When is Diwali 2024: Date, Timings, History, and Pooja
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most significant and widely celebrated festivals in India. It's a time of joy, family gatherings, and the triumph of light over darkness.
- Lord Rama’s Return: The most popular tale linked to Diwali is that of Lord Rama. After spending 14 years in exile and defeating Ravana, the people of Ayodhya lit oil lamps to welcome him back. This act of lighting diyas symbolizes the removal of darkness and ignorance.
- Lord Krishna and Narakasura: In another legend, Diwali is celebrated to mark the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura, freeing 16,000 women who had been captured.
- Goddess Lakshmi: For many, Diwali is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. It is believed that on this day, she emerged from the ocean of milk during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan). Devotees perform Lakshmi Pooja, seeking her blessings for prosperity and happiness.
- Lakshmi Pooja Muhurat: 5:42 PM to 7:35 PM
- Pradosh Kaal: 5:35 PM to 8:07 PM
- Nishita Kaal (late-night Pooja time): 11:40 PM to 12:30 AM
- North India celebrates the return of Lord Rama with grandeur, lighting up homes and temples.
- South India focuses on Lord Krishna’s victory over Narakasura.
- Western India, particularly Gujarat, views Diwali as the start of the new financial year.
- Eastern India, especially in West Bengal, worships Goddess Kali during Diwali.
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most significant and widely celebrated festivals in India. It's a time of joy, family gatherings, and the triumph of light over darkness. The streets are adorned with vibrant decorations, homes are lit up with diyas (oil lamps), and there’s a palpable sense of excitement in the air. But when exactly is Diwali in 2024, and what’s the story behind this festival? Let’s dive into the details.
When is Diwali in 2024?
In 2024, Diwali will be celebrated on Thursday, November 1st. This day marks the culmination of a five-day festival, with each day holding its own significance. Diwali is celebrated on the 15th day of the Hindu month of Kartik, which typically falls between October and November in the Gregorian calendar. The key highlight of the festival is the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity.
Actually, for Diwali worship on Amavasya, it is necessary to have Amavasya night, which is available on 31st October. In such a situation, Amavasya Tithi will end during the day on 1st November. There will be Kartik Amavasya on the night of 31st October and Pratipada Tithi will be observed on the evening of 1st November. For this reason, it will be more auspicious to perform Lakshmi Puja on the night of 31st October, because Lakshmi Puja should be done on the Amavasya night only.
In the year 2024, Deepotsav will be celebrated on Friday, November 1, 2024. According to Drikpanchang, the most auspicious time is between 5:36 pm and 6:16 pm.
Significance of Diwali
Diwali isn't just about lighting lamps and bursting fireworks; it holds deep cultural and religious importance. For Hindus, it signifies the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana and his 14-year exile. For others, it’s the celebration of Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura. In addition to this, Diwali is seen as the day when Goddess Lakshmi blesses her devotees with wealth and prosperity.
Different regions across India may focus on various stories and traditions during Diwali, but the underlying theme is the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness.
The festivities begin two days prior to Diwali and extend two days afterward, making it a grand five-day celebration. These days are filled with rituals, poojas (prayers), and social gatherings, with the main Diwali day being the most important.
The History of Diwali
Diwali has ancient roots, with stories that go back to different eras in Indian mythology:
Diwali Timings in 2024
For Diwali 2024, the most auspicious time for conducting the Lakshmi Pooja is during the Pradosh Kaal, which begins after sunset. On November 1st, the Pradosh Kaal will start from approximately 5:35 PM to 7:35 PM. Within this period, the Lakshmi Pooja Muhurat is the most favorable time to seek blessings from the goddess.
For those looking for a more detailed guide:
Five Days of Diwali Celebrations
Day 1: Dhanteras
Dhanteras kicks off the Diwali celebrations. On this day, people buy gold, silver, or new utensils as it is believed to bring good luck. The homes are cleaned, and the entrance is decorated with rangoli (colorful patterns).
Day 2: Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali)
This day is observed to mark Lord Krishna's victory over the demon Narakasura. People wake up early, take a holy bath, and apply fragrant oils to their skin as part of the purification rituals.
Day 3: Diwali (Main Festival)
The third day is the main Diwali celebration. Families perform Lakshmi Pooja, light diyas, and exchange gifts. This is the day when homes and streets are illuminated, and fireworks light up the sky.
Day 4: Govardhan Puja
On this day, people worship Lord Krishna for his protection and blessings. It commemorates the lifting of Govardhan Hill by Lord Krishna to protect his devotees from the wrath of Indra, the god of rain.
Day 5: Bhai Dooj
Bhai Dooj celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters pray for their brothers’ well-being, and brothers give gifts to show appreciation for their love and protection.
The Importance of Pooja During Diwali
The Lakshmi Pooja is the central religious ritual during Diwali. Devotees believe that by praying to Goddess Lakshmi, they will be blessed with wealth and prosperity. The pooja usually involves cleaning the home, placing a picture or idol of Lakshmi in the prayer area, and offering sweets, flowers, and incense. Some families also worship Lord Ganesha and other deities during the pooja.
How Different Regions Celebrate Diwali
Diwali traditions vary widely across India:
Diwali and its Symbolism
Diwali is packed with symbolism. Lighting a diya represents dispelling darkness and ignorance. Fireworks signify the joy of the people living on earth, while cleaning and decorating the house symbolizes the purification, while the festival fosters unity, hope, and the renewal of prosperity, love, and happiness among families and communities.