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Diwali 2024: Celebrating five days of lights and traditions
The five-day celebration includes Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali), Diwali, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj.
Stock image. / Pexels
Diwali, known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most anticipated festivals for Hindus worldwide. Celebrated with grandeur, the festival symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. As per the Hindu lunar calendar, Diwali falls on the 15th day of the month of Kartik, which is the darkest night of the year. In 2024, Diwali falls on Oct.31, kicking off a series of five days of rituals and festivities that light up homes and hearts across the globe.
The five-day celebration includes Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali), Diwali, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj. Each day holds its own unique significance and traditional rituals, all leading up to the main celebration of Diwali.
Diwali 2024: Key Dates and Times
The official Diwali day, Oct.31, will see families coming together for the grand Laxmi Puja, which is scheduled during the auspicious Pradosh Kaal. The Amavasya Tithi, which marks the darkest night of the year, begins at 3:52 PM on Oct.31 and ends at 6:16 PM on Nov.1. The Laxmi Puja Muhurat is from 5:12 PM to 6:16 PM, giving worshippers a short but meaningful window to perform rituals seeking the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity.
Other notable moments include the Pradosh Kaal from 5:12 PM to 7:43 PM, and the Vrishabha Muhurat from 6:00 PM to 7:59 PM. These are important times for families to light their homes with diyas and twinkling lights, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness.
Diwali 2024: Full Calendar
Day 1: Dhanteras (Oct.29, 2024)
The Diwali celebrations begin with Dhanteras, an auspicious day for buying gold, silver, and new household items. Many also offer prayers to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantri, the deity of health and well-being. The Trayodashi Tithi extends from 6:31 PM to 8:13 PM. On this day, homes are often adorned with lamps, and new items are purchased to invite prosperity.
Day 2: Naraka Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali (Oct.30, 2024)
Naraka Chaturdashi, also known as Choti Diwali, falls a day before the main Diwali celebration. This day commemorates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. People rise early, bathe in aromatic oils, and perform pujas. The Chaturdashi Tithi is observed between 11:39 PM and 12:31 AM.
Day 3: Diwali (Oct.31, 2024)
The main day of Diwali celebrates Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over Ravana. On this day, families light oil lamps (diyas), create vibrant rangolis, and worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha in the evening. Laxmi Puja is the highlight, as devotees seek blessings for wealth and prosperity. The Amavasya Tithi lasts from 5:12 PM to 6:16 PM.
Day 4: Govardhan Puja (Nov. 2, 2024)
Govardhan Puja follows Diwali and is dedicated to Lord Krishna. It marks the occasion when Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan Hill to protect villagers from the wrath of Lord Indra. The Pratipada Tithi is observed between 6:34 AM and 8:46 AM. This day often includes the preparation of elaborate food offerings in honor of Lord Krishna’s miraculous act of protection.
Day 5: Bhai Dooj (Nov.3, 2024)
The final day of Diwali is Bhai Dooj, a day celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters perform aarti and pray for their brothers’ well-being and long life, while brothers give gifts in return, pledging to protect their sisters. The Dwitiya Tithi lasts from 12:38 PM to 2:55 PM, and this day is filled with love and affection shared between siblings.
A Festival of Lights and Meaning
Diwali is more than just a festival of lights. It is a time for families to come together, for communities to share joy, and for individuals to reflect on the deeper meanings of life—hope, renewal, and triumph over adversity. The vibrant traditions associated with each day of Diwali showcase the rich cultural heritage that continues to thrive in modern times.
With the arrival of Diwali 2024, Hindus around the world will celebrate with the same fervor and devotion that has marked the festival for centuries. Whether through the lighting of diyas, the creation of colorful rangoli, or the prayers offered in quiet devotion, Diwali continues to be a time of joy, reflection, and unity.
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