Diwali 2023: Date, Rituals, and Auspicious Moments

In the realm of cultural celebrations, Diwali, a festival of immense significance, is right around the corner. Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, holds a special place in the hearts of millions. According to the Hindu calendar, Diwali falls on the Krishna Paksha Amavasya of the Kartik month, signifying the return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya after vanquishing Lankapati Ravan.

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In the realm of cultural celebrations, Diwali, a festival of immense significance, is right around the corner. Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, holds a special place in the hearts of millions. According to the Hindu calendar, Diwali falls on the Krishna Paksha Amavasya of the Kartik month, signifying the return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya after vanquishing Lankapati Ravan.

Diwali is not just a festival; it's a story etched in the sands of time, illuminating the path of righteousness and victory over darkness. The legend narrates the grandeur of Ayodhya adorned with lamps to welcome Lord Ram back, a tradition that continues to this day.

Moreover, Diwali carries another tale from the depths of the ocean—a tale of the churning of the ocean when Mother Lakshmi emerged. This is why Diwali is a day to worship Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity. It is customary to perform Ganesh-Lakshmi puja during the auspicious evening hours of Diwali.

As the Diwali celebrations approach, it's crucial to be aware of the auspicious moments. The Amavasya Tithi begins on the 12th of November at 02:44 PM and ends on the 13th of November at 02:56 AM. Lakshmi Puja is recommended from 05:19 PM to 07:19 PM on the 12th of November.

Diwali rituals involve cleaning the house, decorating the temple with lamps and flowers, and installing the idols of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi. The worship includes offering flowers, Akshat, roli, sandalwood tilak, a garland of flowers, and white sweets. Lighting a ghee lamp and concluding the puja with an Aarti is customary.

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Chanting mantras is an essential part of Diwali. Lord Ganesha is revered with the Vakratunda Mahakaya Suryakoti Samprabha mantra. The mantra "Om Ekadantay Vidmahe Vakratundaya Dhimahi Tanno Buddhi Prachodayat" is also chanted, believed to bestow wisdom and remove obstacles.

Goddess Lakshmi is central to Diwali worship, and her mantras are recited with devotion. The "Om Shri Hreem Shri Kamle Kamlalaye Prasid Prasid" and "Om Shri Hreem Shri Mahalakshmayai Namah" mantras are used to invoke her blessings for wealth and prosperity.

As the Diwali fervor builds, these rituals and mantras serve as a reminder of the festival's rich cultural and spiritual significance. It is a time to celebrate light, prosperity, and the victory of good over evil.