Deepawali 2023: Significance, Tithi and Puja Vidhi!
The most awaited time of the year, for us, is Deepawali. Not only because of the long holidays but for religious significance as well. Diwali, a shortened version of the word “Deepavali,” finds its roots in the fusion of two words, “Deepa,” symbolising lamps or lanterns, and “Aavali,” denoting a series or rows. This Sanatan Hindu festival celebrated globally, transcends religious and socio-cultural distinctions, serving as a joyous symbol of the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. In 2023, Diwali, known as the festival of light is on 12th November. Let us tell you more about it.
Deepawali 2023 Significance
There are so many auspicious things which are associated with Diwali. Here are some of the well-known ones -
Devi Lakshmi’s Arrival
Diwali marks the sacred occasion when Devi Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, emerges from the depths of the boundless sea. As per scriptures, both Devas and Asuras demons were once mortal and sought immortality. They embarked on the Samudra Manthan or Amrit Manthan, to obtain the Amrit or the Nectar of immortality. During this cosmic event, various divine treasures materialised, including Devi Lakshmi, who later wed Bhagwan Vishnu. Diwali symbolises the triumph of light over darkness.
Also, as per texts, on this day, Bhagwan Vishnu made Raja Bali the king of Patal Lok. To celebrate the safety of Swarg Lok, Bhagwan Indra celebrated Diwali with happiness.
Bhagwan Shri Ram’s Victory
The most famous story associated with Diwali is the victory of Shri Ram. The epic tale of Ramayana narrates how Bhagwan Ram, an incarnation or avatar of Bhagwan Vishnu in the Treta Yuga, killed the demon king Ravana. After a fourteen-year exile, Bhagwan Ram returned to his homeland of Ayodhya with his wife Mata Sita and brother Lakshman. To celebrate the joyous return of their beloved king, people illuminate the darkest night with candles and fireworks.
The Pandavas’ Homecoming
Another epic, the Mahabharata, tells of the day when the Pandavas, having endured a twelve-year exile along with their wife Draupadi, reappeared in Hastinapur. To commemorate their return, people light earthen lamps as a traditional ritual.
Goddess Kali’s Victory
Kali, also known as Shyam Kali, has a significant place in Diwali celebrations. She was born from Goddess Durga’s forehead to protect the Earth from the increasing cruelty of evil forces. After a fierce battle with a demon, Kali went on a rampage, and Lord Shiva had to intervene to calm her down, symbolised when he lay beneath her.
Astrological Significance
Every festival has astrological significance in the Sanatan Hindu religion. It is believed that the direction of planets and special yoga on various festivals are auspicious for the human community. The time of Diwali is considered very auspicious for starting any work and purchasing any item. Actually, around Diwali, the Sun and Moon are situated in Swati Nakshatra in Libra. According to Vedic astrology, this position of the Sun and Moon is auspicious and gives good results. Libra is a zodiac sign with a balanced attitude. This zodiac sign represents justice and impartiality. Venus is the lord of Libra, which itself is the factor of harmony, brotherhood, mutual harmony and respect. Due to these qualities, the presence of both Sun and Moon in Libra is a pleasant and auspicious combination.
Deepawali 2023 Important Tithi
Deepawali begins on Dhanteras and ends on Bhaiya Dooj or Bhai Duj. Following is the detailed information about the dates for the specific occasion:
- Day 1 November 9, 2023, Govatsa Dwadashi (Cows and Calves are worshipped)
- Day 2 November 10, 2023, Dhantheran / Dhantrayodashi / Dhanteras, Shubh Timing – 06:02 PM to 08:00 PM
- Day 3 November 11, 2023, Kali Chaudas, Hanuman Puja, Bhoot Chaturdashi Shubh Timing – 11:39 PM to 12:32 AM
- Day 4 November 12, 2023, Narak Chaturdashi, Tamil Deepawali, Laxmi Puja, Chopda Puja, Sharda Puja, Kali Puja, Diwali Snan, Diwali Dev Puja; Shubh Timing – 05:40 PM to 07:36 PM
- Day 5 November 14, 2023 Govardhan/Annakut / Gujrati New Year, Shubh Timing – 06:18 AM to 08:36 AM
- Day 6 November 15, 2023 Bhai Dooj/ Yam Dwitiya, Shubh Timing – 01:17 PM to 03:30 PM
To know the specific timing for Puja as per local timings, you can chat with expert and pundits astrologers at NamoAstro. Please check Tithi properly and also consult a learned pandit for guidance.
Deepawali 2023 Puja Vidhi
There is a special tradition of Lakshmi Puja on Diwali. On this day, Devi Lakshmi and Bhagwan Ganesha are worshipped during the auspicious time in the evening and night. Along with them, there is also a tradition of worshipping Lord Kuber, Maa Kali and Devi Saraswati. According to the Puranas, on the night of Kartik Amavasya, Mahalakshmi herself comes to earth and visits every house. During this time, in a house that is clean and bright in every way, she resides in a partial form, hence on Diwali, by cleaning and worshipping her as per the rituals, one can receive her blessings. Along with Lakshmi Puja, Kuber Puja is also performed. These things should be kept in mind during worship.
- Before worshipping Lakshmi on the day of Diwali, clean the house and sprinkle Ganga water in the entire house for purification and purity of the environment. Also, make a series of rangoli and lamps at the entrance of the house.
- Place a stool at the place of worship spread a red cloth and place the idols of Lakshmi ji and Ganesh ji on it or put a picture of Lakshmi ji on the wall. Keep an urn filled with water near the post.
- Apply Tilak on the idols of Mata Lakshmi and Ganesh ji and light a lamp, offer water, molly, rice, fruits, jaggery, turmeric, abir-gulal, etc. and praise Mata Mahalakshmi.
- Along with this, worship Goddess Saraswati, Maa Kali, Lord Vishnu, and Kuber Dev as per the rituals.
- Mahalakshmi puja should be done by the entire family together.
- After worshipping Mahalakshmi, worship the safe, account books, and business equipment.
- After worship, give sweets and Dakshina to the needy people as per devotion.
To get a detailed explanation of the Puja, you can speak to expert pundits and astrologers at NamoAstro anytime. Remember, Diwali is the most significant occasion and you must do all the Vidhi correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is Diwali in 2023?
A: In 2023, Diwali will be celebrated on November 12, 2023. It is Sunday.
