What is Dipavali and Dipa Dana in 2027?
Dipavali, widely known as Diwali, is the festival of many lamps, and dipa dana is the act of offering those lamps to the Lord. Srila Prabhupada also spelled the name Deepabali and Dipabali. In 2027 the festival falls on Friday, 29 October.
Significance
In a letter to Hamsaduta Dasa, Srila Prabhupada explained what the name means:
Dipa means candles, and bali means numerous. When numerous candles are lighted it is called Dipabali.
Letter to Hamsaduta, Seattle, 10 October 1968
In Vaishnava history the same night is also called Dipamalika, when homes are decorated with rows of lamps. According to the biography of Sri Rasikananda, a disciple of Sri Syamananda Prabhu, Rasikananda appeared during this festival. Srila Prabhupada wrote that in India all Vaishnava temples observe the ceremony. On the following day, for Govardhana Puja and Annakuta, they give prasadam to hundreds of people, as many as each temple can manage.
How to observe it
Light many lamps at your home altar and around the house, offer them to the Deity with devotion, and cook a special preparation to offer as well. Then keep Saturday, 30 October, free for Govardhana Puja and for sharing prasadam with others.
Questions
What date is Dipavali (Diwali) in 2027?
Dipavali, or Diwali, falls on Friday, 29 October 2027.
What does Dipavali mean?
Dipavali means the lighting of many lamps. Srila Prabhupada explained that dipa means candles and bali means numerous.
What follows Diwali in the Vaishnava calendar?
Govardhana Puja and Annakuta follow the next day, Saturday, 30 October 2027, with a large offering to the Lord that is then shared as prasadam.
Reviewed by ISKCON Kurukshetra · Updated
Key facts
- Date
- Friday, 29 October 2027
- Also spelled
- Deepabali, Dipabali
- Next day
- Govardhana Puja and Annakuta
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