Diwali 2013 date

The most popular Hindu festival Diwali literally means ‘an array of lamps.’ The festival signifies the victory of good over evil – where the good and the evil are present in us. Diwali 2013 date is November 3 as  per Hindu Calendar - India Standard Time. In 2013, the Diwali dates are – Dhanteras on November 1, Diwali on November 3, Lakshmi Puja on November 3 and Bhai Dhooj on November 5.

The Diwali lamps signify the removal of spiritual darkness and the ushering in of knowledge capable of realizing Brahman (That) – the Supreme Being present in all animate and inanimate. It also

There are several reasons for celebrating Diwali. The most important one is the commemoration of the return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile.

Lakshmi Puja during Diwali is observed as it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the ocean on this day during the ‘samudra manthan’ (churning of ocean) by demons and gods as mentioned in the Puranas. So for the business people, the new business year begins on Diwali.

In South India, Diwali is the day in which Lord Krishna killed the demon Narakasura.

In Gujarat, the day after Diwali is observed as Annakut – New Year’s Day.

Dhanteras is celebrated two days before Diwali honors Dhanvantari, the physician of the gods. He is believed to have emerged from the ocean on this day during samudra manthan.

In Orissa, the lights are lit to show the path to the spirits of ancestors returning to heaven.

In Bengal, Diwali is celebrated as Kali Puja. It is believed that Goddess Kali killed the demon Raktavija on this day.