Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is the most important holiday in India and other countries that have an Indian community. It represents the victory of light over darkness and of good over evil. The celebrations continue for five days, where every day is celebrated for something of importance. There are also celebrations, feasting, and even the shooting of rockets together with the lighting of lamps and candles.
Now, let us highlight all the major facts associated with Diwali 2024, like when it is going to be celebrated, what every date on the calendar stands for, how it is celebrated, etc.
What is the date of Diwali in 2024?
Diwali 2024 will start on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, and will be observed for five days till Sunday, November 3, 2024. The festival day, also known as Lakshmi Puja, will take place on Thursday, October 31, and November 1, 2024, and is characterized by the most events
Importance of Each of the 5 Days of Diwali
Five days are devoted to the 5 forms of the most revered goddess, Durga, in any of her manifestations. Let’s take a closer look at what each of the 5 days represents:
Dhanteras Day 1 (October 29, 2024)
Dhanteras marks the beginning of Diwali. This day has its significance within the five days of Diwali. Homes are cleaned, and gold, silver, or new utensils are purchased to symbolize good luck and prosperity. Further, it is a day for devotees to offer their prayers to the Lord Dhanvantari, who is the God of medicine and health.
Naraka Chaturdashi Day 2 (October 30, 2024)
Also known as Choti Diwali, Naraka Chaturdashi celebrates Lord Krishna’s triumph and the liberation of the demon Narakasura. Many people, myself included, burst firecrackers and light lamps to eliminate the oppressive darkness within ourselves and around us. By doing this, it brings light to all dark shadows and negative energy around.
Lakshmi Puja Day 3 (October 31/November 1, 2024)
One of the major highlights of the third day of Diwali festivities is the Lakshmi Puja, which takes place in the evening hours. Homes are brightened with diyas (oil lamps) and candles and set the mood for the festive atmosphere. Families perform the ritual, praying for health, wealth, peace, and happiness. The most important aspect of the day is worshiping the Goddess of Wealth and bride, Lakshmi.
Day 4: Govardhan Puja (November 2, 2024)
The fourth day, also called Annakut, is the time when the people celebrate through Govardhan Puja the occasion when Lord Krishna defeated Indra, the god of rain.
Day 5: Bhai Dooj (November 3, 2024)
The last day of Diwali is set aside for the relationship shared between brothers and sisters. Bhai Dooj is the day when sisters wish their brothers health and prosperity in every endeavor, and Bhai’s take an oath to protect their sisters. Members of the family share gifts and sweets, which help to build up bonds.
What Is The Procedure Of Celebration Of Diwali?
Diwali is celebrated with vigor and fervor by people of the community. Here is how people generally observe this festival:
- Lighting Diyas and Candles: As a practice throughout the last five days, people have smudged their houses, shops, and streets every five days with earthen lamps and electric lights.
- House decoration: People spend much time decorating their houses with rangolis, a pattern of colors made out of rice or flower powder, and lanterns.
- Reunions: It is a time when the relatives are reunited, share food, and celebrate the joy of being in a festive atmosphere.
- Use of Crackers: Bursting cracker shells is an age-old practice used in celebration that signifies the end of the dark and evil shadows.
- Giving and Receiving Gifts: Family members and neighbors join in the coloring and festivity by exchanging sweets and gifts along with warm wishes.
- Eating Delicious Food: Diwali is a time for delicious food, sweet dishes such as ladoos, and barfis made during this time, and many more traditional foods.
Different forms of Diwali celebrations in Different Parts of India
The overall significance of the festival of Diwali is the same; some rituals vary from region to region in India.
- North India: It is celebrated with the crowning of Lord Rama, who vanquished the demon Ravana.
- South India: It is better known as Deepavali, where it is celebrated in honor of Lord Krishna for defeating Narakasura.
- West India: It is the first day of the new accounting year in Gujarat. Traditionally, Lakshmi Puja is performed on this day.
- East India: Worshipping Goddess Kali on this day is very auspicious, and the puja takes place on the evening of Deepavali.
Final Thoughts
Diwali 2024 will be a beautiful occasion marked with lighting of the diyas, love, and family. Each of the five days is to be celebrated after performing special rituals attached to it that provide solidarity and fun for families and friends. If you seek further details about Diwali and its customs, approach Omega Astro, who will act as your guide in governing the information about this wonderful occasion.