Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most widely celebrated Hindu festivals. It is an auspicious occasion that marks the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. Diwali is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy throughout India and by Hindus worldwide. The festival is celebrated over a period of five days, with each day having its own significance and rituals. In 2023, Diwali will be celebrated on 15th November. People start preparing for the festival weeks in advance, decorating their homes with lights, rangolis, and flowers. Diwali is a time for family gatherings, exchanging gifts and sweets, and participating in traditional activities that symbolize the triumph of good over evil.
Significance of Diwali
Diwali is a five-day festival that begins with Dhanteras, followed by Choti Diwali, Diwali, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj. Each day holds special significance and is celebrated with traditional customs and rituals. The festival signifies the victory of good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and light over darkness. It is believed that on this day, Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, and the people of Ayodhya welcomed him by lighting diyas (lamps) all around the city.
Rituals and Customs of Diwali
The preparations for Diwali begin weeks in advance, with people cleaning and decorating their homes, shopping for new clothes and gifts, and preparing traditional sweets and delicacies. On the day of Diwali, people wake up early in the morning and take an oil bath, wear new clothes, and perform puja (prayer) to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha. In the evening, people light diyas and candles all around their homes and burst firecrackers.
Auspicious Muhurat for Diwali 2023
The muhurat for Diwali puja is considered to be the most auspicious time of the year. In 2023, the muhurat for Diwali puja will be between 5:37 PM to 7:42 PM on November 1st. It is advised to perform the puja during this time to invite prosperity, wealth, and good fortune into your life.
Astrological Significance
Astrologically, Diwali is celebrated on the new moon day of Kartik month. The new moon day is considered an auspicious day for starting new ventures and beginning new chapters in life. It is believed that the new moon day of Kartik month is the day when the energies of the universe are at their peak, and performing spiritual rituals and seeking blessings from the divine can have a significant impact on one’s life.
Traditional activities associated with Diwali
Here are some traditional activities associated with Diwali:
- Lighting diyas and candles: One of the most popular traditions of Diwali is lighting diyas and candles. It signifies the triumph of light over darkness, and people decorate their homes with lit diyas to welcome prosperity and happiness.
- Rangoli making: Rangoli is a decorative art form made using colored powder, sand, or flowers. During Diwali, people make intricate rangolis outside their homes to welcome Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.
- Fireworks: Diwali is known for its spectacular fireworks displays. People burst crackers and light sparklers to celebrate the victory of good over evil and to ward off evil spirits.
- Puja and prayers: Diwali is a time to seek blessings from the deities. People perform puja and offer prayers to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha for wealth, prosperity, and good fortune.
- Feasting: Diwali is also a time for feasting and celebrating with family and friends. People prepare traditional sweets and savory dishes, and share them with their loved ones.
- Gift-giving: Another tradition associated with Diwali is exchanging gifts. People give gifts to their family, friends, and colleagues as a symbol of love and affection.
FAQs
Q. What is the origin of Diwali?
Ans. Diwali has its roots in ancient Hindu mythology and is celebrated to mark the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana.
Q. Why is Diwali celebrated?
Ans. Diwali is celebrated as a symbol of victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. It is also believed to mark the start of a new year and is celebrated as a time of renewal and hope.
Q. What are some traditional activities associated with Diwali?
Ans. Lighting diyas or candles, decorating homes with rangoli and flowers, exchanging gifts and sweets, and lighting fireworks are some of the traditional activities associated with Diwali.
Q. Is Diwali only celebrated by Hindus?
Ans. While Diwali is primarily a Hindu festival, it is also celebrated by other communities in India, such as Sikhs and Jains, as well as by people of Indian origin around the world.
Q. Why is it important to clean the house before Diwali?
Ans. Cleaning the house before Diwali is a way to purify the home and make it ready for the arrival of the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi. It is also believed that cleaning the house and getting rid of old things can bring good luck and positive energy into one’s life.