Diwali 2024 Date: Significance, Traditions, and Celebration Guide

Kailash bangar
By Kailash bangar 580 Views 9 Min Read
9 Min Read
diwali-2024-date

Diwali 2024 Date: Celebrating the Festival of Lights

The glow of countless lamps, the irresistible aroma of festive sweets, and the joyful laughter shared among loved ones – all signal the arrival of Diwali, the festival that brings light, hope, and happiness into our lives. Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is more than just a festival; it’s a celebration that unites people across cultures and traditions in India and beyond.

As we look forward to Diwali 2024, let’s explore the significance of this five-day festival, key Diwali dates, and the auspicious muhurat timings to make your celebrations even more memorable.

Diwali 2024 Dates: A Five-Day Celebration

diwali-2024-date-significance

Diwali is a five-day-long celebration, with each day carrying its unique cultural and spiritual significance. Here are the important Diwali 2024 dates to mark on your calendar:

DayFestivalDate
Day 1DhanterasOctober 29th, 2024 (Tuesday)
Day 2Kali ChaudasOctober 30th, 2024 (Wednesday)
Day 3Narak Chaturdashi (Chhoti Diwali)October 31st, 2024 (Thursday)
Day 4Diwali (Lakshmi Puja)November 1st, 2024 (Friday)
Day 5Govardhan Puja, AnnakutNovember 2nd, 2024 (Saturday)
Day 6Bhai DoojNovember 3rd, 2024 (Sunday)

Each of these days holds special meaning and traditions, making Diwali a festival to cherish with family and friends.

Muhurat Timings for Diwali 2024

Knowing the Diwali 2024 date is important, but equally significant is performing rituals at the right muhurat, or auspicious timings. Here’s a quick guide to the key muhurat timings for the main days of Diwali:

FestivalDateAuspicious Timing
DhanterasOctober 29th, 20246:55 PM to 8:22 PM
Kali ChaudasOctober 30th, 202411:45 PM to 12:36 PM
Narak Chaturdashi (Chhoti Diwali)October 31st, 202411:39 PM to 12:28 AM
Lakshmi Puja (Diwali)November 1st, 20245:36 PM to 6:16 PM
Govardhan PujaNovember 2nd, 20246:14 AM to 8:33 AM & 3:33 PM to 5:53 PM
Bhai DoojNovember 3rd, 20241:13 PM to 3:33 PM

Make sure to follow these timings to seek blessings for prosperity, health, and happiness during the festival.

The Significance of Diwali: Why We Celebrate

Diwali is steeped in rich mythology and cultural traditions. Often referred to as the “Festival of Lights,” the term Deepavali is derived from the Sanskrit word meaning “row of lights,” signifying the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.

  • Ramayana Legend: Diwali is often linked to the return of Lord Ram, Sita, and Lakshman to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and the defeat of the demon king Ravana. To celebrate their return, the people of Ayodhya lit lamps all over the city, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
  • Mahabharata Legend: Another popular story relates to the return of the Pandavas from exile. People welcomed them by lighting lamps and celebrating their victory.
  • Southern Tradition: In South India, Diwali commemorates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura, marking a day of celebration and victory for righteousness.
  • Lakshmi Worship: On the night of Diwali, devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. It is believed that on this night, she visits homes that are clean and well-lit, bringing fortune and good luck to all.

The Five Days of Diwali: An Overview

Each day of Diwali has its own significance, with traditions that highlight different aspects of life, from wealth and health to family and friendships.

  1. Dhanteras (October 29, 2024) – The festival begins with the worship of wealth. On this day, people buy precious items like gold or utensils, signifying prosperity.
  2. Kali Chaudas (October 30, 2024) – This day focuses on cleansing the soul and body by performing rituals that ward off evil. Traditionally, people take early morning baths and light lamps to drive away negativity.
  3. Chhoti Diwali (October 31, 2024) – Celebrated a day before Diwali, Chhoti Diwali marks the defeat of Narakasura by Lord Krishna. People decorate their homes and light lamps, setting the stage for the main Diwali day.
  4. Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) (November 1, 2024) – The main day of Diwali is when people perform the Lakshmi Puja, offering prayers for wealth and prosperity. Homes are illuminated with diyas, and fireworks light up the sky.
  5. Govardhan Puja & Annakut (November 2, 2024) – This day commemorates Lord Krishna’s protection of Gokul’s people by lifting the Govardhan Mountain. Devotees prepare lavish meals (Annakut) as offerings to the deity.
  6. Bhai Dooj (November 3, 2024) – Diwali ends with Bhai Dooj, celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters pray for their brothers’ long life, and in return, brothers present them with gifts.

Diwali Celebrations Across India

While Diwali is celebrated throughout India, the ways it is observed can vary across regions:

  • Naraka Chaturdashi in Goa and West India: People celebrate by burning effigies of Narakasura.
  • Kali Puja in West Bengal and Assam: Diwali is marked by the worship of Goddess Kali, with large statues placed around cities.
  • Deepavali in South India: In Tamil Nadu, Diwali is a day for ayurvedic rituals and ancestor worship.
  • Bandi Chhor Divas in Punjab: Sikhs celebrate Diwali to honor the release of Guru Hargobind from imprisonment.

In Conclusion: Celebrate a Radiant Diwali in 2024

FAQ

As we prepare for Diwali 2024, let’s embrace the spirit of the festival with open hearts and joyous celebrations. From illuminating homes to enjoying festive sweets, Diwali reminds us of the importance of family, love, and new beginnings.

This year, ensure your celebrations are grander with financial support from Tata Capital. Whether you’re planning home renovations, gifting loved ones, or making major purchases, Tata Capital offers a range of financial solutions to empower your dreams and make your Diwali truly special.

What is the origin of the terms Diwali and Deepavali?
Both “Diwali” and “Deepavali” refer to the same grand festival of lights. “Deepavali” comes from Sanskrit, meaning “a row of lights,” while “Diwali” is a shorter, more widely used version, especially in Northern India. The names may vary, but the festival’s core message of light conquering darkness remains universal.


Is Diwali a national holiday in India and other countries?
Yes, Diwali is a public holiday in many parts of India and several countries with significant Indian populations. In 2024, Diwali will be celebrated from October 29th to November 3rd, with the main day, Laxmi Puja, on November 1st. Many regions observe public holidays during this period.


When will Diwali be celebrated in 2024, and what are the best times for puja?
Diwali 2024 falls on November 1st. The auspicious time to perform Laxmi Puja is between 5:36 PM and 6:16 PM. This is considered the ideal moment to offer prayers for prosperity and invite good fortune into your home.


Why are fireworks a key part of Diwali celebrations?
Fireworks are used during Diwali to symbolize the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. The sparkling lights in the sky are a joyful way to celebrate this victory, illuminating the night and spreading happiness.


Which countries officially recognize Diwali as a public holiday?
Diwali is celebrated worldwide, and several countries observe it as an official holiday, including Malaysia, Singapore, Nepal, Fiji, and Mauritius. These countries honor the festival with public celebrations, showcasing the diversity and unity that Diwali represents.

Share This Article
Kailash is a highly passionate individual when it comes to new technology. As a full-time Editor at Thesmartprix, he strives to provide the latest insights and information about the ever-evolving tech industry. When he's not busy writing informative articles, you can find him catching up on some much-needed sleep, scouring the internet for interesting content, or keeping an eye out for the latest technological innovations from around the world. Kailash's dedication and love for technology make him an invaluable asset to the Thesmartprix team
Leave a review