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 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. A variety of entertainments are usually available for inhabitants of the local community to enjoy. A lunar day is uniquely identified by three calendar elements: msa (lunar month), paka (lunar fortnight) and tithi (lunar day). Spread joy. iStock.com/triloks What Do People Do? The reason Diwali's celebration date is different each year is that each of the Hindu calendarsthere are severalis lunisolar, meaning they take into effect both the movements of the sun and the moon. each day of the five-day Diwali comes with a different set of traditions. 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. Learn Religions. The duration will be 1 hour 56 minutes. The Lacshmipuja dipanwita, remarked Jones, was a "great festival at night, in honour of Lakshmi, with illuminations on trees and houses".[68][f]. [91] The telling of these myths are reminiscent of the Hindu belief that good ultimately triumphs over evil. However, the focus of the Jain Diwali remains the dedication to Mahavira. (2021, September 4). In 2023, it falls on a Sunday, and some businesses may choose to follow Sunday opening hours. Sanskrit inscriptions in stone and copper mentioning Diwali, occasionally alongside terms such as Dipotsava, Dipavali, Divali and Divalige, have been discovered at numerous sites across India. While Diwali spans five days, the holiday reaches its peak on day three this year, falling on Oct. 24, 2022. This year, Diwali 2022 begins on Monday, October 24, 2022 (24/10/2022), and finishes on Wednesday, October 26, 2022 (26/10/2022). This is believed to please Yama (Yamraj), the god of death, and to ward off untimely death. 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. [125], Some Hindus observe Yama Deepam (also known as Yama Dipadana or Jam ke Diya) on the second day of Diwali, instead of the first day. [143] According to Kinsley, the ritual use of cow dung, a common fertiliser, is an agricultural motif and a celebration of its significance to annual crop cycles. The celebration of Diwali aligns with the new moon, so it's celebrated on a different day each year. [167] In 2020, the INDF ETF was launched to mark the start of 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) One particular firework called anar (fountain) has been found to be responsible for 65% of such injuries, with adults being the typical victims. The incredible amount of fireworks and firecrackers set off during the five days of Diwali have become an issue in many Indian cities, to the point that ambient air and noise during Diwali are considered somewhat of a health hazard. [47][b], The five-day celebration is observed every year in early autumn after the conclusion of the summer harvest. The one festival in India that is celebrated above the caste & religion that is Diwali. Sharell Cook lives in Mumbai full-time and writes about India travel. One tradition links the festival to legends in the Hindu epic Ramayana, where Diwali is the day Rama, Sita, Lakshman and Hanuman reached Ayodhya after a period of 14 years in exile after Rama's army of good defeated demon king Ravana's army of evil. This time the revered festival of Diwali is to be held on the month of October 24, 2022. Dates for 2020 to 2025. Ubtan is applied by the women which is made up of special gram flour mixed with herbs for cleansing and beautifying themselves. In Australia, over one million Hindus, Jains, Buddhists and Sikhs celebrate versions of the festival, which include Tihar and Bandi Chhor Diwas. 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). The names and events of the individual days of Diwali are as follows: The first day, known as Dhanteras, is dedicated to cleaning homes and purchasing small items of gold. The second day, called NarakaChaturdashiorChotiDiwali, commemorates Krishnas destruction of Narakasura; prayers are also offered for the souls of ancestors. This begins with the first day known as "Dhanteras' or the worship of wealth. The day also marks a major shopping day to purchase new utensils, home equipment, jewelry, firecrackers, and other items. (The corresponding dates in the Gregorian calendar usually fall in late October and November.) This is done via a bathing ritual called Abhyanga Snan. ", Christopher H. Johnson, Simon Teuscher & David Warren Sabean 2011, India Journal: Tis the Season to be Shopping, Pakistan parliament adopts resolution for Holi, Diwali, Easter holidays, "The Svanti Festival: Victory over Death and the Renewal of the Ritual Cycle in Nepal", "Diwali Festival 2020 India:Date,Story,Celebration,Diwali Special Gift", "Krishna Killed Narakasur - The Narakasur Legend of Diwali - Diwali Legend", Diwali Celebrating the triumph of goodness, "2020 Yama Deepam date and timings for New Delhi, NCT, India", "The 'Yam-deep' or 'Jam ke Deeya' SWAHA International", "Significance of Yama Deepam on Diwali Eve", "Choti Diwali 2020 date: Kali Chaudas significance, when and how to celebrate", "2020 Hanuman Puja date and time during Diwali for New Delhi, NCT, India", If You Missed Diwali in India, Dallas Is the Place to Be, Manchester Dashehra and Diwali Mela plans announced, Festive season to boost India gold buying, India's banks face pre-Diwali cash crunch, Diwali lights up consumer spending, festive spirit beats inflation, Fear Of Toxic Smog Leads India To Limit Diwali Fireworks, Firework Facts: Americans Incinerate $1 Billion in July Fourth Fireworks Every Year, Oneline sales may surpass Rs 30000 crores in festive months, Average family to spend Rs. The dates of Diwali change every year, though the five day festival generally falls between late October and early November. 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. Diwali takes places every year, either in October or November, depending on the position of the Moon. [184], During Diwali, the levels of suspended particulate matter increase. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. Some 200,000 New Yorkers celebrate Diwali each year, per state Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar . In 2023, Diwali is on November 12. [123], This day is commonly celebrated as Diwali in Tamil Nadu, Goa, and Karnataka. 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. We usually plan for our parents to visit us during this period but the pandemic has made it difficult this year for everyone. [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". Diwali lasts five days, and the main celebrations are held on the third day of the festival. The auspicious time to conduct Lakshmi Puja will begin at 6:09 pm and end at 8:04 pm, according to the Drik Panchang. More Topics The festival falls sometime between October and November. It also marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year. [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. [50] It is mentioned in mentioned in early Sanskrit texts, such as the Padma Purana and the Skanda Purana, both of which were completed in the second half of the 1st millennium CE. The lighting of the lamps celebrates the light of Mahaviras holy knowledge. Omissions? [92][12], Originally a Hindu festival, Diwali has transcended religious lines. In the diaspora, all the countries in the world outside of the Indian subcontinent where Indian people have settled, Diwali is considered a public celebration open to Hindus and anyone else. Learn Religions, Oct. 12, 2021, learnreligions.com/when-is-diwali-1539426. Although most important for Hindus, the festival is also observed by Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhists. [48][127], The youngest members in the family visit their elders, such as grandparents and other senior members of the community, on this day. Also known as the 'festival of lights', the celebration usually lasts for five days. Sometimes these are wrapped with edible silver foil (vark). [13][14][15][16] The festival is widely associated with Lakshmi,[17][18] goddess of prosperity and Ganesha, god of wisdom and the remover of obstacles, with many other regional traditions connecting the holiday to Sita and Rama, Vishnu, Krishna, Durga, Shiva, Kali, Hanuman, Kubera, Yama, Yami, Dhanvantari, or Vishvakarman. [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". [109][133] According to Rachel Fell McDermott, a scholar of South Asian, particular Bengali, studies, in Bengal during Navaratri (Dussehra elsewhere in India) the Durga puja is the main focus, although in the eastern and north eastern states the two are synonymous, but on Diwali the focus is on the puja dedicated to Kali. Diwali is one of the most revered and a pious festival deeply entrenched in Hindu culture. [19] Diwali is also marked with fireworks and the decoration of floors with rangoli designs, and other parts of the house with jhalars. Small business owners give gifts or special bonus payments to their employees between Dhanteras and Lakshmi Pujan. [24], Originally a Hindu festival, Diwali is now also celebrated by other faiths. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. 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? Residents of Amritsar lit lamps throughout the city to celebrate the occasion. When people are exposed to these pollutant particles, they may suffer from eye, nose, and throat-related problems. Indian Independence Day Independence Day is celebrated every year during August 15. The third day is Diwali and the height of the festival. [60] It is mentioned in the Ramayana that Diwali was celebrated for only 2 years in Ayodhya. The celebration will include dancing, a fashion show and other performances, as well as free food. 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. [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. The date of the five day festival changes every year in accordance with the Hindu and lunar calendar. The five days are as follows:. Hence Deepavali has been . [112] [o] The looms, tools of trade, machines and workplaces are cleaned and prayers offered to these livelihood means. Where does Diwali get its name? The lighting of the lamps celebrates the light of Mahaviras holy knowledge. [68] In his paper on The Lunar Year of the Hindus, Jones, then based in Bengal, noted four of the five days of Diwali in the autumn months of Aswina-Cartica [sic] as the following: Bhutachaturdasi Yamaterpanam (2nd day), Lacshmipuja dipanwita (the day of Diwali), Dyuta pratipat Belipuja (4th day), and Bhratri dwitiya (5th day). Bhalla said the dates change each year based on the Hindu lunar calendar, but typically happens in October and November. Learn Religions, Sep. 4, 2021, learnreligions.com/when-is-diwali-1770209. One of the earliest reports on this variation was by Wilson in 1847. Over time, these spring and autumn festivals became the most important of Sikh festivals and holy sites such as Amritsar became focal points for annual pilgrimages. A diya that is filled with sesame oil is lit at back of their homes facing in the southern direction. (2021, October 12). Diwali this year is a close-knit family affair. Diwali/Deepavali is a public holiday. "The first day . [135] Vaishnava families recite Hindu legends of the victory of good over evil and the return of hope after despair on the Diwali night, where the main characters may include Rama, Krishna, Vamana or one of the avatars of Vishnu, the divine husband of Lakshmi. 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. The course of the five days includes cleaning . In 2019, Diwali started on October 25 as reported by The Fact. 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. [98][99] This traditional belief of the origin of Diwali, and its significance to Jains, is reflected in their historic artworks such as paintings. Confectioners and shops create Diwali-themed decorative displays, selling these in large quantities, which are stocked for home celebrations to welcome guests and as gifts. The height of Diwali is celebrated on the third day coinciding with the darkest night of Ashvin or Kartika. Naraka Chaturdashi, also known as Chhoti Diwali, is the second day of festivities coinciding with the fourteenth day of the dark fortnight of Ashwin or Kartik. amnta / primnta. On that day sisters pray for the success and well-being of their brothers. It is celebrated for five days across India and other parts of southern Asia, as well as in many other places around the world. [112][113], Rituals and preparations for Diwali begin days or weeks in advance, typically after the festival of Dusshera that precedes Diwali by about 20 days. DIWALI. Diwali Dates Detailed Information Diwali, also known as Deepawali, is the Hindu festival of lights. [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 exact date changes every year because the Hindu calendar is lunar. It coincides with the day of Kali Chaudas. It is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed. Ths festival of lights, i.e. Hindus celebrating Diwali in India. During the festival, Hindus, Jains and Sikhs illuminate their homes, temples and workspaces with diyas (oil lamps), candles and lanterns[16] Hindus, in particular, have a ritual oil bath at dawn on each day of the festival. [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. 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. All the days except Diwali are named using the designation in the Indian calendar. This year (2021), Diwali begins on Tuesday 2 November, with the peak day of celebrations happening on the third day, Thursday 4 November. [183] These invisible yet harmful particles affect the environment and in turn, put people's health at stake. The date of Deepavali on the new moon makes it the darkest night in the month of Kartik, when the nights are cold, long, and dark: all the lights make that darkness easier to bear. Diwali (Deepavali) Nov 27, 2023: Guru Nanak's Birthday: Dec 25, 2023: Christmas Day: Which are the other holidays in India? 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. It is usually celebrated on October or November every year. Diwali 2021: What the holiday . Observances of Diwali differ depending on region and tradition. 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. [181][182], The use of firecrackers on Diwali increases the concentration of dust and pollutants in the air. October 18, 2019 By Simran Jeet Singh (RNS) With more than a billion people celebrating Diwali every year, the festival is one of the largest and most significant religious observances. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil and an even deeper meaning is to drive away our inner darkness with light. Some Muslims joined the Hindu community in celebrating Diwali in the Mughal era. Diwali is also an important festival in Jainism. Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/when-is-diwali-1539426. Diwali is celebrated over five days in most of North India. [15][131][132] After the puja, people go outside and celebrate by lighting up patakhe (fireworks) together, and then share a family feast and mithai (sweets, desserts). [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. Every autumn, the observance sees millions of people attend. Holi Dates: When is Holi in 2021, 2022 and 2023? [124][128] Shops either do not open or close early on this day allowing employees to enjoy family time. Since the 18th century, Diwali has been celebrated in Sikhism as the time of Guru Hargobinds return to Amritsar from captivity in Gwalioran echo of Ramas return to Ayodhya. "When Is Diwali in 2021, 2022 and 2023?" [101] According to J.S. Earlier in the season's fortnight, some welcome the souls of their ancestors to join the family for the festivities with the Mahalaya. According to Pintchman, the start of the 5-day Diwali festival is stated in some popular contemporary sources as the day Goddess Lakshmi was born from Samudra manthan, the churning of the cosmic ocean of milk by the Devas (gods) and the Asuras (demons) a Vedic legend that is also found in several Puranas such as the Padma Purana, while the night of Diwali is when Lakshmi chose and wed Vishnu. Diwali celebrates Rama's eventual defeat of the evil spirit Ravana, and his triumphant return to his home.
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