Festivals always tender ultimate bliss and endless jubilation. India is a vibrant country that splashes the colours of joy all around with its extraordinary festivals. The most sensational and heartwarming Indian festival the entire world bears witness to is the fabulous festival of lights – Diwali. Many million Diyas are lit; Pujas are performed; Sweets are distributed; Gifts are exchanged; Crackers are burst; Festive spirit at its best; and every Hearts overwhelming with love and affection. Diwali has all the fun and frolics to equally amuse the young and old.
In today’s fast-paced life, people get very little room to spend time with family and friends. So, it becomes necessary to go for a vacation to get invigorated. Planning for a trip during the festivals is the finest idea. Therefore, Diwali week is among the best times to enjoy a holiday in South India with South Tourism.
Honoring victory of good over evil and brightness over darkness, Diwali is celebrated on the darkest night (the first night of the new moon), the 15th day of the month of Kartika as per the Hindu calendar and it drops between mid-October and mid-November. The festival of lights lasts for five days and its an auspicious time for rejoicing and renewal.
Diwali is celebrated in the memory of Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after completing 14 years of exile when the whole Ayodhya gave him a warm welcome by illuminating the entire city with diyas(oil lamp) and candles and decorated with flowers and garlands. This year 2019, Diwali falls on October 27, 2019.
Diwali Dates:
- Diwali 2018 – November 7
- Diwali 2019 – October 27 (Sunday)
- Diwali 2020 – November 14
- Diwali 2021 – November 4
- Diwali 2022 – October 24
Detailed Information About Diwali 2019 Dates:
Apart from all the fun and celebrations, festivals of India have deep spiritual significance and Diwali is no exception. Grand celebrations of Diwali with extreme gaiety and enthusiasm span for five days along with special rituals and puja. Diwali is celebrated widely all across India, but each region has its own unique way of celebrating the festival of lights. The key ritual and the actual extravaganza take place on the third day.
Day 1: Dhanteras
The first day of the five-days long Diwali festival is known as Dhanteras. On this auspicious day, Goddess Laxmi, the Goddess of wealth is worshipped to provide prosperity and well-being. This particular day is observed on the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Karthika.
To mark the arrival of Diwali, people renovate and decorate their houses with Rangolis, and small clay lamps are kept burning all through the nights to drive away from the shadows of evil spirits. Special pujas are held in the evening to worship Goddess Laxmi. Dhanteras is considered as the most auspicious time to purchase gold and other expensive goods. Dhanteras falls on October 25, 2019.
Day 2: Naraka Chaturdashi
Naraka Chaturdashi is celebrated as Chhoti Diwali (small Diwali) with fewer lights lit and fewer crackers burst. As per legends, it is on this day Lord Krishna and Goddess Kali has destroyed the demon Narakasura. Special pujas are held in the evening dedicated to Goddess Laxmi and Lord Rama.
Songs praising Lord Rama can be heard and aarti is also performed. Naraka Chaturdashi is observed as the end of the year in some regions of India while the South Indians celebrate Diwali on this day. Naraka Chaturdashi falls on October 26, 2019.
Day 3: Diwali
This day is regarded as the most auspicious day of the festival of lights, despite the fact that it falls on an Amavasya. People keep their houses spotlessly clean and pure on Diwali to welcome Goddess Laxmi and lit up her path with a dozen diyas(oil lamp). It is on this day; Lord Rama rescued his wife Sita from the cruel demon Ravana of Lanka and returned to his Kingdom at Ayodhya after his 14 years long exile.
Every street and house is seen sparkling with the light of deepams and candles; people in joy and excitement celebrating the day by bursting crackers. Diwali is more a family gets together where friends and family meet each other, share love and exchange gifts. West Bengal, Odisha and Assam celebrate Diwali in a unique way worshipping Goddess Kali. Diwali falls on October 27, 2019.
Day 4: Bali Padyami
The fourth day of the festival of lights is celebrated as the Bali Padyami which comes under different themes in different parts of the country. For North Indians, it is the day Lord Krishna saved the local villagers from the torrential rain which was sent by the god of thunder and rain – Lord Indra, by lifting the Govardhan Hill with his little finger.
Over fifty-six or 108 different types of food are prepared on this day and are taken to the temples as an offering to Lord Krishna for his kind-heartedness. Bali Padyami is celebrated in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu as the victory of Lord Vishnu over demon king Bali while it is the new year for Gujrathis. Bali Padyami which is also known as Bali Pratipada falls on October 28, 2019.
Day 5: Bhai Bij
Bhai Bij is a very special day to pray for the long life of brothers. On this auspicious day, sisters put a tilak on their brother’s forehead and perform puja for their brother’s health, prosperity and well-being. And brothers in return present their sisters with gifts as a token of love. This day falls on October 29, 2019.
Warm Diwali wishes to you and your family!!!
Let this Diwali eliminates all the darkness and brings dazzling success in your life.
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For More Information About The Diwali Festival
Find out more about the Diwali festival and how it’s celebrated in this Complete Diwali Festival Guide and plan a trip to India with South Tourism to celebrate the colourful festival of lights, Diwali.
Wondering which is the best place to join the Diwali celebrations? Take a look at these various Places to Celebrate Diwali in India.
Very insightful and informative.