Diwali 2024, also known as Deepawali, is one of the most popular festivals celebrated by Hindus in India and worldwide.
This vibrant festival lasts for five days, starting with Dhanteras and ending with Bhai Dooj. Diwali is famously known as the “Festival of Lights” and symbolizes joy, prosperity, and happiness. It takes place on the darkest night of the Hindu month of Kartik, known as Kartik Amavasya.
During Diwali, people light up their homes and streets with diyas and candles, wear new clothes, exchange gifts, and enjoy traditional festive foods with their loved ones.
Diwali 2024
Diwali, or Deepawali, is India’s most widely celebrated festival, representing the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. In 2024, Diwali will be observed on Thursday, October 31. The five-day celebration starts with Dhanteras and ends with Bhaiya Dooj.
In regions like Maharashtra, the festivities begin a day earlier with Govatsa Dwadashi, while in Gujarat, it kicks off two days earlier with Agyaras and concludes on Labh Panchami. Each day holds special traditions and rituals, bringing families together in joyful celebrations.
Diwali 2024 Date
Diwali is celebrated during the Hindu lunisolar months of Ashvin and Kartika, usually falling between mid-October and mid-November. According to the traditional Hindu calendar, Diwali takes place on Amavasya, the 15th day of Kartik.
In 2024, Diwali will be celebrated on Thursday, October 31. As per Drikpanchang, the most auspicious time for the festivities is between 5:36 PM and 6:16 PM.
Diwali 2024 Shubh Muhurat
Diwali 2024 is on October 31, 2024. According to Drik Panchang, Lakshmi Puja will take place on the same day. Here are the shubh muhurat (auspicious timings) to remember for the celebrations:
| Diwali 2024 Timings | |
|---|---|
| Event | Timing |
| Pradosh Kaal | 05:36 PM to 08:11 PM |
| Vrishabha Kaal | 06:20 PM to 08:15 PM |
| Amavasya Tithi Begins | 03:52 PM on October 31, 2024 |
| Amavasya Tithi Ends | 06:16 PM on November 1, 2024 |
Diwali 2024 Calendar
Diwali is celebrated over five days, each with its own meaning and rituals. These days include Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdashi (also known as Choti Diwali), Diwali, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj. Every day has its unique importance and is observed with specific traditions.
| Diwali 2024 Calendar | |
|---|---|
| Event | Day/Date |
| Govatsa Dwadashi | Monday, October 28, 2024 |
| Dhantrayodashi / Dhanteras | Tuesday, October 29, 2024 |
| Kali Chaudas | Wednesday, October 30, 2024 |
| Abhyang Snan | Thursday, October 31, 2024 |
| Lakshmi Puja / Diwali Kedar Gauri Vrat Chopda Puja Sharda Puja / Diwali Snan Diwali Devpuja | Thursday, October 31, 2024 |
| Govardhan Puja / Annakut Bali Pratipada Dyuta Krida Gujarati New Year | Saturday, November 2, 2024 |
| Bhaiya Dooj / Bhau Beej Yama Dwitiya | Sunday, November 3, 2024 |
Diwali is celebrated over five days, each with its own rituals and significance. Here’s a breakdown of the festivities:
Day 1: Dhanteras
Dhanteras marks the start of Diwali. On this day, people pray to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kuber for wealth and prosperity. It’s also a time for buying new items like gold coins, bars, or jewelry.
Day 2: Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali)
Choti Diwali, or Naraka Chaturdashi, celebrates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura. It symbolizes the triumph of good over evil.
Day 3: Diwali
The main Diwali celebration marks Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya with Sita and Lakshman. Homes are lit up with diyas, rangolis, and lights, and in the evening, people perform Lakshmi and Ganesh Puja.
Day 4: Govardhan Puja
Govardhan Puja is dedicated to Lord Krishna, who lifted the Govardhan mountain to protect the people of Mathura from Lord Indra’s wrath.
Day 5: Bhai Dooj
The final day is Bhai Dooj, which honors the bond between brothers and sisters, similar to Raksha Bandhan. It’s a day of love and prayers for siblings’ well-being.
Why is Diwali celebrated?
Diwali, or Deepavali, is a major Hindu festival with deep cultural and spiritual significance. It symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Lighting diyas during Diwali represents the inner light that protects against spiritual darkness.
The festival’s origins are rooted in Hindu mythology. One popular legend tells of Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu, returning to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana. As it was a no-moon day (Amavasya) in the month of Kartik, the people of Ayodhya lit diyas and decorated their homes with rangolis to welcome him.
In South India, Diwali marks Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura. Additionally, some believe that Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi were married on this day, while others say Goddess Lakshmi was born on the new moon day of Kartik.
Across the world, people celebrate the festival of lights with joy and enthusiasm. In every home, Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi are worshipped, along with valuable possessions. After the puja, families exchange sweets and gifts with neighbors and friends, and both children and adults light diyas and burst crackers to celebrate the occasion.
Diwali 2024 Significance
Diwali is primarily dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, who symbolizes wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. Along with her, Lord Ganesha, known for removing obstacles, and deities like Goddess Saraswati and Lord Kuber are also worshipped during this festive time.
Many business owners, especially from traditional Hindu families, see Diwali as the perfect time to begin new financial ventures. They perform rituals to bless their accounting books, pens, and ink bottles, hoping for a prosperous year ahead.
Lakshmi Puja extends beyond homes to businesses and offices, where people seek blessings for success and wealth in their professional lives. Oil lamps are lit throughout homes and workplaces during the puja, symbolizing the removal of darkness and the welcoming of Goddess Lakshmi’s blessings.
Diwali 2024 promises to be a time of joy, light, and spiritual devotion. The five-day celebration, especially Lakshmi Puja, unites families in honoring the divine forces that guide them toward success. As you prepare for Diwali, remember to follow the rituals, honor the auspicious timings, and embrace the festival’s message of togetherness and gratitude.
May the lights of Diwali bring happiness, prosperity, and peace to your home!
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| World Anaesthesia Day 2024 | Boss Day 2024 |
| Karwa Chauth 2024 | International Day for Eradication of Poverty 2024 |
| Valmiki Jayanti 2024 | World Food Day 2024 |
Diwali 2024 FAQs
Q.1. What is the date of Diwali 2024?
Ans. Diwali will be celebrated on Friday, November 1, 2024.
Q.2. What are the five days of Diwali?
Ans. The five days of Diwali include Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali), Diwali, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj.
Q.3. What is the significance of Lakshmi Puja during Diwali?
Lakshmi Puja is performed to honor Goddess Lakshmi, seeking blessings for wealth, prosperity, and good fortune for homes and businesses.
Q.4. How do people celebrate Diwali?
Ans. People celebrate Diwali by lighting diyas, decorating homes, exchanging gifts, enjoying festive foods, and performing puja for deities like Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi.
Q.5. Why is Diwali also called the Festival of Lights?
Ans. Diwali is called the Festival of Lights because it symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, with homes illuminated by diyas and candles during the festivities.
