Last Updated on 12 November 2023 IST | Diwali Festival 2023: Diwali, a festival of Hindus, is celebrated annually all over the world. Diwali, popularly known as the Festival of Lights, is observed in Amavasya (or new moon day) of the Kartik month, which falls this year on November 12. At this occasion, the readers must know the Real Almighty God worthy of worship to attain the worldly joys and Salvation.
Diwali Festival 2023 Date in India
According to the Hindu calendar, Diwali is observed on Amavasya (or new moon) – the 15th day – of the Kartik month, every year. This year Diwali Festival 2023 will be celebrated on November 12 nationwide.
How Is Diwali Celebrated?
People decorate their doorways with beautiful and colorful rangoli to welcome goddess Laxmi—goddess of wealth. Earthen lamps and hanging lamps are lit. People use decorative lighting to decorate their homes and offices. They burn crackers on all four nights.
People visit each other’s houses and exchange gifts and sweets. Laxmi Pujan is the main event during this festival which is not in accordance with the Spiritual Texts.
How Is Deepavali Celebrated?
- The first day marks the arrival of a new financial year for Hindu Business Houses. The business class worships Goddess Lakshmi with wealth.
- The second day is a day of purification. People wash the house and put on new clothes.
- The third day is the new moon and day of Deepavali celebration and official holiday.
- The fourth day is Kartika Shudda Padyami.
- The fifth day, the last day of the festival, shows the love between the sisters and the brothers.
Significance of Diwali Festival 2023 Celebrations
Many folklores and legends are associated with Diwali celebrations for Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs which are as follows:
- It is celebrated to commemorate the victory of Rama over the evil king Ravana and his return to Ayodhya after an exile of 14 years. When Rama was sentenced to an exile of 14 years, his wife Sita and brother Laxman had also left with him from their kingdom Ayodhya to complete the sentence. During the exile, Sita was abducted by Ravana, the evil king. Lord Rama fought a war with Ravana to free Sita from his clutches and eventually Ravana was killed in the war. Post this the trio returned to their kingdom Ayodhya, which was celebrated by the people by lighting up earthen lamps and decorating the entire kingdom to welcome their Princes and Princess. It is believed that from then on the festival of Diwali began to be celebrated. The readers must know that within two years of stay at Ayodhya, pregnant Devi Sita who had passed “fire test” was exiled for life to forest upon a washerman’s remarks. The citizens of Ayodhya never celebrated Diwali after two years of celebration as Devi Sita was exiled.
- Another folklore that surrounds the Diwali celebration comes from the time of Mahabharata. After losing a dice game with Kauravas, the Pandavas were sentenced to an exile of 13 years. After serving the exile when they returned to their birthplace Hastinapur on the new moon day of the Kartik month, the people there celebrated their return and illuminated earthen lamps everywhere and decorated their kingdom.
- Another tale that supports Diwali celebrations is that goddess Lakshmi rose from the ocean during the churning of the cosmic sea on this day. This was the day when Lord Vishnu married goddess Lakshmi and to mark this special occasion many luminous lamps were illuminated. This serves as a major reason why goddess Lakshmi is worshiped on the day of Diwali and why people seek her blessings to acquire wealth throughout the year.
- For followers of Jainism, Diwali “marks the nirvana or spiritual awakening of the spiritual leader Mahavira in 527 BCE,”
- Sikhs celebrate Diwali with a completely different reason and philosophy. The Sikhs mark Diwali as Bandi Chhor Divas, also known as ‘The Celebration of Freedom’, which commemorates the release of the sixth Sikh guru, Sri Guru Hargobind Ji from prison in 1619 CE.
Is Salvation Possible by Worshiping Shri Ram on Diwali Festival 2023
The innocent devotees celebrate festivals like Dussehra, Diwali, and Ram Navmi in remembrance of Lord Ram. They worship by chanting mantras like “Om Ramabhadraya Namaha”, “Om Ramachandraya Namaha”, “Harey Rama Harey Rama, Rama Rama Harey Harey”, “Shri Rama Jaya Rama Jaya Jaya Rama” ―these mantras hold no evidence in any holy scriptures. Therefore this arbitrary worship cannot provide salvation, hence of no significance. Following are some facts about Shri Ramchandra Ji that don’t qualify him as Supreme God and hence not worth worshiping for Salvation.
- Lord Ram was the seventh incarnation of Shri Vishnu who spent a miserable human life after the curse of sage Narad.
- The ill-effects of ‘teen taap’ could not be destroyed by Trilokiye Vishnu.
- Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram was not a powerful ruler which is proved in his inability in saving Sita from being kidnapped by Ravana and not being able to identify the culprit demon Ravana initially.
- Shri Ram identifies Goddess Parvati which reflects that his remote control is in the hands of Brahm-Kaal who plots all acts and the souls merely enact as puppets.
- Shri Ramchandra betrayed Bali in order to kill him.
- The myth that Shri Ram built Ramsetu Bridge is busted by Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj. The fact is Ramsetu was built by the grace of Aadi Ram.
- The divine-human emerged as weak when he became helpless and tied with ‘Naag-Phans’. Garud helped Shri Ram and his army, otherwise they would have been defeated.
- Ravana was killed by the grace of Aadi Ram i.e. KavirDev and not by Shri Ramchandra.
- Shri Ram’s shameful act is highly ridiculous when he expelled his pregnant wife Sita fearing common folks. It was an inhumane act.
- Shri Ram disrespected Hanuman who was his devout.
- Shri Ram led a miserable life and a painful death when he had to face the defeat from his own children, and his wife Sita refused to even have his audience and got absorbed in the earth. Shri Ram is mistaken to be God by devotees.
- Brahm-Kaal’s region runs on vindictiveness as revealed by Shri Krishna’s death.
- Salvation can never be attained by the worship of Shri Ram.
- True worship of Aadi Ram only provides the soul with complete salvation.
- The salvation mantras are given by a Tatvdarshi Sant.
The correct way of worship is mentioned in Bhagavad Gita chapter 17 verse 23 i.e. three-word salvation mantra ‘Om-Tat-Sat’ (coded) which is provided by the Tatvdarshi sant with which the soul gets liberation. Almighty Kabir tells in His nectar speech –
Ram Naam tihun lok mein, Sakal raha bharpoor|
Jo janey tihi nikat hai, Anjaney tihi door||
God is with those who know who is the real Ram and do true worship, else, God is far from ignorants.
- Question 1: When was Diwali celebrated this year?
- Answer: Diwali was celebrated across the country on Sunday, November 12, 2023.
- Question 2: Who is worshipped on Diwali?
- Answer: Lakshmi Devi is worshipped on Diwali, but this is a non-scriptural practice which is of no benefit.
- Question 3: How is Diwali celebrated?
- Answer: Diwali is celebrated by lighting diyas in every home, but there is no mention of this type of practice in the scriptures.
- Question 4: What should we do on this Diwali?
- Answer: On this Diwali, take free naamdiksha from Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj Ji as it’s the only way to light up the life with happiness and prosperity.
- Question 5: What gift should we give to our family members on this Diwali?
- Answer: On this Diwali, give the book “Gyan Ganga” written by Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj Ji to all your family members as a gift.
Why do we make Rangoli on Diwali?
When Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after defeating Lanka, the city was adorned with Rangolis to welcome him. Some mothers and sisters also create Rangolis on special occasions. It is believed that making Rangoli creates a positive atmosphere, fostering happiness within the family. It is worth thinking that there is no real happiness in this world, there is an orgy of sorrow here. Whether there is illness in the home or debts or any kind of adversity, then what joy is there to celebrate? If we want complete happiness and peace, we will have to take the shelter of a complete saint and at present the only complete saint in the entire universe is Jagatguru Tatvdarshi Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj Ji.
Why do Indians celebrate Diwali?
Diwali is considered to be the biggest festival of Hindu religion, on this day people worship Goddess Lakshmi. It is said that on this day after spending 14 years in exile, Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya. As per the Ramayana, when Lord Rama, along with Goddess Sita and brother Lakshmana, returned after defeating Ravana, the entire city of Ayodhya was adorned with lamps. It is said that Diwali is celebrated on the day of Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. However, after two years when Sita Mata was sent away from home, the celebration of Diwali ceased with Dussehra. As the king and queen became separated, there was no reason for joy. For more information, read the book Gyan Ganga.
Almighty God Kabir Sahib says:
Sadaa Diwali Sant ki, Barah Maah Basant |
Prem (Raam naam) rang jin par chade, Unke rang anant ||
Why do we take an oil bath on Diwali?
On the occasion of Diwali, the morning starts with oil bath. Oil bath cleanses the body, and during the cold season, it provides a sense of warmth. According to Lokved it is considered to purify the soul. While an oil bath can cleanse the body, it is not the most effective way to purify the soul. True purification of the soul comes from staying away from all kinds of wrongdoing. Spiritual cleansing of the soul occurs through satsang. Satsang is a place where truthful speech and the absence of falsehood prevail. Satsang is conducted by a Satguru, a true saint. To distinguish between true saint and fake gurus, search for spiritual knowledge discussions Satlok Ashram YouTube channel.
Why is Laxmi Puja performed on Diwali?
Lakshmi Ji is considered the goddess of wealth, and as per tradition, Diwali is the day when worship of Goddess Lakshmi is performed to attain wealth. But it is an arbitrary practise as only the worship of Supreme God Kabir Saheb can yield more than the destiny for a devotee while other gods can give only according to the destiny.
There is evidence in Gita Ji Chapter 16 Verse 23 and 24 that the devotee who abandons the injunction of scriptures and worships as per his own wish, neither gets any happiness nor any accomplishment i.e. no work gets accomplished nor does he attain Salvation. Therefore, O Arjun, do the work prescribed in the scriptures, do not go by Folklore i.e. hearsay Knowledge, do the devotion described in the scriptures. For complete information about scripture based devotion, download Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj App.
Diwali Festival 2023: Should the Diwali Festival Be Celebrated?
While many use Diwali wishes for the greetings in this festival, there are a lot of environmental, economical, logical, and spiritual reasons which question the very celebration of this festival.
Environmental Reasons
The first reason that opposes Diwali celebrations is that it is essentially a festival of lights. But other than the lights, people burst crackers. The crackers not only harm the delicate balance of our ecological system but also pose a threat to the health conditions of newborn babies, the sick, the elderly, and the animals. The crackers cause a lot of noise pollution and air pollution which can lead to severe implications in and around the surroundings where they are let off.
Economic and Legal Reasons
A second important reason for questioning Diwali celebrations is regarding the way these crackers are produced. Every year during Diwali there are incidents of fire in cracker factories. This not only puts the employees of the factory at risk but also causes a threat to those who live around those factories.
■ Read in Hindi: Diwali (दीवाली): दीपावली पर जानिए कैसे होगा हमारे जीवन में मोक्ष रूपी उजाला?
Plus a lot of children are employed in cracker-making factories which leads to child labor and which is legally a crime. By purchasing these crackers people create a demand for these commodities which encourages these factory owners to employ more children and put them and other people at health risk.
Spiritual Reasons
None of our Holy Scriptures namely Srimad Bhagwad Gita and the Vedas support any such kind of celebrations. Instead, there are instances where Bhagwad Gita condemns worshiping Demigods and Demigoddesses and undertaking any kind of worship which is opposite to the injunctions of Holy Scriptures. By undertaking such festivities people undertake a way of worship which is opposed to the Holy Scriptures.
■ Also Read: Happy Diwali 2018 Festival: Dates, Lakshmi Puja
Worshiping Demigods and Demigoddesses will do no good to people as they will only get what they are destined for. Only by worshiping the True Almighty Kabir Saheb can people expect to get a blissful life and at the same time Attain Salvation i.e. get liberated from the cycle of birth and death.
Commemorate the Homecoming of Lord Rama:
A vast majority of Hindu population celebrate Diwali commemorating the homecoming of Lord Rama along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshman after serving the exile of 14 years. It’s understood that during that era people celebrated their homecoming since they were unaware of what the future beheld with regards to the family life of Lord Rama and Sita. Two years later Lord Rama sentenced pregnant Sita to an exile of a lifetime. Thereafter Ayodhya never celebrated Diwali. So, logically, celebrating Diwali to commemorate the homecoming of Lord Rama does not make any sense at the present because we know what happened back then.
Diwali Festival 2023 | Celebrate Diwali to Worship Goddess Lakshmi
While a lot of people argue that we celebrate Diwali to worship goddess Lakshmi to get her blessings and wealth throughout the year. If this is the case then why do so many people who celebrate Diwali and make all the necessary arrangements for Lakshmi pujan tend to remain in a poor financial state? By worshiping goddess Lakshmi these people should be blessed with wealth by goddess Lakshmi, but it seems that doesn’t happen in reality.
Evidence Against the Celebration in the Holy Srimad Bhagavad Gita
- Srimad Bhagavad Gita chapter 7 verse 15 states that those who worship the three gods (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiv) are people with a demonic nature, lowest amongst men, who perform evil acts like practicing worship opposite to the Holy Scriptures, fools do not worship me too.
- Srimad Bhagavad Gita chapter 16 verses 23 and 24 indicate that those who do not give any regards to the injunctions of Holy Scriptures and act according to their whims neither attain happiness nor attain salvation. Since there is no mention of celebrations of these festivals, it is an act opposed by the Holy Scriptures.
- Srimad Bhagavad Gita chapter 9 verse 25 specifies that those who worship demigods will go to them post their death which implies that there is no salvation because even demigods are in the cycle of birth and death.
- Srimad Bhagavad Gita chapter 2 verse 17 talks about a Supreme Almighty who is immortal and eternal while in chapter 4 verse 5 and chapter 2 verse 12, the giver of the knowledge of Bhagavad Gita admits that he is mortal and is in the cycle of birth and death.
Who Is The Supreme Almighty & How to Attain Him?
The Name of Supreme Almighty is Kavirdev or Kabir Sahib and He can be reached by following the way of Eternal Devotion guided by an enlightened Saint. Shrimad Bhagwad Gita chapter 15 verses 1-4 and 16,17 clearly indicate the way to identify a truly enlightened Saint. Today, there is only one truly enlightened Saint Who is imparting the true way of worship by all the Holy Scriptures and His name is Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj. He is the only Saint Who has proved from all Holy Scriptures that the name of the Supreme Almighty is Kavirdev or Kabir Saheb.
Who Is Enlightened Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj?
Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj is a disciple of Sant Swami Ramdevanand Ji Maharaj and preacher of Kabir Saheb’s Eternal Knowledge. SatGuru Rampal Ji Maharaj utters the scripture-based spiritual knowledge to the people. He reminds human beings to focus on the real purpose of human life by adopting the spiritual practice in accordance with the holy Scriptures.
He inspires to follow devotion as described in Holy Bhagavad Gita 17:23 “OM Tat Sat” three mantras for attaining God. He says that by adopting True Devotion, a true devotee’s accumulated sinful deeds are demolished and s/he lives without sorrow. He cites The Supreme God Kabir Saheb’s Vani that states that as one accepts Satnaam Diksha (Initiation by a Satguru) all her/his sinful deeds get demolished like one spark of fire burns the heap of dry grass.
Kabir, Jabhi Satyanaam hrday dharo, Bhayo paap ko nash|
Maano chingi agni kee, Padee puraane ghaas||
Three Stage Naam Daan (Initiation) from SatGuru Rampal Ji
SatGuru Rampal Ji bestows Naam Diksha (Name Initiation) to His disciples in three stages and advises them to follow certain rules. A seeker who takes Naam Diksha (Naam Initiation) from Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj and follows His instructions to strict adherence, certainly achieves worldly joys and attains Salvation.
His disciples and He Himself follows the principles of purity of heart and action, free from intoxication, corruption, dowry or other social evils. Moreover, SatGuru Dev motivates His disciples to serve the society selflessly. To know the Eternal Knowledge, listen to the sermons of SatGuru Rampal Ji Maharaj at Satlok Ashram YouTube Channel.
Get a Special Gift on Diwali 2023
Get a Special Gift for this Diwali. Download the Sacred Book “Way of Living” or order the Hard Copy of it free-of-cost, and learn the profound secrets hidden in Holy Books. Share the link and let your relatives also take advantage of it.
FAQ About Diwali Festival 2023
Ans. Diwali will be celebrated on 10th November in the year 2023.
Ans. The festival of Deepawali is celebrated in Ayodhya to commemorate the return of Shri Ram and Sita from exile.
Ans. Diwali is celebrated every year on the Amavasya (new moon day) of Kartik month as per Hindu calendar.
Ans. The festival of Diwali is celebrated for 5 days.
