Today — November 4th — begins the five day celebration of #Diwali.
An interesting fact, Diwali's date is determined by the India calendar and changes every year, ranging from October to November. To be specific, it’s observed on the 15th day of the 8th month (the month of Kartik) in India's calendar. The day is an Amavasya or 'new moon day'. Amavasya Tithi (the period when the moon opposes the sun's light by up to 12°) is from 6:03am on November 4 to 2:44am on November 5 in 2021.
During Diwali it’s the Goddess Lakshmi — the god of wealth — that is mainly worshiped during Diwali Puja where the faithful pray for happiness, prosperity, and fame.
Diwali is derived from Sanskrit word Deepavali meaning 'Line of Lamps’ and it’s one of the most important festivals in India, marking a new year, and to get the scope of how big it is, it’s often compared to Christmas in the West.
The celebrations of Diwali 2021 last for 5 days. Here is the breakdown.
Day 1 — Dhanteras: November 2, 2021 (Tuesday) Dwadashi
This is the first day of the festival when people clean their homes and prepare for the events ahead. This is also a busy shopping day, when it is considered lucky to go to markets and buy gold or new kitchen items.
Day 2 — Choti Diwali: November 3, 2021 (Wednesday) Trayodashi
The second day is when people start decorating their homes. Many families will put up string lights and start creating their rangoli, which are intricate designs placed on the floors of homes.
Diwali Day 1: November 2, 2021 Dwadashi - Dhanteras
Diwali Day 2: November 3, 2021 Trayodashi - Choti Diwali
Diwali Day 3: November 4, 2021 Amavasya - Diwali
Diwali Day 4: November 5, 2021 Pratipada - Padwa
Diwali Day 5: November 6, 2021 Dwitiya - Bhai Duj
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Diwali 2021 Calendar of 5-Day Celebrations (2021 में दिवाली कब है)
Diwali celebrations take place over 5 days with each day typically having different rituals and traditions. Below we have listed all the days of Diwali along with their calendar dates and a short description of what happens on each day:
Day 1 — Dhanteras: November 2, 2021 (Tuesday) Dwadashi
This is the first day of the festival when people clean their homes and prepare for the events ahead. This is also a busy shopping day, when it is considered lucky to go to markets and buy gold or new kitchen items.
Day 2 — Choti Diwali: November 3, 2021 (Wednesday) Trayodashi
The second day is when people start decorating their homes. Many families will put up string lights and start creating their rangoli, which are intricate designs placed on the floors of homes.
Indians decorate home with string lights during Diwali
Check more details about Diwali traditional decorations here.
Day 3 — Diwali and Lakshmi Puja: November 4, 2021 (Thursday) Amavasya
The most important part of the celebration is the ritual that takes place on this day.
Clay oil lamps or diyas are lit and rituals worshipping the goddess Lakshmi are performed. The most auspicious time for worship (Puja) is from 6:09pm to 8:04pm. The worshipping can be done at temples or at home by placing a red cloth on the puja chowki ('worship table'), putting the idol on it, and then offering flowers, fruits (water chestnuts, pomegranate, quince, and coconut) and sweets (notably kesari bhaat — semolina pudding with saffron, nuts, and sugar) to Goddess Lakshmi, then prostrating in front of the idol and joining your palms for prayers.
On the day of Diwali, families get together to exchange gifts and have a large meal. Many people wear their nicest clothes on this day and say "Happy Diwali" to each other.
Day 4 — Padwa: November 5, 2021 (Friday) Pratipada
The fourth day of celebrations is dedicated to the love between husband and wife, and men will often buy gifts for their wives. Many businesses open new accounts on this day as it is considered auspicious.
Day 5 — Bhai Duj: November 6, 2021 (Saturday) Dwitiya
Bhai Duj (Bhaubeej), the last day of celebrations is dedicated to brothers and sisters. To celebrate their bond, sisters perform a special ceremony for their brothers for their protection. Brothers give presents to their sisters.
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