Diwali 2024, the much-awaited Festival of Lights, is a time of celebration, family gatherings, and spiritual rituals. Diwali 2024 will be celebrated on Thursday, October 31, with festivities spanning over five days. However, this year, there’s confusion over the exact date of the main Diwali celebration. Traditionally aligned with the Hindu lunar calendar, Diwali is celebrated on the 15th day of Kartik, but this year, the Amavasya tithi overlaps between October 31 and November 1, causing some debate. According to Drik Panchang, Diwali will be celebrated on October 31, coinciding with Lakshmi Puja and Choti Diwali.
Date Confusion for Diwali 2024: October 31 or November 1?
In 2024, confusion surrounds whether Diwali falls on October 31 or November 1 due to the overlap of the Amavasya tithi (new moon). While some regions may follow November 1, most will celebrate Diwali on October 31, according to Drik Panchang, with the shubh muhurat for Lakshmi Puja falling between 6:52 PM and 8:41 PM. This timing ensures that prayers to Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth, are performed during the most auspicious period.
Table of Diwali 2024 Dates, Times, and Days:-
| Event | Date | Day | Lakshmi Puja Muhurat (if applicable) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dhanteras | October 29, 2024 | Tuesday | N/A |
| Choti Diwali (Naraka Chaturdashi) | October 31, 2024 | Thursday | N/A |
| Diwali & Lakshmi Puja | October 31, 2024 | Thursday | 6:52 PM – 8:41 PM |
| Govardhan Puja | November 2, 2024 | Saturday | N/A |
| Bhai Dooj | November 3, 2024 | Sunday | N/A |
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Day 1: Dhanteras – October 29, 2024
The Diwali festivities begin with Dhanteras on October 29, 2024. It is considered an auspicious day to buy gold, silver, or household items as a symbol of prosperity. Devotees worship Lord Kuber and Goddess Lakshmi, praying for health, wealth, and success. Dhanteras 2024 marks the start of Diwali preparations, as families clean and decorate their homes.
Day 2: Choti Diwali (Naraka Chaturdashi) – October 31, 2024
Choti Diwali, also known as Naraka Chaturdashi, will be celebrated on October 31, 2024, the same day as Diwali. This day commemorates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. Choti Diwali is usually a quieter day, but households light diyas and perform smaller rituals to prepare for the main celebration.
Day 3: Diwali and Lakshmi Puja – October 31, 2024
The most important day of Diwali falls on October 31, 2024, with Lakshmi Puja as the highlight of the day. This is when families gather to worship Goddess Lakshmi, offering prayers for prosperity and well-being. Homes are illuminated with rows of diyas, and intricate rangolis are made at entrances to welcome prosperity. Fireworks light up the night sky, and family feasts are enjoyed to mark the victory of light over darkness.
The Lakshmi Puja muhurat for 2024 is between 6:52 PM and 8:41 PM, making this the ideal time to perform prayers. Amavasya, the new moon night, signifies the perfect backdrop for the symbolic dispelling of darkness with light.
Day 4: Govardhan Puja – November 2, 2024
Govardhan Puja will be celebrated on November 2, 2024, in honor of Lord Krishna. This day marks Krishna’s heroic act of lifting the Govardhan mountain to protect the villagers of Mathura from the wrath of Lord Indra’s storms. Devotees perform rituals and offer food as Govardhan Puja celebrates protection, divine intervention, and Krishna’s love for his devotees.
Day 5: Bhai Dooj – November 3, 2024
The Diwali festival concludes with Bhai Dooj, also known as Bhau Beej, on November 3, 2024. This day celebrates the sacred bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters pray for their brothers’ long life and prosperity, while brothers offer gifts and promise to protect them. Bhai Dooj 2024 symbolizes love, care, and family unity.
You Learn: Diwali 2024 – A Festival of Joy and Tradition
Diwali 2024, primarily celebrated on October 31, is a grand expression of light, family, and tradition. Over the five days of celebrations, each day carries significant meaning, from the wealth and prosperity of Dhanteras to the love between siblings on Bhai Dooj. The confusion around the exact date should not deter from the essence of Diwali, which is rooted in victory, light, and unity.
As the Festival of Lights unfolds, Diwali 2024 promises to be a memorable occasion filled with rituals, fireworks, and cherished family moments. Let this Diwali be a time of joy, reflection, and connection, as people come together to celebrate the victory of good over evil and light over darkness.
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FAQs about Diwali 2024
1. When is Diwali in 2024?
Diwali will be celebrated on Thursday, October 31, 2024, with festivities starting from October 29 and concluding on November 3.
2. What are the five days of Diwali in 2024?
The five days of Diwali 2024 are Dhanteras (October 29), Choti Diwali (October 31), Diwali and Lakshmi Puja (October 31), Govardhan Puja (November 2), and Bhai Dooj (November 3).
3. Why is there confusion about the Diwali 2024 date?
The confusion arises because the Amavasya tithi overlaps between October 31 and November 1, leading to different interpretations of the festival date.
4. What is the significance of Dhanteras in Diwali 2024?
Dhanteras marks the first day of Diwali and is considered an auspicious day to buy gold, silver, or new items to invite prosperity into the home.
5. What is the Lakshmi Puja muhurat for Diwali 2024?
The shubh muhurat for Lakshmi Puja in Diwali 2024 is between 6:52 PM and 8:41 PM on October 31.
6. What is Bhai Dooj and when is it celebrated in 2024?
Bhai Dooj, celebrated on November 3, 2024, is a day dedicated to honoring the bond between brothers and sisters.
7. What is the significance of Govardhan Puja in Diwali 2024?
Govardhan Puja, celebrated on November 2, 2024, honors Lord Krishna’s protection of the villagers by lifting the Govardhan mountain, symbolizing divine protection and gratitude.
