Gujarat: Gap day extends Diwali festivities to six days
The phenomenon of 'dhoko' has occurred for the third consecutive year according to The Times of India.
The Diwali festival in Gujarat will extend to six days this year due to a gap day known as 'dhoko', according to The Times of India.
This gap day occurs between Diwali and New Year's Day in the Vikram Samvat calendar, marking the third consecutive year this has happened.
Astrologer and panchang maker Ritesh Shastri said the Vikram Samvat follows lunisolar cycles involving the Sun and the Moon.
Shastri explained that the gap day ensures the New Year starts on a 'full' tithi. He said Kali Chaudash spilled into Diwali until 10am and Diwali will continue until 9am on Nov 9, meaning the tithi will not have changed at sunrise.
Professional Shubham Trivedi said the gap day has become a fixture for the past few years, though he noted it was not experienced much while growing up.
Astrologers added that the Saka Samvat, India's official calendar, avoids an added day by calculating days based on the sun's motion. Neither 2027 nor 2028 has the gap day, Shastri said.