Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is a festival that symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. It is one of the most significant and widely celebrated festivals in India and across Hindu communities worldwide. The festival lasts five days, with each day dedicated to various religious and cultural observances. Let’s explore the significance of each day and the calendar for Diwali 2024.
Diwali 2024 Dates and Calendar:
- Dhanteras – Friday, October 31, 2024
Diwali begins with Dhanteras, the festival of wealth. On this day, people worship Lord Dhanvantari, the god of Ayurveda, and Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. It is a day dedicated to health and wealth, and many households purchase gold, silver, or other valuable items, as this is considered an auspicious way to invite prosperity into one’s life. People also clean and decorate their homes in preparation for the main Diwali festivities. - Choti Diwali / Naraka Chaturdashi – Saturday, November 2, 2024
The second day, known as Choti Diwali or Naraka Chaturdashi, commemorates the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. It represents the conquest of good over evil. On this day, homes are illuminated with lamps and candles, and families often prepare festive sweets and snacks. It is believed that this day dispels negativity, making way for light and positivity in the days to come. - Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) – Sunday, November 3, 2024
The third day is Diwali, the main festival of lights. It marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after a 14-year exile and the victory over the demon king Ravana. This day is primarily dedicated to Lakshmi Puja, where devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi, inviting wealth, prosperity, and happiness into their homes. The evening is marked by lighting oil lamps (diyas), candles, and fairy lights to ward off darkness. People decorate their homes with rangoli (intricate patterns drawn with colored powders), exchange gifts, prepare feasts, and burst firecrackers to celebrate the occasion. - Govardhan Puja – Monday, November 4, 2024
The fourth day is Govardhan Puja, a day devoted to worshipping Lord Krishna’s act of protecting the people of Vrindavan by lifting Mount Govardhan. According to legend, Krishna lifted the mountain to shield the villagers from torrential rains sent by Indra, the god of rain and storms. On this day, people offer food to the deity and create mounds of food, symbolizing the mountain, in a ritual known as Annakut. Many communities prepare elaborate feasts and offer gratitude for sustenance and nourishment. - Bhai Dooj – Tuesday, November 5, 2024
The final day of Diwali is Bhai Dooj, a festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters. On this day, sisters pray for the long life and well-being of their brothers, and in return, brothers vow to protect and support their sisters. It is a time of family gatherings, where siblings exchange gifts and share meals, reinforcing the strong bond between them. Similar to Raksha Bandhan, Bhai Dooj holds a special significance for sibling relationships in Indian culture.
Significance of Diwali in 2024:
Diwali is not just a religious celebration; it is a cultural event that brings together communities and families in joyous festivities. It is a time of new beginnings, marked by the cleaning and redecorating of homes, wearing new clothes, preparing festive foods, and sharing gifts with loved ones. For business owners, it marks the start of a new financial year, with prayers for success and prosperity in the coming months.
At its core, Diwali is about the victory of light over darkness and hope over despair. Every home, street, and neighborhood glows with the warm light of diyas and lanterns, creating an atmosphere of joy and celebration. For children, the festival is a time of excitement, as they light sparklers and watch fireworks illuminate the night sky.
Diwali 2024 Lakshmi Puja Timing:
The most significant event of Diwali is Lakshmi Puja, held on November 3, 2024. Traditionally, the puja is performed during the Pradosh Kaal, which starts after sunset and lasts approximately two hours and 24 minutes. During this time, devotees place idols or images of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha on an altar, offer prayers, light diyas, and perform rituals seeking blessings for a prosperous future.
While the specific timing for the puja may vary based on local customs and location, it is believed that performing the puja during this muhurat brings good fortune and success.
Traditional Celebrations:
In addition to the religious rituals, Diwali is marked by a variety of traditional customs, including:
- Lighting of Diyas: Oil lamps are placed around homes and public spaces to symbolize the removal of darkness and ignorance.
- Rangoli: Beautiful, intricate designs are drawn on the floors of homes using colored powders, flowers, and rice.
- Feasting and Sweets: A wide variety of sweets like laddu, barfi, and jalebi are prepared and shared among friends, family, and neighbors.
- Fireworks: The night sky is illuminated with fireworks as people celebrate with joy and excitement.
- Gift Exchange: Families and friends exchange gifts, such as sweets, clothing, and household items, as a gesture of goodwill and love.
Final Thoughts on Diwali 2024
Diwali is not just a celebration; it’s a time to reflect on inner strength, light, and the values of kindness, generosity, and unity. In 2024, as we once again light the lamps and celebrate with loved ones, we are reminded of the deeper significance of this festival—the continuous triumph of light over darkness, in all its forms.
Whether it is through the joy of sharing sweets, the beauty of lighting diyas, or the prayers for prosperity, Diwali continues to bring people together, fostering a sense of togetherness and hope for the future.
