Diwali Festival 2024

Diwali 2024 is almost here, and the excitement is building up! Known as the "Festival of Lights," this joyous occasion illuminates homes and hearts with a brilliant glow. Imagine vibrant rangolis decorating doorsteps, dazzling fireworks lighting up the night sky, and the delightful aroma of traditional sweets wafting through the air. Families come together to light diyas (earthen lamps) and share moments of happiness and laughter. It's a time to say goodbye to darkness, welcome new beginnings, and spread positivity all around. 

Streets come alive with twinkling lights, markets buzz with energy, and everyone is busy buying gifts and decorating their homes. The festive atmosphere truly sparks a sense of unity and love. Diwali is more than just a festival—it's an emotion, a celebration of victory over evil, and a reminder to cherish life's simple joys. Whether it’s the sparkle of the lights, the sound of laughter, or the glow on everyone's faces, Diwali is pure magic. Ready to immerse yourself in this vibrant celebration? Let’s celebrate Diwali 2024 like never before—full of light, love, and endless joy!

Date of Diwali 2024

This year, Diwali will be celebrated on both October 31 and November 1, 2024, depending on the region. As the festival approaches, homes and streets light up with beautiful decorations and vibrant lights. Preparations begin well in advance, with families thoroughly cleaning and decorating their houses. On the day of Diwali, devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, seeking their blessings for prosperity, wealth, and well-being.

There has been some confusion regarding the exact date of celebration. To clarify, Lakshmi Puja will be performed on October 31, 2024, as the Amavasya Moon will be visible that night. However, some cities will celebrate Diwali on November 1, 2024, as the Amavasya Tithi ends at 06:16 PM on that day. Since Lakshmi Puja is traditionally performed after sunset when the Moon is visible, October 31, 2024, is considered the ideal day for Diwali.

It’s a special time when people exchange gifts, enjoy festive meals, and create unforgettable memories with loved ones. The beauty of Diwali lies in its ability to spread joy and illuminate lives everywhere.

Exact Muhurat for Diwali 2024 Puja

According to Drik Panchang, the exact Muhurat for Diwali Puja (Lakshmi Puja) in 2024 is on Thursday, October 31, as Diwali falls on that day. The Amavasya Tithi (new moon day) is crucial for performing Lakshmi Puja, and this year the new moon will be visible on the evening of October 31.

Here are the exact timings for Lakshmi Puja based on Drik Panchang:

• Lakshmi Puja Muhurat: 05:41 PM to 07:37 PM
• Duration: 1 hour 56 minutes

Diwali 2024: Lakshmi Puja Timings For Major Cities

*TIMINGS & DATES MAY VARY

5 Days of Diwali Festival 2024

1. Dhanteras 

The festival begins with Dhanteras, a day dedicated to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. On this day, people clean their homes and purchase gold, silver, and other valuable items as it is believed to bring good fortune. Lamps are lit in the evening to ward off evil spirits.

2. Naraka Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali

The second day is Choti Diwali, also known as Naraka Chaturdashi. This day marks the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura, symbolising the triumph of good over evil. Homes are decorated with rangoli (colourful patterns) and diyas (oil lamps). People also take ritualistic oil baths, believed to purify them.

3. Diwali

The main day of Diwali, also known as Lakshmi Puja, is when the goddess Lakshmi is worshipped for wealth, prosperity, and happiness. Homes and temples are brightly illuminated, and the night is filled with fireworks and sweets. Families come together to offer prayers and exchange gifts.

4. Govardhan Puja 

The fourth day, Govardhan Puja, commemorates the occasion when Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan Hill to protect the villagers of Vrindavan from a torrential storm. In some regions, this day is also celebrated as Annakut, where offerings of food are made to Krishna.

5. Bhai Dooj 

The festival concludes with Bhai Dooj, a day dedicated to the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters pray for their brothers’ well-being and longevity, while brothers offer gifts in return. This day strengthens familial bonds and is celebrated with great warmth and affection.

History of the Diwali Festival

According to the popular legend, when Ravana kidnapped Goddess Sita, Lord Rama had to make an impossible journey to the land of Sri Lanka situated deep down south to save her. And on his journey, he found many trustworthy followers like Lord Hanuman and the Vanar Sena, who helped Lord Rama to free his beloved wife from the demon king Ravana. 

The Legend of Lord Krishna, Goddess Lakshmi, and Goddess Durga

Another mythological remnant of history states that it was on this day in Dwapara Yuga when Lord Krishna killed the demon Narakasura. The demon was the king of Pragjyotishapur, and his death at the hands of Lord Krishna freed 16,000 women held in his captivity. Thus, the festival of Diwali is celebrated as a triumph of good over evil.

Many Hindus associate the Diwali festival in India with Goddess Lakshmi. The legends suggest that it was on this day when Goddess Lakshmi was born from the epic Samudra Manthan, the churning of the cosmic ocean of milk by the Gods (Devas) and the Asuras (Demons). This is a very ancient legend and traces its roots back to many Puranas. One such Purana that mentions this, particularly, is the Padma Purana.

It has been mentioned in the ancient Sanskrit texts that the Hindu festival of Diwali has also been considered the day that marks the onset of the harvest season in India. Padma Purana and Skanda Purana mention this fact.

What is more intriguing is that many foreign travellers and historians have also explained Diwali. 

For example, in the 11th century, a Persian traveller named Al Biruni mentioned this festival in his life memoir as the festival celebrated by the Hindu people on the New Moon day in the Kartika month. Apart from that, a Venetian merchant named Niccolò de' Conti also mentioned Diwali in his memoir in the 15th century.

Diwali Celebrations in Different Parts of the Country

Diwali in India goes on for five days, starting from Dhanteras to the day of Diwali itself and then Bhai Dooj. Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi are majorly worshipped on Diwali because they are meant to bring loads of happiness, wealth, and good luck to families. Apart from that, the bazaars and homes are decorated with great pomp and show. People light Diyas and make rangolis with great enthusiasm. 

Coming on to the bazaars, they seem to be a grand feast of decorative items to shop around. People visit each other's homes with gifts and an open, welcoming heart. A variety of delicacies are prepared and shared with others.

While the festival's soul is the same everywhere, different regions of India have distinct ways of remembering this day. Read on to discover where you can make a trip to explore these fascinating Diwali traditions across the nation.  Look at how this festival is celebrated in different parts of the country.

1. North India

In North India, Diwali is celebrated with grandeur. Houses are decorated with colorful lights, and the skies sparkle with fireworks. Families worship Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and prosperity and light diyas to welcome good fortune. Delhi, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh are known for their vibrant Diwali melas and bustling markets.

2. West India

Maharashtra and Gujarat celebrate Diwali with a special tradition called "Vasubaras," where cows and calves are worshipped. Homes are adorned with intricate rangolis, and families enjoy festive foods like shankarpali and chakli. In Gujarat, the festival marks the start of the new financial year, making it an auspicious time for businesses.

3. East India

In Bengal, Diwali coincides with Kali Puja, where devotees worship Goddess Kali. Houses are illuminated with candles and oil lamps, and cultural performances add to the festive spirit. Odisha celebrates Diwali with Kaunria Kathi—people burn jute sticks to seek blessings from their ancestors.

4. South India

In Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, Diwali is known as "Deepavali." The festivities start early in the morning with a traditional oil bath, followed by special prayers and a feast. People light clay lamps, wear new clothes, and burst crackers to symbolise the victory of light over darkness.

5. Northeast India

In the northeastern states, Diwali is celebrated with a mix of traditions. In Assam, people light earthen lamps to honour the spirits of ancestors. In Sikkim, Diwali is observed as Tihar, where animals like crows, cows, and dogs are worshipped, signifying the harmonious relationship between humans and nature.

6. Central India

In Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, Diwali celebrations include the worship of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha. People decorate their homes with marigold flowers, light diyas, and prepare traditional dishes like poha and jalebi. The festive spirit is marked by cultural events and dance performances.

Diwali’s charm lies in its diversity. Each state’s unique way of celebrating adds to the colourful mosaic of this beautiful festival. No matter where you are in the country, Diwali brings everyone together, spreading light, love, and happiness!

Ready to experience the vibrant spirit of Diwali across India? Discover the magic of different celebrations, from the grand lights of North India to the traditional feasts in the South. Plan your festive journey with Adotrip and explore the cultural richness of this beautiful festival in every corner of the country. Let us guide you through the best places to celebrate, hidden gems to explore, and must-attend local events. Start your Diwali adventure now!
 

Frequently Asked Questions About Diwali 2024

Q1. What is the date of Diwali in 2024?
A1. Diwali in 2024 will be celebrated on November 1.

Q2. Why is Diwali celebrated?
A2. Diwali is celebrated to honour Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over Ravana.

Q3. Which deities are worshipped during Diwali?
A3. Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha are worshipped during Diwali for prosperity, wealth, and wisdom.

Q4. How long is the Diwali celebration?
A4. Diwali celebrations typically last for five days, starting with Dhanteras and ending with Bhai Dooj.

Q5. What are the main customs followed during Diwali?
A5. Key customs include lighting diyas, making rangolis, bursting fireworks, and exchanging gifts.

Q6. What foods are traditionally prepared during Diwali?
A6. Sweets like laddoos, barfis, and snacks like samosas and chaklis are commonly prepared during Diwali.

Q7. How is Diwali celebrated in different parts of India?
A7. Each region has unique traditions, like Kali Puja in Bengal and Lakshmi Puja in North India.

Q8. What is the significance of lighting diyas during Diwali?
A8. Diyas are lit to symbolise the victory of light over darkness and to welcome good fortune.

Q9. What should be avoided during Diwali celebrations?
A9. People are encouraged to avoid bursting loud crackers and excessive pollution to maintain safety and environmental harmony.

Q10. What is a popular Diwali greeting?
A10. "Happy Diwali!" or "Shubh Deepavali!" are commonly used to greet friends and family during the festival.

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