Diwali, also known as the ‘Festival of Lights’ or Deepavali, is one of the most revered and celebrated festivals by the Hindu community across the globe. The festival is celebrated with a lot of joy, devotion, faith and enthusiasm. It celebrates the victory of good over evil, knowledge over ignorance and light over darkness. During the festival, Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of prosperity, wealth and abundance, along with other gods and goddesses, are worshipped. Devotees visit temples, offer prayers to Goddess Lakshmi and seek her blessings. The festival is celebrated for five days. Diwali 2024 starts on October 28 with Govatsa Dwadashi and ends with Bhai Dooj on November 3. The main Diwali 2024 celebration falls on November 1. Diwali 2024 Full Calendar With Dates of Dhanteras, Laxmi Puja and Bhai Dooj: When Is Deepawali Starting This Year? Know All About 5-Day 'Festival of Lights'.

Diwali is celebrated with many rituals and traditions. Devotees decorate their homes and public spaces with marigold flowers, string lights, diyas and lamps. Many even clean their homes and paint it. People buy new clothes, household items, and jewellery and visit family, relatives and friends and share sweets and traditional homemade delicacies. Diwali celebrations are incomplete without bursting firecrackers. During Diwali, communities, organisations, society’s families, and friends get together and burst an array of firecrackers.

Diwali 2024 Dates

  1. Monday, October 28, 2024: Govatsa Dwadashi, Vasu Bara

  2. Tuesday, October 29, 2024: Dhantrayodashi, Dhanteras, Dhanvantari Trayodashi

  3. Wednesday, October 30, 2024: Kali Chaudas, Hanuman Puja

  4. Thursday, October 31, 2024: Narak Chaturdashi

  5. Friday, November 1, 2024: Lakshmi Puja (Laxmi Puja), Diwali Snan, Diwali Devpuja

  6. Saturday, November 2, 2024: Govardhan Puja

  7. Sunday, November 3, 2024: Bhai Dooj, Bhau Beej

Lakshmi Puja 2024 Date and Shubh Muhurat

The Lakshmi Puja Muhurat timing and date differ according to the city. On October 31, the Lakshmi Puja Muhurat timing is from 06:57 PM IST to 08:36 PM IST. On November 1, the Lakshmi Puja Muhurat timing is from 05:36 PM IST to 06:16 PM IST.

Diwali History

While Diwali is celebrated in all states of India, it holds profound significance in the north and west. In the north, the festival commemorates Lord Rama’s victory and his triumphant return to Ayodhya after defeating the demon Ravana. The diyas and lamps made of clay are lit on this night as a symbol of welcome. The epic Ramayana narrates this tale of courage, victory and love. Whereas, in the west, the focus of Diwali is on King Bali, who threatened the gods and the world. Lord Vishnu, disguised as a humble Brahmin, tricked Bali into giving up his kingdom and sent him away to the underworld. These events are celebrated as a victory of good over evil and earned the festival the moniker or ‘Festival of Lights.’ In some cultures, Diwali also celebrates the divine union of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu in heaven.

Diwali Significance

Diwali holds profound spiritual and social significance. The festival not only celebrates the victory of good over evil and the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after his victory over Ravana; Diwali also fosters a spirit of love and community between the people. It is a time to spread love and happiness with others. Diwali 2024 Mithai and Bhog Thali: From Kaju Katli to Kalakand, 5 Home-Made Indian Sweets To Prepare for Lakshmi Puja Prasad. 

As we gear up to celebrate Diwali, let us embrace the spirit of love, light and positivity. May this festive season bring joy, peace, love and harmony to all and light up everyone’s lives. On that note, here’s wishing everyone a very happy, prosperous and blessed Diwali 2024!

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 18, 2024 03:48 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).