Diwali 2024: Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most significant festivals celebrated across India and by millions around the world. In 2024, Diwali will be celebrated on Thursday, October 31st. This auspicious day marks the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, and it is widely observed by lighting oil lamps, bursting fireworks, and worshipping Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity.
What is Diwali?
Diwali is a five-day festival that traditionally begins with Dhanteras and ends with Bhai Dooj. Each day holds its own significance, with families engaging in rituals, prayers, and feasts to honor gods and goddesses, promote well-being, and bring prosperity into their homes. The festival is not only a religious occasion but also a social one, where families come together to celebrate with joy.
Diwali 2024 Date and Key Rituals
Dhanteras: The festival begins on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, with Dhanteras. It’s the day when people purchase precious metals and perform rituals for the health and well-being of their families. Devotees also light lamps in honor of Lord Yama, the god of death.
Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali): This is observed on Wednesday, October 30, 2024. On this day, people perform early morning baths with herbal pastes, signifying the cleansing of the body and mind before Diwali.
Diwali/Deepavali: The main event is on Thursday, October 31, 2024. According to the Hindu calendar, the Amavasya (new moon) will occur on this day, making it the most auspicious time for Lakshmi Puja. The timing for the Lakshmi Puja is during Pradosh Kaal, a period after sunset, which is deemed ideal for prayers to invite wealth and prosperity.
Govardhan Puja: Observed on Friday, November 1, 2024, this day commemorates Lord Krishna’s lifting of Govardhan Hill to protect villagers from torrential rains. On this day, people worship cows and make offerings of food and sweets.
Bhai Dooj: The final day of the festival, Sunday, November 3, 2024, is dedicated to the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters apply a ceremonial tilak on their brothers’ foreheads, wishing them success and long life.
Diwali 2024: Auspicious Timings and Significance
The festival begins with Dhanteras on October 29, and the Diwali night will be celebrated on October 31. According to astrologers, the Amavasya will start at 3:52 PM on October 31 and last until 6:16 PM on November 1, with the most favorable time for Lakshmi Puja falling on Diwali night during the Pradosh Kaal.
Diwali is not only a religious celebration but also a time to strengthen bonds with loved ones, indulge in sweets, and illuminate homes with diyas (oil lamps) to invite happiness, success, and fortune. The symbolic lighting of lamps dispels the darkness of ignorance and suffering, filling life with joy and harmony.
