cherished Hindu celebration symbolizing good over evil. Diwali 2023 falls on November 12. The festival spans five days, with diverse customs. Lakshmi Puja is a significant part of the festivities. Traditional symbols like diyas, rangoli, and fireworks add to the festive spirit. The use of fireworks has sparked debate due to health and environmental concerns. India’s top places for celebrating, including Jaipur, Amritsar, Mumbai, Varanasi, and Kolkata, offer unique cultural experiences. Diwali is a time for unity, prosperity, and joy in Indian culture.

Diwali is a festival that brings peace and prosperity into your life.