Diwali 2023 fell on Sunday, November 12, 2023, marking the peak of the five-day Festival of Lights. This ancient Hindu festival symbolizes the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. In 2023, the celebrations began with Dhanteras on November 10 and concluded with Bhai Dooj on November 15. This guide provides a retrospective look at the 2023 festivities, including the auspicious muhurat timings, regional variations in rituals, and the cultural significance that made this specific year a landmark for global South Asian communities. You will explore everything from the astronomical alignment of the Amavasya tithi to the practical ways families prepared their homes for Goddess Lakshmi’s arrival.
The Five Days of Diwali 2023
Diwali is not a single-day event but a sequence of five distinct festivals, each with its own mythological origin and ritualistic requirements. In 2023, the cycle followed the Vikram Samvat calendar, beginning in the month of Kartika and drawing millions together in prayer and celebration.
Day 1: Dhanteras (November 10)
Dhanteras, or Dhantrayodashi, took place on November 10, 2023, acting as the official start of the festive period. On this day, it is traditional to purchase gold, silver, or new kitchen utensils to invite prosperity and wealth into the household.
This day is also dedicated to Lord Dhanvantari, the deity of health and Ayurveda. Families light the first diya (lamp) of the festival, known as the Yamadeep, to ward off untimely death and pray for the physical well-being of all family members.
Day 2: Choti Diwali (November 11)
Choti Diwali, also known as Naraka Chaturdashi, was observed on November 11, 2023. It commemorates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura, signifying the removal of filth and evil from the soul.
Rituals on this day involve an early morning “Abhyanga Snan” (oil bath) using herbal pastes like ubtan. In 2023, many households in South India celebrated their primary festivities on this day, following the lunar cycle specific to their regional traditions.
Day 3: Lakshmi Puja (November 12)
The main event of Diwali 2023 occurred on Sunday, November 12, coinciding with the Amavasya (new moon) night. Families gathered for Lakshmi Puja during the Pradosh Kaal, the most auspicious window for inviting the Goddess of Wealth into the home.
The 2023 muhurat for puja in many cities was between 5:39 PM and 7:35 PM. Homes were decorated with intricate rangoli patterns and rows of oil lamps to guide the deity, while the night sky was filled with fireworks in areas where regulations permitted.
Day 4: Govardhan Puja (November 14)
Due to the timing of the lunar phases in 2023, Govardhan Puja was celebrated on November 14 by many, though some observed it on the 13th. This day honors Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan Hill to protect the villagers of Vrindavan from torrential rains.
Devotees prepared “Annakut”—a massive mountain of vegetarian food—to offer to the deity. This act signifies gratitude for the bounty of nature and the importance of environmental protection in Hindu philosophy.
Day 5: Bhai Dooj (November 15)
The festive cycle concluded on November 15, 2023, with Bhai Dooj, a day celebrating the eternal bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters performed aarti for their brothers and applied a tilak on their foreheads, praying for their long life.
This tradition is rooted in the story of Yamraj visiting his sister Yamuna, who welcomed him with warmth and sweets. In 2023, this final day served as a moment of family reunion before the return to regular routine.
Religious and Cultural Significance
The significance of Diwali 2023 transcends simple celebration, rooting itself in deep philosophical truths shared across several religions, including Jainism and Sikhism. For Hindus, the primary narrative is the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over Ravana.
The Triumph of Light
The central theme of Diwali is the victory of dharma (righteousness) over adharma. By lighting lamps, devotees represent the inner light of the soul that protects against spiritual darkness.
New Beginnings and Business
For the mercantile community in India, Diwali marks the start of the new financial year. In 2023, many business owners performed “Chopda Pujan,” where traditional account books were blessed to ensure a profitable year ahead.
Regional Variations in 2023
While the core essence of Diwali is universal, the specific customs in 2023 varied significantly from the northern plains of India to the southern coasts and the global diaspora.
North Indian Traditions
In states like Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, the focus remained on the homecoming of Lord Rama. The 2023 celebrations in Ayodhya were particularly notable, with a record-breaking “Deepotsav” involving millions of earthen lamps along the banks of the Sarayu River.
South Indian Deepavali
In Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, the festival is often called Deepavali. In 2023, the celebrations peaked a day earlier than in the north, focusing on the oil bath ritual and the consumption of “Deepavali Lehyam,” a medicinal tonic.
Practical Information and Planning
2023 Dates and Timings
Main Date: Sunday, November 12, 2023.
Lakshmi Puja Muhurat: 5:39 PM to 7:35 PM (IST).
Bank Holidays: Most banks and government offices in India were closed from November 12 to November 15.
Costs and Budgeting
Sweets (Mithai): Standard boxes ranged from ₹400 to ₹1,500 ($5–$18).
Decorations: Basic clay diyas cost roughly ₹50 per dozen, while LED string lights ranged from ₹100 to ₹500.
Gifts: Dry fruit hampers and silver coins were the most popular high-end gift items in 2023.
Travel and Transport
Domestic Travel: Trains and flights in India were booked months in advance for 2023. “Festival Special” trains were added by Indian Railways to handle the surge.
Local Transport: In major cities like Delhi and Mumbai, public transport operated on limited schedules on the evening of November 12.
Tips for Visitors
If you were visiting India during Diwali 2023, the best experience was found in local markets like Chandni Chowk (Delhi) or Crawford Market (Mumbai). It is always advised to wear traditional Indian attire, such as a Kurta or Saree, to participate in the festivities.
Environmental Impact in 2023
A major talking point during Diwali 2023 was the push for “Green Crackers” and eco-friendly celebrations. Many cities implemented strict time windows for bursting crackers to mitigate air quality issues.
Air Quality Management
In the Delhi-NCR region, 2023 saw various judicial interventions to control pollution. Families were encouraged to use flowers and organic colors for rangoli instead of chemical-based powders.
FAQs
What was the exact date of Diwali 2023?
Diwali 2023 was celebrated on Sunday, November 12, 2023. This date is determined by the Hindu lunar calendar and falls on the Amavasya of the Kartika month.
Why did the date change from previous years?
The date of Diwali changes annually because it follows the lunar calendar. In 2022, it was on October 24, but the 2023 cycle pushed it to mid-November based on the moon’s position.
What are the 5 days of Diwali 2023?
The five days were: Dhanteras (Nov 10), Choti Diwali (Nov 11), Lakshmi Puja (Nov 12), Govardhan Puja (Nov 14), and Bhai Dooj (Nov 15).
Which Goddess is worshipped on Diwali?
Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, is the primary figure worshipped. Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, is also traditionally worshipped alongside her.
Can non-Hindus celebrate Diwali?
Yes, Diwali is a cultural festival celebrated by Sikhs (Bandi Chhor Divas), Jains (celebrating Mahavira’s Nirvana), and Buddhists, as well as people of all backgrounds globally.
What is the significance of Rangoli?
Rangoli is a decorative art made on the floor near entrances. It is intended to welcome guests and, most importantly, Goddess Lakshmi into the home.
What was the Lakshmi Puja Muhurat in 2023?
For most Indian cities, the most auspicious time for Lakshmi Puja was between 5:39 PM and 7:35 PM on November 12, 2023.
Is Diwali a public holiday?
In India, Diwali is a major public holiday. It is also a public holiday in several other countries, including Fiji, Guyana, Malaysia, Mauritius, Myanmar, Nepal, Singapore, and Sri Lanka.
What should I eat during Diwali?
Popular foods include sweets like Gulab Jamun, Jalebi, and Barfi, as well as savory snacks like Chakli and Samosas. Many families prepare a lavish vegetarian feast for the main day.
How do I wish someone a Happy Diwali?
The most common greeting is “Shubh Deepavali” or “Happy Diwali.” In 2023, digital greetings and social media stickers were widely used for this purpose.
What were the “Green Cracker” rules in 2023?
Many Indian states allowed only crackers without barium salts. These produce lower emissions and are considered less harmful to the environment.
Why is gold bought on Dhanteras?
Buying gold or metal is considered an auspicious sign of inviting “Dhan” (wealth) and luck. It is believed to bring prosperity for the remainder of the year.
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