5 Days of Diwali 2023
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India and among the Indian people worldwide. This festival of lights is not just a one-day affair but a five-day extravaganza, each day holding its unique significance and rituals. In 2023, Diwali falls on November 12th, and the five days of Diwali celebrations will commence on November 10th. Let’s explore the information about the 5 days of Diwali 2023 and delve into the importance of each day and the customs and traditions associated with them.
Also Read: Diwali 2023: Date, History & Why Do We Celebrate
Day 1: Dhanteras
The first day of Diwali celebrations is known as Dhanteras. It typically falls on the 13th day of the dark fortnight of the Hindu lunar month of Kartik. Dhanteras is dedicated to the worship of Lord Dhanvantari, the god of Ayurveda, and Lord Kubera, the god of wealth.
Dhanteras Importance
- Dhanteras marks the beginning of 5 days of Diwali 2023 and is considered an auspicious day for buying gold, silver, and utensils.
- People believe that purchasing these items on Dhanteras brings prosperity and good luck to their homes.
- Lighting oil lamps, diyas, and offering prayers to Lord Dhanvantari is a common ritual on this day, seeking good health and well-being.
Dhanteras Traditions
- Cleaning and decorating homes to welcome Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth.
- Lighting oil lamps and offering prayers to Lord Kubera.
- Drawing colorful rangoli designs at the entrance to invite good fortune.
- Many people also perform an aarti (prayer) and light sparklers to celebrate the occasion.
Also Read: How Diwali is Celebrated in Different Parts of India
Day 2: Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali)
The second day of Diwali celebrations is known as Naraka Chaturdashi, often referred to as Choti Diwali. It falls on the 14th day of the dark fortnight of Kartik. This day signifies the triumph of good over evil and the slaying of the demon Narakasura by Lord Krishna.
Naraka Chaturdashi Importance
- Naraka Chaturdashi the second day of 5 days of Diwali 2023 is celebrated with the belief that it symbolizes the destruction of evil forces and the victory of righteousness.
- This day is associated with a sense of cleansing, both physically and spiritually, as people take oil baths and cleanse themselves thoroughly.
Naraka Chaturdashi Traditions:
- An oil bath is a prominent ritual on this day, signifying the removal of impurities and negative energies.
- Early in the morning, people light oil lamps and burst crackers to celebrate the vanquishing of Narakasura.
- In some regions, a traditional head massage with oil is also practiced to promote well-being.
- Temples and homes are decorated with flowers and garlands, and people offer prayers to Lord Krishna and seek his blessings for a prosperous life.
Day 3: Diwali (Main Festival)
The third day of Diwali is the main festival of lights celebrated with great enthusiasm and grandeur. This day coincides with the new moon night of the Hindu lunar month Kartik.
Diwali Importance
- The 3rd day of 5 days of Diwali 2023 is Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is the most significant and widely celebrated day of the festival.
- It symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and the triumph of good over evil.
- The day holds immense spiritual significance, and people pray to Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, and other deities for wealth, prosperity, and happiness.
Diwali Traditions
- The day begins with an oil bath, symbolizing the purification of the body and soul.
- Lighting a multitude of oil lamps, diyas, and candles is the hallmark of Diwali, signifying the dispelling of darkness.
- Bursting fireworks and firecrackers is a common tradition to celebrate the victory of light.
- The exchange of gifts, sweets, and good wishes among friends and family is an integral part of the celebrations.
- Temples are adorned with flowers, and grand aartis are performed to invoke the blessings of the deities.
- Many people also conduct Lakshmi puja (worship) in their homes to seek the goddess’s favor.
Day 4: Govardhan Puja
The fourth day of Diwali is known as Govardhan Puja and Annakut, which is celebrated as a memorial of Lord Krishna’s lifting of the Govardhan Hill to protect the people of Vrindavan from Indra’s wrath.
Govardhan Puja Importance
- The 4th day of 5 days of Diwali 2023 is Govardhan Puja which highlights the significance of nature, agriculture, and the need to protect the environment.
- It is a day when people express their gratitude to the mountains, forests, and the bounties of nature.
Govardhan Puja Traditions
- Devotees create a Govardhan Puja out of cow dung or other natural materials to symbolize the Govardhan Hill.
- Offerings of a wide variety of vegetarian dishes are made to the puja as a mark of appreciation for the Earth’s abundance.
- In some regions, processions and cultural performances are organized to celebrate the occasion.
- Many people visit temples and participate in the Annakut ceremony, where a mountain of food is offered to the deities.
Day 5: Bhai Dooj
The fifth and final day of Diwali is known as Bhai Dooj, also referred to as Bhai Tika, Bhau Beej, or Yama Dwitiya. It is a day to celebrate the bond between brothers and sisters, and it falls on the second day of the bright fortnight of Kartik.
Bhai Dooj Importance
- The final day of 5 days of Diwali 2023 is Bhai Dooj a day to honor the love and affection shared between siblings.
- Sisters pray for the well-being and longevity of their brothers, and brothers, in turn, offer gifts and blessings to their sisters.
Bhai Dooj Traditions
- Sisters apply tilak (a mark) on their brothers’ foreheads and perform aarti.
- Brothers give gifts and tokens of their love to their sisters.
- Families come together to celebrate and share a special meal.
- In some regions, the day is also associated with the legend of Yama, the god of death, and his sister, Yamuna, and people pray for their brothers’ protection.
5 Days of Diwali Dates 2023
The dates for the 5 days of Diwali 2023 are as follows:
- Dhanteras: 10th November 2023 (Friday)
- Naraka Chaturdashi / Choti Diwali: 11th November 2023 (Saturday)
- Diwali / Deepavali: 12th November 2023 (Sunday)
- Govardhan Puja / Annakut: 14th November 2023 (Tuesday)
- Bhai Dooj / Yama Dwitiya: 15th November 2023 (Wednesday)
5 days of Diwali 2023 festivities, is a time for joy, togetherness, and spiritual reflection. 5 days of Diwali names holds a unique significance, ranging from prosperity and the triumph of good over evil to nature’s appreciation and sibling love. As the world gets ready to celebrate Diwali in 2023, it’s essential to understand the importance of each day and participate in the traditions and rituals that make this festival a truly magical and spiritually enriching experience. May the festival of lights bring joy, prosperity, and happiness to all!
FAQ’s
What is the importance of the 5th day of Diwali?
The fifth day of the 5 days of Diwali 2023 is known as “Bhai Dooj” or “Bhai Tika.” It holds significance as a day to celebrate the bond between brothers and sisters. On this day, sisters pray for the well-being and longevity of their brothers, and brothers offer gifts and blessings to their sisters. It symbolizes the love and affection shared between siblings, much like Raksha Bandhan.
Which is the first day of Diwali dedicated to?
The first day of 5 days of Diwali 2023 is called “Dhanteras.” It is dedicated to the worship of Lord Dhanvantari, the god of Ayurveda, and Lord Kubera, the god of wealth. People perform rituals to seek prosperity and good health. It is also a day associated with buying gold, silver, and utensils as a sign of good fortune.
What are the 5 days of Diwali in 2023?
In 2023, Diwali falls on November 6th, and the 5 days of Diwali 2023 celebrations are as follows:
- Day 1 (November 10, 2023): Dhanteras
- Day 2 (November 11, 2023): Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali)
- Day 3 (November 12, 2023): Diwali (Main Festival)
- Day 4 (November 14, 2023): Govardhan Puja
- Day 5 (November 15, 2023): Bhai Dooj
The 5 days of Diwali 2023 hold their unique cultural and spiritual significance and are celebrated with various rituals and customs.
