When Is Diwali in 2021, 2022 and 2023?

When Is Diwali in 2021, 2022 and 2023?

Diwali falls in either October or November each year, depending on the cycle of the moon. It's observed on the 15th day of Kartik, the holiest month in the Hindu lunar calendar.

• In 2021, Diwali is on November 4. (See calendar).
• In 2022, Diwali is on October 24.
• In 2023, Diwali is on November 12.

Diwali Dates Detailed Information

The Diwali festival actually runs for five days, with the main event happening on the third day in most places in India. It's associated with Lord Ram's return to his kingdom in Ayodhya after exile and rescuing his wife from demon king Ravan on Dussehra. However, in South India, the festival is observed as the defeat of Narakasura. It's a one-day celebration, known as Deepavali, that usually falls a day before the main Diwali date but sometimes occurs on the same day (when the lunar days overlap). The festival isn't celebrated in Kerala though. Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of good fortune and prosperity, is the primary deity worshiped during Diwali. Each day has a special significance as follows.

• The first day (November 2, 2021) is known as Dhanteras, or Dhanatrayodashi. "Dhan" means wealth and "teras" refers to the 13th day of a lunar fortnight on the Hindu calendar. Lord Dhanvantari, the Hindu god of medicine and an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is said to have brought Ayurveda and the nectar of immortality to mankind on this day. There are several temples in Kerala and Tamil Nadu dedicated to Dhanvantari and Ayurveda. Legend also has it that Goddess Lakshmi was born from the churning of the ocean on this day, and she is welcomed with a special puja (ritual). Gold and other metals (including kitchen utensils) are traditionally purchased. People also gather to play cards and gamble, as it's thought to be auspicious and will bring wealth throughout the year.
• The second day (November 3, 2021) is usually known as Naraka Chaturdashi or Chhoti Diwali (small Diwali). "Naraka" means hell and "Chaturdashi" means 14th day of a lunar fortnight on the Hindu calendar. Goddess Kali and Lord Krishna are believed to have destroyed the demon Narakasura on this day. Demon effigies are burned in Goa to mark the occasion. However, in 2021 Naraka Chaturdashi will be celebrated a day later, on November 4. This is due to a quirk of the Hindu lunar calendar, whereby Chaturdashi Tithi (a lunar day on the calendar) extends until just before sunrise on November 4.
• The third day (November 4, 2021) is the new moon day known as Amavasya. It's the darkest day of the month and is the most significant day of the Diwali festival nearly everywhere in India. Lakshmi is worshiped on this day, with a special puja performed in the evening after sunset. Goddess Kali is also usually worshiped on this day in West Bengal, Odisha and Assam (although Kali Puja sometimes falls a day earlier depending on the lunar cycle). South India also celebrates Deepavali on this day in 2021, in accordance with Naraka Chaturdashi.
• The fourth day (November 5, 2021) has various meanings across India. In North India, Govardhan Puja is celebrated as the day when Lord Krishna defeated Indra, the god of thunder and rain. In Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, the victory of Lord Vishnu over demon king Bali is celebrated as Bali Pratipada or Bali Padyami. In Gujarat, the start of a new year is celebrated on this day as well.
• The fifth day (November 6, 2021) is known as Bhai Duj. It's dedicated to celebrating sisters, in a similar way that Raksha Bandhan is dedicated to brothers. Brothers and sisters get together and share food, to honor the bond between them.