Diwali symbolises the spiritual "victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance". Learn Religions, Sep. 4, 2021, learnreligions.com/when-is-diwali-1770209. Every year on the darkest night in the northern hemisphere, millions illuminate their homes and streets to celebrate the victory of good over evil. Sharell Cook lives in Mumbai full-time and writes about India travel. When Is Diwali in 2021, 2022 and 2023? Diwali is celebrated on the fifteenth day of the Hindu month of Kartika and, much like Easter, the date changes every year. These lamps symbolize the light of inner spirituality that protects us from the spiritual darkness that threatens to engulf us. It is a national holiday in India which marks its independence from the United Kingdom on August 15, 1947. In 2013, about 25 billion (US$310million) of fireworks were sold to merchants for the Diwali season, an equivalent retail value of about 50 billion (US$630million) according to The Times of India. "Deepawali" and "Dipawali" redirect here. [58] The Venetian merchant and traveler Niccol de' Conti visited India in the early 15th-century and wrote in his memoir, "on another of these festivals they fix up within their temples, and on the outside of the roofs, an innumerable number of oil lamps which are kept burning day and night" and that the families would gather, "clothe themselves in new garments", sing, dance and feast. [116] Some communities, particularly those active in Ayurvedic and health-related professions, pray or perform havan rituals to Dhanvantari on Dhanteras. each day of the five-day Diwali comes with a different set of traditions. 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. "There were a hundred-plus of us at my cousin's house each year," she explains. The Prime Minister Jawaharlal . 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). [168], Diwali has increasingly attracted cultural exchanges, becoming occasions for politicians and religious leaders worldwide to meet Hindu or Indian origin citizens, diplomatic staff or neighbours. However, the focus of the Jain Diwali remains the dedication to Mahavira. It is traditionally a puja, or a celebration that worships, honors, and shows devotion to the divine. Sainsbury's bans fireworks across . This is the day when Hindu, Jain and Sikh temples and homes are aglow with lights, thereby making it the "festival of lights". The Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue was founded as Secretariat for non-Christians by Pope Paul VI. Das, Subhamoy. A variety of entertainments are usually available for inhabitants of the local community to enjoy. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil and an even deeper meaning is to drive away our inner darkness with light. Some suggest he lived in the 5th-century BCE contemporaneously with the Buddha. Holi Dates: When is Holi in 2021, 2022 and 2023? The first day, November 2, is Dhanteras. 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. This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Diwali-Hindu-festival, Diwali - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11), Diwali - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up). ", Christopher H. 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On this day, Lord Dhanwantari came out of the ocean with Ayurvedic for mankind. The name is derived from the Sanskrit term dipavali, meaning row of lights. The festival generally symbolizes the victory of light over darkness. amnta / primnta. A lunar day is uniquely identified by three calendar elements: msa (lunar month), paka (lunar fortnight) and tithi (lunar day). [110] Some regions of India start Diwali festivities the day before Dhanteras with Govatsa Dwadashi. According to Pintchman, in some Hindu traditions the women recite tales where sisters protect their brothers from enemies that seek to cause him either bodily or spiritual harm. [24], Originally a Hindu festival, Diwali is now also celebrated by other faiths. On that day sisters pray for the success and well-being of their brothers. People often think of Diwali as a Hindu festival, but it is also celebrated by Sikhs and Jains . 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. Deepavali means a row of lights, where 'deep' means light and 'avali' means row. [126] Family members light up firecrackers, which some interpret as a way to ward off all evil spirits and the inauspicious, as well as add to the festive mood. [108] During Diwali, people wear their finest clothes, illuminate the interior and exterior of their homes with saaki (earthen lamp), diyas and rangoli, perform worship ceremonies of Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity and wealth,[l] light fireworks, and partake in family feasts, where mithai (sweets) and gifts are shared. [59][60] The 16th-century Portuguese traveler Domingo Paes wrote of his visit to the Hindu Vijayanagara Empire, where Dipavali was celebrated in October with householders illuminating their homes, and their temples, with lamps. Where does Diwali get its name? The name of this festival is derived from 'avali,' which means 'row,' and 'deepa,' meaning "clay lamps." They install diyas, small earthen oil-filled lamps that they light up for the next five days, near Lakshmi and Ganesha iconography. Many light diyas and keep them burning throughout the night. Diwali Decor. In other regions, parents invite a newly married daughter, or son, together with their spouses to a festive meal and give them gifts. This year, Diwali falls at the start of November beginning with Dhanteras on November 2. [53][54], The five-day long festival originated in the Indian subcontinent and is likely a fusion of harvest festivals in ancient India. The Hindu lunar calendar has two parts: dark (Krishna paksha, or "waning moon" in Sanskrit) and light (hukla paksha, or "waxing moon"), and the new moon (amavasya) always occurs in between the parts, typically on the 15th. This year, celebrations began on Saturday, with the "main Diwali " falling today, Monday October 24, which marks the . [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. Spiritually, Diwali symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. The main festival is on Sunday, but festivities begin on Friday, a day called Dhanteras. The dates of Diwali change every year as it dependent on the moon cycle. Although most important for Hindus, the festival is also observed by Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhists. 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). [103][104][k], Diwali is not a festival for most Buddhists, with the exception of the Newar people of Nepal who revere various deities in Vajrayana Buddhism and celebrate Diwali by offering prayers to Lakshmi. [122] A mythological interpretation of this festive day is the destruction of the asura (demon) Narakasura by Krishna, a victory that frees 16,000 imprisoned princesses kidnapped by Narakasura. The day of Diwali itself falls on November 4. Lasting over five days, the holiday is celebrated by millions of Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs worldwide. [12] According to Goldstein, these are then shaped into various forms, such as laddus, barfis, halwa, kachoris, shrikhand, and sandesh, rolled and stuffed delicacies, such as karanji, shankarpali, maladu, susiyam, pottukadalai. Diwali, also known as Deepawali, is the Hindu festival of lights. We usually plan for our parents to visit us during this period but the pandemic has made it difficult this year for everyone. The holiday falls in late October or early November each year, and in 2021, is on Thursday, November 4. . [154][155][91], Diwali marks a major shopping period in India,[31] and is comparable to the Christmas period in terms of consumer purchases and economic activity. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. To produce colors when crackers are burst, carcinogenic and poisonous elements are used. Scholars contest the 527 BCE date and consider Mahavira's biographical details as uncertain. Diwali Celebrations Dates in Different Regions Diwali 2023 (Deepavali 2023) is on Sunday, November 12th in India. Kartik overlaps with October and November. For example, the Singaporean government, in association with the Hindu Endowment Board of Singapore, organises many cultural events during Diwali every year. Today it is the "festival of lights," attached to various mythological stories, particularly tales about Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. It's a celebration that takes place 15 days after Diwali - the Hindu festival of lights. The diyas (lamps) are mentioned in Skanda Kishore Purana as symbolising parts of the sun, describing it as the cosmic giver of light and energy to all life and which seasonally transitions in the Hindu calendar month of Kartik. This year, Diwali begins on Monday 24 October on the Gregorian calendar. Some diyas may also be set adrift on streams and river and the evening is marked with fireworks. [161] Other goods that are bought in substantial quantities during Diwali include confectionery and fireworks. Furthermore, it is a celebration of the day Rama returned to his kingdom in Ayodhya with his wife Sita and his brother Lakshmana after defeating the demon Ravana. It is celebrated for five days across India and other parts of southern Asia, as well as in many other places around the world. Dev Deepawali or Dev Diwali takes place on the full-moon night of the Hindu month of Kartika. Diwali is typically a four- or five-day event, starting two days before the new moon and extending two days afterward. [86], Mythical tales shared on Diwali vary widely depending on region and even within Hindu tradition,[88] yet all share a common focus on righteousness, self-inquiry and the importance of knowledge,[89][90] which, according to Lindsey Harlan, an Indologist and scholar of Religious Studies, is the path to overcoming the "darkness of ignorance". This year, it begins in the first week of November from 2nd-6th. The Diwali-related inscription is the 4th inscription and it includes the year Vikrama Era 1268 (c. 1211 CE). Hindus celebrating Diwali in India. Forget bitterness. Firecrackers also cause light pollution. . When Is Diwali (Deepavali)? Diwali is observed as a Gazetted Holiday throughout the nation. ", Some inscriptions mention the festival of lights in Prakrit terms such as, The Sanskrit inscription is in the Grantha script. [43][82] Along with Lakshmi, who is representative of Vaishnavism, Ganesha, the elephant-headed son of Parvati and Shiva of Shaivism tradition, is remembered as one who symbolises ethical beginnings and the remover of obstacles. [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. The celebration will include dancing, a fashion show and other performances, as well as free food. It is celebrated in India and other countries such as Nepal, Malaysia, Fiji, and Mauritius. In 2022, Diwali is on Monday 24 October. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. Diwali festivities usually last for 5 days. Food is a major focus with families partaking in feasts and sharing mithai. It is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed. Observances of Diwali differ depending on region and tradition. All the days except Diwali are named using the designation in the Indian calendar. For planning purposes, here are the dates for the main celebrations for Diwali for the next few years: The date to celebrate Diwali generally changes by a week to 10 days every year. [79] Throughout the epic, Rama's decisions were always in line with dharma (duty) and the Diwali festival serves as a reminder for followers of hinduism to maintain their dharma in day to day life. Also known as the 'festival of lights', the celebration usually lasts for five days. The festival typically lasts for four to five days and coincides with the new moon on the Hindu lunisolar calendar,. Each day of the festival has special significance. The festival of Diwali commemorates the return of Lord Rama to his kingdom after defeating Ravana. Diwali was celebrated as a signifier of triumph of good over evil after Krishna's Victory over Narakasura. One tradition starts a new month from the new moon, while the other starts it from the full moon. Learn Religions, Oct. 12, 2021, learnreligions.com/when-is-diwali-1539426. ( See calendar ). Omissions? Important Read: Tips to Celebrate Diwali in 2021 History and Significance of Diwali The first day of Diwali is called Dhanvantari Triodasi or Dhanwantari Triodasi also called Dhan Theras. [140], This day ritually celebrates the bond between the wife and husband,[143] and in some Hindu communities, husbands will celebrate this with gifts to their wives. (The corresponding dates in the Gregorian calendar usually fall in late October and November.) Sometimes these are wrapped with edible silver foil (vark). Diwali also known as Deepavali is the . It began sending official greetings and message to Muslims in 1967 on. [124], As the evening approaches, celebrants will wear new clothes or their best outfits, teenage girls and women, in particular, wear saris and jewelry. Sikhs historically referred to this festival as Diwali. 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) It is one of the most important festivals within Hinduism [7] [8] where it generally lasts five days (or six in some regions of India), and is celebrated during the Hindu lunisolar months of Ashvin (according to the amanta tradition) and Kartika (between mid- October and mid- November ). Diwali (Deepavali) Nov 27, 2023: Guru Nanak's Birthday: Dec 25, 2023: Christmas Day: Which are the other holidays in India? [86][87], Trade and merchant families and others also offer prayers to Saraswati, who embodies music, literature and learning and Kubera, who symbolises book-keeping, treasury and wealth management. The day before Diwali is remembered as Naraka Chaturdasi, the day on which Narakasura was killed by Krishna. As an auspicious occasion, many Hindus will make big purchases as it's believed that this will bring good luck. Large government-sponsored festivals are held in London, Sydney, Toronto, and Edinburgh, and they are often a showcase for Indian culture, music, dance, fashion, food, crafts, and fireworks. [12] Chhoti Diwali is also a day for visiting friends, business associates and relatives, and exchanging gifts. In 2023, it falls on a Sunday, and some businesses may choose to follow Sunday opening hours. UCF's Indian Student Association (ISA) will host Diwali event at the Hindu Society of Central Florida Nov. 4 at 6 p.m. Dates for 2020 to 2025." Lakshmi is the focus of worship on that day. This year (2021), Diwali begins on Tuesday 2 November, with the peak day of celebrations happening on the third day, Thursday 4 November. This is followed by Choti Diwali the next day and Diwali on November 4. In 2022, the five days of Diwali begin on October 22, with the most important festival date taking place on October 24. It is observed on the 15th day of the 8th month (the month of Kartik) in India's calendar. Answer (1 of 6): Hindus do not follow date system. In 2022, Diwali falls on October 24th which is a new moon day or Amavasya. The Diwali festival dates back to ancient times in India. It is a day in which people rid themselves of evil and everything negative. Diwali celebrations can last for about five days. Learn about Diwali, when it occurs, and common traditions! [124][128] Shops either do not open or close early on this day allowing employees to enjoy family time. [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". What makes Dev Deepawali different from Diwali? [173], Diwali was first celebrated in the White House by George W. Bush in 2003 and its religious and historical significance was officially recognized by the United States Congress in 2007. It's associated with Lord Ram's return to his kingdom in Ayodhya after exile and rescuing his wife from demon king Ravan on Dussehra. Diwali festivities include a celebration of sights, sounds, arts and flavours. [43] In western states such as Gujarat, and certain northern Hindu communities of India, the festival of Diwali signifies the start of a new year. 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. The Hindu calendar is lunisolar but most festival dates are specified using the lunar portion of the calendar. In some months, a day needs to be dropped to correlate with a shorter lunar cycle. 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]. The 5 days of Diwali [115][144][145], The agricultural symbolism is also observed on this day by many Hindus as Annakut, literally "mountain of food".
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