Diwali 2023, also known as Deepawali, the grandest Hindu festival, is just around the corner, and preparations are in full swing. Celebrated on the 15th day of the Kartik month according to the Hindu lunar calendar, this year Diwali falls on Sunday, November 12. Diwali, the "Festival of Lights," symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. According to Hindu mythology, it marks the return of Lord Ram, Mata Sita, and Lakshman to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and their victory over the demon king Ravana.

This five-day festival, celebrated with joy and enthusiasm, holds immense cultural and spiritual significance in India. It begins with Dhanteras, followed by Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali), Diwali (the main event), Govardhan Puja, and ends with Bhai Dooj. Each day carries its own unique traditions and rituals, emphasizing love, unity, and prosperity. Families light oil lamps (diyas), exchange gifts, and perform pujas (prayers) to welcome wealth, happiness, and divine blessings into their homes.

Diwali 2023 Calendar and Shubh Muhurat: Everything You Need to Know About the Five Days of Diwali

Day 1: Dhanteras (November 10)

The Diwali 2023 celebrations begin with Dhanteras, dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera, the gods of wealth and prosperity. It’s a day for purchasing new items such as gold, silver, or utensils, symbolizing future prosperity. The Dhanteras puja muhurat on November 10 will be from 5:47 PM to 7:43 PM, lasting 1 hour and 56 minutes.

Day 2: Naraka Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali (November 11)

This day marks the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. People light lamps and burst firecrackers to signify the defeat of evil forces.

Day 3: Diwali (November 12)

The main event of Diwali is celebrated by worshipping Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, during the evening Lakshmi Puja. Homes are illuminated with diyas and decorated with colorful rangolis to invite prosperity and happiness. The Lakshmi Puja muhurat timings for various cities are as follows:

• New Delhi: 5:32 PM to 8:00 PM
• Mumbai: 5:47 PM to 8:14 PM
• Kolkata: 5:17 PM to 7:45 PM
• Chennai: 5:52 PM to 8:08 PM
• Bengaluru: 5:49 PM to 8:16 PM
• Jaipur: 5:48 PM to 7:44 PM
• Hyderabad: 5:52 PM to 7:53 PM

Day 4: Govardhan Puja (November 13)

The day after Diwali, Govardhan Puja is celebrated to honor Lord Krishna’s miraculous feat of lifting the Govardhan Mountain to protect the people of Mathura from heavy rains sent by Lord Indra. The Govardhan Puja muhurat is from 06:46 AM to 08:58 AM.

Day 5: Bhai Dooj (November 14)

The final day of the Diwali 2023 celebrations is Bhai Dooj, dedicated to the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters pray for their brothers' long life and prosperity, while brothers offer gifts in return. The Bhai Dooj Aparahna Time is from 01:10 PM to 03:19 PM, with the Dwitiya Tithi starting at 02:36 PM on November 14 and ending at 01:47 PM on November 15.

Diwali 2023 is a time to rejoice, reflect, and strengthen bonds with loved ones while celebrating the age-old traditions that illuminate hearts and homes across India.