After celebrating Navratri and Dussehra, Diwali is finally here! The much-awaited Hindu festival is fast approaching, as people eagerly look forward to the festivities. Although the pandemic may have brought a halt to large congregations and Diwali gatherings, that doesn't mean that spirits should be dampened. Diwali or Deepavali is one of the widely celebrated festivals of the country. The day is said to mark the return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile. People clean their houses, deck them up with lights and decorations to celebrate the day.
Diwali 2020 Date | When Is Diwali 2020?
This year, Diwali falls on 14th November, 2020 (Saturday). The festivities begin from 13th November, which is Dhanteras (Friday). Diwali is also followed by Govardhan Puja on 15th November (Sunday) and Bhaiya Dooj on 16th November (Monday).
(Also Read: 7 Interesting Ways to De-Clutter and Spruce Up Your Kitchen this Festive Season)
Diwali Puja Timings | Lakshmi Puja Timings In Major Indian Cities
Goddess Lakshmi is of special significance on Diwali day. Many people choose to keep a fast to pray to the goddess of wealth on this auspicious day.
Lakshmi Puja Muhurat - 05:28 PM to 07:24 PM (In New Delhi, India)
Duration - 01 Hour 56 Mins
Pradosh Kaal - 05:28 PM to 08:07 PM
Vrishabha Kaal - 05:28 PM to 07:24 PM
Amavasya Tithi Begins - 02:17 PM on Nov 14, 2020
Amavasya Tithi Ends - 10:36 AM on Nov 15, 2020
Lakshmi Puja Muhurat in Other Cities
05:58 PM to 07:59 PM - Pune
05:41 PM to 07:43 PM - Chennai
05:37 PM to 07:33 PM - Jaipur
05:42 PM to 07:42 PM - Hyderabad
05:29 PM to 07:25 PM - Gurgaon
05:26 PM to 07:21 PM - Chandigarh
04:54 PM to 06:52 PM - Kolkata
06:01 PM to 08:01 PM - Mumbai
05:52 PM to 07:54 PM - Bengaluru
05:57 PM to 07:55 PM - Ahmedabad
05:28 PM to 07:23 PM - Noida
(Source: drikpanchang.com)
Diwali 2020 Significance, Rituals And Customs
Diwali is said to be the day that Lord Rama returned after a fourteen year exile to be reinstated as the king of Ayodhya. The citizens rejoiced at the return of their king, and thus Diwali was born. Also known as 'the festival of lights', or 'Deepavali', it is customary to light earthen diyas and candles to celebrate the day. Homes are cleaned and decorated and Rangolis are painted on the floor. People purchase and wear new clothes and jewellery during this period, and pray to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha. Kali Puja is performed in Eastern States of India such as Bengal, and in Tamil Nadu the day is celebrated as Narak Chatardushi. It is also a common practice to visit friends, relatives and near and dear ones with gifts, dry fruits and sweets to wish them on Diwali.
(Also Read: Here's A Fully Planned Diwali Menu With Yummy Vegetarian Recipes)
Kaju Barfi is a sweet which is widely gifted on Diwali.
Festive Dishes For Diwali 2020 | Best Diwali 2020 Recipes
Sweets are integral to any festival, and Diwali is no different. A plethora of sweets are made and gifted to loved ones for the occasion. This includes Kaju Katli, Soan Papdi, Motichoor ke Laddoo and so much more. Diwali parties also include a number of savoury desi delicacies such as kachori, samosa and cutlets. There is a significant room for creativity when it comes to the Diwali menu, so take your pick from your favourite dishes!