Diwali is a festival of the Hindus in India. It usually falls in the month of October or November which completely depends on the moon’s cycle. Kartik is the holiest month in the lunar calendar of the Hindus and Diwali is celebrated on the 15th day of this month. In the Southern India, it is observed a day earlier.
- In 2021, November 4 is the day Diwali is going to be observed.
- In 2022, it will fall on October 24.
- In 2023, it is on November 12.
Some detailed information on Diwali 2021:
- Dhanteras (November 2, 2021): The first day is known as Dhanteras. If we break the word into two parts, we get ‘Dhan’ and ‘Teras’ which refer to wealth and the 13th day of the month Kartik. On this day, prosperity is celebrated. People buy gold and welcome Goddess Lakshmi. Cards are played and gambling is done. The incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Dhanvantari is also worshipped by Ayurvedic doctors because it is believed that he was the one who brought Ayurveda on this day to the mankind. Also, temples dedicated to Ayurveda and Dhanvantari are built in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
- Naraka Chaturdashi (November 4, 2021): The second day is celebrated as Chhoti Diwali or Naraka Chaturdasi. It is believed that demon Narakasura was destroyed by Lord Krishna and Goddess Kali on this day. Also, in Goa, dummies of demons are burnt in celebration.
- Diwali (November 4, 2021): The climax happens on the third day i.e. Diwali. It is the new moon day. The day is known as Amavasya. It is the darkest as well as the most significant day of Diwali and the Kartik month. People worship Goddess Lakshmi on this day in a special Puja which is performed in the evening. In states like West Bengal, Assam, and Odisha, Goddess Kali is worshipped too. Sometimes, Kali Puja falls a day earlier. It is totally dependent on the cycle of the moon.
- Govardhan Puja (November 5, 2021): Although this day has several meanings all across the country, most people celebrate it as Govardhan Puja. It is the day on which the God of thunder and rain, Indra was defeated by Lord Krishna. It is also celebrated as a new year in Gujarat. In states like Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, this day is celebrated as Bali Padyami or Bali Pratipada to celebrate the triumph of Lord Vishnu over the demon, King Bali.
- Bhai Dooj (November 6, 2021): Bhai Dooj is a festival which is dedicated to brothers and sisters and falls on the fifth day of Diwali. It is quite similar to Raksha Bandhan except in Bhai Dooj, sisters do not tie rakhis on the wrists of their brothers. They share promises in honor of their bond and enjoy good food.
Diwali is such a grand festival that it is pretty normal to plan things up in advance. It is the favorite festival of a huge population of India and around the world. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning up for the upcoming festive days as soon as possible.
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