Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most widely celebrated festivals for Hindus around the world. Translating to ‘festival of lights,’ Diwali symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil, making it a festival rich in cultural and spiritual significance.
In 2023, Diwali will be celebrated on Sunday, November 12. The festival typically spans five days, with the main day of celebration falling on the third day, known as Diwali.
The festival holds great historical and cultural significance, with one of the most well-known legends being the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana in Lanka. His return symbolizes the victory of good over evil and is commemorated with rows of oil lamps, giving birth to the tradition of lighting diyas during Diwali.
Another legend associated with Diwali is the arrival of Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, who is believed to bring blessings to homes. This is why people clean and decorate their houses, light lamps, and perform Diwali puja, with the belief that her blessings will fill their homes with wealth, health, and prosperity.
In addition to Hindus, Jains and Sikhs also celebrate Diwali. For Jains, it marks the spiritual awakening of Lord Mahavira, while Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas to mark the release of Guru Hargobind Ji from imprisonment.
Diwali puja, an important component of the celebration, is traditionally performed in the evening. In 2023, it must be performed during the Pradosh Kaal Muhurat between 5:28 PM and 8:07 PM.
To perform Diwali puja at home, it is important to clean the home well in advance, draw rangoli patterns, decorate the home, and light diyas or oil lamps during the puja muhurat to symbolize the victory of light over darkness. The main Diwali puja involves offering prayers and hymns to Goddess Lakshmi, as well as offering sweets, fruits, and other delicacies to the deities.
Celebrations during Diwali include wearing new clothes, enjoying an array of sweets and snacks, and indulging in fireworks and crackers. Hindus eagerly await Diwali and look forward to celebrating with family, friends, and relatives.
Diwali represents a time of anticipation and excitement, with the opportunity to invite health, wealth, prosperity, and happiness into households. It is also a chance to strengthen bonds with loved ones.
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