Diwali or the festival of lights, as it is better known, is celebrated over five days denoting five varied philosophies, with each day to a special belief. This year Diwali Festival dates are from 10th November to 15th November 2023.
Dhanteras
The first day festival, Dhanteras, is also called as Dhantrayodashi or Dhanwantari Triodasi. It falls on the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Ashwin (October/November). Dhan means "wealth" and on this day, Goddess Lakshmi puja is performed for the prosperity and welfare. It is considered auspicious to purchase gold or silver articles or at least one or two new utensils. Dhanteras is celebrated on 10th November 2023.
Narak Chaturdasi
This is the second day before Diwali and is celebrated as Chhoti Diwali or small Diwali. Lights are lit in smaller numbers and fewer crackers burst. Colored rangoli are drawn in the doorway and courtyard. Special rituals are offered to Goddess Lakshmi and also to Rama in the evening. Naraka Chaturdasi date is on 12 November 2023.
Lakshmi Puja
This is the most important day of the five-day celebrations with colors of firecrackers, lighting of lamps, delicious sweets and new clothes. This day is devoted to the Goddess Lakshmi and offering puja to the Goddess is the main event on Diwali in North and West India. Goddess Lakshmi Puja is the combined puja of five deities: Lord Ganesh is worshiped at the beginning; Goddess Lakshmi is worshiped in her three forms - Mahalakshmi (the goddess of wealth and money), Goddess Saraswati (the goddess of learning), and Mahakali; Kubera (the treasurer of the gods) is also worshiped. Lakshmi Pooja is celebrated on 12th November 2023.
Govardhan Puja
This puja is performed in the north on this day. Govardhan is a small hillock in Braj, near Mathura. On this day, people of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar build cow dung and hillocks and adorn them with flowers and worship them. This festival commemorates the lifting of Mount Govardhan by Lord Krishna. This day is also observed as Annakoot which means ‘mountain of food’. Certain people wake up for the whole night and cook fifty-six or 108 different types of food for the bhog (the offering of food) to Krishna. Govardhan Puja is on 13th November 2023.
Bhai Duj or Bhai Dooj
Popularly known as Bhai Dooj, this day falls on Dooj, the second day after the new moon. This day commemorates the visit of Lord Yama (god of death) to the house of his sister who drew an auspicious mark on his forehead for his welfare. Accordingly, on this day, sisters perform puja for the safety of their brothers and well being. Bhai Dhooj is on November 14-15, 2023.
When is Diwali on 2024?
Diwali on 2024 falls on 31st October 2023, Thursday.
thankyou sir
ReplyDeletethankyou for providing such a nice and short description.
ReplyDelete