Diwali start date: When is Diwali 2019? How long does Diwali last?
Diwali is the famed festival of lights, which originated in India thousands of years ago. More than one billion people are estimated to celebrate the festival every year with startling shows and camera displays lighting up the streets. Several religions observe the festival, including Sikhs, Hindus Jains and sometimes Buddhists.
When is Diwali 2019?
Much like many non-western holidays, the festival of lights does not run on the schedule of the Gregorian calendar.
Instead, the Hindu calendar decides Diwali dates, which runs on the lunar cycle.
On the Hindu calendar, Diwali falls under the dark Moon Tithi during the month of Kartik, which falls between October and November.
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The date on the Gregorian calendar changes annually due to its reliance on the solar cycle.
On the Gregorian calendar, Diwali is expected to start on October 27 this year.
The lack of synchronisation between the Gregorian and Hindu calendars means Diwali will fall later next year and in 2021.
In 2020, Diwali starts on November 14, and the year after on November 4.
How long does Diwali last?
Observers celebrate Diwali over five days.
Each day of the festival comes with its own individual meaning and associated celebration.
People start observing the holiday on October 27, but the main celebrations aren’t until October 30.
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What happens on each day of Diwali?
The first day: October 27, 2019
– The first day of Diwali, Dhanteras, is dedicated to prosperity.
The Goddess Lakshmi is believed to have emerged from the churning ocean on the day with a special ritual and will see most people buy gold and gamble.
The second day: October 28
– The second day of Diwali is Naraka Chaturdasi and commemorates when Lord Krishna and the Goddess Kali destroyed the demon Narakasura.
People will burn demon effigies in celebration.
The third day: October 29
– The third day of Diwali is Amavasya and will see people worship the Goddess Lakshmi, with evening rituals dedicated to her.
The fourth day: October 30
– Padwa, or Govardhan Puja, has several meanings throughout India, but generally celebrates the connection between wife and husband.
The fifth day: October 31
– The fifth and final day of Diwali is Bhai Duj and celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters.
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