Happy Diwali 2023!

Diwali (Deepavali), the festival of lights is observed every year to mark the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. The five-day rituals start 18 days after Dussehra and the main festival (third day) is celebrated on Monday, November 13.

Diwali celebrations begin with Dhanteras with people buying new things and it is followed by Naraka Chaturdasi and Deepavali on the second and third days. Diwali Padva highlighting the relationship of wife–husband and Bhai Dooj dedicated to sister–brother bond are celebrated on the next two days.

Creatives Diwali
Happy Diwali 2023IBTimes

Check: Here's how you can celebrate a healthy and stress-free Diwali

As part of Diwali celebrations, homes will be cleaned and decorated, while people dress up in their new attires. Sharing sweets and gifts with friends and family also form part of Diwali festivities. Being the festival of lights, houses will be lit with diyas or lamps and firecrackers will be burst at night.

In India, Diwali is an official holiday and special pujas (prayer) are conducted by Hindus to worship Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, fortune and prosperity.

Diwali, a cherished festival, honors the return of Lord Rama along with Maa Sita and Lord Lakshman to Ayodhya following a 14-year exile and the defeat of Ravana, the King of Lanka.

ayodhya
A model of the Ram temple

Beyond this historical event, Diwali holds multifaceted significance. It serves as a celebration of India's rich cultural tapestry, resonating throughout the country. Symbolizing the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness, it's a time for revering deities such as Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi, fostering a deep connection to tradition and spiritual awakening.

For Hindus, Diwali or Deepavali isn't just a cultural observance; it's an auspicious period synonymous with luck and prosperity. Signifying fresh beginnings, it heralds new ventures, business initiatives, and the start of the financial year.

Firecrackers
Fire crackersReuters

Additionally, it cultivates a strong sense of community, as homes gleam with diyas, candles, and vibrant lights. Sweets are savored, gifts exchanged, age-old rituals upheld, Lakshmi Puja performed, and acts of charity abound.

The festival's lore revolves around Lord Rama's return, illuminating Ayodhya with lamps to celebrate his homecoming. This tradition persists, marking the festival as the Festival of Lights.

Diwali symbolizes the triumph of illumination, goodness, and knowledge over darkness and ignorance. It embodies the dispelling of shadows, negativity, and uncertainties from our lives, advocating for clarity and positivity. Devotees seek prosperity by venerating Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesh, exchanging gifts, and practicing charity.

Golden Temple
Amritsar: Golden Temple decorated with lights on the eve of the Diwali festival, in Amritsar on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022. (Photo:Pawan sharma/IANS)IANS

Fascinating facts about Diwali in 2023:

  1. Diwali coincides with a new moon night, observed in the month of Kartik on Amavasya, as per the Hindu calendar.
  2. The foundation stone of the Golden Temple was laid on Diwali.
  3. Celebrated under various names globally, from Tihar in Nepal to Hari Diwali in Malaysia and Lam Kriyongh in Thailand where lamps adorn bana leaves.
  4. Beyond India, Leicester, UK, hosts the most expansive Diwali celebrations. Tens of thousands congregate for a night of light, music, and revelry.
  5. Variations in Diwali celebrations include the worship of Maa Kali in Bengal and the celebration of Lord Krishna's victory over the malevolent king Narakaasura in Nepal.
Diwali
DiwaliIANS

Greetings to Share:

It's the time to visit our friends and family,
To give them sweets and presents,
May this Diwali be a splendid one for everyone in your family.
Happy Diwali 2023

May you be blessed with endless happiness, health and wealth forever.
May the thousands of lamps you light up today bring light to your life.
Wishing you all the greetings of Diwali 2023.

May God bless you abundantly and fill your life with lots of love and happiness. I wish the colour and lights of Diwali fill your home and mind with happiness.
Wish you a happy and prosperous Diwali 2023.

Mouthwatering sweet recipes for kids this Diwali
Mouthwatering sweet recipes for kids this DiwaliIANS

May this Diwali give you the most memorable moments in life,
May the lamps illuminate your life with happiness
Wish you and your family a very happy Diwali 2023.

May Deepavali, the festival of lights illuminate your life and bring glory, prosperity, health and peace. Happy Diwali 2023.

May the goddess Lakshmi bless each one of you abundantly on this auspicious festival of lights. Diwali wishes to you and your family.

On this auspicious festival,
May your life,
Shimmer with Silver,
Shine with Gold and
Dazzle like Platinum.

Wish you a very prosperous and happy year ahead. Happy Diwali 2023 Greetings

Diwali is all about having fun with friends and family. When you all celebrate this day, I am here, far away and miles away from each one of you. I miss all the moments we spent together all these years. I want you all to enjoy the colourful day thinking am there. Happy Diwali to all.

May the beauty of Diwali fill your heart and may love bring you endless joy. Have an awesome Diwali 2023.

Diwali
DiwaliIANS

May this Diwali light up all your dreams by making you life bright, beautiful and cheerful. Spend the auspicious day with your family.
Happy Deepavali.

May you have all the joy your heart can hold, all the smiles a day can bring, all the blessings a life can unfold. May you get the world's best in everything. Wishing you happy Diwali.
Happy Diwali 2023

May your house be filled with the sweet and delicious Diwali sweets and savouries this festive season. Eat well and enjoy the day.
Happy Diwali 2023.

A festival full of childhood memories,
Sky full of fireworks,
Mouth full of sweets,
House full of diyas and heart full of joy.
Wishing you happy Diwali

I miss our childhood days,
I miss our Diwali celebrations,
We enjoyed the day with crackers, sweets, new dresses,
Now with miles away from home, I just miss every fun.
Wishing you all the wishes of a prosperous Diwali this year.

For those who are away from parents, here's a good one:

Ma and pa, I am so sorry for not being with you this Diwali. I promise you to be with you for the next Diwali. I hope you both will celebrate it with your friends this time. I will miss you guys.

Happy Diwali 2023