Diwali falls on the 15th day of the Hindu month of Kartik, which is the new moon day of the first month of the lunar year. [107] According to some observers, this traditional celebration by Newar Buddhists in Nepal, through the worship of Lakshmi and Vishnu during Diwali, is not syncretism but rather a reflection of the freedom within Mahayana Buddhist tradition to worship any deity for their worldly betterment.[29]. [162][q] ASSOCHAM, a trade organisation in India, forecasted that online shopping alone to be over 300 billion (US$3.8billion) over the 2017 Diwali season. Most of the injuries sustained are Group I type burns (minor) requiring only outpatient care. Every year it is celebrated on the darkest night of the Hindu month Kartika. In Bengal the goddess Kali is worshipped. Diwali, also spelled Divali, is one of the major religious festivals in Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism. each day of the five-day Diwali comes with a different set of traditions. The one festival in India that is celebrated above the caste & religion that is Diwali. Many light diyas and keep them burning throughout the night. Some 200,000 New Yorkers celebrate Diwali each year, per state Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar . Shopkeepers and small operations perform puja rituals in their office premises. According to a Government of Himachal Pradesh and India publication, the Vishvakarma puja is observed on the fourth day of Diwali in the Himalayan state. Sanskrit inscriptions in stone and copper mentioning Diwali, occasionally alongside terms such as Dipotsava, Dipavali, Divali and Divalige, have been discovered at numerous sites across India. To produce colors when crackers are burst, carcinogenic and poisonous elements are used. Das, Subhamoy. [174][175] Barack Obama became the first president to personally attend Diwali at the White House in 2009. Diwali will become a public school holiday in New York City starting next year, Mayor Eric Adams (D) announced Thursday.. Why it matters: Diwali, a celebration of light over darkness that starts on Oct. 24 this year, is one of the most sacred holidays observed by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists. [48] The festivities begin two days before amvasy, on Dhanteras, and extend two days after, until the second (or 17th) day of the month of Kartik. In 2022, Diwali is on October 24. iStock.com/triloks What Do People Do? Traditionally, Marathi Hindus and South Indian Hindus receive an oil massage from the elders in the family on the day and then take a ritual bath, all before sunrise. The fifth day, called Bhai Dooj, Bhai Tika, or Bhai Bij, celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Diwali is observed as a Gazetted Holiday throughout the nation. To learn more, visit ISA's Instagram. It is one of the most important festivals within Hinduism [7] [8] where it generally lasts five days (or six in some regions of India), and is celebrated during the Hindu lunisolar months of Ashvin (according to the amanta tradition) and Kartika (between mid- October and mid- November ). [126] Family members light up firecrackers, which some interpret as a way to ward off all evil spirits and the inauspicious, as well as add to the festive mood. Diwali is known as the festival of lights in India. In 2021, Diwali is on November 4. Omissions? [29][30] Newar Buddhists in Nepalese valleys also celebrate the Diwali festival over five days, in much the same way, and on the same days, as the Nepalese Hindu Diwali-Tihar festival. But when Diwali occurs in the calendar changes every year. The festival typically lasts for four to five days and coincides with the new moon on the Hindu lunisolar calendar,. Kartik overlaps with October and November. Diwali is typically a four- or five-day event, starting two days before the new moon and extending two days afterward. A lunar year varies in length, each month containing approximately 29.5 days (354 days) depending on the moon's movement with respect to the earth. This legend is remembered through the ritual of building small mountain-like miniatures from cow dung. The Diwali-related inscription is the 4th inscription and it includes the year Vikrama Era 1268 (c. 1211 CE). [23][140] According to one tradition, the day is associated with the story of Bali's defeat at the hands of Vishnu. They follow thithi which is based on the movement of planets and Sun. Each day has a special significance as follows. In 2022, the five days of Diwali begin on October 22, with the most important festival date taking place on October 24. The dates of Diwali change every year, though the five day festival generally falls between late October and early November. [101] According to J.S. This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Diwali-Hindu-festival, Diwali - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11), Diwali - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up). The Vishwakarma puja day is alternatively observed in other Hindu communities in accordance with the Hindu solar calendar, and this falls in September. A variety of entertainments are usually available for inhabitants of the local community to enjoy. Sometimes these are wrapped with edible silver foil (vark). The day of Diwali itself falls on November 4.. Forget bitterness. Large government-sponsored festivals are held in London, Sydney, Toronto, and Edinburgh, and they are often a showcase for Indian culture, music, dance, fashion, food, crafts, and fireworks. [43][55], Emperor Harsha refers to Deepavali, in the 7th-century Sanskrit play Nagananda, as Dpapratipadotsava (dpa = light, pratipad = first day, utsava = festival), where lamps were lit and newly engaged brides and grooms received gifts. Diwali, also spelled Divali, one of the major religious festivals in Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism, lasting for five days from the 13th day of the dark half of the lunar month Ashvina to the second day of the light half of the lunar month Karttika. The holiday overlaps with the Hindu New Year and as a result is associated with a chance to reset and start anew. Guru Amar Das, the third Guru of the Sikhs, built a well in Goindwal with eighty-four steps and invited Sikhs to bathe in its sacred waters on Baisakhi and Diwali as a form of community bonding. In other regions, parents invite a newly married daughter, or son, together with their spouses to a festive meal and give them gifts. [143] In Gujarat, Annakut is the first day of the new year and celebrated through the purchase of essentials, or sabras (literally, "good things in life"), such as salt, offering prayers to Krishna and visiting temples. The festival isn't celebrated in Kerala though. It's the holiday season and Diwali is around the corner. [173], Diwali was first celebrated in the White House by George W. Bush in 2003 and its religious and historical significance was officially recognized by the United States Congress in 2007. [143][147], The day celebrates the sibling bond between brother and sister. "Deepawali" and "Dipawali" redirect here. The Hindu calendar is lunisolar but most festival dates are specified using the lunar portion of the calendar. It is well preserved on the north wall of the second. The five day festival falls in the first week of Novmber. Make sure you check the dates online if you plan on visiting India during Diwali. [43][82] Along with Lakshmi, who is representative of Vaishnavism, Ganesha, the elephant-headed son of Parvati and Shiva of Shaivism tradition, is remembered as one who symbolises ethical beginnings and the remover of obstacles. A variety of sweets are prepared using flour, semolina, rice, chickpea flour, dry fruit pieces powders or paste, milk solids (mawa or khoya) and clarified butter (ghee). The 5 days of Diwali This is why dates change every year. Diwali celebrates Rama's eventual defeat of the evil spirit Ravana, and his triumphant return to his home. Diwali this year is a close-knit family affair. [80], Per another popular tradition, in the Dvapara Yuga period, Krishna, an avatar of Vishnu, killed the demon Narakasura, who was the evil king of Pragjyotishapura, near present-day Assam, and released 16000 girls held captive by Narakasura. [124] Many visit their favourite Hindu temple. Today it is the "festival of lights," attached to various mythological stories, particularly tales about Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. Each day of Diwali is marked differently. [124], As the evening approaches, celebrants will wear new clothes or their best outfits, teenage girls and women, in particular, wear saris and jewelry. Hence Deepavali has been . The third day is the day of Lakshmi Puja and the darkest night of the traditional month. As the term "Festival of Lights" suggests, the celebration involves millions of lights illuminated from rooftops, doorways, and windows in thousands of temples and buildings all over the countries where the festival is observed. The lighting of the lamps celebrates the light of Mahaviras holy knowledge. [115][144][145], The agricultural symbolism is also observed on this day by many Hindus as Annakut, literally "mountain of food". Cook, Sharell. Diwali is one of the most widely celebrated religious festivals worldwide, it takes place every year between October and November and it commemorates the spiritual victory of light over darkness. This event is free and UCF students of all backgrounds are encouraged to attend. Diwali is also known as the 'Festival of Light' because it is celebrated using lights, fireworks and lanterns in private homes and public places. Lasting over five days, the holiday is celebrated by millions of Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs worldwide. Diwali 2021: What the holiday . What makes Dev Deepawali different from Diwali? Diwali is the Indian "festival of lights"a holiday that celebrates the triumph of good over evil. Learn Religions. For Jains, it is a time to celebrate Lord Mahavira, the founder of Jainism, and the moment reached a state of enlightenment. The festival usually falls between mid-October and mid-November. It's a one-day celebration, known as Deepavali, that usually falls a day before the main Diwali date but sometimes occurs on the same day (when the lunar days overlap). Diwali as a new-moon day, marks the last day of a 15-day period. The name of this festival is derived from 'avali,' which means 'row,' and 'deepa,' meaning "clay lamps." "There were a hundred-plus of us at my cousin's house each year," she explains. [64][65][d][e], Publications from the British colonial era also made mention of Diwali, such as the note on Hindu festivals published in 1799 by Sir William Jones, a philologist known for his early observations on Sanskrit and Indo-European languages. Every autumn, the observance sees millions of people attend. It's celebrated across five days with the day of Diwali observed on the new moon or Amavasya. The second day is Naraka Chaturdashi. [20], The festival is an annual homecoming and bonding period not only for families,[17][18] but also for communities and associations, particularly those in urban areas, which will organise activities, events and gatherings. When is Diwali? [12] According to Goldstein, these are then shaped into various forms, such as laddus, barfis, halwa, kachoris, shrikhand, and sandesh, rolled and stuffed delicacies, such as karanji, shankarpali, maladu, susiyam, pottukadalai. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. A few, notably the Mughal emperor Akbar, welcomed and participated in the festivities,[62][63] whereas others banned such festivals as Diwali and Holi, as Aurangzeb did in 1665. Diwali (English: /dwli/), Dewali, Divali,[3] or Deepavali (IAST: dpval), also known as the Festival of Lights,[4][5] related to Jain Diwali, Bandi Chhor Divas, Tihar, Swanti, Sohrai, and Bandna, is a religious[6] celebration in Indian religions. [114], According to Tracy Pintchman, Dhanteras is a symbol of annual renewal, cleansing and an auspicious beginning for the next year. Join half a million readers enjoying Newsweek's free newsletters. Diwali is an important festival in Jainism. [167] In 2020, the INDF ETF was launched to mark the start of Diwali. It is believed that spirits roam around on the night of Kali Chaudas, and Hanuman, who is the deity of strength, power, and protection, is worshipped to seek protection from the spirits. According to Truschke, Aurangzeb did so because he found the festivals "distasteful" and also from "concerns with public safety" lurking in the background. The Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue was founded as Secretariat for non-Christians by Pope Paul VI. Also known as the festival of lights, it's celebrated by Sikhs, Hindus, Jains and some Buddhists. [114][43][82] On the evening of Dhanteras, families offer prayers (puja) to Lakshmi and Ganesha, and lay offerings of puffed rice, candy toys, rice cakes and batashas (hollow sugar cakes). [73] According to Lorenz Franz Kielhorn, a German Indologist known for translating many Indic inscriptions, this festival is mentioned as Dipotsavam in verses 6 and 7 of the Ranganatha temple Sanskrit inscription of the 13th-century Kerala Hindu king Ravivarman Samgramadhira. On this day, Lord Dhanwantari came out of the ocean with Ayurvedic for mankind. Dates for 2020 to 2025. The height of Diwali is celebrated on the third day coinciding with the darkest night of Ashvin or Kartika. Diwali is one of the major religious festivals in Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism. Dates for 2020 to 2025." Diwali usually falls in October or November. [134], On the night of Diwali, rituals across much of India are dedicated to Lakshmi to welcome her into their cleaned homes and bring prosperity and happiness for the coming year. The festival of Diwali commemorates the return of Lord Rama to his kingdom after defeating Ravana. Diwali is celebrated in the Hindu month of Kartik. [102] The festival of Diwali, according to Ray Colledge, highlights three events in Sikh history: the founding of the city of Amritsar in 1577, the release of Guru Hargobind from the Mughal prison, and the day of Bhai Mani Singh's martyrdom in 1738 as a result of his failure to pay a fine for trying to celebrate Diwali and thereafter refusing to convert to Islam. When Is Diwali (Deepavali)? [116] Some communities, particularly those active in Ayurvedic and health-related professions, pray or perform havan rituals to Dhanvantari on Dhanteras. Ritually, in honour of Lakshmi, the female player always wins. [28][29][30], Diwali is also a major cultural event for the Hindu, Sikh, and Jain diaspora. [110] Some regions of India start Diwali festivities the day before Dhanteras with Govatsa Dwadashi. "When Is Diwali (Deepavali)? "When Is Diwali in 2021, 2022 and 2023?" [79], Hindus of eastern India associate the festival with the Goddess Kali, who symbolises the victory of good over evil. This year, Diwali will be on Thursday, Nov. 4. Some celebrate Diwali as a commemoration of the marriage of Lakshmi and Vishnu, while othersobserve it as the birthday of Lakshmi. Dhan-trayodashi or Dhan teras: Dhan means "wealth" and Trayodashi means "thirteenth day." Thus, as the name . For example, the Singaporean government, in association with the Hindu Endowment Board of Singapore, organises many cultural events during Diwali every year. Calendar Of Deepavali Holidays 2022.We present you with all the dates Diwali will have from 2022 till 2040. A diya that is filled with sesame oil is lit at back of their homes facing in the southern direction. Diwali Diwali (or Deepawali, Deepavali) is an ancient Hindu festival that is celebrated in autumn every year. It's observed on the 15th day of Kartik, the holiest month in the Hindu lunar calendar. [112][113], Rituals and preparations for Diwali begin days or weeks in advance, typically after the festival of Dusshera that precedes Diwali by about 20 days. In the diaspora, all the countries in the world outside of the Indian subcontinent where Indian people have settled, Diwali is considered a public celebration open to Hindus and anyone else. This year's festival begins on Oct. 22. The Lacshmipuja dipanwita, remarked Jones, was a "great festival at night, in honour of Lakshmi, with illuminations on trees and houses".[68][f]. They celebrate by lighting lamps, decorating temples and monasteries, and worshipping the Buddha. [120] The term "chhoti" means little, while "Naraka" means hell and "Chaturdashi" means "fourteenth". Among Hindus the most widespread customis the lighting of diyas (small earthenware lamps filled with oil) on the night of the new moon to invite the presence of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. * [70][71][g] Examples include a 10th-century Rashtrakuta empire copper plate inscription of Krishna III (939967 CE) that mentions Dipotsava,[72] and a 12th-century mixed Sanskrit-Kannada Sinda inscription discovered in the Isvara temple of Dharwad in Karnataka where the inscription refers to the festival as a "sacred occasion". The final day is Bhai Dooj and similarly, celebrates the bonds between brothers and sisters. The word "Deepavali" means "a row of lights" in Sanskrit, and its origins were likely as an ancient harvest festival. It is an official holiday in a dozen countries, while the other festive days are regionally observed as either public or optional restricted holidays in India. [50] It is mentioned in mentioned in early Sanskrit texts, such as the Padma Purana and the Skanda Purana, both of which were completed in the second half of the 1st millennium CE. [49] (According to Indologist Constance Jones, this night ends the lunar month of Ashwin and starts the month of Kartik[50] but see this note[c] and Amanta and Purnima systems.) While Diwali spans five days, the holiday reaches its peak on day three this year, falling on Oct. 24, 2022. [19] Diwali is also marked with fireworks and the decoration of floors with rangoli designs, and other parts of the house with jhalars. Diwali (Deepavali) Nov 27, 2023: Guru Nanak's Birthday: Dec 25, 2023: Christmas Day: Which are the other holidays in India? Goddess of Wealth, Lakshmi Devi is worshipped on this day and it is customary to purchase precious articles. [12] Chhoti Diwali is also a day for visiting friends, business associates and relatives, and exchanging gifts. In 2022, Diwali is on Monday 24 October. [159][160] According to Rao, Diwali is one of the major festivals where rural Indians spend a significant portion of their annual income, and is a means for them to renew their relationships and social networks. The meaning of Diwaliand its many legends Diwali is so widely. People illuminate their homes, temples and offices with diyas, candles and lanterns. The course of the five days includes cleaning . [135][61] While the cleaning, or painting, of the home is in part for goddess Lakshmi, it also signifies the ritual "reenactment of the cleansing, purifying action of the monsoon rains" that would have concluded in most of the Indian subcontinent. Amavasya is thought of as the darkest night of the year and is holy to Hindus. In North India the festival also celebrates the royal homecoming of Rama (along with Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman) to the city of Ayodhya after defeating Ravana, the 10-headed king of the demons, thus connecting the festival with the holiday of Dussehra. [109][133] According to Rachel Fell McDermott, a scholar of South Asian, particular Bengali, studies, in Bengal during Navaratri (Dussehra elsewhere in India) the Durga puja is the main focus, although in the eastern and north eastern states the two are synonymous, but on Diwali the focus is on the puja dedicated to Kali. This is done via a bathing ritual called Abhyanga Snan. Diwali is observed on the day of Amavasya or the new moon and marks the start of the Hindu New Year. Subhadra welcomes him with a tilaka on his forehead. Since the 18th century, Diwali has been celebrated in Sikhism as the time of Guru Hargobinds return to Amritsar from captivity in Gwalioran echo of Ramas return to Ayodhya. The five days are as follows:. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. Residents of Amritsar lit lamps throughout the city to celebrate the occasion. [186], (federal) = federal holidays, (abbreviation) = state/territorial holidays, (religious) = religious holidays, (cultural) = holiday related to a specific racial/ethnic group or sexual minority, (week) = week-long holidays, (month) = month-long holidays, (36) = Title 36 Observances and Ceremonies. This year, Diwali begins on Monday 24 October on the Gregorian calendar. Updates? Diwali, also spelled Divali, one of the major religious festivals in Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism, lasting for five days from the 13th day of the dark half of the lunar month Ashvina to the second day of the light half of the lunar month Karttika. According to Audrey Truschke, the Sunni Muslim emperor Aurangzeb did limit "public observation" of many religious holidays such as Hindu Diwali and Holi, but also of Shia observance of Muharram and the Persian holiday of Nauruz.