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Diwali 2024 Date: When is Deepawali? All You Need to Know About the 5 Days Festival of Lights
When is Deepawali 2024? Discover the exact date of Diwali and dive into the rich traditions, customs, and rituals associated with this vibrant Festival of Lights. Diwali, celebrated over five days, is much more than a festival – it’s a celebration of light triumphing over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.
By Nikhil Batra
Oct 15, 2024
JAGRAN JOSH
Deepawali, also known as Diwali, stands as one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in India. Symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil, this festival fosters a sense of joy, devotion, and unity among people. It is a grand occasion filled with vibrant celebrations, spiritual rituals, and social gatherings.
Rooted in ancient traditions, Deepawali carries profound spiritual significance. The word ‘Deepawali’ means “a row of lights,” and its observance revolves around illuminating homes and surroundings to invite happiness and prosperity.
The festival also honours the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after his victory over Ravana, with the lighting of oil lamps symbolising the triumph of good over evil.
Additionally, Diwali is associated with Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, and Lord Ganesh. It is believed that worshipping them on this day brings abundance and good fortune for the year ahead.
When is Diwali 2024?
Diwali is a five-day celebration that starts with Dhanteras and concludes with Bhaiya Dooj. However, the festivities vary across regions. In Maharashtra, Diwali begins a day earlier on Govatsa Dwadashi, while in Gujarat, the celebrations kick off two days earlier on Agyaras and end on Labh Panchami.
Diwali in 2024 will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 31st. The five-day festivities will begin on October 28th with Dhanteras and conclude on November 3rd with Bhaiya Dooj.
Many people are unsure about the exact date to celebrate Diwali this year, so let’s clear up the confusion. Laxmi Puja will be performed on October 31, 2024, as the Amavasya moon will be visible that evening.
However, in some cities, Diwali celebrations will take place on November 1, 2024. According to the Panchang, the Amavasya Tithi ends at 6:16 PM on November 1, 2024, but since Laxmi Puja is traditionally performed after sunset when the moon is visible, October 31, 2024, is considered the ideal day to celebrate Diwali.
Drikpanchang mentions: “The most auspicious time to do Diwali Puja is after sunset. The time period after sunset is known as Pradosh. The day of Diwali Puja is decided when Amavasya Tithi prevails during Pradosh.”
Diwali 2024 Date in India
Diwali 2024 31 October
Lakshmi Puja Muhurat 05:36 PM to 06:16 PM (Duration: 41 Minutes)
Amavasya Tithi Begins 03:52 PM on Oct 31, 2024
Amavasya Tithi Ends 06:16 PM on Nov 01, 2024
Everything About 5 Days of Diwali – A Complete Calendar
The celebration of Deepawali extends over five days, each with its own significance and rituals:
29th October 2024 Tuesday Dhanteras
31st October 2024 Thursday Choti Diwali
31st October 2024 Thursday Badi Diwali
2nd November 2024 Saturday Govardhan Puja
3rd November 2024 Sunday Bhai Dooj
Dhanteras (October 29, 2024)
The first day of Diwali is dedicated to the worship of Lord Dhanvantari, the god of health and healing. On this day, people buy gold, silver, and new utensils to welcome prosperity and good luck. It is believed that purchasing valuable items on Dhanteras will bring wealth and abundance throughout the year.
Choti Diwali (October 31, 2024)
On the second day, people celebrate the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. Houses are cleaned and decorated, and earthen lamps are lit to remove the darkness of evil and welcome positivity. This day is also marked by bursting crackers in many parts of India.
Deepawali (October 31, 2024)
The main day of the festival is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Lakshmi. People offer prayers and perform Lakshmi Puja in the evening, seeking her blessings for wealth and prosperity. Houses are illuminated with rows of diyas and decorative lights, and families come together to share sweets, gifts, and joy.
Govardhan Puja (November 2, 2024)
The fourth day is dedicated to Lord Krishna and the ritual of Govardhan Puja. Devotees prepare a variety of delicious dishes as offerings to Lord Krishna, symbolising the Annakut (mountain of food). The day also commemorates the lifting of Govardhan Hill by Lord Krishna to protect villagers from torrential rains.
Bhai Dooj (November 3, 2024)
The fifth and final day of Deepawali is celebrated as Bhai Dooj, a festival that honours the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters pray for their brother’s long life and prosperity, and in return, brothers promise to protect their sisters from harm. The exchange of gifts and sweets marks this beautiful day of sibling love.
How is Diwali Celebrated?
- Deepawali is known for its grand celebrations across India and in many parts of the world where Indian communities reside. The festival is a time of immense joy, where families and friends come together to celebrate unity, love, and tradition.
- Lighting Diyas and Rangoli: The lighting of oil lamps (diyas) is one of the most prominent features of Deepawali. The flickering flames of the lamps represent the victory of light over darkness. Rangoli designs, made from coloured powders, flowers, and rice, adorn the entrances of homes to welcome guests and deities.
- Bursting Firecrackers: Fireworks and fireworks are synonymous with Diwali celebrations. Although the practice has become more regulated due to environmental concerns, the sparkling display of lights in the sky adds to the festive spirit. Eco-friendly alternatives such as Green Crackers are gaining popularity to minimise pollution.
- Exchanging Gifts and Sweets: Deepawali is a time to express love and gratitude. Exchanging gifts, sweets, and dry fruits among family members, neighbours, and friends is a long-standing tradition. Popular sweets include laddu, barfi, kaju katli, and gulab jamun.
- Worship and Rituals: Worshipping Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha is an essential part of Diwali. The Lakshmi Puja is performed with devotion, seeking her blessings for financial success, well-being, and peace in the household. Lord Ganesha is worshipped as the remover of obstacles and the provider of wisdom.
Deepawali 2024 is more than just a festival of lights; it is a celebration of life, prosperity, and the eternal triumph of good over evil. As people come together to celebrate, they embrace the values of family, kindness, and togetherness. The spirit of Deepawali reminds us to spread light in the darkest corners, to share joy with others, and to reflect on the blessings we have.
