Diwali 2024: Dates, Puja Times, 5-Day Festival Guide & Countdown (Oct 31 or Nov 1?)

One of the most significant and widely observed holidays among Indian cultures worldwide is Diwali, often known as the Festival of Lights. This celebration represents the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and wisdom over ignorance. People commemorate the celebration with great joy and splendor, highlighting it with the lighting of diyas, fireworks, family gatherings, and delicious sweets. The 2024 Diwali celebrations will take place from October 29 through November 3. The primary day of celebration is November 1.

Diwali 2024 Dates

The celebration of Diwali spans five consecutive days. Each one has the significance of

• Dhanteras: October 29, 2024 (Tuesday)
• Diwali (Choti) (Narak Chaturdashi): October 30, 2024 (Wednesday)
• Diwali (Lakshmi Puja): November 1, 2024 (Friday)
• Govardhan Puja: November 2, 2024 (Saturday)
• Bhai Dooj: November 3, 2024 (Sunday)

Every Diwali day has rituals and celebrations, from shopping for the latest products during Dhanteras to celebrating the bonds between sisters and brothers at Bhai Dooj.

Puja timings for Diwali 2024.

Performing Lakshmi Puja during Diwali’s most auspicious time is crucial. Important events in 2024 are as follows:

• Kartik Amavasya begins at 3:52 PM on October 31, 2024.
• Lakshmi Puja Time: November 1 between 5:36 PM and 6:16 PM
• Pradash Kaal: Between the hours of 5:12 and 7:43

These times are crucial to carrying out rituals properly and ensuring you receive prayers from goddess Lakshmi during this auspicious time.

The Five Days of Diwali

• Dhanteras (October 29, 2024) marks the beginning of the Diwali celebrations. It is believed to be a lucky day to buy silver, gold, or new kitchenware. Devotees pray to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari to bring health and prosperity.
• Choti Diwali, or Narak Chaturdashi as it is more often known, will be celebrated on October 30, 2024.Today is a celebration of Lord Krishna’s success over the demon Narakasura, which shows that good always wins over evil.
  
• Diwali (November 1, 2024): This is the primary day of Diwali when families celebrate Lakshmi Puja. They light diyas, light candles, burst fireworks, and give gifts. It’s a day filled with happiness and prosperity, and it also brings people together.
• Govardhan Puja (November 2, 2024): This day celebrates Lord Krishna’s lifting of the Govardhan Hill to safeguard the villagers from the torrential rains. On this day, people pray and make special foods to bring as an offering.
• Bhai Dooj (November 3, 2024): Bhai Dooj, a day to honor the special sibling relationship, marks the festival’s end. Sisters show their care for their brothers by praying for them and by exchanging presents.

Why do Muslims celebrate Diwali?

While Diwali is primarily a Hindu holiday, some Muslims in India also celebrate it, especially those residing in regions where local customs deeply influence the celebration. During the festivities, many communities adopt the themes of harmony, light, and wealth. Diwali is a time to promote unity among people and appreciation for other cultures. In some cases, the birth of Guru Nanak, the first Sikh Guru many Muslims revere, coincides with Diwali.

How to Celebrate Diwali 2024

Diwali is about happiness, celebration, family, and tradition. Here are some ways to celebrate this festive festival:

• Decorating Your House: Make diyas with lights, put up fairy lights, and make rangoli designs to welcome guests and bring positive energy.
• Make Pujas: Pray to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha to ensure prosperity and luck.
• Create festive food: Make sweets such as ladoos, barfi, chakli, and other snacks. Chakli is a must-have snack for Diwali celebrations.
• During the celebration, people exchange gifts and blessings with their loved ones, family, and acquaintances to share joy and happiness.
• Celebrate Fireworks with Fun: Light fireworks safely to celebrate the victory of the light against darkness.

Countdown to Diwali 2024

With Diwali just around the corner, the excitement is growing! Ten days remain before Diwali, giving us plenty of time to prepare for the celebration. If you are planning to enjoy the festivities with your family and friends or just on your own, Diwali 2024 will be an unforgettable and delightful celebration.

Conclusion

Anticipated to celebrate joy, light, and wealth, Diwali 2024 emphasizes its ability to unify people and symbolize the victory of good over evil. Understanding the meaning behind every day and adhering to the sacred puja times can lead to an unforgettable and joyous celebration. As we look forward to the coming days, let’s embrace and celebrate the energy of Diwali and send love, joy, and happiness worldwide.

 Also Read:-  Dussehra 2024: Start & End Dates, School Holidays, Wishes, and How to Celebrate