Diwali, also called Deepavali, is a big Hindu festival. It’s a happy time when people celebrate good things winning over bad things. In 2024, This festival is on Friday, November 1st. Many people in India and other countries will enjoy this special day.
The date for this festival changes every year. It follows the Hindu moon calendar. Diwali always happens on the no-moon day (Amavasya) in the month of Kartik. This is usually between mid-October and mid-November in the regular calendar we use. This old way of setting dates helps connect festivals to how the moon changes.
The celebration 2024 isn’t just one day – it lasts for 5 days with different traditions. It starts with Dhanteras on October 29th, then Choti Diwali, the main Diwali day, Govardhan Puja, and ends with Bhai Dooj on November 3rd. Each day has its own special things to do, making it a rich mix of culture and spiritual practices.
Diwali 2024 Date and Puja Timings
The main Diwali celebration in 2024 is on Friday, November 1st. This day matches with Amavasya, the no-moon night in the Hindu month of Kartik. It’s when the night is very dark, making all the little lamps look extra pretty and important.
| Day | Festival | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Dhanteras | October 29, 2024 (Tuesday) |
| Day 2 | Choti Diwali | October 31, 2024 (Thursday) |
| Day 3 | Diwali | November 1, 2024 (Friday) |
| Day 4 | Govardhan Puja | November 2, 2024 (Saturday) |
| Day 5 | Bhai Dooj | November 3, 2024 (Sunday) |
The best time for this festival in 2024 is from 5:36 PM to 6:16 PM. This time is called Pradosh Kaal. People think Goddess Lakshmi visits homes then to give her blessings. Many families do their main prayers and light lamps during this special time.
History and Significance
Diwali has old stories from Indian myths. The most famous one is about Lord Rama coming back home to Ayodhya. After 14 years away and a big fight, Rama’s return showed that good won. Happy people lit up the whole kingdom to welcome their loved prince.
Different parts of India have their own Diwali celebration 2024 stories. In the south, it’s about Krishna winning against the bad guy Narakasura. Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas, remembering when Guru Hargobind got out of jail. For Jains, it’s a time to honor Lord Mahavira’s freedom.
At its heart, This festival is about light beating darkness. The bright lamps aren’t just pretty – they mean something big. This festival tells us to get rid of not knowing things, bad feelings, and fear, and replace them with wisdom, happiness, and hope for what’s coming.
Celebrations Across India
North India
In Ayodhya, this festival is really big. The city looks amazing with lots of little clay lamps along the Saryu River. Varanasi’s celebration is just as pretty, with its tall temples all lit up and boats with lights floating on the Ganges. Many cities have big parades, fireworks, and shows that tell old stories.
South India
South Indian this festival often starts early in the morning. In Tamil Nadu, people wake up before the sun to take an oil bath, which they say is like bathing in the holy Ganges. Houses have pretty kolam designs, and the air smells like special Diwali foods like sweet pongal and murukku. In Kerala, Diwali happens at the same time as Karthigai Deepam, with big lamps in temples.
East India
West Bengal’s Kali Puja is the main thing during this festival . They make big temporary places with beautiful statues of the strong goddess. People stay up all night, praying and giving sweets. In Odisha, people honor their ancestors on Diwali morning before the fun starts in the evening. This area often mixes respect for strong gods with the happy feeling of the festival of lights.
West India
Gujarat sees Diwali as the start of its new year. Markets are busy with people buying new clothes and kitchen things, thinking it brings good luck. In Maharashtra, families share faral – a mix of sweet and salty snacks. Many Gujarati and Marwari businesses start their new money year on Diwali, with their money books getting special blessings from Goddess Lakshmi.
How to Perform Diwali Puja in 2024
- House Cleaning: Getting ready for Diwali starts with cleaning your home well. It’s not just about being tidy – we’re making room for Goddess Lakshmi’s good wishes. Clean all the places you usually forget and put your things in order. This helps make your home and your mind fresh for the new year coming.
- Puja Area Preparation: Pick a quiet place for your puja. Put a new red cloth on a small table – red is a lucky color. Set up pictures or small statues of Lakshmi and Ganesh. Add a special pot (Kalash) with water, mango leaves on top, and a coconut for extra good luck.
- Decorating Homes: Make your home look nice for the gods. Draw pretty designs (rangolis) at your door using colored powders or flower petals. Hang strings of yellow flowers and put little lamps along windows and paths. Try to make your home bright and welcoming.
- Puja Thali Preparations: Get things ready for your offering plate: red powder (roli), rice, flowers, incense sticks, a small bell, and sweets to share. Put a small lamp with ghee and a cotton string. Each thing means something special in the puja.
- Invoking the Deities: Start your puja by lighting the lamp and incense. Say special words or just pray from your heart to Lakshmi and Ganesh. Think about holy light filling your home and life as you ask for good things and wisdom for the coming year.
Traditions and Customs
- Lighting small lamps and candles
- Making rangolis
- Giving gifts and sweets
- Wearing new clothes
- Fireworks shows
What makes Diwali celebration special are its old customs. Lighting lamps shows how inner light beats darkness. Rangolis, pretty designs made with colored powders, bring in good energy and welcome guests. Sharing gifts and sweets makes friendships stronger. New clothes stand for new starts, while fireworks (used carefully) add fun to the celebrations, though many people now choose safer ways to celebrate.
Also Read : Christmas celebration 2024
FAQs about Diwali 2024
When is Diwali in 2024?
Remember Friday, November 1st, 2024. That’s the main Diwali celebration 2024 day, but the whole festival lasts for five days.
Is Diwali a public holiday in India?
Yes, Diwali is a day off work all over India. But the exact days might be a bit different in different states. Many shops and schools close for a few days around the main Diwali time.
How is Diwali celebrated in different parts of India?
Diwali is nice because it’s a bit different everywhere. North India thinks about Rama coming home, with big parties in Ayodhya. South India often starts celebrating early in the morning. In Bengal, they pray to Goddess Kali on this day. For Gujarat, it’s the start of a new year.