Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in the world, and it holds immense significance for the Indian and Hindu communities. In the United States, which boasts a diverse and multicultural society, Diwali is celebrated with great enthusiasm and is a testament to the power of cultural diversity and unity. This article explores the various facets like when is Diwali 2023 in the USA, from the five days of Diwali in 2023 to the cultural significance, community involvement, and the recognition of Diwali as a holiday in some states.
What are the 5 days of Diwali in 2023 USA?
The Five Days of Diwali in USA 2023: Diwali is a five-day festival that varies in date each year, depending on the lunar calendar. In 2023, the five days of Diwali in the USA are celebrated as follows:
Day 1 Dhanteras (November 10, 2023): Dhanteras is the first day of Diwali. It marks the beginning of Diwali and is a day dedicated to celebrating wealth and prosperity. People clean their homes, buy new utensils or jewellery, and light lamps to welcome good fortune. This is the first Diwali holiday in the USA.
Day 2 Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali - November 11, 2023): Choti Diwali is the day before the main Diwali festival and is often associated with the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. People light lamps and perform rituals to ward off evil.
Day 3 Diwali (Deepavali - November 12, 2023): Diwali, the main festival day, symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. People light oil lamps, burst fireworks, exchange gifts, and offer prayers to deities.
Day 4 Govardhan Puja (Annakut - November 13, 2023): Govardhan Puja is dedicated to Lord Krishna and is associated with the lifting of Govardhan Hill. Devotees prepare a variety of food offerings (annakut 2023) and worship them in temples and homes.
Day 5 Bhai Dooj (November 15, 2023): Bhai Dooj is a day to celebrate the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters perform aarti for their brothers, apply a tika on their foreheads, and exchange gifts and well-wishes.
Is Diwali a public holiday in the US in 2023?
While Diwali is not a federal public holiday in the United States, it holds significant cultural and religious importance. In some states, the festival has gained official recognition as a holiday. For example, which state in the USA has a Diwali holiday? Then, in Pennsylvania, Diwali was officially recognized as a holiday, sending a clear message of inclusion to the state's nearly 200,000 South Asian residents. This recognition acknowledges the festival's importance and role in fostering cultural diversity and unity.
How is Diwali celebrated in the USA?
Diwali celebrations in the United States are a lively and diverse affair. The US is a place where people from all over the world come together, and that includes celebrating Diwali with open hearts. It has become one of the most cherished festivals, especially among the Indian community, but it's also gaining popularity with people from other backgrounds. Let's take a look at how Diwali is celebrated in the US:
- Public Festivities: In big cities across the US, you'll find public Diwali celebrations. These events include cultural programs, traditional music, beautiful dance performances, and food stalls offering a wide variety of delicious Indian dishes. People from all backgrounds come to enjoy these celebrations.
- Indian Community Gatherings: The Indian community in the US celebrates Diwali in different ways. This can range from special prayers at local temples to large gatherings featuring cultural performances that showcase the diversity of Indian culture.
- Luminous Displays: Lighting lamps and candles is a very important part of Diwali. It's a symbol of the victory of light over darkness. Many homes in the US are adorned with oil lamps called diyas and colorful rangoli designs.
- Rangoli Competitions: Some cities organize rangoli competitions where participants create intricate and colorful patterns on the ground. It's a way to show off their creativity and artistic skills.
- Culinary Delights: During Diwali, Indian restaurants and food festivals offer special menus. You can enjoy traditional sweets like ladoos and jalebis, as well as savory dishes like samosas and biryani.
- Family Gatherings: Diwali is a time for families to come together. They exchange gifts and savor homemade delicacies, sharing love and joy.
- Fireworks: Fireworks light up the sky during Diwali celebrations in the US, adding a touch of spectacular beauty to the festivities.
- Shopping Extravaganza: Indian and South Asian stores become bustling places during the Diwali season. People shop for new clothes, jewelry, and gifts to exchange with their loved ones.
- Charity and Giving: Diwali is also a time for giving back. Many Indian communities in the US organize food drives and fundraisers to help those in need, both locally and internationally.
Diwali in the US is a wonderful example of the country's diverse and inclusive culture. It brings people from various backgrounds together to celebrate the triumph of light over darkness, love, and unity. It's a time of joy, reflection, and spreading happiness to all.
What is the real date of Diwali in 2023?
Diwali 2023, the Festival of Lights, is on November 12.
What time is Deepawali Pujan in 2023?
The date and time for Diwali in India in 2023 are as follows:
Amavasya Tithi Starts: November 12, 2023, at 02:44 PM
Amavasya Tithi Ends: November 13, 2023, at 02:56 PM
Here, we are providing the shubh muhurata for Diwali Puja 2023. Here's a summary of the timings:
Pradosh Kaal: November 12, 2023, from 05:08 PM to 07:41 PM
Vrishabha Kaal: November 12, 2023, from 05:19 PM to 07:19 PM
Lakshmi Pujan Muhurat: November 12, 2023, from 05:19 PM to 07:19 PM
These timings of Diwali puja 2023 are essential for lighting lamps, performing prayers, and conducting the Lakshmi Puja (worship of Goddess Lakshmi), which is a central part of Diwali celebrations. Following these auspicious timings ensures that the rituals are performed during the most spiritually significant moments of the festival, enhancing the occasion's significance.
What are the five days of Diwali 2024?
Diwali is a five-day Hindu festival that varies yearly depending on the lunar calendar. In 2024, the five days of Diwali are expected to be celebrated as follows:
Day 1: Dhanteras - October 23, 2024
Day 2: Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) - October 24, 2024
Day 3: Diwali (Deepavali) - October 25, 2024
Day 4: Govardhan Puja (Annakut) - October 26, 2024
Day 5: Bhai Dooj - October 27, 2024
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