The Festival of Lights: Diwali Celebrations 2023 Date and Time, History, Importance

The Festival of Lights: Diwali Celebrations 2023 Date and Time, History, Importance

Festivities are in the air and from the online Big Dhamaka Sales to the brightly lit local markets; everyone is geared up to celebrate Diwali 2023- the much-awaited festival in the country. The festival dates back to the time when Lord Rama with his wife Sita and brother Lakshman came back to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. The whole city was beautifully lit with diyas to commemorate the welcome of their beloved king. This ritual is followed to date and people across the country celebrate it with much fervor and delight.

Referred to as the festival of lights, Diwali is a time to rejoice and be happy. PrimeNewsly brings for its readers an article on Dilwali 2023 kab hai and what to do on Diwali pooja. Keep on reading to put a full stop to all the questions popping up on the importance of Diwali.

Diwali 2023 date and time

According to the Hindu calendar, Diwali is celebrated every year on the Amavasya of the month of Kartik. Diwali 2023 falls on the 12th of November this year.

Diwali celebration 2023 puja time is from 06:11 PM to 08:15 PM on 12.11.23.

Diwali festival history

• Diwali festival’s importance lies in the fact that it marks the victory of good over evil. Celebrated 20 days after Dussehra- the day when Lord Rama killed the Lanka King Ravana who had abducted Lord Rama’s wife Sita, Diwali marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after spending 14 years in jungles.

• It is believed that the people of Ayodhya welcomed Lord Rama by lighting diyas (earthen lamps) on Amavasya (new moon day) in the month of Kartik. This ritual is practiced till date and people decorate their homes with rangoli and light candles and diyas as a part of the Diwali celebration.
• Goddess Lakshmi with Lord Ganesha is worshipped on this day. It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi was born on Deepawali during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean).  Hence people worship the deity to seek Her blessings for the prosperity and well-being of everyone in their family.
• Deepawali or the row of lights is celebrated across the Hindu diaspora because it is a great opportunity to come together and spend time with loved ones.

The victory of knowledge over ignorance, good over evil and light over darkness, Diwali 2023 celebrations will last for 5 days:

• Day 1: Dhanteras falls on 10th November 2023 and people begin the festivities by cleaning their homes and praying to Goddess Lakshmi.
• Day 2: Chotti Diwali falls on 11th November 2023. On this day people begin the celebrations by decorating their houses with rangolis and lighting diyas.
• Day 3: Diwali falls on 12th November, 2023. For Diwali celebration 2023, people should do the pooja according to the muhurat or the auspicious time as mentioned which is from 06:11 PM to 08:15 PM. Thereafter they can burst crackers and celebrate the festival with their family and friends.
• Day 4: Govardhan Pooja, Annakut or Padwa falls on 13th November, 2023. This day is marked as the beginning of the New Year in many parts of India. So people seek the Divine blessings for a blissful start.
• Day 5: Bhai Dooj falls on 14th Novemenbr’23. Diwali 2023 festivities will end with the celebration of this adorable festival which is a symbol of the bond between a brother and his sister.

What to do on Diwali?

• Diwali is a time to come together and celebrate the festival in unison. From cooking delicacies to wearing new clothes to decorating houses with kolam or rangoli to lighting diyas and praying to Goddess Lakshmi, Diwali Celebrations 2023 are a gala affair which lasts for 5 days.

• Exchanging gifts and greetings is a way to celebrate Diwali and express your happiness for the prosperity of those whom you love.
• Visiting the temple in the evening and doing pooja at home according to Diwali 2023 date and time is an integral part of celebrations.

What to do on Diwali for prosperity?

Diwali festival rituals might differ from religion to religion, but the essence of Diwali celebrations is to seek His blessings for prosperity. Thus, the following points will answer the question- what to do on Diwali pooja?

• Begin by drawing Om symbol on Dhanteras.
• Install Lakshmi Ganesh Yantra.
• Sugarcane root can be worshipped for bringing prosperity.
• Lotus flower can be offered to Goddess Lakshmi during the Lakshipujan
• Businessmen can draw Vyappar Vridhi Yantra for scaling new heights.
• Shri Sukta Yantra Puja is one of the Diwali festival rituals.
• Ullu or the owl is the favourite bird of Goddess. Diwali festival history says that remedies are performed on Diwali night which is related to the owl to bring wealth and prosperity.

Highlights of Diwali festival importance

• Not just in Hinduism, Diwali holds importance in Jainism as well. On this day, Lord Mahavira had attained Nirvana and thus, Jains celebrate this festival with oodles of enthusiasm.

• In Sikhism, Diwali coincides with Bandi Chor Diwas. On this day, the 6th Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind Singh Ji was released with 52 other princes from the shackles of the Mughal King, Jahangir.
• Firecrackers have been an integral part of Diwali celebrations. But given the rise in pollution levels, Diwali celebrations 2023 might be devoid of crackers. But you can still light diyas and candles to mark the festival.
• Diwali festival importance for South Indians lies in the fact that on this day, the cruel king Narakasura was slained by Lord Krishna.
• Diwali festival reason might be different for different religions and communities, but the underlying motive is to pray for happiness, prosperity and well-being.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is amazing about Diwali?

The festival occurs on a no-moon night, yet the sky is beautifully lit. It marks the end of harvest season and the birth of Goddess Lakshmi adds to the celebrations. It is believed that the Goddess doesn’t like noise, so you shouldn’t clap while singing the Aarti (holy song)

What is the best time for Lakshmi Pooja?

They say that Lakshmi Pooja must be done at night.

What is offered to Goddess Lakshmi on Diwali?

Panchamrit or the concoction of ghee, curd, honey, milk and sugar is offered to the Goddess.

What should you abstain from as a part of Diwali celebrations 2023?

Abstain from drinking alcohol and eating non-vegetarian food on this auspicious festival.

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Conclusion

Diwali brings together people across communities and genres. It is a time to celebrate and leave behind hatred and enmity. Let happiness prevail and may the Almighty bless everyone who seeks His blessings. Have a great festival season ahead!!