Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most popular and widely celebrated festivals in India and around the world. It is a time when families come together to celebrate the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. This year, Diwali will be celebrated from November 2nd to November 6th, 2021. In this article, we will explore the dates and timings for Diwali 2021 and provide some FAQs to help you better understand this auspicious festival.
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is a five-day festival that is celebrated with great pomp and fervor by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists. The festival usually falls in the Hindu month of Kartika and is celebrated on the 15th day of the month. Diwali marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after his 14-year exile and his victory over the demon king Ravana. It is said that the people of Ayodhya lit lamps to welcome Lord Rama back, which is why the festival is also known as the Festival of Lights.
Diwali is celebrated with a variety of rituals and traditions, including cleaning and decorating homes, wearing new clothes, exchanging gifts, lighting oil lamps (diyas), bursting firecrackers, and preparing delicious sweets and snacks. The festival is also a time for families to come together and celebrate with prayers, music, dance, and feasting.
Dates and Timings for Diwali 2021:
Diwali 2021 will be celebrated from November 2nd to November 6th. The festival kicks off with Dhanteras on November 2nd, followed by Naraka Chaturdashi on November 3rd, Diwali on November 4th, Govardhan Puja on November 5th, and Bhai Dooj on November 6th. Each day of Diwali has its own significance and rituals, making it a truly special and festive time for all.
Dhanteras: November 2nd, 2021
Dhanteras marks the beginning of Diwali festivities and is considered an auspicious day for buying gold, silver, and other precious metals. It is believed that buying new items on this day brings wealth and prosperity to the household. People also clean and decorate their homes, light lamps, and perform puja to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera, the god of wealth.
Naraka Chaturdashi: November 3rd, 2021
Naraka Chaturdashi, also known as Choti Diwali, is celebrated to commemorate the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. On this day, people wake up before dawn, take a holy bath, and apply oil on their bodies before sunrise. It is believed that this ritual helps in cleansing the body and soul. People also light lamps and burst firecrackers to celebrate the victory of good over evil.
Diwali: November 4th, 2021
Diwali, the main day of the festival, is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy. People clean and decorate their homes with rangoli, flowers, and lights. They wear new clothes, offer prayers to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, light lamps, burst firecrackers, and exchange gifts with family and friends. Diwali is a time for feasting and merriment, with delicious sweets and snacks being prepared and shared among loved ones.
Govardhan Puja: November 5th, 2021
Govardhan Puja, also known as Annakut, is celebrated to commemorate Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan Hill to protect the people of Vrindavan from the wrath of Lord Indra. On this day, people prepare a variety of food items and offer them as bhog to Lord Krishna. A small hill made of cow dung is also worshipped to symbolize the Govardhan Hill. People also visit temples to offer prayers and seek blessings.
Bhai Dooj: November 6th, 2021
Bhai Dooj, also known as Bhai Tika, is the last day of Diwali celebrations and is dedicated to the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters perform aarti for their brothers, apply tilak on their foreheads, and offer them sweets. In return, brothers give gifts to their sisters and promise to protect and support them. Bhai Dooj is a time for strengthening family ties and celebrating the love and affection between siblings.
FAQs about Diwali:
Q: Why is Diwali celebrated?
A: Diwali is celebrated to mark the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. It is also a time to seek blessings from the goddess of wealth, Goddess Lakshmi, and the god of wisdom, Lord Ganesha.
Q: What are some common traditions and rituals associated with Diwali?
A: Some common traditions and rituals associated with Diwali include cleaning and decorating homes, lighting lamps, bursting firecrackers, exchanging gifts, preparing sweets and snacks, and offering prayers to the deities.
Q: How can I celebrate Diwali if I am not in India?
A: Even if you are not in India, you can still celebrate Diwali by lighting lamps, decorating your home, wearing new clothes, preparing traditional dishes, exchanging gifts with loved ones, and offering prayers to the deities.
Q: Is it safe to burst firecrackers during Diwali?
A: While bursting firecrackers is a common tradition during Diwali, it is important to consider the impact of air and noise pollution on the environment and your health. It is recommended to use eco-friendly firecrackers or opt for alternative ways to celebrate the festival.
Q: How can I make traditional Diwali sweets at home?
A: There are many traditional Diwali sweets that you can easily make at home, such as gulab jamun, jalebi, kaju katli, and ladoo. There are plenty of recipes available online that you can follow to make these delicious treats.
In conclusion, Diwali is a time of joy, love, and togetherness, where families come together to celebrate the triumph of light over darkness. This year, Diwali will be celebrated from November 2nd to November 6th, 2021, with each day holding its own significance and rituals. Whether you are in India or abroad, Diwali is a time to celebrate with your loved ones, offer prayers to the deities, and spread happiness and positivity. Let the Festival of Lights bring light and joy into your life this Diwali!