Diwali – the festival of lights is typically celebrated on the fifteenth day of the Hindu lunar month of Kartika, which falls in October or November in the Gregorian calendar.
2023 – Diwali Timings
New York, USA – 12 Nov, 2023 04:49 pm to 06:37 pm
London, UK – 12 Nov, 2023 04:20 pm to 05:58 pm
Chennai, India – 12 Nov, 2023 05:52 pm to 07:54 pm
For local timings based on where you live, download the align27 app and visit the Diwali rituals section.
Diwali: The Festival of Lights and Its Association with Lord Rama, Lord Krishna, and Goddess Lakshmi
- Return of Lord Rama: In the northern part of India, Diwali is associated with the return of Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and his brother Lakshmana to their kingdom of Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana. The people of Ayodhya welcomed them by lighting oil lamps, and this tradition continues with the lighting of diyas during Diwali.
- Goddess Lakshmi’s Blessings: Diwali is also celebrated to seek the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth, prosperity, and abundance. It is believed that on the night of Diwali, Goddess Lakshmi visits homes that are clean and well-lit, bringing wealth and prosperity to the occupants.
- Krishna’s Victory over Narakasura: In some parts of India, particularly in South India, Diwali is celebrated to commemorate the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. This event is associated with the story of Krishna freeing 16,000 captive princesses and restoring their honor.
Dhanteras – Prosperity Rituals and Timings – Visit this blog post to learn more about Lakshmi Puja and other prosperity rituals to be performed on Dhanteras.
Diwali Rituals
Cleaning and Decoration: In the weeks leading up to Diwali, homes are thoroughly cleaned and decorated. This symbolizes the purification of the mind and the welcoming of positive energies.
Lighting of Lamps : Diwali gets its name from the row of lamps or diyas that are lit in homes and temples. Lighting these lamps is a symbolic act that represents the dispelling of darkness and ignorance with the light of knowledge and wisdom.
Exchange of Gifts: The exchange of gifts is a common practice during Diwali, symbolizing love and goodwill among family and friends.
Listen to Shiv Tandav Stotram: During Pradosh Kal on the day of diwali it is highly auspicious to listen and meditate on the Shiv tandav stotram.
Perform a simple Lakshmi Puja: It is performed at a specific time, calculated based on the combination of Amavasya, Pradosh, and the Taurus ascendant. This timing is chosen to ensure that the blessings of fortune and prosperity remain permanently in our lives. Use the align27 app to find timings based on your location.
To learn how to perform Lakshmi Puja visit this blog post – Dhanteras – Prosperity Rituals and Timings
Note – Lakshmi Puja can be performed on Dhanteras and Diwali. Most importantly on Dhanteras.
