Diwali 2024 Date, Shubh Muhurat, Ritual, Significance, History And Celebrations

Diwali Laxmi Pujan

The most important day of Diwali falls on Kartik Amavasya and is observed with Laxmi Pujan, a special worship ceremony dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and well-being. On this day, homes are illuminated with oil lamps, candles, and colorful decorations, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness. This year, Diwali will be celebrated on Friday, November 1, 2024, and the most auspicious time for the celebrations will be from 5:36 PM to 6:16 PM, according to Drik Panchang.

Diwali Dates And Muhurat Timings 2024

Diwali Rituals

In 2024, there will be a one-day gap between Dhanteras, celebrated on October 29, and Chhoti Diwali, which falls on October 31. During the celebrations, the Pradosh Kaal (a highly auspicious time) will occur from 5:36 PM to 8:11 PM, while the Vrishabha Kaal will take place from 6:20 PM to 8:15 PM. The Amavasya Tithi (new moon phase) will begin at 3:52 PM on October 31, continuing until 6:16 PM on November 1. These timings are particularly significant for performing rituals, especially the worship of Goddess Lakshmi.

Diwali Celebrations

In 2024, Dussehra and Diwali will be separated by a span of 20 days. According to the Hindu calendar, Dussehra falls on October 12, which means the effigies of Ravana will be burned on the evening of October 12th.

Diwali, on the other hand, will be celebrated from Tuesday, October 29 to Sunday, November 3, 2024. However, the exact date of Diwali may vary slightly depending on the Hindu lunar calendar each year. Typically, Diwali falls between October and November and is celebrated over a span of at least five days.

Significance of Diwali

The origins of Diwali are deeply rooted in Hindu mythology. One of the most well-known legends recounts Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana. To welcome him back, the people of Ayodhya lit diyas (oil lamps) and adorned their homes with rangoli, colorful designs made with materials like rice, flour, and colored powders. In South India, Diwali is celebrated to mark Lord Krishna’s victory over Narakasura and is also believed to be the day when Lord Vishnu married Goddess Lakshmi. The festival is celebrated globally, with families honoring Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi, sharing sweets and gifts, and lighting firecrackers to spread joy.

Diwali History

The story of Diwali has various interpretations across different regions of India, yet the central theme remains consistent: the victory of good over evil. While the way Diwali is celebrated may differ, the essence of the festival is universally recognized as a time for new beginnings, joy, and the triumph of light.

In Northern India: Diwali marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and after defeating the demon king Ravana. This event is also commemorated during Dussehra, but the return of Lord Rama is specifically celebrated during Diwali.

In Southern India: The festival commemorates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura, marking the triumph of righteousness over tyranny.

In Western India: Diwali represents the return of the Pandavas to Hastinapur after their 13 years of exile, as narrated in the Mahabharata. The celebration signifies their victory and the joy of their return.

For Jains: Diwali marks the moment when Lord Mahavira attained Nirvana (liberation), which is a significant event in Jainism and is observed with reverence and devotion.

For Sikhs: Diwali holds special importance as it commemorates the release of Guru Hargobind Ji from imprisonment in 1619, symbolizing the victory of truth and justice.

Despite these regional variations, Diwali universally symbolizes new beginnings, the renewal of hope, and the celebration of light in many forms. Whether through mythological tales, historical events, or spiritual significance, Diwali brings people together in joy and reflection.

Diwali, also known as the “Festival of Lights,” is a vibrant celebration filled with legends, customs, and deep spiritual meaning. The name “Diwali” is derived from the Sanskrit word Deepavali, meaning “rows of lights,” symbolising the triumph of light over darkness. One of the most famous legends associated with Diwali comes from the Hindu epic Ramayana. It narrates the return of Lord Ram, Sita, and Lakshman to their kingdom of Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. Their return followed the defeat of the demon king Ravana, and the people of Ayodhya illuminated the city with thousands of oil lamps to celebrate the occasion.

Another story, from the Mahabharata, speaks of the Pandava brothers returning to Hastinapur after their 13-year exile. Their return was met with joy, and the people lit numerous lamps in their honor. In Southern India, Diwali is also celebrated to mark Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon king Narakasura. Central to Diwali celebrations is the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. One legend tells of her departure from the divine realm due to Indra’s arrogance. To bring her back, the gods churned the Milky Ocean for 1,000 years, fearing that the world would fall into darkness in her absence.

Diwali Summary

Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is celebrated to mark the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. It is observed with various legends, including Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya and Lord Krishna’s triumph over Narakasura. The festival spans five days, starting with Dhanteras and culminating with Bhai Dooj. Homes are illuminated with diyas, and people worship Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and prosperity. In 2024, Diwali will be celebrated from October 29 to November 3, with the main festivities on November 1.