Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in Hindu culture. It takes place annually with great grandeur and joy, falling on the 15th day of Kartik, which is the darkest night of the Hindu lunar calendar. The festival marks the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
In preparation for Diwali, families thoroughly clean and decorate their homes, often creating beautiful rangoli designs to welcome the gods and bring good fortune. The festival is marked by the worship of several deities, including Lord Dhanvantari, Lord Yama, Lord Krishna, Lord Kuber, Lord Ganesha, and Goddess Lakshmi. Each day of Diwali is dedicated to honoring specific gods through rituals and prayers.
Diwali is also a time for joy, where families and friends come together to exchange sweets, gifts, and blessings. This festival fosters happiness and unity, celebrated not only in India but also by Hindus across the world. Diwali festivities span five days, with each day holding its own significance and traditions.
In 2024, Diwali will be celebrated on October 31. According to the Drik Panchang, Choti Diwali and Lakshmi Puja will fall on the same day. Below are the key dates and auspicious timings for Diwali 2024:
Lakshmi Puja Muhurat: 6:52 pm to 8:41 pm
Pradosh Kaal: 6:10 pm to 8:52 pm
Vrishabha Kaal: 6:52 pm to 8:41 pm
Amavasya Tithi Begins: 6:22 am on October 31
Amavasya Tithi Ends: 8:46 am on November 1
Diwali 2024: 5-Day festival calendarOctober 29: Dhanteras
October 31: Choti Diwali (Naraka Chaturdashi) and Lakshmi Puja
November 2: Govardhan Puja
November 3: Bhai Dooj
Each day holds unique rituals and traditions, adding to the rich tapestry of Diwali celebrations.
Understanding the five days of Diwali Dhanteras (October 29, 2024): The festival begins with Dhanteras, a day dedicated to prayers for prosperity and health. Devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kuber, seeking wealth and abundance. It is customary for people to purchase gold, silver, or new household items to bring good fortune and ward off negative energies.
Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) (October 31, 2024): Also known as Choti Diwali, this day celebrates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura. It signifies the triumph of good over evil. Homes are thoroughly cleaned, and people prepare for the main Diwali celebration. Lamps are lit, symbolizing the removal of ignorance and negativity.
Diwali (October 31, 2024): The main day of Diwali commemorates the return of Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshman to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana. It represents the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Homes are illuminated with oil lamps (diyas), and beautiful rangolis adorn doorways. In the evening, people perform Lakshmi Puja and Ganesh Puja, praying for wealth, prosperity, and wisdom.
Govardhan Puja (November 2, 2024): On this day, people worship Lord Krishna, celebrating the moment he lifted the Govardhan Mountain to protect the villagers of Mathura from the torrential rains sent by Lord Indra. Devotees build small hill-like structures made of cow dung or food, symbolizing the mountain, and offer prayers of gratitude for protection and sustenance.
Bhai Dooj (November 3, 2024): The festival concludes with Bhai Dooj, a day celebrating the loving bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters perform aarti and pray for the long life and well-being of their brothers, while brothers give gifts to show their appreciation. It is a day of familial love, unity, and blessings.
Each day of Diwali carries its own unique rituals, fostering unity, joy, and prosperity for all.