Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is a widely celebrated festival among Hindus around the world. The festival represents the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil, holding deep cultural and spiritual significance.
In 2023, Diwali will take place on Sunday, November 12th, and will last for five days, with the main day of celebration occurring on the third day. The festival is typically celebrated on the fifteenth day of the dark fortnight of the Hindu lunar month of Kartika.
The historical and cultural significance of Diwali is captured in the legends associated with it. One of the most well-known legends is the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana in Lanka, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. Another legend is the association of Diwali with the Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, who is believed to visit homes on the night of Diwali to bless them.
For Jains, Diwali marks the spiritual awakening of Lord Mahavira, while Sikhs celebrate it as Bandi Chhor Divas to mark the release of Guru Hargobind Ji from imprisonment.
Diwali puja, or prayer, is a central component of the celebration and is traditionally performed in the evening of Diwali. In 2023, Diwali puja must be performed during the Pradosh Kaal Muhurat between 5:28 PM and 8:07 PM on November 12.
To perform Diwali puja at home, it is customary to clean the home, draw rangoli patterns, and decorate the space. The main puja involves offering prayers and hymns to Goddess Lakshmi, with the hope of receiving her blessings for the household. The puja is concluded with the waving of a camphor light in front of the deities.
Diwali is a time of celebration, marked wearing new clothes, enjoying a variety of sweets and snacks, and participating in fireworks and crackers.
In conclusion, Diwali is a highly anticipated and exciting festival for Hindus, offering the opportunity to celebrate with loved ones and invite health, wealth, prosperity, and happiness into their households. It is a time to cherish the bonds with family, friends, and relatives.