2023 Diwali Date, Significance, Puja Time, and How to Celebrate at Home
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is a festival widely celebrated by Hindus around the world. The literal translation of Diwali is ‘festival of lights’, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, making it a festival of cultural and spiritual significance.
In 2023, Diwali will be celebrated on Sunday, November 12. The festival spans over five days, with the main day of celebration being reserved for the third day, which is Diwali itself.
Diwali holds significant historical and cultural importance. One of the most well-known legends associated with Diwali is the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana in Lanka. This return symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and a joyous reunion of the noble ruler with the citizens of Ayodhya. To welcome Rama, people adorned their homes with rows of oil lamps, giving birth to the tradition of lighting diyas during Diwali.
Another legend is associated with the Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, who is believed to visit homes on the night of Diwali, bringing blessings to every household. People clean and decorate their houses, light lamps, and perform Diwali puja to welcome her blessings of wealth, health, and prosperity.
In addition to Hindus, Jains and Sikhs also celebrate Diwali to mark significant events in their respective religions. Jains observe it as the spiritual awakening of Lord Mahavira, while Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas to commemorate the release of Guru Hargobind Ji from imprisonment.
Diwali puja is an essential part of the celebration, traditionally performed in the evening of Diwali. In 2023, on November 12, the most auspicious time for Diwali puja is during the Vrishabha Lagn (Sthira Lagn) from 5:39 pm to 7:33 pm, lasting around 1 hour and 54 minutes. The best time for performing Diwali puja is during the Pradosh Kaal Muhurat which falls between 5:28 PM and 8:07 PM.
To perform Diwali puja at home, one should ensure the house is cleaned and decorated, with rangoli patterns drawn. During the puja muhurat, diyas or oil lamps should be lit to symbolize the victory of light over darkness. The puja starts with Ganesh puja, followed by prayers and hymns to Goddess Lakshmi, offerings of sweets and fruits, and concluding with arati or waving camphor light in front of the deities.
The main highlights of Diwali celebrations include wearing new clothes, enjoying various sweets and snacks, and indulging in fireworks and bursting crackers.
Hindus across India and abroad eagerly anticipate Diwali, celebrating with joy and excitement. It’s a time to invite health, wealth, prosperity, and happiness into households, while also strengthening bonds with family, friends, and relatives. As Diwali approaches, let’s prepare to celebrate to the fullest.
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