Diwali is one of the most exciting and cherished festivals in India. It’s a time when families come together, celebrate with lights, sweets, and prayers, and enjoy the joy of being with loved ones. If you’re in Gujarat, you know that Diwali holds special importance with its unique customs and celebrations. Are you wondering about the Diwali 2023 date Gujarat? Or looking for a list of important holidays in the state? You’re in the right place!
In this blog, we will explore everything about Diwali in Gujarat – when it is celebrated in 2023, the holiday list, and other key dates for the festivities. Let’s get started with all the exciting details!
When is Diwali 2023 Date Gujarat?
If you’re planning your holidays or wondering about the Diwali 2023 date Gujarat, here’s the big news! Diwali, also known as Deepavali, will be celebrated on November 12, 2023 in Gujarat. This date marks the main day of the Diwali festival, when families gather to perform prayers, light diyas (oil lamps), and celebrate the victory of light over darkness.
What is Diwali?
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is celebrated by millions of people across the world, especially in India. It signifies the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. People light oil lamps, decorate their homes with colorful rangolis (patterns made with colored powders), and burst fireworks. The festival also includes special prayers (puja) to Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.
Holiday List for Diwali 2023 Date Gujarat
If you live in Gujarat or are visiting during Diwali, you may be wondering about the official holiday list. Here’s a quick overview of important dates for Diwali 2023 date Gujarat.
Dhanteras – November 10, 2023
Dhanteras marks the beginning of the Diwali festival. On this day, people buy new items like gold, silver, or utensils, which are believed to bring good luck. It’s an important part of Diwali preparations, and many businesses in Gujarat close for the day.
Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) – November 11, 2023
Naraka Chaturdashi, also known as Choti Diwali, is the day before the main Diwali festival. On this day, people wake up early, take a ritualistic bath, and light small firecrackers. This day is dedicated to the defeat of the demon Narakasura by Lord Krishna.
Diwali – November 12, 2023
The main Diwali day is the 12th of November in 2023. On this day, homes are decorated with lights and rangolis. People worship Goddess Lakshmi, and it’s a time for family reunions, sharing sweets, and bursting fireworks. Most businesses and schools in Gujarat are closed on this day.
Govardhan Puja – November 13, 2023
Govardhan Puja is celebrated a day after Diwali. This day marks the victory of Lord Krishna over the mighty Lord Indra, who had sent a storm to destroy the people of Vrindavan. On this day, people create small mounds of food to symbolize the Govardhan Hill, which was lifted by Krishna to save the villagers.
Bhai Dooj – November 15, 2023
The last day of the Diwali festival is Bhai Dooj, which celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters apply a tika (a mark) on their brothers’ foreheads and pray for their well-being. Brothers, in return, give gifts to their sisters. It’s a special day for family bonding.
Other Key Dates for Diwali in Gujarat
- Anant Chaturdashi (September 2023) – Though not part of Diwali, many people in Gujarat celebrate the immersion of Ganesh idols, which marks the end of Ganesh Chaturthi and is a significant pre-Diwali event.
- Sharad Purnima (October 2023) – This full moon day is considered significant for preparations leading to Diwali.
Diwali Celebrations in Gujarat: Traditions and Rituals
Diwali celebrations in Gujarat are unique, with some special traditions and rituals that make it even more vibrant. Here are some of the key practices that you’ll find during Diwali 2023 daste Gujarat:
Cleaning and Decorating Homes
Before Diwali, people in Gujarat thoroughly clean their homes. This is believed to invite positive energy and good fortune into the house. On Diwali night, homes are decorated with oil lamps (diyas) and colorful rangolis. Many people also hang fairy lights and illuminate their homes with the brightness of the festival.
Traditional Sweets and Snacks
No Diwali celebration is complete without sweets! Gujarati families prepare a variety of traditional sweets like farsan, khandvi, dhokla, and khajoor. People also make mithai (sweets) like gujiya, laddoos, and barfi, which are shared with friends and family during the festivities.
Fireworks and Diyas
The bursting of fireworks is a major highlight of Diwali celebrations in Gujarat. However, due to the rising awareness of pollution, many people are now opting for eco-friendly fireworks. The streets light up with colorful fireworks, and homes glow with the warmth of diyas, creating a beautiful sight.
Shopping for New Clothes and Gifts
People in Gujarat love to shop during Diwali. It’s a tradition to buy new clothes and exchange gifts. Shopping areas, markets, and malls in Gujarat are filled with people buying everything from clothes to home goods. You’ll see stores offering discounts and festive deals to attract shoppers.
Lakshmi Puja
The most important ritual of Diwali is the Lakshmi Puja. On the evening of Diwali, families gather to worship Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. People believe that worshipping her on this day will bring prosperity and happiness into their homes. Special prayers and rituals are performed to welcome Goddess Lakshmi into their homes.
Is Diwali a Public Holiday in Gujarat?
Yes, Diwali is a public holiday in Gujarat. Most schools, government offices, and businesses remain closed on the main day of Diwali, which is November 12, 2023. The state also observes the following holidays during the festival period:
- Dhanteras (November 10, 2023)
- Choti Diwali (Naraka Chaturdashi) (November 11, 2023)
- Govardhan Puja (November 13, 2023)
- Bhai Dooj (November 15, 2023)
Planning for Diwali in Gujarat
If you’re traveling to Gujarat during Diwali, it’s a great time to experience the festival’s true spirit. The streets are full of colors, sounds, and smells as people prepare for the big celebrations. Whether you’re shopping for new clothes, enjoying local sweets, or witnessing the dazzling fireworks, Diwali in Gujarat is an unforgettable experience.
Make sure you book your travel and accommodation in advance since this is a peak time for tourism. Public transport may also be busier than usual, so plan accordingly to avoid any last-minute rush.
Conclusion: Diwali 2023 Date Gujarat and Holiday Schedule
To sum up, the Diwali 2023 date Gujarat is on November 12, 2023. The festival spans several days, starting with Dhanteras on November 10, and continues until Bhai Dooj on November 15, 2023. Each day brings its own set of celebrations and rituals, making this an exciting and joyful time for all. Make sure to mark these dates and plan your celebrations and holidays accordingly.
Diwali is not just a time for lights and fireworks, but also a time for family, togetherness, and new beginnings. It’s a time to reflect on the triumph of good over evil and to look forward to the year ahead with hope and optimism.
We hope this blog has helped you with all the details you need to enjoy Diwali 2023 date Gujarat. Wishing you all a very happy and prosperous Diwali!
