When is Diwali

Understanding the Changing Dates of Diwali

Diwali is clearly the most anticipated festival of the year. Once the monsoons have beaten their retreat, there is constant wonder and anxiety about when Diwali festivities will get underway. The undue interest is largely due to the fact that Diwali is never celebrated on the same day on the English calendar. People are constantly referring to the Hindu calendar and finding out When is Diwali, though there is quite a simple calculation to determine this.

Unlike most universal celebrations, Diwali does not have a fixed date. What you can, in fact, be certain of is the fact the Diwali will definitely not fall on the same dates as it did the last year. Although Diwali is usually expected sometime in the months of October or November, the dates are fluid. This year, Diwali is being celebrated on the 26th of October 2011.

It is important to start understand the Hindu calendar before you really understand how Diwali dates are calculated. The Hindu calendar consists of months which are twenty eight days long, and coincide with the phases of the moon. Since Hindus follow this calendar when arriving at auspicious days, ear marking festivals and planning rituals, there can be no one day on the English calendar which can be isolated as the day for celebration. This is the fundamental behind varying dates for Diwali year after year.

The monsoons do not just bring with them rain, but also a sign that good times are ahead. With the monsoon in full swing in the Indian sub-continent, it is now time to welcome the Gods into our homes and hearts. Janmashtami quickly makes way for Raksha Bandhan and Ganesh Chaturthi, which are followed by Navratri celebrations.

Among the various festivals that precede Diwali, Dussehra is the closest. Diwali follows twenty days after Dussehra has been celebrated. This is one good indicator of when to expect Diwali. There is yet another method of arriving at the Diwali Date. Diwali is celebrated in the Hindu month of Kartik, which usually coincides with the months of October or November. This is around the time that Diwali will be celebrated. Diwali is celebrated during the dark fortnight of the month, on the fifteenth day. Centred around this day, you will find all other celebrations fall a day prior or after. The festival of Dhan Teras is always celebrated before Diwali, while Bhai Duj follows Diwali closely, in which people send Diwali Gifts to thier Close ones.

Most people are interested in knowing the dates of Diwali beforehand since there is a lot of planning and preparations that need to be taken care of. Weeks are required to help clean the house out completely, and the house needs to be stocked with supplies. Items required for puja must be bought, as do gifts and sweets. When there is so much to be done, having sufficient advance notice is important. With these calculations in place, you will now know quite easily when you need to get started.

Diwali comes in a little earlier than last year. If you are wondering when Diwali in 2011 will fall, look and plan for the 5th of November, as this is the momentous day that has been declared Diwali this year. Hinging on expectant hopes, this is the day that must ensure you share joy and unconditional love. Make sure that you prepare deliberately planned lists of guests and family who must be greeted, buy enough sweets for everyone, and shop to your heart’s content. Integral of all Diwali celebrations, there must be plenty of lights and fireworks, and liberal servings of delicacies for everyone. Plan well in advance to ensure that your gifts and sweets have been booked and can reach in time when you include your family who is overseas.

Here is the Diwali Calendar for 2011. Celebrations kick off this year with Dhan Teras ushering promises of unprecedented wealth and prosperity on the 26th of October. Make sure you have your kuber yantra ready, and have kept some funds aside to buy some auspicious token of gold or silver. Choti Diwali or Naraka Chaturdashi falls on the 25th of October, and Diwali finally dawns on the 26th. Govardhan Puja is to be celebrated on the 27th ofOctober, following which Bhai Duj will be celebrated on the 28th. If your sister is not n the same city, this is a good time to book your tickets to see her.