Diwali 2024 Date: Celebration Timeline and Key Festival Days in India

Diwali 2024 Date: Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of India’s most celebrated and cherished festivals, marked by joy, family gatherings, vibrant lights, sweets, and elaborate rituals. Diwali holds a special place in the hearts of millions, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. In 2024, Diwali celebrations will once again bring communities together in a time-honored tradition that combines spirituality, festivity, and family warmth. Let’s delve into the details of Diwali 2024, including its specific dates according to the Hindu calendar, significant days like Dhanteras and Bhai Dooj, and the detailed schedule that guides this festive season.

What is Diwali? An Overview of the Festival of Light

Diwali, also called Deepavali, is a festival celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists in India and around the world. The word ‘Diwali’ originates from the Sanskrit term ‘Deepavali,’ meaning “a row of lights,” symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. Diwali celebrations typically span five days, each with its own unique significance, starting with Dhanteras and culminating in Bhai Dooj. People illuminate their homes with diyas (oil lamps), candles, and string lights, exchange sweets and gifts, and perform puja rituals dedicated to various deities, primarily Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.

Diwali 2024 Date in India

The main Diwali celebrations in 2024 will take place on Thursday, November 1. This day marks the third and most significant day of the five-day Diwali festivities, known as the day of Lakshmi Puja or Amavasya. According to the Hindu lunar calendar, Diwali falls on the new moon day of the Kartik month, making it an astrologically significant day for Hindu households to perform prayers and rituals.

Diwali 2024 Date in India Calendar

If you’re planning to mark Diwali dates on your calendar, here is the schedule for the five-day Diwali celebration in 2024:

Dhanteras	– Tuesday, October 29 2024
Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali)	– Wednesday, October 30 2024
Diwali (Lakshmi Puja)	– Thursday, November 1 2024
Govardhan Puja	– Friday, November 2 2024
Bhai Dooj	-Saturday, November 3 2024

Detailed Diwali 2024 Calendar for India

For those who prefer a detailed Hindu calendar, Diwali 2024 follows traditional dates in alignment with astrological calculations:

• Dhanteras – Kartik Krishna Trayodashi, October 29, 2024
• Naraka Chaturdashi – Kartik Krishna Chaturdashi, October 30, 2024
• Amavasya (Lakshmi Puja) – Kartik Amavasya, November 1, 2024
• Pratipada (Govardhan Puja) – Kartik Shukla Pratipada, November 2, 2024
• Bhai Dooj – Kartik Shukla Dwitiya, November 3, 2024

Diwali 2024 Hindu Calendar PDF Download

For many people who rely on traditional Hindu calendars to align with the most auspicious times and dates, having a downloadable version is especially helpful. The Diwali 2024 calendar in PDF format will generally include the exact timings for pujas, auspicious muhurtas (moments), and other important rituals. These PDF resources can be obtained through websites specializing in Hindu religious calendars or local temples, providing a clear, easy-to-follow schedule of Diwali celebrations.

Dhanteras 2024: The Beginning of Diwali Festivities

Dhanteras marks the start of Diwali on October 29, 2024 (Tuesday). Known as the day to honor Dhanvantari, the god of health and Ayurveda, Dhanteras is considered an auspicious day to buy precious metals, jewelry, and new household items. Many households also perform a small puja to invite health and prosperity into their lives for the upcoming year. Homes and shops are cleaned and decorated with rangolis and flowers, creating an atmosphere of excitement and renewal.

Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) Diwali 2024 Date

Naraka Chaturdashi, also known as Choti Diwali, falls on October 30, 2024 (Wednesday). It symbolizes the day when Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura, bringing freedom and happiness to many. This day holds immense cultural significance as people perform early morning Abhyanga snan (holy bath) to purify themselves and rid their homes of evil. Choti Diwali also acts as a precursor to the main Diwali celebration, with homes lit up and preparations reaching their peak.

Diwali Day 2024: Lakshmi Puja on Amavasya

The main Diwali celebration, the Lakshmi Puja, will be held on Thursday, November 1, 2024. As per tradition, this day marks Amavasya, a new moon day. Families conduct Lakshmi Puja to welcome prosperity, wealth, and good fortune into their lives. Homes and temples are brightly lit with diyas, symbolizing the light that dispels darkness and negativity. The rituals of Lakshmi Puja are elaborate, involving offerings of sweets, flowers, and lamps to Goddess Lakshmi, seeking her blessings for abundance and happiness in the coming year.

Govardhan Puja 2024: Celebrating Nature’s Bounty

On Friday, November 2, 2024, Govardhan Puja is performed, marking the day when Lord Krishna lifted Mount Govardhan to protect his devotees from heavy rains. Also known as Annakut or Padwa, this day is dedicated to nature, gratitude, and the simple joys of life. Many families prepare elaborate meals, offer prayers, and decorate their homes with flowers. In northern India, especially in rural areas, Govardhan Puja is a tribute to Lord Krishna’s love for nature and animals, particularly cows.

Bhai Dooj 2024: Celebrating the Bond of Siblings

The final day of the Diwali festival, Bhai Dooj, will be celebrated on Saturday, November 3, 2024. Similar to Raksha Bandhan, Bhai Dooj honors the love and bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters pray for their brothers’ well-being, applying a ceremonial tilak to their foreheads, while brothers give gifts and blessings in return. Bhai Dooj represents the values of family unity, love, and respect, concluding Diwali celebrations on a heartfelt note.

How to Celebrate Diwali 2024: Rituals, Customs, and Modern Practices

1. Cleaning and Decorating Homes

The Diwali season begins with thorough cleaning of homes, symbolizing the removal of past negativity and welcoming positive energy. Many decorate their homes with colorful rangolis, flowers, and lights.

2. Lighting Diyas and Candles

Lighting diyas and candles is a central tradition during Diwali. Diyas are placed at entrances, windows, and around homes, creating an ambiance of warmth and light.

3. Performing Lakshmi Puja

Lakshmi Puja is performed to seek blessings from Goddess Lakshmi. People offer prayers, sweets, and incense sticks, and sing hymns in her honor, seeking her blessings for prosperity and well-being.

4. Exchanging Sweets and Gifts

Families and friends exchange sweets and gifts to strengthen bonds. Traditional Indian sweets like laddus, barfis, and halwas are exchanged, along with gift items like jewelry, clothes, and decorative items.

Conclusion

Diwali 2024 promises to be a season of vibrant festivities, bringing joy, love, and hope into the lives of millions. With rituals that are deeply symbolic and customs that connect generations, Diwali is a celebration of spiritual light and warmth. Each day of Diwali has its unique meaning, from Dhanteras’ wishes for prosperity to Bhai Dooj’s sibling blessings. As Diwali 2024 approaches, may this Festival of Lights bring you joy, prosperity, and happiness.

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