Diwali 2023: Dates, Timings and Significance
Starts: Vasubaras (Govatsa Dwadashi) - 09 Nov (Thursday) Ends: Bhai Dooj (Bhaubij) / Yamadwitiya - 14 Nov (Tuesday)
Diwali 2023: Day-by-Day
Vasubaras (Govatsa Dwadashi)
Ashvina Krishna Dwadashi Tithi 09 November 2023 (Thursday)
Vasubaras opens the Diwali cluster with the worship of cows and calves, honouring them as symbols of prosperity and maternal care. Many households avoid milk and milk products from the family cow on this day as a mark of respect.
Dhanteras (Dhanatrayodashi)
Ashvina Krishna Trayodashi Tithi 10 November 2023 (Friday)
Dhanteras marks the appearance of Dhanvantari, the god of health and healing, and is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi as the bringer of wealth. It's traditionally considered auspicious to purchase gold, silver, or new utensils on this day, and homes are cleaned and lit in preparation for Diwali.
Narak Chaturdashi (Chhoti Diwali)
Ashvina Krishna Chaturdashi Tithi 11 November 2023 (Saturday)
Narak Chaturdashi commemorates Lord Krishna's victory over the demon Narakasura. The day traditionally begins with an Abhyanga Snan (a ritual oil bath before sunrise) to cleanse away negativity, which is why this observance follows the sunrise-tithi rule rather than an evening one.
Diwali (Lakshmi Puja)
Ashvina Amavasya Tithi 12 November 2023 (Sunday)
The main day of Diwali, dedicated to Lakshmi Puja - inviting Goddess Lakshmi into the home for prosperity and wellbeing in the year ahead. Because the puja is performed after sunset, the correct date is the day whose evening (Pradosh Kaal) falls within Amavasya tithi - not necessarily the day whose sunrise does.
Balipratipada / Govardhan Puja / Padwa
Kartika Shukla Pratipada Tithi 13 November 2023 (Monday)
This day marks King Bali's symbolic return to earth and, in North India, commemorates Lord Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill to shelter the villagers of Vraj. It's also traditionally the start of the new business year for many trading communities, marked with account-book (Chopda) worship.
Bhai Dooj (Bhaubij) / Yamadwitiya
Kartika Shukla Dwitiya Tithi 14 November 2023 (Tuesday)
The closing day of the Diwali cluster celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters - sisters perform an Aarti for their brothers and apply a tilak, praying for their wellbeing, in a ritual echoing Yama and Yamuna's mythological reunion.