When is Diwali 2023, where to celebrate in Florida and who declared it a state holiday
Whether you're flipping or swiping through your calendars, chances are you've spotted a holiday in November you might not be familiar with: Diwali.
Diwali is the Indian “festival of lights," a holiday celebrating the triumph of good over evil, according to almanac.com.
Here's what to know about the holiday, including when it is and how you can celebrate.
When is Diwali 2023?
In 2023, Diwali will be celebrated Nov. 12.
Diwali can occur anywhere from mid-October to mid-November. The date changes every year because it is based on the Hindu lunar calendar.
Diwali occurs on the darkest day of the lunar month, which is the day of the new moon.
What is the holiday Diwali about?
Diwali is a festival of lights, which symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
It also celebrates the blessings of victory, freedom and enlightenment.
Diwali is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in India, according to IndiaTimes.
Diwali also is celebrated all over the world across various religions and cultures, especially in South Asia.
Is it Diwali, Divali or Deepavali?
It can be any of them.
The name comes from Sanksrit dipavali, meaning row of lights.
How is Diwali celebrated?
On the night of Diwali, celebrants light candles and clay lamps (known as diyas), placing them throughout their homes and in the streets to light up the night.
In most of India, Diwali consists of a five-day celebration that peaks on the third day.
Traditions vary around the world, but a common theme includes lighting candles and the gathering of families.
Common elements of Diwali celebrations
Celebrating Diwali varies across different regions of India but share common elements. According to IndiaTimes, they are:
Lighting of lamps and fireworks
Puja (prayers) and worship
Exchange of gifts and sweets
Traditional attire
Family gatherings and festive feasts
Diwali fairs and cultural performances
Charity and philanthropy
Who celebrates Diwali?
Followers of the Hindu, Sikh and Jain faiths celebrate Diwali.
The holiday is celebrated throughout India, Singapore and several other South Asian countries as a national holiday.
How is Diwali celebrated in the US?
Every year on Diwali, the US Embassy has been decorated with lights and diyas.
The Hudson River in New York, where Indian Americans traditionally gather and celebrate together, has been another location where firework displays take place.
Pennsylvania was the first state to declare Diwali as a state holiday.
In June, it was announced Diwali would be a public school holiday in New York City.
Are there any Diwali 2023 celebrations planned in Florida?
The Diwali Grand Celebration is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, at the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale.
Diwali Miami "Festival of Lights" is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 12, 2023, at Wynwood in Miami.
Diwali DanceFest is scheduled to take place in Orlando on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 27 and Oct. 28, 2023. Activities include:
Dance Parade in Disney Springs on Friday, Oct. 27.
Diwali Dance Showcase at Disney's Animal Kingdom on Saturday, Oct. 28.
The Diwali Festival of Lights is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in West Palm Beach.
A free Diwali Celebration is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 3, 2023, at Las Olas Oceanside Park in Fort Lauderdale.
Diwali celebrations are scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in the St. Augustine Amphitheater.
Food traditions from around the world to celebrate Diwali
Every Diwali celebration includes an elaborate spread of Indian sweet and savory treats.
Motichur Laddu is a sugary concoction that melts in your mouth. Find the full recipe on veganrecipesofindia.com.
Jalebi is a spiral-shaped sweet made of all-purpose flour, gram flour and sugar syrup. Find the full recipe on indianhealthyrecipes.com.
Gulab jamun is a dessert made of small balls dipped in a pool of rose-flavored sugar syrup. The full recipe can be found on indianhealthyrecipes.com.
Looking for more recipes to try? Take a look at these, which range from gughara (a sweet pastry) to chorafali (lentil crispies)
Diwali recipes: When is Diwali, and how is it celebrated? Plus, a few recipes for some sweet treats
Diwali food traditions: Diwali food traditions travel across the globe: Try these sweet and savory recipes at home
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Diwali: What is the holiday, what foods are served & how to celebrate
