The luminous glow of a thousand lamps, the aroma of sweet delicacies wafting through the air, and the sound of laughter and joy echoing in every corner are the unmistakable signs that Diwali is upon us.
Diwali or Deepavali, also known as the festival of lights, transcends borders and brings people of diverse backgrounds together to celebrate hope, prosperity and happiness.
As we eagerly await theDiwali date 2024, let’s find out the significance of each day in the five-day-long celebration and the muhurat timings considered auspicious.
Diwali 2024 Dates
The Diwali dates in 2024 promise a five-day-long celebration of this auspicious occasion. Each of these five days has its unique significance and traditions. Here is a look at the important Diwali dates in 2024:
Day
Festival
Date
Day 1
Dhanteras
October 29th, 2024 (Tuesday)
Day 2
Kali Chaudas
October 30th, 2024 (Wednesday)
Day 3
Narak Chaturdashi (Chhoti Diwali)
October 31st, 2024 (Thursday)
Day 4
Diwali (Laxmi Pujan)
November 1st, 2024 (Friday)
Day 5
Govardhan Puja, Annakut
November 2nd, 2024 (Saturday)
Day 6
Bhai Dooj, Yama Dwitiya
November 3rd, 2024 (Sunday)
Be sure to mark your calendars and prepare well in advance to ensure a fun-filled and happy Diwali in 2024.
Muhurat Timings for Diwali in 2024
Here is a look at the Muhurat of Diwali in 2024.
Festival
Date
Day
Auspicious Timing
Dhanteras
October 29th, 2024
Tuesday
6:55 PM to 8:22 PM
Kali Chaudas
October 30th, 2024
Wednesday
11:45 PM to 12:36 PM
Narak Chaturdashi (Chhoti Diwali)
October 31st, 2024
Thursday
11:39 PM to 12:28 AM
Diwali (Laxmi Pujan)
November 1st, 2024
Friday
5:36 PM to 6:16 PM
Govardhan Puja, Annakut
November 2nd, 2024
Saturday
6:14 AM to 8:33 AM and 3:33 PM to 5:53 PM
Bhai Dooj, Yama Dwitiya
November 3rd, 2024
Sunday
1:13 PM to 3:33 PM
Why is Diwali celebrated? History of Diwali
Diwali, celebrated as the “Festival of Lights,” is a vibrant tapestry of legends, traditions, and spiritual significance. Its name is derived from the Sanskrit term Deepavali, meaning “rows of lights,” symbolising the victory of light over darkness.
One of the most renowned legends associated with Diwali is from the Hindu epic Ramayana. This tale recounts the triumphant return of Lord Ram, Sita, and Lakshman to Ayodhya after a 14-year exile, marking the defeat of the demon king Ravana. The city of Ayodhya celebrated their return by illuminating it with countless lamps.
Another legend from the Mahabharata speaks of the Pandava brothers’ return to their kingdom after years of exile, with their citizens lighting numerous lamps in their honour. In the southern parts of India, Diwali celebrates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon king Narakasura.
Lakshmi, the Goddess of fortune, is central to the Diwali celebrations. A legend tells us that the Goddess, annoyed with Indra’s arrogance, left the divine world and entered the Milky Ocean. Fearing that the world would turn dark in her absence, the ocean was churned for 1,000 years to facilitate her re-emergence.
As we approach the Diwali 2024 date, these stories remind us of the festival’s profound cultural and spiritual roots.
5 Days of Diwali: Significance
Diwali spans five days, each significant and rooted in ancient legends and traditions.
Dhanteras – October 29th, 2024 (Tuesday)
Significance: The festival commences with Dhanteras, which translates to the “worship of wealth.” On this day, devotees pay homage to Lord Dhanwantari, the god of Ayurveda and healing practices, thus signifying that health is the true wealth.
Traditions: People traditionally clean their homes, light a diya lamp around the Tulsi plant, and pray to Lord Yama for their well-being. There’s also a custom of purchasing something precious, often gold, symbolising the ushering in of prosperity.
Narak Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali – October 31st, 2024 (Thursday)
Significance: This day commemorates the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasur, who had kidnapped the gopis.
Traditions: People wake up early, apply aromatic oils, and bathe. This is believed to cleanse sins and impurities. Homes are decorated, and clay lamps are lit. Some also create rangolis.
Lakshmi Puja – November 01st, 2024 (Friday)
Significance: The third day and the main Diwali festival celebrates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya and the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. It’s believed that Goddess Lakshmi graces homes on this day, blessing inhabitants with good fortune.
Traditions: Homes are illuminated with oil diyas, candles, and electric lights. Families gather to exchange gifts, burst crackers, and perform the Lakshmi Pujan, seeking blessings for prosperity and good fortune.
Govardhan Puja or Padva, Annakut – November 02nd, 2024 (Saturday)
Significance: The fourth Deepavali 2024 date commemorates the legend of Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan Mountain to shield Gokul’s people from Lord Indra’s wrath.
Traditions: Devotees create a small hillock, often from cow dung, symbolising Govardhan and worship it. It’s also a day for visiting friends and relatives and exchanging gifts.
Bhai Dooj, Yama Dwitiya– November 03rd, 2024 (Sunday)
Significance: The fifth and final day of the Diwali celebrations is Bhai Dooj, which celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. The day is associated with the tale of Lord Yama and his sister Yami, emphasising the enduring nature of sibling relationships.
Traditions: Sisters invite their brothers for a meal and perform a tilak ceremony, praying for their long life and well-being. In return, brothers present gifts to their sisters, strengthening the bond of love and care.
Diwali Celebration Date in Different Regions of India
Festival
Region
Date
Details
Naraka Chaturdashi
Goa and West India
October 31st (generally a day before Diwali)
Individuals observing this festival believe that Diwali celebrates the defeat of the demon Narakasura by Krishna and Durga. They celebrate this day by burning huge effigies of the demon and parading through the street.
Kali Puja
Orissa, West Bengal and Assam
October 31st
This occasion is celebrated in West Bengal and other East Indian states who worship Kali, the goddess of destruction. During the Puja, huge statues of the formidable goddess are placed around the city, and she is worshipped with offerings.
Deepavali
South India
November 1st
In Tamil Nadu, the celebration of Deepavali involves ayurvedic medicines and rituals to appease the ancestors.
Jain Diwali
This is celebrated across the country. Some of the key places include Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.
November 1st
Followers of Jainism believe that Lord Mahavir achieved Nirvana and freedom from the cycle of rebirth and death on the day of Diwali.
Bandi Chhor
Punjab
November 1st
Followers of Sikhism celebrate Diwali as the day Guru Hargobind, the 6th guru, was freed from imprisonment. This festival is celebrated with great fervour at the Golden Temple in Amritsar.
Dev Diwali
Varanasi
November 15th
Dev Diwali is observed 15 days after the festival of lights. It is believed that the Gods gather around the Ganges in Varanasi. Their arrival is celebrated with decorations, clay lanterns, and fireworks.
In Conclusion
As we approach the festive season, the anticipation and excitement surrounding the Diwali date 2024 is palpable. Empowered with a comprehensive understanding of why Diwali is special in millions of hearts worldwide, you can now make the most out of your celebrations.
This Diwali, let us pay homage to this festival’s deep significance, traditions and legends and make it a true “Festival of Lights” that illuminates our homes and souls.
Amid these celebrations, Tata Capital is a trusted partner, ready to enhance your Diwali festivities. With various financial solutions tailored to diverse needs, Tata Capital ensures you have the resources to make your celebrations grander and more memorable. Whether renovating your home, gifting your loved ones, or making big-ticket purchases, Tata Capital empowers your aspirations and brightens your Diwali.
What is the difference between Diwali and Deepavali?
Diwali and Deepavali are two names for the same festival, the festival of lights. Diwali is the more commonly used name, while Deepavali is the original Sanskrit name of the festival and means a line of lights.
Is Diwali/Deepavali a Public Holiday?
Diwali/Deepavali is a public holiday in many parts of the country. In 2024, Diwali festivities will be observed between 29th October and 3rd November.
What is the time for Diwali in 2024?
Diwali will be celebrated on 1st November 2024. The auspicious time is 5:36 PM to 6:16 PM.
Why are Diwali fireworks burnt during the festival?
Fireworks are burnt during the Diwali festival to illuminate the skies with light and to celebrate the triumph of good over evil.
Which country declared a Diwali holiday?
The festival of Diwali is celebrated across the world. Countries that have declared a Diwali holiday include Malaysia, Singapore, Nepal and Indonesia, to name a few.
12 September 2024
7 mins read
Previous Post
