Diwali 2024: 5-day festival calendar – Dhanteras, Choti Diwali, Goverdhan Puja, Bhai Dooj, here's all you need to know

Diwali 2024 Calendar: Diwali, also known as Deepawali, is famously called the festival of lights. This vibrant festival is one of the most important celebrations for Hindus, celebrated by communities across the globe where Hindus live. Families come together to celebrate this festival with great joy, creating beautiful memories with their loved ones. According to the Hindu lunar calendar, Diwali falls on the 15th day of the month of Kartik, marking the darkest night of the year.?

On this special day, people adorn their homes with diyas (oil lamps), rangoli (decorative patterns made with coloured powders), and bright lights. The celebrations last for five days, with each day dedicated to unique festivities. Let’s explore this year’s Diwali calendar in detail, including important dates.

Diwali 2024 Full Calendar: 5 Days of the Festival of Lights

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The five days of Diwali include Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali), Diwali, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj. Each day has its own special rituals and significance. Below are the details for this year’s celebrations:

Day 1: Dhanteras

Dhanteras is an important Hindu festival celebrated on the 13th lunar day of Krishna Paksha in the month of Ashwin. In 2024, this festival falls on Tuesday, 29th October. The name ‘Dhanteras’ comes from two Sanskrit words: ‘Dhan’, meaning wealth, and ‘Teras’, meaning the 13th day.

On this auspicious day, people participate in the tradition of buying gold and silver items, as well as new vehicles and utensils, to welcome prosperity into their lives. It is a sacred day for seeking the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and Lord Ganesha, the god of knowledge.

According to Hindu mythology, Dhanteras marks the day when Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the ocean during the churning of the ocean, known as ‘Samundra Manthan.’ This day also celebrates the appearance of Lord Dhanvantari, the god of medicine, who emerged holding the ‘Amrit’, known for its eternal purity and divinity. Therefore, Dhanteras is considered a vital day for bringing wealth, health, and well-being into the home.

Day 2: Naraka Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali

In the Hindu calendar, Narak Chaturdashi is observed on the 14th day of the waning moon in the month of Kartik. In 2024, this day, also known as Choti Diwali, falls on Thursday, 31st October. This day is referred to by several names, including Kali Chaudas, Roop Chaudas, Bhoot Chaturdashi, and Naraka Nivaran Chaturdashi.

Naraka Chaturdashi celebrates the triumph of good over evil. According to tradition, it is believed that on this day, Goddess Kali and Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narak. During the Brahma Muhurta, Lord Krishna is said to have taken an oil bath after defeating the demon.

This ritual of taking an oil bath is considered very auspicious and is often performed before dawn. Narak Chaturdashi is a day to remove all negativity and is seen as a fresh start, helping individuals let go of laziness and set the stage for a successful future.

Day 3: Diwali

Diwali is the largest and most significant festival in India, celebrated with great enthusiasm. The name of the festival comes from the row (avali) of clay lamps (deepa) that are lit outside homes to represent the inner light that protects against spiritual darkness. For Hindus, Diwali is as important as Christmas is for Christians.

This year, Diwali will be celebrated on the Amavasya Tithi of Kartik Month, specifically on October 31, 2024. The Amavasya Tithi concludes at 06:16 PM on November 1, 2024, and Laxmi Pujan is performed after sunset when the Moon is visible. Therefore, October 31, 2024, is the ideal day to celebrate Diwali.

Day 4: Govardhan Puja

Govardhan Puja is a significant festival dedicated to Lord Krishna. According to the Hindu calendar, it takes place on the first lunar day of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Kartik, and in 2024, it falls on Saturday, 2nd November.

Govardhan Puja commemorates the mythological event when Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan Hill to protect villagers from heavy rains. This festival expresses gratitude to Lord Krishna and serves as a reminder of his support during difficult times. The story also emphasises the importance of respecting nature and being thankful for the blessings it provides.

Day 5: Bhai Dooj

Bhai Dooj celebrated on the second lunar day of Shukla Paksha in the Vikram Samvat calendar, is also known as 'Bhai Phonta', 'Bhai Tika', 'Bhau Beej', and 'Yamadvitiya'. In 2024, Bhai Dooj will be observed on Sunday, 3rd November.

This festival is celebrated with much enthusiasm during Diwali. The tradition involves sisters inviting their brothers for a lavish meal. This festival symbolises a brother’s promise to protect his sister, while sisters pray for their brothers' well-being and success.

Happy Diwali 2024 WhatsApp status

• With the shining of diyas and the echoes of the chants, may the prosperity and happiness of this festival of lights fill our lives on this auspicious day. Shubh Deepavali to you and your family.
• Shine like sparkles, glow like candles and burn all the negativity like crackles. Wish you all a very lovely & cheerful Diwali.
• All the lights of the world cannot be compared even to a ray of the inner light of the self. Merge yourself in this light and enjoy the festival of lights.
• May your life get fulfilled with prosperity, success, wisdom and wealth. Wishing you a Happy Diwali!
• I pray all your happiness and blessings are multiplied by God in this festival of lights. I wish you a happy Diwali- Have a safe and sound Diwali.
• Diyas are here to help you light up your life, decorations to help you beautify and make all your problems disappear, and sweets to add that special something to your life. We wish you a joyous Diwali.
• Light diyas and have good food with your loved ones. Happy Diwali!
• May the millions of lamps of Diwali illuminate your life with happiness, joy, peace, and health. Wish you and your family a very prosperous Diwali.

Heartfelt Diwali wishes for everyone

• Wishing you a Diwali filled with endless joy, love, and peace. May every lamp you light bring warmth into your heart and every firework spark a new dream for the year ahead. Happy Diwali to you and all those dear to you!
• This Diwali, may the lights guide your path, the sweets fill your days with sweetness, and the celebrations bring you closer to those you love. May you find prosperity in all you do and be surrounded by warmth and joy. Have a wonderful Diwali!
• Sending you and your family a Diwali filled with endless happiness, laughter, and memorable moments. May the festival of lights shine brightly in your life and bring you closer to the dreams you've held dear. Happy Diwali, with love and warmth!
• May this Diwali mark the beginning of new adventures, cherished memories, and boundless blessings for you and your loved ones. Here’s to a Diwali that’s filled with light, laughter, and everything that makes you smile. Have a beautiful celebration!
• Wishing you a Diwali that brings hope into every corner of your life and strength to overcome any challenges you face. May each lamp be a reminder of the love and joy that surround you. Have a Diwali filled with happiness and peace!
• This Diwali, I pray that the joy of the festival brings you inner peace, contentment, and a heart full of love. May your days be filled with the warmth of family, the company of friends, and endless reasons to smile. Happy Diwali to you and your loved ones!
• Happy Diwali! May this festival of lights illuminate your life with love, prosperity, and health. May the bond of the family grow stronger, and may happiness find its way to your home every day. Sending you endless Diwali blessings and warmth!
• As you celebrate this Diwali, may the light of the lamps bring brightness into your days, and may the laughter of loved ones fill your home. Here’s to a festival that brings you all you wish for and a year filled with success and love. Happy Diwali!
• Wishing you a Diwali that’s as joyous as it is peaceful. May every candle you light bring warmth, may every sparkler bring you joy, and may you be surrounded by the people who make your heart feel full. Happy Diwali, my dear!
• This Diwali, may the light of every diya bring with it good fortune, and may the love of family and friends surround you. May your dreams be ignited like the brightest firework, and may you find happiness in every moment. Have a magical and beautiful Diwali!

(Note: Dates/timings may be subject to change; details mentioned here are as per the information available.)