Dhanteras, Diwali 2023, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj 2023: Dates and Celebrations
The Festival of Lights, also known as Diwali or Deepavali, is celebrated on the Kartik month’s Amavasya, which falls on the darkest night of the lunar calendar. This grand festival, however, begins with Dhanteras on November 10, 2023, and concludes with Bhai Dooj on November 15, 2023. This five-day extravaganza encompasses Dhanteras, Narak Chaturdashi or Chhoti Diwali, Diwali, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj. Let’s delve into the dates and auspicious timings for these festivities.
Dhanteras 2023: November 10
Dhanteras, celebrated on the thirteenth day of the Kartik month’s Krishna Paksha, is a special day dedicated to shopping for gold, silver, and utensils. People also worship Lord Dhanvantari on this day, seeking good health and well-being. The auspicious time for Dhanteras puja is from 5:46 PM to 7:42 PM.
Narak Chaturdashi (Chhoti Diwali) 2023: November 11
Narak Chaturdashi, also known as Chhoti Diwali, is celebrated on the fourteenth day of the Kartik month’s Krishna Paksha. It is essential to take a bath before sunrise on this day, and people perform deep-daan (lighting lamps) to commemorate Lord Yama’s defeat by Lord Krishna.
Diwali 2023: November 12
Diwali, the main festival, will be celebrated on November 12, 2023. It is believed that on Diwali, Goddess Lakshmi visits Earth to bestow her blessings upon her devotees. Therefore, special pujas and archnas are performed to welcome her into homes. On this day, the auspicious time for Lakshmi puja, along with Lord Ganesha and Lord Kubera, is from 5:38 PM to 7:35 PM. The Nishita Kaal Muhurat for Diwali puja is from 11:35 PM to 12:32 AM.
Govardhan Puja 2023: November 14
Govardhan Puja is celebrated on November 14, 2023, as per the Udhyatithi. This day marks the Annakut festival, during which 56 different types of food items are offered to Lord Krishna. The auspicious timing for Govardhan Puja is from 6:43 AM to 8:52 AM.
Bhai Dooj 2023: November 15
Bhai Dooj, also known as Bhai Phota or Bhai Tika, is celebrated on November 15, 2023. On this day, sisters apply tilak (vermilion) on their brothers’ foreheads and pray for their long and prosperous lives. The auspicious time for Bhai Dooj celebrations is from 10:45 AM to 12:05 PM.
These five days of Diwali hold immense significance in the hearts of people, and they mark various customs, rituals, and festivities. It is a time for families to come together, share love and happiness, and create beautiful memories.
Conclusion
Diwali, with its vibrant celebrations and rich traditions, is a time for joy and togetherness. As we prepare to celebrate Dhanteras, Narak Chaturdashi, Diwali, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj in 2023, let us cherish these moments with our loved ones. May the divine blessings of this festival illuminate our lives with happiness and prosperity.