When is Diwali? A Comprehensive Guide

Diwali, the festival of lights, is one of the most significant and joyous occasions celebrated in India and by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains worldwide. The question, "दीपावली कब है (Diwali kab hai)?" – or "When is Diwali?" – is on the minds of millions each year as they prepare for this vibrant and spiritually rich celebration. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding Diwali, its significance, and how its date is determined.

Understanding the Significance of Diwali

Diwali symbolizes the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. It's a time for families to come together, share sweets, exchange gifts, and illuminate their homes with diyas (oil lamps) and colorful lights. The festival is associated with Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, and is believed to bring good fortune and success.

Beyond its religious and cultural importance, Diwali is also a time for reflection and renewal. Many people use this occasion to clean their homes, settle debts, and start new ventures with optimism and hope. It’s a period of intense positive energy and communal harmony.

Calculating the Diwali Date: A Lunar Affair

The date of Diwali isn't fixed on the Gregorian calendar; instead, it follows the Hindu lunar calendar. Specifically, Diwali is celebrated on the darkest night of the Kartik month, known as Amavasya. The Kartik month typically falls between October and November. This lunar determination means that the exact date of Diwali shifts slightly each year.

The Hindu lunar calendar is based on the cycles of the moon. Each month begins with the new moon, and the days are divided into two fortnights: the Shukla Paksha (the bright fortnight, leading up to the full moon) and the Krishna Paksha (the dark fortnight, leading up to the new moon). Diwali always falls on the Amavasya (new moon) of the Krishna Paksha in the Kartik month.

Finding the Answer to "दीपावली कब है?"

So, how do you find out "दीपावली कब है (Diwali kab hai)?" each year? The most reliable way is to consult a Hindu calendar or Panchang. These calendars are readily available online and in print, and they provide accurate dates for all Hindu festivals, including Diwali. Many websites and apps dedicated to Hindu festivals also offer this information.

Another option is to follow news and announcements from Hindu temples and religious organizations. They often publish the dates of major festivals well in advance to allow devotees to plan their celebrations.

Diwali Celebrations: A Five-Day Extravaganza

While the main Diwali celebration occurs on Amavasya, the festival actually spans five days, each with its own unique significance and rituals:

• Day 1: Dhanteras - Celebrated two days before Diwali, Dhanteras marks the beginning of the festivities. People worship Dhanvantari, the god of medicine, and purchase new utensils, gold, or silver as a symbol of prosperity.
• Day 2: Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) - Also known as Choti Diwali (small Diwali), this day commemorates the defeat of the demon Narakasura by Lord Krishna. People light diyas and prepare for the main Diwali celebrations.
• Day 3: Lakshmi Puja (Diwali) - This is the main day of Diwali, when Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, is worshipped. Families perform pujas (prayers), light diyas, and enjoy feasts. Firecrackers are often set off to celebrate the victory of good over evil.
• Day 4: Govardhan Puja (Padwa) - The day after Diwali is celebrated as Govardhan Puja, also known as Annakut. People build small mountains of cow dung to represent Mount Govardhan, which Lord Krishna lifted to protect the villagers from heavy rains.
• Day 5: Bhai Dooj - The final day of Diwali is Bhai Dooj, a festival that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters perform aarti for their brothers and offer them sweets, while brothers give gifts to their sisters.

The Global Celebration of Diwali

Diwali is not just an Indian festival; it's celebrated by millions of people of Indian origin and other communities across the globe. In countries like Nepal, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Fiji, and Guyana, Diwali is a major cultural event with unique local traditions.

In recent years, Diwali has also gained recognition in Western countries like the United States, Canada