Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most celebrated festivals in India, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. Families across the country engage in religious rituals, light oil lamps, burst crackers, and exchange sweets during this time. Diwali 2024 is set to bring joy and positivity into homes as people celebrate the festival with their loved ones. Let’s dive into the key aspects of Diwali Date and Muhurat 2024 and how to make the most of this auspicious occasion.
When is Diwali 2024?
In 2024, Diwali festival will be ceremonialized on Thursday, October 31 in most parts of India. The most auspicious day of this festival celebration is known as Badi Diwali or Lakshmi Pujan, which will be held on this date. Diwali spans five days celebration, each with its own cultural significance.
Lakshmi Devi should be worshipped on Diwali during Amavasya Tithi and Pradosh Kaal (the period from sunset to late night). Celebrating Diwali within the Muhurta of Amavasya Tithi, Pradosh Kaal, and Nishith Kaal is regarded as highly auspicious. Due to this, many astrologers and scholars believe that when the Amavasya Tithi of Kartik month occurs, worshipping Lakshmi from Pradosh Kaal until midnight and celebrating Diwali during this time is considered more auspicious and in line with the scriptures. There is a religious belief that Maa Lakshmi manifested during Pradosh Kaal, making it particularly significant to worship her and perform all types of sadhanas related to her during Nishith Kaal.
Amavasya Tithi Starts: 03:52 pm on Oct 31, 2024
Amavasya Tithi Ends: 06:16 pm on Nov 01, 2024
Here the time is provided by the Panchang.
5 Days of Diwali: A Complete Overview
- Dhanteras (October 29, 2024):
On this day, people worship Lord Dhanvantari, the deity of health and well-being. It is also the auspicious day for purchasing gold, silver, or new utensils is considered auspicious as it brings prosperity and good fortune. - Naraka Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali (October 30, 2024):
Known as Choti Diwali, this day is devoted to cleansing and decorating homes in preparation for the grand festival. Homes are filled with lights, and prayers are offered for good fortune. - Badi Diwali (October 31, 2024):
The main Diwali celebrations occur on this day, with the Diwali Pooja Time being from 5:36 PM to 6:16 PM(Lakshmi Pujan Time). At this time, Lakshmi Devi is worshipped to receive blessings for wealth and prosperity. Astral Foresight advises adhering to the precise Diwali Pujan timing to enhance the auspiciousness of the celebration. - Govardhan Puja (November 1, 2024):
This day is dedicated to Lord Krishna, commemorating the event where he lifted the Govardhan Hill to protect the villagers. Govardhan Puja Date is celebrated mostly in North India. - Bhai Dooj (November 3, 2024):
The 5th day of Diwali is marked by Bhai Dooj, a celebration of the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters perform aarti for their brothers, and brothers give gifts in return. The Bhai Dooj Date and time for 2024 is on November 3, Sunday.
Significance of Diwali
Diwali holds deep spiritual and cultural value. It marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana, symbolizing the victory of righteousness. During the Festival of Lights, homes are illuminated with oil lamps, diyas, and candles to drive away darkness, symbolizing the removal of ignorance and negativity on Amavasya. According to Astral Foresight, following the correct rituals not only enhances spiritual growth but also invites prosperity into the home.
Diwali Pooja Time and Muhurat for 2024
On This Diwali Laxmi Puja 2024, Pooja time is between 5:36 PM and 8:20 PM on October 31, 2024. Perform the Lakshmi Puja to seek the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and prosperity, while also offering prayers to Lord Ganesha, Goddess Saraswati, and Kuber Devta. The diwali pujan timing is critical, and performing the rituals during this period ensures harmony and financial well-being for the upcoming year.
How is Diwali Celebrated?
Diwali is celebrated with immense joy and grandeur. Here are the main ways people celebrate the festival:
- Home Cleaning and Decorations: Before Diwali, homes are thoroughly cleaned and beautifully decorated with rangolis, flowers, and lights. Many people also buy new clothes and renovate their homes.
- Lakshmi Puja: On Diwali night, families come together to perform Lakshmi Puja, inviting prosperity and abundance into their homes. This ritual is done with utmost devotion, using flowers, fruits, sweets, and diyas.
- Lighting Diyas: Following the puja, families light oil lamps to dispel darkness from their environment, symbolizing hope and positivity.
- Sweets and Gifts Exchange: Diwali is a time for strengthening relative’s connections and your friend’s family through the exchange of sweets, gifts, and warm blessings of Diwali.
- Firecrackers: Fireworks are a big part of Diwali. They are believed to ward off evil spirits and are enjoyed as a symbol of joy and celebration.
When was the first Diwali celebrated?
Diwali has ancient roots in Indian history and mythology, with references spanning thousands of years. The festival is closely associated with several significant events in Hindu traditions:
- Return of Lord Rama: One of the most popular beliefs is that Diwali marks the return of Lord Rama to their Kingdom Ayodhya after his 14-years of exile and victory over the demon king Ravana, as narrated in the Ramayana. As per this belief, the people of Ayodhya illuminated oil lamps to rejoice in his return, marking one of the earliest known celebrations of Diwali.
- Vedic Period: Diwali also has connections to ancient harvest festivals and was likely celebrated as a seasonal festival even before its association with religious events. Its origins as a festival of lights may date back to the Vedic period, which is over 2,500 years ago.
- Lakshmi Puja: Diwali is linked to the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, which is said to have become significant during the time when agrarian societies flourished, and people sought prosperity and abundance after the harvest season.
Thus, while there isn’t a specific “first” Diwali celebration recorded in history, its traditions have evolved and been celebrated for thousands of years, with roots in various religious, cultural, and seasonal practices.
Conclusion
In India, Diwali 2024 will be celebrated on October 31, spanning five days filled with joy and spiritual ceremonies. The main focus is on Lakshmi, Ganesh, and Saraswati Puja, and performing the rituals at the correct Diwali Pooja time is crucial for inviting prosperity and good fortune. Astral Foresight encourages you to embrace the spiritual and cultural essence of Diwali while observing the rituals carefully for a prosperous and harmonious year ahead. May this Festival of Light Celebrations bring light, joy, and success into your life.