Diwali 2023 Date: When is Diwali? Festival of Lights – Date, Traditions, and Significance

Diwali, also known as Deepawali, is one of the most celebrated festivals in India and other parts of the world. This festival of lights holds great significance for Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs and is observed over a period of five days. In this article, we will explore the origins, traditions, and the date of Diwali in 2023.

What is Diwali and Its Significance:

Diwali, derived from the Sanskrit words ‘dīpa’ meaning ‘lamp’ and ‘āvali’ meaning ‘a row,’ signifies the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. While it is associated with various religious events and deities, it is most popularly celebrated as the return of Lord Rama to his kingdom after 14 years of exile. It is also linked to the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, and Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles.

Diwali Date in 2023:

Diwali follows the Hindu lunisolar calendar and is celebrated in the months of Ashvin and Kartika, which usually fall between mid-October to mid-November. In 2023, Diwali will be celebrated on Sunday, November 12th.

Check the tables below to learn about the different days of Diwali, Shubh Muhrat, and more.

Diwali Date and Muhrat

Date	Event
Diwali	12 November 2023
Laxmi Puja Muhurat	04:21 PM to 06:02 PM
Amavasya Tithi Begins	11:14 AM on Nov 12, 2023
Amavasya Tithi Ends	11:26 AM on Nov 13, 2023

About All 5 Days of Diwali

Date	Day	Event
10 November 2023	Friday	Dhanteras
11 November 2023	Saturday	Chhoti Diwali
12 November 2023	Sunday	Diwali
13 November	Monday	Govardhan Puja
14 November	Tuesday	Bhaiya Dooj

The Five Days of Diwali:

Diwali is not just a one-day affair; it is a five-day festival, each day holding its own significance:

1. Dhanteras (November 10, 2023): This marks the beginning of Diwali and is associated with the worship of wealth and prosperity, as well as the Ayurvedic deity Dhanvantari, the god of health.
2. Chhoti Diwali (November 11, 2023): Also known as Naraka Chaturdashi, this day commemorates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura.
3. Diwali (November 12, 2023): The main day of celebration, Diwali is characterized by the illumination of homes and temples, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness.
4. Govardhan Puja (November 13, 2023): On this day, Lord Krishna is celebrated for lifting the Govardhan mountain to protect his people from Indra’s wrath.
5. Bhaiya Dooj (November 14, 2023): The final day of Diwali honors the bond between brothers and sisters, similar to Raksha Bandhan.

Diwali Celebrations:

During Diwali, people decorate their homes with oil lamps and vibrant rangoli designs. The exchange of gifts, wearing new clothes, and indulging in sweets and festive meals are common customs. Fireworks light up the sky, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness. Families gather for religious rituals and prayers, seeking blessings for prosperity and well-being.

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is a time of joy, togetherness, and the triumph of good over evil. It is a celebration of light, knowledge, and the pursuit of prosperity. In 2023, Diwali will be observed with great enthusiasm on November 12th, marking a time for families and communities to come together and share the joy of this beautiful festival.

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