Diwali Puja Calendar 2023: Diwali, also known as Deepawali, is one of the most significant and widely celebrated festivals in India. It is a five-day festival that symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. The festival holds immense cultural and religious importance in Hinduism, and it is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy across the country. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the Diwali Puja Calendar for 2023, providing you with all the essential information you need to celebrate this auspicious occasion.
Understanding Significance Of Diwali:
Diwali, which falls on the 15th day of the month of Kartik (according to the Hindu lunar calendar), holds deep spiritual and historical significance. It commemorates the return of Lord Rama, along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, to Ayodhya after their 14-year exile and the defeat of the demon king Ravana. The festival signifies the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil.
During Diwali, devotees worship various deities, with Goddess Lakshmi being the most prominent one. Lakshmi Puja, also known as the Diwali Puja, is performed to seek blessings for wealth, prosperity, and well-being. The festival also involves the worship of Lord Ganesha, Goddess Saraswati, Lord Kubera, and other deities, depending on regional customs and traditions.
Five Days Of Diwali – Diwali Puja Calendar 2023:
Diwali is celebrated over a period of five days, each day having its own unique rituals and significance. Let’s delve into the details of each day:
Dhanteras (Friday, November 10, 2023):
Dhanteras marks the beginning of the Diwali festivities. It is also known as Dhanatrayodashi or Dhanvantari Trayodashi. On this day, people worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera, the gods of wealth and prosperity. It is considered auspicious to buy new items, especially gold and silver, as it is believed to bring good fortune. The Dhanteras Puja Muhurat for 2023 starts at 5:27 PM and ends at 7:27 PM.
Chhoti Diwali Or Naraka Chaturdashi (Saturday, November 11, 2023):
Chhoti Diwali, also known as Naraka Chaturdashi, is celebrated on the second day of Diwali. It commemorates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura. On this day, people actively take an oil bath before sunrise, believing it cleanses the body and wards off evil. In the evening, they actively perform a ritual called Deepdan, lighting oil lamps to drive away darkness. The Abhyang Snan Muhurat (auspicious time for the oil bath) starts at 5:09 AM and ends at 6:26 AM.
Diwali (Sunday, November 12, 2023):
Diwali, the main day of the festival, is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm. It is the day when Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped, and homes are adorned with beautiful decorations, rangolis (intricate patterns made with colored powders), and diyas (oil lamps). In the evening, families gather for the Lakshmi Puja, seeking blessings for wealth and prosperity. The Lakshmi Puja Muhurat for 2023 begins at 5:19 PM and ends at 7:19 PM.
Govardhan Puja (Monday, November 13, 2023):
People observe Govardhan Puja actively on the fourth day of Diwali. It commemorates Lord Krishna’s act of lifting the Govardhan Hill to protect the people of Vrindavan from Lord Indra’s wrath. On this day, devotees prepare and offer a variety of vegetarian delicacies to Lord Krishna, symbolizing the mountain of food. The Govardhan Puja Muhurat for 2023 starts at 12:38 PM and ends at 2:53 PM.Â
Bhai Dooj (Tuesday, November 14, 2023):
People celebrate Bhai Dooj, also known as Bhau Beej, actively on the fifth and final day of Diwali. It celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters apply tilak (a mark made with vermillion) on their brothers’ foreheads and perform aarti (a ritual of offering light) to express their love and affection. In return, brothers give gifts to their sisters as a token of appreciation. The Bhai Dooj Aparahna Time for 2023 starts at 1:10 PM and ends at 3:19 PM.
Diwali Puja Timings And Rituals:
The auspicious time to perform the Diwali Puja is during the Pradosh Kaal, which is the time after sunset. The Pradosh Kaal for Diwali in 2023 is from 5:08 PM to 7:41 PM. People believe that performing the puja during this time actively brings maximum blessings and positive energy. The puja involves various rituals, including:
- Cleaning and decorating the house: Before the puja, it is customary to clean the house thoroughly and decorate it with flowers, rangolis, and diyas to welcome the deities.
- Worshipping deities and idols: Devotees offer prayers and perform aarti to Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, and other deities. They chant mantras and seek blessings for prosperity, happiness, and success.
- Lighting diyas and lamps: Lighting diyas and lamps are an integral part of Diwali celebrations. Believers actively consider it a practice to dispel darkness and invite positive energy into their homes.
- Offering sweets and delicacies:Â People prepare and offer special sweets and delicacies, such as laddoos, kheer, and poha, as prasad (divine offering) to the deities.
- Exchanging gifts: Diwali is a time for giving and receiving gifts. Families and friends exchange sweets, dry fruits, and other presents as a gesture of love and goodwill.
Regional Variations In Diwali Celebrations – Diwali Puja Calendar 2023:
While the essence of Diwali remains the same across the country, there are regional variations in customs and traditions. Let’s explore some of the unique Diwali celebrations in different parts of India:
Diwali in North India:
In North India, people actively celebrate Diwali with great enthusiasm and grandeur. They mark the festival with elaborate fireworks, cultural performances, and the lighting of numerous diyas and candles. People adorn their homes with vibrant decorations and create stunning rangolis. The exchange of gifts and sweets is a common practice, and families come together to enjoy festive meals.
Diwali in South India
In South India, people actively celebrate Diwali, placing a focus on worshiping Goddess Lakshmi. They beautifully decorate their homes with kolams (intricate patterns made with rice flour) and oil lamps. People wear new clothes, visit temples, and offer special prayers. The highlight of the celebrations is the bursting of firecrackers and relishing traditional sweets like murukku and laddoos.
West India – Diwali:
In West India, people celebrate Diwali as the triumph of Lord Krishna over the demon king Narakasura. They actively commemorate the festival, highlighting the victory of good over evil. The festival begins with Dhanteras, followed by Kali Chaudas, Diwali, and Bhai Dooj. People decorate their houses with colorful lanterns and create elaborate rangolis. The festivities are accompanied by music, dance, and the exchange of sweets and gifts.
Diwali in East India:
People in East India celebrate Diwali as Kali Puja, dedicating it to Goddess Kali. They mark the festival with grand processions, carrying idols of Goddess Kali through the streets. Devotees perform elaborate rituals and aarti ceremonies actively to seek the blessings of the goddess. Fireworks and cultural performances add to the festive spirit.
Conclusion – Diwali Puja Calendar 2023:
Diwali Puja Calendar 2023 provides you with the complete schedule and rituals of this joyous festival. As you prepare to celebrate Diwali, remember to embrace the spirit of unity, love, and compassion. May the festival of lights bring prosperity, happiness, and peace to your life. Wishing you a joyous and blessed Diwali!
“May the divine light of Diwali bring peace, prosperity, and happiness to your life.”
