Deepawali Day 1 – Ekadashi
9th November 2023
Thursday / गुरूवार
Gowatsa Dwadashi, Vagh Baras, Vasu Baras
The festival of Diwali, also known as Deepawali, is eagerly awaited by people all around the world. It is a time of joy, celebration, and the worship of various deities. The festivities begin on Ekadashi, the first day of Diwali. This year, Ekadashi falls on the 9th of November 2023, a Thursday. The day is also referred to as Guruvāra in Hindi.
On this auspicious day, several important rituals take place. One such ritual is the observance of Gowatsa Dwadashi. It is believed that by performing this ritual, one can receive blessings for the prosperity and well-being of their livestock. Another important event on Ekadashi is Vagh Baras, also known as Vasu Baras. This day is dedicated to the worship of cows, which hold a sacred place in Hindu mythology.
Deepawali Day 2 – Dwadashi
10th November 2023
Friday / शुक्रवार
Dhanteras, Dhantrayodashi, Dhanvantari Trayodashi, Yama Deepam
The second day of Diwali, known as Dwadashi, falls on the 10th of November 2023, which is a Friday. It is a day filled with various rituals and celebrations. One of the most significant events on this day is the celebration of Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi. This day is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari, the divine physician. It is believed that by worshiping them, one can attain wealth, prosperity, and good health.
Another important ritual that takes place on Dwadashi is Yama Deepam. It is believed that by lighting lamps and candles, one can ward off evil spirits and bring positivity into their lives. The day is also associated with the worship of Yama, the lord of death, who is revered for his ability to grant liberation and release from the cycle of rebirth.
Deepawali Day 3 – Trayodashi
11th November 2023
Saturday / शनिवार
Kali Chaudas, Hanuman Puja
Trayodashi, the third day of Diwali, is on the 11th of November 2023, a Saturday. This day is filled with devotion and reverence for the divine. One of the key observances on Trayodashi is Kali Chaudas. It is a day dedicated to the worship of Goddess Kali, who is known for her fierce form and divine power. By worshiping her, devotees seek protection from evil forces and liberation from negative influences.
Another significant event on Trayodashi is the worship of Lord Hanuman. Lord Hanuman, an incarnation of Lord Shiva, is revered for his strength, devotion, and unwavering loyalty. Devotees offer prayers and seek his blessings for courage, strength, and protection from harm.
Deepawali Day 4 – Chaturdashi
12th November 2023
Sunday / रविवार
Diwali, Narak Chaturdashi, Tamil Deepavali, Lakshmi Puja, Kedar Gauri Vrat, Chopda Puja, Sharda Puja, Kali Puja
On the fourth day of Diwali, known as Chaturdashi, the celebrations reach their peak. This year, Chaturdashi falls on the 12th of November 2023, which is a Sunday. The day is filled with numerous festivities and rituals.
The most significant event on Chaturdashi is the celebration of Diwali itself. Diwali marks the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. It is a time of immense joy and celebration. People decorate their homes with lights, diyas (oil lamps), and colorful rangoli patterns to welcome Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.
Additionally, Chaturdashi is also known as Narak Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali. It is believed that Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura on this day, thereby saving the world from his tyranny. This victory is celebrated by lighting fireworks and offering prayers to Lord Krishna.
Apart from these celebrations, Chaturdashi is also marked by various regional customs and traditions. In Tamil Nadu, it is observed as Tamil Deepavali, where people light oil lamps and burst crackers to commemorate the victory of good over evil. In many parts of North India, this day is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, with elaborate puja ceremonies held in homes and temples.
Chaturdashi is also a day for observing several other vows and pujas. Devotees may observe the Kedar Gauri Vrat, which involves fasting and worshiping the divine couple, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. This day is also significant for performing the Chopda Puja, where business owners and traders worship their account books and pray for prosperity in their ventures. Sharda Puja, dedicated to the worship of the goddess of knowledge, Saraswati, is also observed on this day. Additionally, devotees of Goddess Kali perform her puja to seek her blessings for courage and protection.
Deepawali Day 5 – Amavasya
13th November 2023
Monday / सोमवार
Diwali Snan, Diwali Devpuja
The fifth day of Diwali, known as Amavasya, falls on the 13th of November 2023, which is a Monday. Amavasya is considered the most significant day of the Diwali festivities. It marks the new moon day and is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, and other deities.
On this day, devotees wake up before dawn and take a holy bath, known as Diwali Snan, to purify themselves and prepare for the day’s rituals. Following the bath, they perform Diwali Devpuja, which involves worshiping the deities and seeking their blessings for prosperity and well-being.
Deepawali Day 6 & 7 – Pratipada
14th & 15 November 2023
Tuesday / मंगलवार – Wednesday / बुधवार
Gujarati New Year, Bhaiya Dooj, Govardhan Puja, Annakut Bali Pratipada, Dyuta Krida, Bhaiya Dooj, Bhau Beej, Yama Dwitiya
The sixth and seventh days of Diwali, known as Pratipada, are on the 14th and 15th of November 2023, which are Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively. These two days are filled with various celebrations and rituals.
In Gujarat, Pratipada marks the beginning of the new year according to the Gujarati calendar. It is a time to celebrate new beginnings and seek blessings for a prosperous year ahead. People exchange greetings and sweets, and homes are adorned with lights and decorations.
Bhaiya Dooj is another important event on Pratipada. It celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters perform special rituals and pray for the well-being and longevity of their brothers. In return, brothers shower their sisters with gifts and express their love and affection.
Furthermore, Pratipada is also associated with Govardhan Puja, which commemorates Lord Krishna’s victory over Indra, the king of the gods. Devotees build miniature mountains out of cow dung and decorate them with flowers and lights to symbolize the Govardhan mountain. This puja is performed to seek Lord Krishna’s blessings for protection and prosperity.
Annakut Bali Pratipada is another ritual that takes place on Pratipada. It involves offering a mountain of food to Lord Krishna as a symbol of gratitude and devotion. Devotees prepare a wide variety of dishes and present them to the deity.
Dyuta Krida, a traditional game of dice gambling, is also played on Pratipada. It is believed that playing this game on this auspicious day brings good luck and prosperity for the year ahead.
The final event on Pratipada is Bhau Beej, also known as Yama Dwitiya. It celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters, similar to Bhaiya Dooj. Sisters perform rituals to ensure the well-being and longevity of their brothers, and in return, brothers offer gifts and express their love and gratitude.
Conclusion
The 2023 Diwali Puja Calendar is filled with a myriad of rituals and festivities spread across five days. From the worship of various deities to the celebration of important cultural customs, every day holds its own significance. Whether it’s the prayers for prosperity, the joyous bonding of siblings, or the expression of gratitude through elaborate offerings, Diwali is a time that brings people together in devotion, celebration, and a renewed sense of hope for the future.
Let us embrace the spirit of Diwali and cherish the deep-rooted traditions that have been cherished for generations. May this year’s Diwali bring joy, prosperity, and blessings to all!
