India's Famous Festival of LightsTripSavvy / Nusha Ashjaee Updated on January 24, 2021 When Is Diwali in 2021, 2022 and 2023?
Diwali falls in either October or November each year, depending on the cycle of the moon. It's observed on the 15th day of Kartik, the holiest month in the Hindu lunar calendar.
- In 2021, Diwali is on November 4.
(See calendar).
- In 2022, Diwali is on October 24.
- In 2023, Diwali is on November 12.
The Diwali festival actually
runs for five days, with the main event happening on the third day in most places in India. 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. However, in South India, the festival is observed as the defeat of Narakasura. It's a one-day celebration, known as Deepavali, that usually falls a day before the main Diwali date but sometimes occurs on the same day (when the lunar days overlap). The festival isn't
celebrated in Kerala though. Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of good fortune and prosperity, is the primary deity worshiped during Diwali. Each day has a special significance as follows. - The first day (November 2, 2021) is known as
Dhanteras, or Dhanatrayodashi. "Dhan" means wealth and "teras" refers to the 13th day of a lunar fortnight on the Hindu calendar. Lord Dhanvantari, the Hindu god of medicine and an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is said to have brought Ayurveda and the nectar of immortality to mankind on this day. There are several
temples in Kerala and Tamil Nadu dedicated to Dhanvantari and Ayurveda. Legend also has it that Goddess Lakshmi was born from the churning of the ocean on this day, and she is welcomed with a special puja (ritual). Gold and other metals (including kitchen utensils) are traditionally purchased. People also gather to play cards and gamble, as it's thought to be auspicious and will bring wealth throughout the year.
- The second day (November 3, 2021) is usually
known as Naraka Chaturdashi or Chhoti Diwali (small Diwali). "Naraka" means hell and "Chaturdashi" means 14th day of a lunar fortnight on the Hindu calendar. Goddess Kali and Lord Krishna are believed to have destroyed the demon Narakasura on this day. Demon effigies are burned in Goa to mark the occasion. However, in 2021 Naraka Chaturdashi will be celebrated a day later, on November 4. This is due to a quirk of the Hindu lunar calendar, whereby Chaturdashi Tithi (a
lunar day on the calendar) extends until just before sunrise on November 4.
- The third day (November 4, 2021) is the new moon day known as Amavasya. It's the darkest day of the month and is the most significant day of the Diwali festival nearly everywhere in India. Lakshmi is worshiped on this day, with a special puja performed in the evening after sunset. Goddess Kali is also usually worshiped on this day in West Bengal, Odisha and Assam
(although Kali Puja sometimes falls a day earlier depending on the lunar cycle). South India also celebrates Deepavali on this day in 2021, in accordance with Naraka Chaturdashi.
- The fourth day (November 5, 2021) has various meanings across India. In North India, Govardhan Puja is celebrated as the day when Lord Krishna defeated Indra, the god of thunder and rain. In Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, the victory of Lord Vishnu over demon king Bali
is celebrated as Bali Pratipada or Bali Padyami. In Gujarat, the start of a new year is celebrated on this day as well.
- The fifth day (November 6, 2021) is known as Bhai Duj. It's dedicated to celebrating sisters, in a similar way that Raksha Bandhan is dedicated to brothers. Brothers and sisters get together and share food, to honor the bond between them.
Diwali 2022 has already passed: it was on Monday, October 24, 2022 (33 days ago). Calendar for 2022 Diwali lights Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is the biggest festival in the Hindu calendar and is also known as the "Festival of Lights". It is
celebrated every year in October or November. Diwali lasts five days, with the main celebrations being held on the third day of the festival. Further reading: Diwali on Wikipedia The next occurrence of Diwali is marked in red. Free printable 2023 calendar templates A selection of downloadable, printable
calendar templates for 2023 with US federal holidays, suitable for a variety of applications. Available for Word, Excel and PDF.
Why is Diwali on different dates?
2) Diwali takes place annually and lasts for five days, marking the start of the Hindu New Year. The exact dates change each year and are determined by the position of the moon – but it usually falls between October and November.
What is the real date of Diwali?
Diwali 2022 Dates: This year, Diwali falls on Monday, October 24. The celebrations for this auspicious Hindu festival last for five days. Read on to know all the details. The most significant and holy festival of Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is almost here.
What are the 5 days of Diwali 2024?
Diwali in 2024 will start on Thursday, the 31st of October (31/10/2024) and will continue for 5 days until Monday, the 4th of November.
Does Deepavali change date?
From 2016, Deepavali date won't be subjected to change. The Hindu Endowments Board and Hindu Advisory Board have reviewed this process and a clear set of parameters has been defined to establish the date for Deepavali.
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