Diwali 2024: Know date, shubh muhurat, rituals, celebrations and more about 5-day festival

Diwali 2024 Date & Timings: Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most significant and widely celebrated festivals in India. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil and the triumph of light over darkness. Families and friends gather to celebrate this festival with joy, bringing in the spirit of togetherness. Diwali is celebrated over five consecutive days, starting with Dhanteras and concluding with Bhai Dooj. In 2024, the Festival of lights will be celebrated on November 1st.

Diwali 2024 Date and Timings

For Diwali 2024, the festival will take place on Friday, November 1st, 2024. According to Drikpanchang, the most auspicious timings for the Laxmi Puja are as follows:

• Amavasya Tithi Begins: October 31, 2024 - 03:52 PM
• Amavasya Tithi Ends: November 1, 2024 - 06:16 PM
• Pradosh Kaal: November 1, 2024 - 05:36 PM to 08:11 PM
• Vrishabha Kaal: November 1, 2024 - 06:20 PM to 08:15 PM

The 5 Days of Diwali 2024 Celebrations

Diwali spans five days, each with its significance and rituals:

Diwali 2024: What are the five days of Diwali festivities?

History of Diwali

Historically, Diwali goes back to ancient India and is believed to have started as an important harvest festival over 2,500 years ago. Many stories explain the origin of Diwali, often focusing on the victory of good over evil.

The Story of the Ramayana

The most famous story linked to Diwali is about Lord Ram returning to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and defeating the demon king Ravana. During his exile, Ravana kidnapped Sita. After many challenges and a long journey, Lord Ram defeated Ravana and rescued Sita. To celebrate this victory and Ram's return, the people of Ayodhya lit earthen diyas, shared sweets, and set off firecrackers. This tradition continues today for many who celebrate the festival.

Goddess Kali and Her Story

In some parts of India, especially Bengal, people celebrate Diwali by worshipping Maa Kali, the powerful goddess. It is said that she was born to protect the earth and heaven from evil demons. After defeating them, however, she became so angry that she started harming everyone in her path. Lord Shiva had to step in to stop her. At that moment, she accidentally stepped on Shiva, and her rage faded as she realized what she was doing.

The Tale of Goddess Lakshmi

Many Hindus worship Goddess Lakshmi during Diwali, seeing her as the goddess of wealth and prosperity. This day is celebrated as her birthday, which falls on the New Moon day of the Karthik month. Impressed by her beauty, Lord Vishnu decided to marry her, leading to the tradition of lighting rows of diyas. Since then, Diwali has been a time to worship Goddess Lakshmi and ask for her blessings.

Diwali 2024: Significance of the Festival

The significance of Diwali lies in various traditions and rituals that take place during this auspicious time. The festivities kick off with Dhanteras, where people purchase new items, idols, and decor for their homes, welcoming Goddess Laxmi, Lord Kuber, and Lord Dhanvantri for blessings of prosperity and health.

• Victory of Good Over Evil: Diwali commemorates Lord Ram's return to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. The lighting of lamps signifies the joyous welcome of Lord Ram.
• The appearance of Goddess Laxmi: According to Hindu scriptures, Goddess Laxmi, the deity of wealth, emerged from the ocean during the churning of the milky sea, which is celebrated during Diwali.
• Victory of Light Over Darkness: The essence of Diwali, often referred to as the festival of lights, is to illuminate homes and hearts, driving away darkness with light.
• Laxmi Puja: The main event of Diwali involves Laxmi Puja, where devotees worship the goddess with devotion and prayers, hoping to receive her blessings.
• Goddess Saraswati: In addition to Laxmi, Diwali is associated with the worship of Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge. Many people seek her blessings for academic success during this time.
• Exchanging Gifts: Diwali is also a time for social gatherings, where friends and family exchange gifts and sweets, reinforcing bonds of love and respect.

How to Celebrate Diwali 2024

To ensure a joyful and auspicious celebration of Diwali 2024, consider the following steps:

• Wake Up Early: Start your day with a refreshing bath to purify yourself.
• Clean and Decorate Your Home: Use rangoli, diyas, and flowers to create a festive atmosphere.
• Gather Puja Samagri: Collect all necessary items for the Laxmi Puja.
• Perform Laxmi Puja: In the evening, conduct the Laxmi Puja and invite blessings into your home.
• Invite a Priest: Some may prefer to have a qualified priest conduct the puja for added blessings.
• Visit Family and Friends: Share joy by visiting loved ones and exchanging gifts and sweets.
• Enjoy Fireworks Responsibly: Fireworks are a fun part of the celebration, but opt for eco-friendly options to reduce pollution.

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.)

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