Diwali, the festival of lights, is predominantly observed over a span of five days across several states in the country. The festivities kick off with Dhanteras and ends with Bhai Dooj. The Hindu festival usually falls on the Amavasya (new moon) of the month of Kartik, that is, during October or November as per the Gregorian calendar.
This year, the Amavasya Tithi starts from October 31 and lasts till November 1. This has led to confusion about the appropriate date on which one should celebrate Diwali.
According to astrologer Vinod Soni Pauddar from Bhopal, Diwali is traditionally celebrated on the night of Amavasya. Pauddar said that since the Amavasya Tithi starts on October 31 at 2:40PM and lasts till the morning of November 1, one should observe Diwali Puja on October 31. He added that celebrating Diwali on November 1 may be inauspicious, as per Shastra Samvat.
Similarly, astrologer Pandit Nandkishore Mudgal from Devghar said that despite the overlapping dates, Diwali should be celebrated on October 31. Mudgal stated that the Amavasya Tithi officially begins at 3:12PM on October 31 and lasts till 5:14PM on November 1.
While Diwali will be celebrated on October 31 in many cities, in Ayodhya, which is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Rama, several local religious leaders, including the chief priest of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, Acharya Satyendra Das, advocated for observing Diwali on November 1.
Amid differing viewpoints, astrologer Pandit Kalki Ram suggested that the Diwali festivities can extend over both October 31 and November 1, since the Amavasya Tithi encompasses both dates. However, he stressed on performing Lakshmi Puja on the night of October 31 for the most auspicious outcome.
The country celebrated Dhanteras on October 29 setting the tone for the upcoming Diwali festivities. It is believed that one should purchase new items, including utensils and jewellery on this auspicious day.
Diwali 2024: Mark Your Calendars
With the festival of lights commencing in a few hours, let’s delve into the important dates, timings, rituals, and cultural significance of this auspicious occasion.
Dhanteras: Was celebrated on October 29, 2024. Puja Muhurat: 6:31 PM to 8:13 PM
Naraka Chaturdashi: Observed on Thursday, October 31, 2024. Abhyang Snan Muhurat: 5:20 AM to 6:32 AM Chaturdashi Tithi Begins: 1:15 PM on October 30, 2024 Chaturdashi Tithi Ends: 3:52 PM on October 31, 2024
Diwali (Lakshmi Puja): Takes place on Friday, November 1, 2024. Lakshmi Puja Muhurat: 5:36 PM to 6:16 PM Amavasya Tithi Begins: 3:52 PM on October 31, 2024 Amavasya Tithi Ends: 6:16 PM on November 1, 2024
Govardhan Puja: Celebrated on Saturday, November 2, 2024.Govardhan Puja Pratahkal Muhurat: 6:34 AM to 8:46 AM Govardhan Puja Sayankala Muhurat: 3:23 PM to 5:35 PM
Bhai Dooj: To be celebrated on Sunday, November 3, 2024. Bhai Dooj Aparahna Time: 1:10 PM to 3:22 PM
Lakshmi Puja 2024 Timing
Devotees will perform Lakshmi Puja on Diwali evening, to invoke blessings of wealth and abundance. The auspicious window for this ceremony is from 6:27PM to 8:32PM on October 31. The Nishita Muhurta for the puja is from 11:39 PM to 12:31 AM.
Diwali 2024: School Holidays
Amid the confusion over celebration of Diwali, many institutions, including schools and banks have announced holidays on both October 31 and November 1. Since most astrologers agree that Diwali should be celebrated on October 31, several institutions have considered that date to be the primary holiday.
Since Diwali falls on Thursday and the festivities will continue for five days, several institutions have announced an extended holiday weekend. While schools will be closed for a minimum of five days, some residential institutions have declared holiday break of up to 15 days.
Significance of Diwali
Diwali symbolises the victory of good over evil. According to the Ramayana, when Lord Ram, along with Goddess Sita and his brother Laxman, returned to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, the residents of Ayodhya illuminated their homes with diyas to welcome their king. This day is believed to be celebrated as Diwali.
Many devotees also worship Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth, and Lord Ganesha, who is believed to remove obstacles. It is widely believed that performing puja for these deities during Diwali brings prosperity.
Diwali Traditions
The essence of Diwali is encapsulated in its vibrant rituals, home decor, and celebrations:
Home Preparations: Families clean and adorn their homes with vibrant rangoli, lanterns, and strings of lights to welcome positivity and prosperity.
Puja Ceremonies: Families gather for puja, offering flowers, sweets, and fruits to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, seeking their blessings.
Lighting Diyas: Lighting diyas symbolizes the dispelling of darkness, as homes and streets are adorned with these small oil lamps, creating a magical atmosphere.
Festive Sweets: Traditional sweets like laddus, barfis, and jalebis are made and shared with family and friends, symbolising joy and unity.
Daily Celebration Schedule
Dhanteras: People clean their homes and buy gold, silver, and new utensils, since these purchases are believed to bring good luck. People also worship Lord Kubera, the god of wealth.
Naraka Chaturdashi (Chhoti Diwali): The day starts with early morning baths and the lighting of diyas, symbolizing Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura.
Lakshmi Puja (Diwali): In the evening, families perform elaborate puja rituals, lighting diyas and offering sweets to invite prosperity and dispel obstacles.
Govardhan Puja: This day commemorates Lord Krishna’s lifting of the Govardhan Hill, with communities often recreating a small mountain to celebrate this miracle.
Bhai Dooj: Sisters perform rituals for their brothers’ well-being, while brothers show their gratitude with gifts, deepening the bond of sibling love.
Best Places to Experience Diwali 2024
While Diwali is celebrated nationwide, each region has its unique flavour. Some of the best places to experience the festival include:
Varanasi: The ghats glow with thousands of diyas during Diwali, accompanied by the Ganga Aarti.
Delhi: The national capital celebrates the day with an array of cultural events and illuminated markets, including the Chandni Chowk.
Kolkata: Diwali coincides with Kali Puja, with the city celebrating both these festivals with vibrant displays of lights.