Diwali 2018, 2019, 2020 Dates, Auspicious Muhurat

Diwali is celebrated with excitement and joy throughout India. It is observed every year during the Amavasya of Kartik month, which is considered to be the most auspicious time of the Hindu year. This year, Diwali will be observed on November 07, 2018 across the nation. Although, in Southern India, Tamil Diwali is observed a day ago popularly.

According to Gregorian calendar, major Hindu festivals fall in the month of October or November. The dates of Hindu festivals are calculated using a lunar calendar. It becomes difficult for commoners to plan accordingly without understanding the exact date of celebration. We are here to help, so you know when is Diwali in coming years.

Diwali : Enchanted 5 days of celebration

The celebrations of Diwali generally lasts five days. The main celebrations are on the third day but each day has its own significance.

• First day - Dhanteras

Dhan means wealth and teras means thirteenth tithi in lunar calendar. The day is devoted to attain prosperity. To welcome Goddess Lakshmi, people purchase precious metals such as Gold, SIlver or utensils made of Stainless Steel or Brass. Ayurvedic doctors honor Lord Dhanvantari for blessing the mankind with the knowledge of Ayurveda.

• Second day - Narak Chaturdashi

Demon Narakasura was beheaded with Sudarshan Chakra by Lord Krishna on this day. As per mythology, the mother of the demon Satyabhama had blessed him with a boon that his death will be celebrated with colorful lights.

• Third day - Diwali

The darkest night of the month comes only to be lit up by beautiful lights. People make rangoli to welcome Maa Lakshmi. Though she is the wife of Lord Vishnu, on Diwali Maa lakshmi is worshipped with Lord Ganesha. In the evening, special puja is performed. People light lamps to eliminate the darkness and distribute sweets. In Kolkata, Kali Puja is another aspect of Diwali celebration.

• Fourth day - Goverdhan

Lord Krishna, to make Lord Indra understand that ego does not suit a dev, lifted the entire mountain named Goverdhan on his little finger. From the very day, it is celebrated with great festive spirit. In Gujarat, this marks the beginning of a new year while in Southern states, it is believed that demon king Bali was killed on this day.

• Fifth day - Bhai dooj

The sacred bond of sister and brother is celebrated on Bhai Dooj. It is believed that Lord Yama, the God of Death, paid a visit to his sister Yamuna, who greeted him with a teeka and sweets. Unable to bear the burden of coming to his sister's house empty-handed, he offered her a boon. According to the boon, those who celebrate Bhai Dooj with their sisters will not be doomed to hell.

Note: The time given is for New Delhi.

Why Maa Lakshmi & Lord Ganesha worshipped on Diwali?

The festival of Diwali is celebrated in the honor of Lord Rama who returned to Ayodhya after killing Ravana and spending 14 years of their life in the jungle. There are other stories of demons being killed in this phase and where after annihilating the negative, positive flourishes. It means the coming phase will be full of prosperity and happiness. Goddess Lakshmi symbolizes luxury, wealth and prosperity. Thus, she is worshipped during Diwali. Also, Lord Vishnu is in deep sleep neendra at this time.

Lord Ganesha is known as the son of Maa Parvati. It is believed that since Maa Lakshmi did not have an offspring, she adopted Ganesha. She declared that whosoever worships her with Lord Ganesha will gain her blessings. As a child, Lord Ganesha owns what his mother Maa Lakshmi has, be it prosperity or wealth. Also Lord Ganesha is renowned for his intelligence. Wealth without intelligence won't be lasting, thus worshipping both together is a custom.

More information about Diwali

Find out more interesting facts about Diwali. Know how to gain the blessings of Maa Lakshmi so your house is full of prosperity and wealth in the coming year. Keep checking our featured articles for updates and precisely calculated muhurats.

AstroSage wishes you a Happy Diwali!