"When Is Diwali (Deepavali)? Diwali is typically a four- or five-day event, starting two days before the new moon and extending two days afterward. [13][14][93][94], A scholar of Jain and Nivethan, states that in Jain tradition, Diwali is celebrated in observance of "Mahavira Nirvana Divas", the physical death and final nirvana of Mahavira. Every year Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains around the world celebrate the Indian Festival of Lights called Diwali. Part of the inscription, as translated by Kielhorn, reads: "the auspicious festival of lights which disperses the most profound darkness, which in former days was celebrated by the kings Ila, Kartavirya and Sagara, () as Sakra (Indra) is of the gods, the universal monarch who knows the duties by the three Vedas, afterwards celebrated here at Ranga for Vishnu, resplendent with Lakshmi resting on his radiant lap. Dipa oil lamps are often lit for Diwali celebrations. Diwali is a five-day festival begins with Dhanteras and ends with Bhai Dooj. Diwali, like many other Indian holidays, is based on the Indian lunar calendar, so the (internationally used) date of the festival changes each year, but it typically falls between mid-October and early November. [23] Another aspect of the festival is remembering the ancestors. [121] It is also celebrated as Roop Chaudas in some North Indian households, where women bathe before sunrise, while lighting a Diya (lamp) in the bath area, they believe it helps enhance their beauty it is a fun ritual that young girls enjoy as part of festivities. Meaning "rows of lighted lamps," Diwali is a celebration of light over darkness for different cultures across the world, especially South Asia. [70][71][g] Examples include a 10th-century Rashtrakuta empire copper plate inscription of Krishna III (939967 CE) that mentions Dipotsava,[72] and a 12th-century mixed Sanskrit-Kannada Sinda inscription discovered in the Isvara temple of Dharwad in Karnataka where the inscription refers to the festival as a "sacred occasion". Dev Deepawali or Dev Diwali takes place on the full-moon night of the Hindu month of Kartika. Diwali is observed on the day of Amavasya or the new moon and marks the start of the Hindu New Year. Residents of Amritsar lit lamps throughout the city to celebrate the occasion. [124], As the evening approaches, celebrants will wear new clothes or their best outfits, teenage girls and women, in particular, wear saris and jewelry. The day before Diwali is remembered as Naraka Chaturdasi, the day on which Narakasura was killed by Krishna. [134], On the night of Diwali, rituals across much of India are dedicated to Lakshmi to welcome her into their cleaned homes and bring prosperity and happiness for the coming year. A Hindu devotee lights oil lamps at a temple during . On this day, sisters will give gifts to their brothers and invite them to enjoy a meal. each day of the five-day Diwali comes with a different set of traditions. The date of the five day festival changes every year in accordance with the Hindu and lunar calendar. The inscription states that Ramachandracharya built and dedicated a drama performance hall, with a golden cupola, on Diwali. Each day has the following rituals and significance:[43], Dhanteras, derived from Dhan meaning wealth and teras meaning thirteenth, marks the thirteenth day of the dark fortnight of Ashwin or Kartik and the beginning of Diwali in most parts of India. Diwali is generally a time for visiting, exchanging gifts, wearing new clothes, feasting, feeding the poor, and setting off fireworks (though such displays have been restricted to limit noise and other environmental pollution). It is intended to signify a brother's duty to protect his sister as well as sisters blessing their brothers. Diwali, which is celebrated on different dates each year as it follows the lunar calendar, will begin on October 24 this year and last for five days. Illustrative Islamic records, states Stephen Blake, include those of 16th-century Sheikh Ahmad Sirhindi who wrote, "during Diwali. the ignorant ones amongst Muslims, particularly women, perform the ceremonies they celebrate it like their own Id and send presents to their daughters and sisters,. they attach much importance and weight to this season [of Diwali]. On the eve of his first visit to India as President of the United States, Obama released an official statement sharing his best wishes with "those celebrating Diwali". The second day, called NarakaChaturdashiorChotiDiwali, commemorates Krishnas destruction of Narakasura; prayers are also offered for the souls of ancestors. Naraka Chaturdashi is also a major day for purchasing festive foods, particularly sweets. "When Is Diwali in 2021, 2022 and 2023?" [100], Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas in remembrance of the release of Guru Hargobind from the Gwalior Fort prison by the Mughal emperor Jahangir and the day he arrived at the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The festival usually falls between mid-October and mid-November. The main festival day falls on a different date each autumn, timed to the Hindu lunar calendar, but it . A few, notably the Mughal emperor Akbar, welcomed and participated in the festivities,[62][63] whereas others banned such festivals as Diwali and Holi, as Aurangzeb did in 1665. Unlike some other festivals, the Hindus typically do not fast during the five-day long Diwali including Lakshmi Pujan, rather they feast and share the bounties of the season at their workplaces, community centres, temples, and homes. These two festivals likely developed in tandem over their recent histories, states McDermott. [176], Every year during Diwali, Indian forces approach their Pakistani counterparts at the border bearing gifts of traditional Indian confectionery, a gesture that is returned in kind by the Pakistani soldiers who give Pakistani sweets to the Indian soldiers. Spiritually, Diwali symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Hit ctrl+D to bookmark this page, and share this page with your friends. Diwali, also known as Deepavali, falls on 4 November this year. The doors and windows of houses are kept open in the hope that Lakshmi will find her way inside and bless the residents with wealth and success. The one festival in India that is celebrated above the caste & religion that is Diwali. The day also marks a major shopping day to purchase new utensils, home equipment, jewelry, firecrackers, and other items. Diwali will become a public school holiday in New York City starting next year, Mayor Eric Adams (D) announced Thursday.. Why it matters: Diwali, a celebration of light over darkness that starts on Oct. 24 this year, is one of the most sacred holidays observed by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists. [184], During Diwali, the levels of suspended particulate matter increase. As an auspicious occasion, many Hindus will make big purchases as it's believed that this will bring good luck. [77][78][i], The religious significance of Diwali varies regionally within India. Many participate in other socio-political events as a symbol of support for diversity and inclusiveness. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Each day of the festival has special significance. While different historical events are observed in different regions and by different faiths, Diwali represents the triumph of light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance for all the cultures that celebrate it. [43], The artisan Hindu and Sikh community celebrates the fourth day as the Vishwakarma puja day. Diwali is also an important festival in Jainism. [47][b], The five-day celebration is observed every year in early autumn after the conclusion of the summer harvest. Furthermore, when specifying the masa, one of two traditions are applicable, viz. Also known as the festival of lights, it's celebrated by Sikhs, Hindus, Jains and some Buddhists. Every year the festival falls either in November or in October and that depends on how the cycle of moon is going in that particular year. Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of good fortune and prosperity, is the primary deity worshiped during Diwali. [115][144][145], The agricultural symbolism is also observed on this day by many Hindus as Annakut, literally "mountain of food". The festivals and . Because the festival of Diwali is celebrated according to the lunar calendar, the dates are different each year. Learn Religions. [116] The term Dhan for this day also alludes to the Ayurvedic icon Dhanvantari, the god of health and healing, who is believed to have emerged from the "churning of cosmic ocean" on the same day as Lakshmi. This is believed to please Yama (Yamraj), the god of death, and to ward off untimely death. The lighting of the lamps celebrates the light of Mahaviras holy knowledge. Sikhs historically referred to this festival as Diwali. Jean Mead, How and why Do Hindus Celebrate Divali?, John Bowker, ed., Oxford Concise Dictionary of World Religions (Oxford UP, 2000), See Festivals, Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, "2022 Diwali Puja Calendar, Deepavali Puja Calendar for New Delhi, NCT, India", "Diwali 2020 Date in India: When is Diwali in 2020? [114][43][82] On the evening of Dhanteras, families offer prayers (puja) to Lakshmi and Ganesha, and lay offerings of puffed rice, candy toys, rice cakes and batashas (hollow sugar cakes). However you celebrate Diwali, Denver's growing Indian food scene offers a rich culinary experience for those who enjoy fresh ingredients, diverse textures, and complex combinations of spices from the South Asian subcontinent. Diwali 2023: 12 th of November, Sunday Diwali is for mere mortals; Dev Deepawali is the festival of the gods. [43], The puja and rituals in the Bengali Hindu community focus on Kali, the goddess of war, instead of Lakshmi. The main festival is on Sunday, but festivities begin on Friday, a day called Dhanteras. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Diwali is the symbol of the victory of good over evil, of hope over despair and of knowledge over ignorance. It is believed that spirits roam around on the night of Kali Chaudas, and Hanuman, who is the deity of strength, power, and protection, is worshipped to seek protection from the spirits. Diwali is celebrated on the 15th day of Kartik which is considered as the most serene months according to the Hindu Lunar calendar. [98][99] This traditional belief of the origin of Diwali, and its significance to Jains, is reflected in their historic artworks such as paintings. The Diwali festival actually runs for five days, with the main event happening on the third day in most places in India. Amavasya Tithi on Diwali begins at. Diwali is celebrated for five days, each with its own special significance. In 2021, Diwali is on November 4. It is a time when families come together, friends are reunited and everyone celebrates the triumph of good over evil. Fireworks are often set off in the evening to celebrate Diwali. Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/when-is-diwali-1770209. "Deepawali" and "Dipawali" redirect here. Diwali is celebrated over five days in most of North India. * [52] In Nepal, it is also a multiday festival, although the days and rituals are named differently, with the climax being called the Tihar festival by Hindus and Swanti festival by Buddhists. Diwali, the festival of lights, is a religious observance commemorated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and some Buddhists around the world. [53][54], The five-day long festival originated in the Indian subcontinent and is likely a fusion of harvest festivals in ancient India. Typically the holiday falls in October or November, as it's observed on the 15th day of Kartik, the holy month of the Hindu lunar calendar . The exact date changes every year because the Hindu calendar is lunar. (The corresponding dates in the Gregorian calendar usually fall in late October and November.) [147] In historic times, this was a day in autumn when brothers would travel to meet their sisters, or invite their sister's family to their village to celebrate their sister-brother bond with the bounty of seasonal harvests. amnta / primnta. Diwali Diwali (or Deepawali, Deepavali) is an ancient Hindu festival that is celebrated in autumn every year. For the Jain community, the festival commemorates the enlightenment and liberation (moksha) of Mahavira, the most recent of the Jain Tirthankaras, from the cycle of life and death (samsara). It celebrates the sister-brother bond, similar in spirit to Raksha Bandhan but it is the brother that travels to meet the sister and her family. [107] According to some observers, this traditional celebration by Newar Buddhists in Nepal, through the worship of Lakshmi and Vishnu during Diwali, is not syncretism but rather a reflection of the freedom within Mahayana Buddhist tradition to worship any deity for their worldly betterment.[29]. Diaspora, Identity, and Festivalization, The Festival of 'Deepavali' as Marks of Tradition and Identity for Working, Married Hindu Women: Continuity and Change, Celebrations as Social Investments: Festival Expenditures, Unit Price Variation, and Social Status in Rural India, M.A., English Literature, University of North Bengal. [153][p] In the modern day, Diwali mela are held at college, or university, campuses or as community events by members of the Indian diaspora. Dates for 2020 to 2025. [27] Newar Buddhists, unlike other Buddhists, celebrate Diwali by worshipping Lakshmi, while the Hindus of Eastern India and Bangladesh generally celebrate Diwali by worshipping the goddess Kali. Dates for 2020 to 2025." This is the day when Hindu, Jain and Sikh temples and homes are aglow with lights, thereby making it the "festival of lights". Diwali celebrations can last for about five days. Diwali is one of the most revered and a pious festival deeply entrenched in Hindu culture. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Choti Diwali is the major shopping day for festive, Annakut community meals (left), Krishna holding, A sister ritually feeding her brother on Bhai Duj-Diwali, Dhanteras, Dhanatrayodashi, Yama Deepam (Day 1), Naraka Chaturdashi, Kali Chaudas, Chhoti Diwali, Hanuman Puja, Roop Chaudas, Yama Deepam (Day 2), Annakut, Balipratipada (Padwa), Govardhan Puja (Day 4), Bhai Duj, Bhau-Beej, Vishwakarma Puja (Day 5). The festivities vary between different regions. [75][76] Another early 13th-century Sanskrit stone inscription, written in the Devanagari script, has been found in the north end of a mosque pillar in Jalore, Rajasthan evidently built using materials from a demolished Jain temple. It is celebrated in India and other countries such as Nepal, Malaysia, Fiji, and Mauritius. In his 11th-century memoir on India, the Persian traveler and historian Al Biruni wrote of Deepavali being celebrated by Hindus on the day of the New Moon in the month of Kartika. Residents of Amritsar lit lamps throughout the city to celebrate the occasion. [148] On this day the womenfolk of the family gather, perform a puja with prayers for the well being of their brothers, then return to a ritual of feeding their brothers with their hands and receiving gifts. Diwali Decor. Diwali is usually celebrated twenty days after the Vijayadashami festival, with Dhanteras, or the regional equivalent, marking the first day of the festival when celebrants prepare by cleaning their homes and making decorations on the floor, such as rangolis. One particular firework called anar (fountain) has been found to be responsible for 65% of such injuries, with adults being the typical victims. The devotion and dedication of Hanuman pleased Rama so much that he blessed Hanuman to be worshipped before him. The darkest night is the apex of the celebration and coincides with the second half of October or early November in the Gregorian calendar. [159][160] According to Rao, Diwali is one of the major festivals where rural Indians spend a significant portion of their annual income, and is a means for them to renew their relationships and social networks. According to a Government of Himachal Pradesh and India publication, the Vishvakarma puja is observed on the fourth day of Diwali in the Himalayan state. For planning purposes, here are the dates for the main celebrations for Diwali for the next few years: 2019: Sunday, October 27 (starts on October 25, ends on October 29) 2020: Saturday, November 14 (November 12-16) 2021: Thursday, November 4 (November 2-6) 2022: Monday, October 24 (October 22-26) 2023: Wednesday, November 7 (November 5-9) For Jains, it is a time to celebrate Lord Mahavira, the founder of Jainism, and the moment reached a state of enlightenment. Diwali as a new-moon day, marks the last day of a 15-day period. It coincides with the new moon (amvasy) and is deemed the darkest night of the Hindu lunisolar calendar. Diwali also known as Deepavali is the . Diwali is also celebrated to mark the return of Rama to Ayodhya after defeating the demon-king Ravana and completing his fourteen years of exile. Diwali was celebrated as a signifier of triumph of good over evil after Krishna's Victory over Narakasura. The day of Diwali itself falls on November 4.. This year, Diwali begins on Monday 24 October on the Gregorian calendar. Diwali always falls some time between October and November, but the exact date varies each year as the Hindu calendar is based on the Moon. (The corresponding dates in the Gregorian calendar usually fall in late October and November.) Diwali is generally a time for visiting, exchanging gifts, wearing new clothes, feasting, feeding the poor, and setting off fireworks (though such displays have been restricted to limit noise and other environmental pollution). Diwali celebrations burst into life on the third day of the five day festival of lights, which falls between October and November with a changing date each year. The word "Deepavali" means "a row of lights" in Sanskrit, and its origins were likely as an ancient harvest festival. The final day is Bhai Dooj and similarly, celebrates the bonds between brothers and sisters. [139], The celebrations and rituals of the Jains and the Sikhs are similar to those of the Hindus where social and community bonds are renewed. Corrections? The five day festival falls in the first week of Novmber. The height of Diwali is celebrated on the third day coinciding with the darkest night of Ashvin or Kartika. The second day is Naraka Chaturdashi. Dhan-trayodashi or Dhan teras: Dhan means "wealth" and Trayodashi means "thirteenth day." Thus, as the name . [123], This day is commonly celebrated as Diwali in Tamil Nadu, Goa, and Karnataka. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. [102] The festival of Diwali, according to Ray Colledge, highlights three events in Sikh history: the founding of the city of Amritsar in 1577, the release of Guru Hargobind from the Mughal prison, and the day of Bhai Mani Singh's martyrdom in 1738 as a result of his failure to pay a fine for trying to celebrate Diwali and thereafter refusing to convert to Islam. Learn Religions. The celebration of Diwali aligns with the new moon, so it's celebrated on a different day each year. People will wear their best clothes and pray to Lakshmi as lamps are lit outside homes and temples. Calendar Of Deepavali Holidays 2022.We present you with all the dates Diwali will have from 2022 till 2040. In some months, a day needs to be dropped to correlate with a shorter lunar cycle. Spread joy. It was in early 20th-century, states Harjot Oberoi, a scholar of Sikh history, when the Khalsa Tract Society triggered by the, Hindus of eastern and northeastern states of India associate the festival with the goddess. The dates of Diwali change every year, though the five day festival generally falls between late October and early November. Symbolising the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness, Diwali usually falls in the early autumn, coinciding with the new moon, deemed the darkest night of the Hindu lunar calendar. According to the ancient calendar, Diwali is observed on Amavasya (or new moon) the 15th day of the month of Kartik, every year. People illuminate their homes, temples and offices with diyas, candles and lanterns. This day marks the beginning of deepawali celebrations. "There were a hundred-plus of us at my cousin's house each year," she explains. The holiday overlaps with the Hindu New Year and as a result is associated with a chance to reset and start anew. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. What are the 5 Diwali Days in 2022? One of the earliest reports on this variation was by Wilson in 1847. [116] On this day, many Hindus clean their homes and business premises. According to Audrey Truschke, the Sunni Muslim emperor Aurangzeb did limit "public observation" of many religious holidays such as Hindu Diwali and Holi, but also of Shia observance of Muharram and the Persian holiday of Nauruz. Updates? [31][32][33] The main day of the festival of Diwali (the day of Lakshmi Puja) is an official holiday in Fiji,[34] Guyana,[35] India, Malaysia,[a][36] Mauritius, Myanmar,[37] Nepal,[38] Pakistan,[39] Singapore,[40] Sri Lanka, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago. The third day is the day of Lakshmi Puja and the darkest night of the traditional month. [95] According to the Jain tradition, this practice of lighting lamps first began on the day of Mahavira's nirvana in 527 BCE,[j] when 18 kings who had gathered for Mahavira's final teachings issued a proclamation that lamps be lit in remembrance of the "great light, Mahavira". Gambling, especially in the form of card games, is encouraged as a way of ensuring good luck in the coming year and in remembrance of the games of dice played by Shiva and Parvati on Mount Kailasa or similar contests between Radha and Krishna. Some Hindu communities mark the last day as Bhai Dooj or the regional equivalent, which is dedicated to the bond between sister and brother,[111] while other Hindu and Sikh craftsmen communities mark this day as Vishwakarma Puja and observe it by performing maintenance in their work spaces and offering prayers. Such events are also mentioned in Sikh historical records. Join half a million readers enjoying Newsweek's free newsletters. Diwali/Deepavali is a public holiday. One tradition starts a new month from the new moon, while the other starts it from the full moon. (2021, October 12). In some parts of India, the day after Lakshmi Puja is marked with the Govardhan Puja and Balipratipada (Padwa). Cook, Sharell. The word Deepawali comes from the Sanskrit word deep, which means an Indian lantern/lamp. Answer (1 of 6): Hindus do not follow date system. It takes place on November 26 this year. [110] Some regions of India start Diwali festivities the day before Dhanteras with Govatsa Dwadashi. In North India the festival also celebrates the royal homecoming of Rama (along with Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman) to the city of Ayodhya after defeating Ravana, the 10-headed king of the demons, thus connecting the festival with the holiday of Dussehra. [137][138] According to Pintchman, who quotes Raghavan, this ritual may also be linked to the tradition in some communities of paying respect to ancestors. The Prime Minister Jawaharlal . Diwali for the year 2022 is observed on 24 October, which falls on a Monday. [177][s], The use of fireworks also causes an increase in the number of burn injuries in India during Diwali. It is observed on the 15th day of the 8th month (the month of Kartik) in India's calendar. Diwali this year is a close-knit family affair. This is why dates change every year. Learn about Diwali, when it occurs, and common traditions! Monier Monier Williams (2008 updated, Harvard University), Sanskrit English dictionary, . It is celebrated for five days across India and other parts of southern Asia, as well as in many other places around the world. It is an official holiday in a dozen countries, while the other festive days are regionally observed as either public or optional restricted holidays in India. Communities prepare over one hundred dishes from a variety of ingredients, which is then dedicated to Krishna before being shared among the community. Guru Amar Das, the third Guru of the Sikhs, built a well in Goindwal with eighty-four steps and invited Sikhs to bathe in its sacred waters on Baisakhi and Diwali as a form of community bonding. The name is derived from the Sanskrit term dipavali, meaning row of lights. The festival generally symbolizes the victory of light over darkness. In 2022, Diwali will begin on October 22, and end on October 26. [23][140] According to one tradition, the day is associated with the story of Bali's defeat at the hands of Vishnu. [43] The lamps from the puja ceremony are then used to light more earthenware lamps, which are placed in rows along the parapets of temples and houses,[130] while some diyas are set adrift on rivers and streams. In India, the holiday always falls on the 15th of Kartik, the first month of the Hindu lunar calendar . After firing, the fine dust particles get settled on the surrounding surfaces which are packed with chemicals like copper, zinc, sodium, lead, magnesium, cadmium and pollutants like oxides of sulfur and nitrogen. Among Hindus the most widespread customis the lighting of diyas (small earthenware lamps filled with oil) on the night of the new moon to invite the presence of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth.
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