"When Is Diwali (Deepavali)? The lighting of the lamps celebrates the light of Mahaviras holy knowledge. In the lead-up to Diwali, celebrants prepare by cleaning, renovating, and decorating their homes and workplaces with diyas (oil lamps) and rangolis (colorful art circle patterns). Diwali 2021: What the holiday . The Hindu calendar is based on both the sun and moon (while the Gregorian calendar is only based on the sun). The festival typically lasts for four to five days and coincides with the new moon on the Hindu lunisolar calendar,. Iff a festival falls in the waning phase of the moon, these two traditions identify the same lunar day as falling in two different (but successive) masa. For Sikhs, the celebration highlights the release of guru Hargobind Singh from prison and his return to Amritsar. This year (2021), Diwali begins on Tuesday 2 November, with the peak day of celebrations happening on the third day, Thursday 4 November. Lakshmi is the focus of worship on that day. 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. [121] The day and its rituals are interpreted as ways to liberate any souls from their suffering in "Naraka", or hell, as well as a reminder of spiritual auspiciousness. 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. Every year it is celebrated on the darkest night of the Hindu month Kartika. [124] Many visit their favourite Hindu temple. [151], During the season of Diwali, numerous rural townships and villages host melas,[152] or fairs, where local producers and artisans trade produce and goods. [23][140] According to one tradition, the day is associated with the story of Bali's defeat at the hands of Vishnu. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. 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]. Diwali or Deepavali, also known as the "Festival of Lights," is the biggest festival in theHindu calendar, celebrated in early fall of each year. [41], Diwali (English: /dwli/)[9] or Divali[44] is from the Sanskrit dpvali meaning "row or series of lights". [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. Diwali symbolises the spiritual "victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance". Ths festival of lights, i.e. "[74][h], Jain inscriptions, such as the 10th-century Saundatti inscription about a donation of oil to Jinendra worship for the Diwali rituals, speak of Dipotsava. The dates change each year because they are based on the Hindu lunar calendar, but it typically happens in October and November. Diwali festivities usually last for 5 days. Diwali is the Festival of Lights, observed by Indian communities around the world. Diwali Diwali (or Deepawali, Deepavali) is an ancient Hindu festival that is celebrated in autumn every year. Diwali was not a public holiday in Pakistan from 1947 to 2016. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. This year's festival begins on Oct. 22. More Topics [53][54], The five-day long festival originated in the Indian subcontinent and is likely a fusion of harvest festivals in ancient India. Diwali (Deepavali) Nov 27, 2023: Guru Nanak's Birthday: Dec 25, 2023: Christmas Day: Which are the other holidays in India? This time the revered festival of Diwali is to be held on the month of October 24, 2022. The word "avali" means row and "deepa . Diwali (English: /dwli/), Dewali, Divali,[3] or Deepavali (IAST: dpval), also known as the Festival of Lights,[4][5] related to Jain Diwali, Bandi Chhor Divas, Tihar, Swanti, Sohrai, and Bandna, is a religious[6] celebration in Indian religions. The dates of Diwali change every year as it dependent on the moon cycle. People will wear their best clothes and pray to Lakshmi as lamps are lit outside homes and temples. Although not a primary festival of Buddhism, Diwali is celebrated by some Buddhists as a commemoration of the day when Emperor Ashoka converted to Buddhism in the 3rd century BCE. Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of good fortune and prosperity, is the primary deity worshiped during Diwali. Diwali this year is a close-knit family affair. Where does Diwali get its name? The auspicious time to conduct Lakshmi Puja will begin at 6:09 pm and end at 8:04 pm, according to the Drik Panchang. [124], As the evening approaches, celebrants will wear new clothes or their best outfits, teenage girls and women, in particular, wear saris and jewelry. It's observed on the 15th day of Kartik, the holiest month in the Hindu lunar calendar. [56], Diwali was also described by numerous travelers from outside India. [20][45] The term is derived from the Sanskrit words dpa, "lamp, light, lantern, candle, that which glows, shines, illuminates or knowledge"[46] and vali, "a row, range, continuous line, series". [117] Some Hindus observe Yama Deepa on the second night before the main day of Diwali.[118][119]. [49] (According to Indologist Constance Jones, this night ends the lunar month of Ashwin and starts the month of Kartik[50] but see this note[c] and Amanta and Purnima systems.) [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 third day is the day of Lakshmi Puja and the darkest night of the traditional month. [29][30] Newar Buddhists in Nepalese valleys also celebrate the Diwali festival over five days, in much the same way, and on the same days, as the Nepalese Hindu Diwali-Tihar festival. Diwali 2023: 12 th of November, Sunday To learn more, visit ISA's Instagram. In 2022, Diwali will begin on October 22, and end on October 26. Sikhs historically referred to this festival as Diwali. Diwali Celebrations Dates in Different Regions Diwali 2023 (Deepavali 2023) is on Sunday, November 12th in India. amnta / primnta. [91] The telling of these myths are reminiscent of the Hindu belief that good ultimately triumphs over evil. https://www.learnreligions.com/when-is-diwali-1770209 (accessed March 4, 2023). 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. 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. The holiday overlaps with the Hindu New Year and as a result is associated with a chance to reset and start anew. It takes place on November 26 this year. [123], This day is commonly celebrated as Diwali in Tamil Nadu, Goa, and Karnataka. [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. [135][136] At dusk, lamps placed earlier in the inside and outside of the home are lit up to welcome 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. Earlier in the season's fortnight, some welcome the souls of their ancestors to join the family for the festivities with the Mahalaya. However, the focus of the Jain Diwali remains the dedication to Mahavira. When is Diwali? Diwali is known as the festival of lights in India. Small business owners give gifts or special bonus payments to their employees between Dhanteras and Lakshmi Pujan. This legend is remembered through the ritual of building small mountain-like miniatures from cow dung. Many participate in other socio-political events as a symbol of support for diversity and inclusiveness. The exact dates change each year because it follows the lunar calendar, but it is typically celebrated in October or November over a 5-day span: On day. The height of Diwali is celebrated on the third day coinciding with the darkest night of Ashvin or Kartika. [143], The last day of the festival, the second day of the bright fortnight of Kartik, is called Bhai Duj (literally "brother's day"[146]), Bhau Beej, Bhai Tilak or Bhai Phonta. This celebration lasts five days and takes place during the Hindu lunisolar month, Kartika. How is Diwali celebrated? [186], (federal) = federal holidays, (abbreviation) = state/territorial holidays, (religious) = religious holidays, (cultural) = holiday related to a specific racial/ethnic group or sexual minority, (week) = week-long holidays, (month) = month-long holidays, (36) = Title 36 Observances and Ceremonies. The Prayer Hymn (Aarti) for the Hindu Diwali Celebration, The Real Reason for the Hindu Raksha Bandhan Celebration, Hindu Calendar: Days, Months, Years and Epochs, Fasting, Praying, and Regular Hindu Rituals. The festival falls sometime between October and November. [47][b], The five-day celebration is observed every year in early autumn after the conclusion of the summer harvest. The women, in particular, adorn themselves in colourful attire and decorate their hands with henna. The lighting of the lamps celebrates the light of Mahaviras holy knowledge. Diwali is celebrated for five days, each with its own special significance. [21][22] Many towns organise community parades and fairs with parades or music and dance performances in parks. A variety of entertainments are usually available for inhabitants of the local community to enjoy. The celebration will include dancing, a fashion show and other performances, as well as free food. [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). Furthermore, when specifying the masa, one of two traditions are applicable, viz. The first day, November 2, is Dhanteras. Learn about Diwali, when it occurs, and common traditions! The day before Diwali is remembered as Naraka Chaturdasi, the day on which Narakasura was killed by Krishna. Answer (1 of 6): Hindus do not follow date system. The fifth day, called Bhai Dooj, Bhai Tika, or Bhai Bij, celebrates the bond 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. The legislation will come into effect next year, and Diwali will replace Anniversary Day, which is also known as Brooklyn-Queens Day, so that schools can still deliver the 180-day requirement of . 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. What are the 5 Diwali Days in 2022? The dates for Diwali change each year, as they are based on the Hindu lunisolar calendar. This year, Diwali 2022 begins on Monday, October 24, 2022 (24/10/2022), and finishes on Wednesday, October 26, 2022 (26/10/2022). The festival of Diwali commemorates the return of Lord Rama to his kingdom after defeating Ravana. Diwali is the biggest holiday of the year in India. Learn Religions. In 2019, Diwali started on October 25 as reported by The Fact. It coincides with the day of Kali Chaudas. The five day festival falls in the first week of Novmber. Here is everything you need to know about the festival and how it is celebrated. In India, while everyone celebrates Deepavali, people don't amass in public, but rather in small groups with their friends and families in homes, neighborhoods, and local temple communities. Traditionally, Marathi Hindus and South Indian Hindus receive an oil massage from the elders in the family on the day and then take a ritual bath, all before sunrise. Diwali is celebrated in the Hindu month of Kartik. On the Gregorian calendar, the festival falls between October and November. Indian Independence Day Independence Day is celebrated every year during August 15. Bhalla said the dates change each year based on the Hindu lunar calendar, but typically happens in October and November. The first day of Diwali is called Dhanvantari Triodasi or Dhanwantari Triodasi also called Dhan Theras. As the term "Festival of Lights" suggests, the celebration involves millions of lights illuminated from rooftops, doorways, and windows in thousands of temples and buildings all over the countries where the festival is observed. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. The fourth day, known as GoverdhanPuja,Balipratipada,or Annakut, commemorating Krishnas defeat of Indra, the king of the gods, is also the first day of Karttika and the start of the new year in the Vikrama (Hindu) calendar. The day of Diwali itself falls on November 4.. 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). Diwali or Deepawali, known as the "festival of lights," is usually celebrated in October or November, and is on October 24 this year. Some suggest he lived in the 5th-century BCE contemporaneously with the Buddha. 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. Major celebrations occur on the third day of the five-day long festival . Facts about Diwali 1) Diwali is an important religious festival originating in India. People illuminate their homes, temples and offices with diyas, candles and lanterns. This is believed to please Yama, the god of death, and to ward off untimely death. In South India the festival marks Krishnas defeat of the demon Narakasura. For Jains, it is a time to celebrate Lord Mahavira, the founder of Jainism, and the moment reached a state of enlightenment. [79] The festival formally begins two days before the night of Diwali, and ends two days thereafter. These lamps symbolize the light of inner spirituality that protects us from the spiritual darkness that threatens to engulf us. iStockphoto.com/SoumenNath What Do People Do? 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. According to the ancient calendar, Diwali is observed on Amavasya (or new moon) the 15th day of the month of Kartik, every year. [114], On the second day of Diwali, Hanuman Puja is performed in some parts of India especially in Gujarat. Diwali falls in either October or November each year, depending on the cycle of the moon. 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. "There were a hundred-plus of us at my cousin's house each year," she explains. A diya that is filled with sesame oil is lit at back of their homes facing in the southern direction. [92][12], Originally a Hindu festival, Diwali has transcended religious lines. 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. [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. When Is Diwali in 2021, 2022 and 2023? Das, Subhamoy. 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). In some months, a day needs to be dropped to correlate with a shorter lunar cycle. 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. In other regions, parents invite a newly married daughter, or son, together with their spouses to a festive meal and give them gifts. Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/when-is-diwali-1539426. Calendar Of Deepavali Holidays 2022.We present you with all the dates Diwali will have from 2022 till 2040. [110] Some regions of India start Diwali festivities the day before Dhanteras with Govatsa Dwadashi. This event is free and UCF students of all backgrounds are encouraged to attend. Some celebrate Diwali as a commemoration of the marriage of Lakshmi and Vishnu, while othersobserve it as the birthday of Lakshmi. The exact dates change each year but this year, Diwali falls on Monday 24 October. 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. The word Deepawali comes from the Sanskrit word deep, which means an Indian lantern/lamp. This year it was from November 5th-9th and in 2019 it will be October 25-29th. [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. [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. [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. [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". Diwali lasts five days, and the main celebrations are held on the third day of the festival. [98][99] This traditional belief of the origin of Diwali, and its significance to Jains, is reflected in their historic artworks such as paintings. Diwali falls in either October or November each year, depending on the cycle of the moon. [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. (The corresponding dates in the Gregorian calendar usually fall in late October and November.) [177][s], The use of fireworks also causes an increase in the number of burn injuries in India during Diwali. This is done via a bathing ritual called Abhyanga Snan. [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. Shopkeepers and small operations perform puja rituals in their office premises. On the third day, Lakshmi Puja, families seek blessings from Lakshmi to ensure their prosperity; light diyas, candles, and fireworks; andvisittemples. Cook, Sharell. 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. Diwali is observed as a Gazetted Holiday throughout the nation. . It is the main day of the Diwali festival. [43], The puja and rituals in the Bengali Hindu community focus on Kali, the goddess of war, instead of Lakshmi. Diwali is celebrated every year in either October or November, based on the lunar cycle. A Hindu devotee lights oil lamps at a temple during . Find out all about the history, traditions and significance of Diwali in this blogpost. The Hindu calendar is lunisolar but most festival dates are specified using the lunar portion of the calendar. It is commemorated on the 15th day of Kartik, the Hindu calendar's holiest month. Amavasya is thought of as the darkest night of the year and is holy to Hindus. As an auspicious occasion, many Hindus will make big purchases as it's believed that this will bring good luck. Das, Subhamoy. [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. Each day of Diwali is marked differently. [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. The 5 days of Diwali Major temples and homes are decorated with lights, festive foods shared with all, friends and relatives remembered and visited with gifts. The darkest night is the apex of the celebration and coincides with the second half of October or early November in the Gregorian calendar. The word "Deepavali" means "a row of lights" in Sanskrit, and its origins were likely as an ancient harvest festival. 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. [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. In 2022, Diwali falls on October 24th which is a new moon day or Amavasya. [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. "When Is Diwali (Deepavali)? When is Navaratri in 2021, 2022, and 2023? Spiritually, Diwali symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Some Muslims joined the Hindu community in celebrating Diwali in the Mughal era. Diwali is celebrated on the fifteenth day of the Hindu month of Kartika and, much like Easter, the date changes every year. Diwali, also known as Deepawali, is the Hindu festival of lights. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. [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. [162][q] ASSOCHAM, a trade organisation in India, forecasted that online shopping alone to be over 300 billion (US$3.8billion) over the 2017 Diwali season. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. In 2023, Diwali is on November 12. Patrice J. Williams is a travel and style content creator, fact-checker and author of the thrift shopping book. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. [140] It is regionally called Annakut (heap of grain), Padwa, Goverdhan puja, Bali Pratipada, Bali Padyami, Kartik Shukla Pratipada and other names. 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. According to Truschke, Aurangzeb did so because he found the festivals "distasteful" and also from "concerns with public safety" lurking in the background. [116][114] Women and children decorate doorways within homes and offices with rangolis, colourful designs made from rice flour, flower petals, colored rice or colored sand,[23] while the boys and men decorate the roofs and walls of family homes, markets, and temples and string up lights and lanterns. Most of the injuries sustained are Group I type burns (minor) requiring only outpatient care. [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".