Hanukkah Date

Hanukkah is an important festival of the Jews and they wait eagerly every year for it to begin. It is even more awaited by the kids, as they are excited about the gifts that they would get from their parents, after offering prayers. Hanukkah means ‘dedication’ in Jewish language and marks the victory of Jewish national survival and freedom. It begins on the 25th day of the third month (Kislev) of Jewish calendar. According to the Georgian calendar, the festival is celebrated in the month of November- December.

Also referred to as the ‘festival of lights’, Chanukah is often misunderstood as Jewish Christmas by many. However, it usually predates Christmas and is a different celebration altogether. For the eight days of Hanukkah, candles are lighted on a nine branched menorah, their number corresponding with the day of the festival. The candles are lit in remembrance of the miracle that took place in the holy temple at Jerusalem, centuries ago. The miracle was that the menorah burnt at the temple for 8 consecutive nights without fail, while the oil present in it was enough to keep it lighted for one night only.

Dreidel is another symbol of Hanukkah. It is basically is a betting game, played by families after lighting the candles on Menorah, with each of the sides of the spinning top indicating what the player who has spins it must do. On Hanukah, Jewish families gather together and have an elaborate meal. They also decorate their house and pray to God. Many Jewish families have adopted the tradition of giving small gifts to their children, on Chanukah. There is a lot of excitement and fervor in the environment around the festival, with everyone in a joyous mood. The life gets lazy and wishes float all around.

When is Chanukah?
Here given is the list of day and date of Chanukah celebration in the coming years.

Hanukkah 2009 - December 11 (Friday)
Hanukkah 2010 - December 1(Wednesday)
Hanukkah 2011 - December 20 (Tuesday)
Hanukkah 2012 - December 8 (Saturday)
Hanukkah 2013 - November 27 (Wednesday)
Hanukkah 2014 - December 16 (Tuesday)
Hanukkah 2015 - December 6 (Sunday)