Diwali 2023: The Festival of Lights
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in India. It is a five-day festival that usually falls in October or November, depending on the lunar calendar. Diwali is a festival of lights, and it is celebrated to mark the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance.
The first day of Diwali is called Dhanteras, which is considered an auspicious day for buying gold, silver, and other items. On the second day, Naraka Chaturdashi, people take an early morning bath and light diyas (small clay lamps) to ward off evil spirits. The third day is the main day of Diwali, when people wear new clothes, decorate their houses with rangolis (decorative patterns made with colored rice or sand) and lights, and offer prayers to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. The fourth day is Govardhan Puja, which is celebrated in honor of Lord Krishna. On this day, people make small mounds of cow dung, which represent the Govardhan mountain, and offer prayers. The fifth day is called Bhai Dooj, which is dedicated to the bond between brothers and sisters.
Diwali is a time for family and friends to come together and celebrate. People exchange gifts and sweets, and there are often large feasts. Diwali is also a time for giving back to the community, and many people donate to charity or volunteer their time.
Diwali is a beautiful and festive occasion, and it is a time to reflect on the good things in life. It is a time to celebrate the victory of good over evil, and to look forward to a bright future.
Dhanteras: Friday, 10 November 2023
The week kicks off with Dhanteras, a day of great importance for those who seek to bring prosperity into their lives. Traditionally celebrated on the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Kartik, Dhanteras is synonymous with purchasing gold and other precious metals. It's believed that buying something of value on this day brings fortune and wealth. Homes shimmer with the glow of newly acquired metals, creating an atmosphere of hope and positivity.
Choti Diwali: Saturday, 11 November 2023
On the day following Dhanteras, we celebrate Choti Diwali, also known as Naraka Chaturdashi or Roop Chaturdashi. This day is all about cleansing and preparation. Homes are adorned with colorful decorations, and intricate rangolis grace doorsteps, adding an artistic flair to the festive ambiance. The air is filled with excitement as families come together to create beautiful patterns and designs, each one telling its own story.
Diwali (Laxmi Puja): Sunday, 12 November 2023
The grand festival of lights, Diwali, is celebrated with immense enthusiasm on this day. The goddess of wealth and prosperity, Goddess Laxmi, is worshipped, and homes are illuminated with thousands of diyas (oil lamps) and decorative lights. The sparkling lights symbolize the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Families gather to share traditional sweets, burst firecrackers, and exchange heartfelt wishes, making Diwali a cherished occasion of unity and joy.
Govardhan Puja: Tuesday, 14 November 2023
Two days after Diwali comes Govardhan Puja, an occasion marked by devotion to Lord Krishna. This day commemorates the legend of Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan Hill to protect his devotees from the wrath of Indra, the god of rain. Devotees prepare and offer various vegetarian dishes to Lord Krishna, and beautifully crafted hillocks made from cow dung and earth are worshipped, symbolizing the Govardhan Hill.
Bhai Dooj: Wednesday, 15 November 2023
The festivities come to a heartwarming close with Bhai Dooj, a celebration that highlights the bond between brothers and sisters. On this day, sisters apply tilak (vermillion mark) on their brothers' foreheads and pray for their well-being. In return, brothers shower their sisters with blessings and gifts, solidifying their relationship and promising to protect one another.
As November unfolds its vibrant pages, this week stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage and traditions that unite us. Each celebration carries its own significance, weaving a tapestry of happiness, love, and devotion. So, as the festive week approaches, let's embrace the spirit of togetherness and embark on a journey of shared joy and celebration.
Here are some of the key aspects of Diwali tradition and culture:
- The lighting of lamps and fireworks: The lighting of lamps is a central part of Diwali celebrations. Lamps are lit to symbolize the victory of light over darkness, and to welcome Lakshmi into the home. Fireworks are also set off during Diwali, and they add to the festive atmosphere.
- Puja (prayers) and worship: Diwali is a time for prayer and worship. People offer prayers to Lakshmi, Ganesha, and other Hindu deities. They also visit temples and participate in religious ceremonies.
- Exchange of gifts and sweets: Diwali is a time for exchanging gifts and sweets. People give gifts to their family, friends, and neighbors. Sweets are also an important part of Diwali celebrations, and they are often shared with others.
- Traditional attire: People wear traditional attire during Diwali celebrations. This may include kurtas, saris, and lehengas for women, and sherwanis and kurtas for men.
- Family gatherings and festive feasts: Diwali is a time for family gatherings and festive feasts. People come together to celebrate the festival and enjoy delicious food.
- Diwali fairs and cultural performances: There are often Diwali fairs and cultural performances held during the festival. These fairs feature stalls selling traditional items, such as diyas, sweets, and handicrafts. They also feature cultural performances, such as dances and music.
- Charity and philanthropy: Diwali is also a time for charity and philanthropy. People donate to charity or volunteer their time to help those in need.
Diwali is a beautiful and festive occasion that is celebrated by millions of people around the world. It is a time to reflect on the good things in life, to celebrate the victory of good over evil, and to look forward to a bright future.