When is Diwali Celebrated? A Guide to the Festival of Lights
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most significant festivals in Hinduism. It's a time for joy, celebration, and the triumph of good over evil. But when exactly is Diwali celebrated? Let's dive in!
Diwali Dates: A Moving Feast
Unlike Christmas or other fixed-date holidays, Diwali doesn't fall on a specific calendar date. It's a festival that moves around, based on the lunar calendar. This means the date varies every year!
Diwali is celebrated on the 15th day of the Kartik month in the Hindu lunisolar calendar. This usually falls in October or November.
Figuring Out Diwali Dates
To figure out the exact date, you need to pay attention to a few things:
- The new moon: Diwali is observed on the darkest new moon night of the Kartik month.
- The Hindu calendar: This calendar is based on the moon's phases, so the dates shift.
- Regional variations: While Diwali is celebrated all over India, there can be slight variations in the exact date depending on the region.
2023 Diwali Dates
For those curious about this year's Diwali, it falls on November 12, 2023.
Conclusion
Diwali is a vibrant and colorful celebration, and knowing when it falls is key to joining in the festivities. Remember, the dates might change each year, but the spirit of Diwali - the light of hope and happiness - remains constant.