Diwali 2024 New Zealand
click here for Diwali Events and Celebrations across New Zealand
DIWALI 2023 FESTIVAL DATES
Due to difference of Tithi (Lunar day), there may be difference between India and New Zealand Diwali festival dates dates
- Dhanvantari Trayodashi / Dhan Teras धन तेरस
- New Zealand: 30 Oct
- India: 29 Oct
- Kali Chaudas, Roop Chaudas (रूप चौदस)
- New Zealand: 31 Oct
- India: 30 Oct
- Diwali दिवाली, Deepavali, Lakshmi Puja लक्ष्मी पूजा , Chopda (Accounting books) puja, Bandi Chhod Diwas
- New Zealand: Fri 1 Nov (Amavasya / No moon day ) Puja Samagri, Puja Vidhi, Lakshmi ji ki Aarti
- India: Thu 31 Oct
- Ann-koot अन्नकूट, Ishti, Goverdhan Puja, Bali Pratipada
- New Zealand & India: Sat 2nd Nov
- Bhai Dooj / Bhai Beej
- New Zealand & India: Sun, 3rd Nov
Diwali Celebrations in New Zealand
Laxmi Aarti for Diwali लक्ष्मी जी की आरती
DIWALI PUJA SAMAGRI पूजा सामग्री
DIWALI PRAYERS / PUJA VIDHI पूजा विधी
Temples in New Zealand
About Diwali
Diwali, also known as Deepavali or Deepawali, is celebrated on Kartik Amavasya (कार्तिक अमावस्या). Kartik is name of Hindu month and Amavasya means no-moon day. The celebrations usually start two days prior to Diwali and goes for two days after Diwali day. The festival is of significant importance for all communities and religions in Indian subcontinent; specially Hindu, Sikh, Jainism, Buddhism
The occasion two days before is Dhan Teras (धन तेरस) or Dhanvantari Trayodashi which is considered auspicious to buy precious metal like Gold or Silver. This is a practice followed by Indian community introduced by the ancestors which was a way of saving for the future.
On Diwali, people meet and greet their extended family, neighbors and friends. They clean and decorate their house with Rangoli (रंगोली) colorful Diyas (दिया / दिपक), lanterns and lights, to Welcome Mahalaxmi, the Goddess of Wealth and offer prayers. Main prayer is held in the evening and known as Laxmi Puja (लक्ष्मी पूजा) offering prayers to the Goddess of Wealth. Another is Chopda Puja (चोपडा पूजा) where business community pray for better Business for the coming year and worship the Account Books. ‘ Chopda’ means books of accounts. Bandi Chhor Divas (ਬੰਦੀ ਛੋੜ ਦਿਵਸ / बंदी छोड दिवस / Day of liberation) is celebrated with Diwali. It is day to mark return of Guru Hargobind Ji (श्री गुरू हरगोबिन्द जी)
Next day of Diwali is celebrated as Goverdhan Puja (गोवर्धन पूजा) and Annakut (अन्नकूट) and also as the new year in Gujarat. This day community prays to Lord Krishna and prepare variety of feast at home.
Third day of Diwali is celebrated as Bhai Dooj (भाई दूज) which is celebrated by brothers and sisters. The sisters pray for long life and happiness of their brothers and in return brothers gift their sisters. The Marathi language translation of this festival is Bhau Beej (भाऊ बीज).
Diwali in Indian subcontinent is also time when activities related to sowing of new crop starts.
Have a blessed and prosperous Diwali and new year. शुभ दिपावली
