Hanukkah 2022: Date, significance of festival

Families exchange gifts during the eight-day holiday, also known as the Festival of Lights, and burn eight exceptional candles. Hanukkah can occasionally happen on the same day as Christmas, but it can also fall at any other time in December and even sooner.

The event runs from dusk on Sunday, December 18, which is the 24th day of the Hebrew calendar's Kislev month, through dusk on Monday, December 26 – Hebrew Calendar’s second day of Tivet. The date changes yearly as the Hebrew calendar is based on the lunar cycle.

The term Hanukkah originated 2500 years ago in the Jewish temple. It is marked by an incident wherein the Jewish people reclaimed the temple from the enemies. Unfortunately, there was no oil in the lamp to restore the temple during that time. Then, a miracle happened, and the flame stayed in it for eight more days. Thus, eight candles are lit during this festival.




The Hanukkah festival is celebrated sparingly. In fact, it is more of following rituals and traditions. The families light a candle every night for eight days after sunset on Menorah. It is placed near the window so that it is noticed by passers-by.

The festival is also marked by get-togethers and presenting gifts to each other. Hanukkah gelt and chocolate coins are common gifts given to children.

Hanukkah is wished by saying Happy Hanukkah or Hanukkah Sameach.

FAQs:

1. When is Hanukkah in 2022?
   Hanukkah, this year, begins on December 18 and ends on December 26.
2. What is Menorah?
   Menorah is a kind of lamp which has nine branches. The first branch flame is used to light the other eight.