When is Diwali in 2013, 2014, 2015?

When is Diwali in 2013, 2014, 2015?

The date of Diwali falls in either in October or November each year, depending on the cycle of the moon. The festival actually runs for five days, beginning with Dhanteras, although the main celebrations happen on the third day.

• In 2013, Diwali is on November 3.
• In 2014, Diwali is on October 23.
• In 2015, Diwali is on November 11.

Diwali is a five day festival that represents the start of the Hindu New Year. It honors the victory of good over evil, and brightness over darkness. It also marks the start of winter. Diwali is actually celebrated in honor of Lord Rama and his wife Sita returning to their kingdom of Ayodhya, following Rama and monkey god Hanuman's defeat the demon King Ravana and rescue of Sita from his evil clutches (celebrated on Dussehra).

When is Diwali Celebrated:

In October or November, depending on the cycle of the moon. In 2013, Diwali starts with Dhanteras on November 1. Each day of the festival has a different meaning. The main festivities take place on the third day (this year, on November 3), while the the fourth day is celebrated as new year's day. Merchants open fresh accounts for the new year, and offer prayers. On the fifth and last day, brothers and sisters get together and share food, to honor the bond between them.

Where is Diwali Celebrated:

Throughout the whole of India. However, the festival isn't widely celebrated in the state of Kerala. The question is often asked as to why this is. The answer seems to simply be that the festival has never really evolved there, as it's not part of the state's social fabric and distinctive culture. An alternative explanation that's offered is that Diwali is a festival of wealth for merchants, and the Hindus of Kerala have never freely engaged in trade as the state is a Communist ruled one. However, Diwali dates back to long before this. The main festival that's celebrated in Kerala, and which is specific to the state, is Onam.

How is Diwali Celebrated:

On the third day, lots of small clay lamps (called diyas) and candles are lit and placed in houses, and fireworks are let off everywhere, giving Diwali its name of “Festival of Lights”. People also clean and decorate their homes with Rangoli (Hindu folk art), buy new clothes, gamble, and give each other gifts and sweets during the festival.

What Rituals are Performed During Diwali:

The rituals vary according to region. However, special blessings are given to Laxshmi, the Goddess of wealth and prosperity, and Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. The Goddess Laxshmi is believed to have been created from the churning of the ocean on the main Diwali day, and that she'll visit every home during the Diwali period, bringing with her prosperity and good fortune. It’s said that she visits the cleanest houses first, therefore people make sure their houses are spotless before lighting lamps to invite her in. Small statues of the Goddess are also worshiped in people’s homes.

What to Expect During Diwali:

The candlelight makes Diwali a very warm and atmospheric festival, and it's observed with much joy and happiness. However, be prepared for lots of loud noise from the fireworks and firecrackers going off. The air also becomes filled with smoke from the firecrackers, which can add to breathing difficulties.

Diwali Safety Information:

It's a good idea to protect your hearing with ear plugs during Diwali, especially if your ears are sensitive. Some crackers are extremely loud, and sound more like explosions. The noise is very damaging to hearing.

Diwali, known as the "Festival of Lights", is the biggest festival of the year in India. This five day festival commemorates the victory of good over evil, and is an occasion for prosperity and family togetherness. If you're wondering what to do for this year's Diwali celebration, check out these top destinations and ideas for a memorable time.

If you're wondering about the best places to experience Diwali in India and what to do for the occasion, these 6 India Diwali Destinations and Ideas will give you some inspiration.

1. Join in Celebrations at an Indian Homestay

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While there's plenty of evidence of Diwali on the streets, it's indoors, amongst Indian families, that the really meaningful celebrations take place. If you're visiting India from abroad during Diwali, it's highly recommended that you stay at an Indian homestay so that you can be a part of traditional Diwali family rituals and get a real insight into Indian culture. People usually wear new clothes on Diwali, so if you're a woman, it's a great reason to buy yourself a sari and dress up too! If you'd like to join in the gift giving, your hosts would really appreciate some sweets or chocolates.

2. Jaipur: Admire the Illuminated Markets

 

Much of the beauty of Diwali comes from the warm glow of lights and lamps which adorn streets, homes, and shops. One of the best places to experience this is in the "pink city" of Jaipur, in Rajasthan, where not just buildings but whole markets are illuminated. Each year, there's a competition for the best decorated and most brilliantly lit up market, and the government foots the electricity bill. It's a dazzling display that attracts visitors from all over India. Just like Las Vegas has a "Strip", Johari Bazaar has earned the title of "The Strip" in Jaipur during Diwali.

3. Goa: Go Gambling and Watch Demon Narakasura Get Burned

 

In Goa, the focus of Diwali celebrations is on the destruction of demon Narakasura by Lord Krishna. Competitions are held in every village and city to see who can make the biggest and scariest effigy of the demon. Some are really huge! They're burned at dawn on Narakasura Chaturdashi, the day before the main day of Diwali. As gambling is also a popular activity during Diwali, you might want to try your luck at one of Goa's top casinos as well. However, make sure you book well in advance for the floating casinos, as they are very popular at this time of year.

4. Varanasi: See Fireworks Over the Ganges River

 

Varanasi is a crazy place at any time of year, but it becomes even more so during Diwali with a constant stream of firecrackers and fireworks going off all night long. For the best experience, make sure you stay at one of the riverside hotels in Varanasi, so you have a fabulous view of the fireworks over the Ganges. Other highlights are the special Ganga Aarti, ghats illuminated with candles, diyas (earthen lamps) that are floated down the river, and procession of Hindu deities through the streets.

5. Amritsar: A Sacred and Golden Diwali

 

You may be surprised to learn that although Amritsar, home of the Golden Temple, is predominated by Sikhs, Diwali is celebrated in a grand way there too. The occasion has been incorporated into the Sikh religion and is particularly significant because it also marks the return from prison of the sixth Sikh guru, Guru Hargobind Sahib, in 1619. He had been unjustly held for his beliefs, along with many other political prisoners who he helped free. What's more, the foundation stone of the Golden Temple was laid on Diwali, in 1577. Expect to see a mesmerizing display of fireworks over the Golden Temple. The Temple complex is also draped in lights, and the edge of the lake fringed with countless oil lamps and candles, lit by devotees.

6. Go to the Cinema and Hunt for Bargains

If you feel like having a low-key Diwali, why not go and see a new release movie? Many big-name Bollyood movies are screened for the first time during Diwali. You'll usually find cinemas inside the malls, where shops will be offering plenty of Diwali bargains as well -- Diwali is a massive time of the year for shopping in India. Head to one of these top Mumbai malls. Mumbai's markets are also best explored during Diwali, particularly Crawford Market and Zaveri Bazaar (where people go to shop for gold and jewellery on Dhanteras, the first day of the festival).