Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is celebrated over five days with each day holding unique traditions and significance.
This guide will dive into the diwali dates and importance of each day of Diwali 2024, the stories attached to them, Muhurat (auspicious) timings, and answer some frequently asked questions to make your celebration more meaningful.
Diwali Dates 2024 and Significance
| Day | Festival | Diwali Date | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Dhanteras | October 29, 2024 (Tuesday) | Worship of Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and prosperity |
| Day 2 | Kali Chaudas | October 30, 2024 (Wednesday) | Celebration of Goddess Kali’s victory over demons |
| Day 3 | Narak Chaturdashi | October 31, 2024 (Thursday) | Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura |
| Day 4 | Diwali (Lakshmi Pujan) | November 1, 2024 (Friday) | Worship of Goddess Lakshmi and celebration of Lord Rama’s return |
| Day 5 | Govardhan Puja | November 2, 2024 (Saturday) | Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan Hill |
| Day 6 | Bhai Dooj | November 3, 2024 (Sunday) | Celebration of the bond between brothers and sisters |
Diwali Dates 2024: When and How It’s Celebrated
- Dhanteras (October 29, 2024)
- Kali Chaudas (October 30, 2024)
- Narak Chaturdashi (October 31, 2024)
- Diwali (Lakshmi Pujan – November 1, 2024)
- Govardhan Puja (November 2, 2024)
- Bhai Dooj (November 3, 2024)
- Muhurat Timings for Diwali 2024
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Final Thoughts
Dhanteras (October 29, 2024)
Dhanteras is the first day of Diwali and is focused on the worship of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari for wealth and health. People buy gold, silver, or new utensils on this day, believing it will bring prosperity in the coming year. Homes are cleaned and decorated to invite good fortune.
Story Behind Dhanteras
This day is associated with the appearance of Lord Dhanvantari, the god of health and healing, who emerged with a pot of amrita (nectar of immortality) during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean). Therefore, Dhanteras is celebrated to honor health, wealth, and well-being.
Kali Chaudas (October 30, 2024)
Kali Chaudas or Naraka Nivaran Chaturdashi is dedicated to the Goddess Kali and is meant to ward off evil spirits and negativity. People in certain regions perform rituals to protect themselves from negative energies.
Story Behind Kali Chaudas
The legend of Goddess Kali tells of her vanquishing the demon Raktabija, protecting the Earth from his evil influence. This day represents the destruction of evil and the triumph of good, making it an important day for spiritual cleansing.
Narak Chaturdashi (October 31, 2024)
Narak Chaturdashi, also called Chhoti Diwali, is the day Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura, freeing thousands of women from captivity. This day symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and the cleansing of negative energies.
Story Behind Narak Chaturdashi
The demon king Narakasura terrorized the heavens and Earth. He was ultimately defeated by Lord Krishna, who restored peace and justice. The day is marked by rituals such as early morning baths, applying scented oils, and bursting small fireworks in the evening.
Diwali (Lakshmi Pujan – November 1, 2024)
Diwali, the main day of the festival, celebrates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. It is also the day of Lakshmi Pujan, where families worship the Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity, wealth, and well-being.
Story Behind Diwali
Diwali commemorates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating the demon Ravana. The people of Ayodhya lit oil lamps to welcome their king, marking the origin of Diwali. The festival also involves praying to Goddess Lakshmi, as it’s believed she visits clean, well-lit homes, bringing wealth and prosperity.
Govardhan Puja (November 2, 2024)
Govardhan Puja honors Lord Krishna’s lifting of the Govardhan Hill to protect his devotees from a deluge caused by Indra, the God of Rain. This day is also called Annakut, where food offerings are made to Lord Krishna in gratitude.
Story Behind Govardhan Puja
When Indra, angered by the villagers’ worship of Mount Govardhan instead of him, caused torrential rains, Lord Krishna lifted the mountain with his little finger, protecting the villagers. This day is a reminder of faith in the divine and humility over pride.
Bhai Dooj (November 3, 2024)
Bhai Dooj celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters perform rituals to ensure the long life and protection of their brothers, and brothers give gifts in return.
Story Behind Bhai Dooj
The story of Bhai Dooj comes from the legend of Yamraj, the God of Death, visiting his sister Yamuna. After being welcomed warmly, he granted her a boon that any brother who receives a tilak from his sister on this day will be blessed with long life and protection.
Muhurat Timings for Diwali in 2024
The Muhurat, or auspicious timing, is crucial in ensuring that prayers and rituals performed during Diwali are most effective. Here are the Muhurat timings for each day of Diwali 2024:
| Festival | Diwali Dates | Day | Auspicious Timing (Muhurat) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dhanteras | October 29, 2024 | Tuesday | 6:55 PM to 8:22 PM |
| Kali Chaudas | October 30, 2024 | Wednesday | 11:45 PM to 12:36 PM |
| Narak Chaturdashi (Chhoti Diwali) | October 31, 2024 | Thursday | 11:39 PM to 12:28 AM |
| Diwali (Lakshmi Pujan) | November 1, 2024 | Friday | 5:36 PM to 6:16 PM |
| Govardhan Puja | November 2, 2024 | Saturday | 6:14 AM to 8:33 AM and 3:33 PM to 5:53 PM |
| Bhai Dooj | November 3, 2024 | Sunday | 1:13 PM to 3:33 PM |
The Muhurat timings are considered the most auspicious periods for performing rituals and prayers, ensuring that the blessings of the gods are bestowed in abundance.
Diwali Celebration Dates in Different Regions of India
Diwali is celebrated across India, but the customs, rituals, and specific days of celebration can vary significantly depending on the region. Each part of India brings its own unique flavor and traditions to the festival, rooted in local history, mythology, and cultural practices. Here’s a look at how Diwali is celebrated in different regions:
| Festival | Region | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naraka Chaturdashi | Goa and West India | October 31st, 2024 | In Goa and other parts of West India, Diwali begins with the celebration of Naraka Chaturdashi. This day honors the victory of Lord Krishna and Goddess Kali over the demon Narakasura. To commemorate this event, locals create and burn large effigies of the demon, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. This is followed by parades and processions through the streets, creating a vibrant atmosphere. |
| Kali Puja | West Bengal, Orissa, Assam | October 31st, 2024 | In East India, particularly in West Bengal, Orissa, and Assam, Diwali coincides with Kali Puja, a festival dedicated to the goddess Kali, the fierce destroyer of evil. Gigantic idols of Goddess Kali are worshipped with elaborate offerings. The streets of cities like Kolkata come alive with pandals (temporary shrines), where devotees gather to offer prayers and witness the immersion of the idols in rivers. |
| Deepavali | South India (Tamil Nadu) | November 1st, 2024 | In Tamil Nadu and other southern states, Diwali is known as Deepavali. The celebrations focus on rituals aimed at appeasing ancestors. A significant part of the celebration involves waking up early, applying sesame oil, and taking medicinal baths with Ayurvedic herbs. The day is also marked by the lighting of oil lamps and bursting firecrackers in the evening. |
| Jain Diwali | Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra | November 1st, 2024 | Jain Diwali is celebrated as the day when Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, attained Nirvana (spiritual liberation). Jains across India, particularly in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, celebrate this occasion by offering prayers and performing rituals to honor Lord Mahavira. Temples are illuminated, and special discourses are held to reflect on Mahavira’s teachings. |
| Bandi Chhor Divas | Punjab | November 1st, 2024 | For Sikhs, Diwali coincides with Bandi Chhor Divas, marking the release of Guru Hargobind Ji, the sixth Sikh Guru, from Mughal imprisonment. The Golden Temple in Amritsar is adorned with thousands of lights, and Sikhs celebrate with prayers, fireworks, and community gatherings. This day holds a deep sense of freedom and justice in Sikh history. |
| Dev Diwali | Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh | November 15th, 2024 | Celebrated 15 days after Diwali, Dev Diwali marks the return of the gods to Earth. In Varanasi, one of the holiest cities in India, the ghats along the river Ganges are decorated with thousands of diyas (oil lamps) to welcome the deities. The night sky lights up with fireworks, and the air is filled with the sound of prayers and devotional songs. It is believed that the gods themselves descend to bathe in the sacred river during this time. |
Why Regional Variations Matter
The diversity in Diwali celebrations across India reflects the rich cultural and religious heritage of the country. Each region honors a different aspect of mythology and history, making Diwali not just a festival of lights but also a celebration of local traditions, stories, and heroes. Whether it’s the burning of effigies in Goa, the grand Kali Puja in West Bengal, or the spiritual rituals in Jain temples, these regional variations bring unique meaning and joy to the festival.
Diwali in 2024 promises to be an extraordinary celebration across India, with each region contributing its unique traditions, rituals, and stories to this grand festival. From the vibrant parades in Goa to the serene ghats of Varanasi during Dev Diwali, this festival is a reminder of India’s deep cultural diversity. Whether you are in the north, south, east, or west, the spirit of Diwali unites the nation through the common themes of light, victory, and renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the significance of Dhanteras during Diwali?
Dhanteras is significant as it marks the beginning of Diwali and is focused on the worship of Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and prosperity. People also buy precious metals or utensils as a symbol of good fortune.
2. Why do people celebrate Kali Chaudas?
Kali Chaudas is celebrated to ward off evil spirits and protect oneself from negative energies. It is associated with the worship of Goddess Kali, who symbolizes power and the destruction of evil.
3. What is Narak Chaturdashi?
Narak Chaturdashi, also known as Chhoti Diwali, commemorates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura. It symbolizes the removal of fear and evil, and people celebrate by taking early baths and lighting diyas.
4. Why is Lakshmi Pujan important on Diwali?
Lakshmi Pujan is performed on Diwali to honor Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. People believe that offering prayers to her on this day will bring prosperity, success, and well-being in the upcoming year.
5. What is the story behind Govardhan Puja?
Govardhan Puja celebrates Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan Hill to protect the villagers of Vrindavan from Lord Indra’s wrath. It is a reminder of humility and faith in divine power.
6. How do people celebrate Bhai Dooj?
Bhai Dooj is celebrated by sisters applying tilak on their brothers’ foreheads and performing rituals to pray for their brothers’ long lives. Brothers give gifts in return, strengthening the bond between them.
7. What is the Muhurat and why is it important during Diwali?
The Muhurat is the most auspicious time to perform prayers and rituals during Diwali. It ensures that these actions are most effective, bringing divine blessings and positive energy.
8. Can Diwali be celebrated differently in other parts of India?
Yes, Diwali is celebrated differently across India. In some parts, it’s more focused on Goddess Lakshmi, while in others, the story of Lord Rama’s return or Lord Krishna’s victory is the primary focus. The customs and traditions can vary from region to region.
9. What is the significance of lighting diyas during Diwali?
Lighting diyas symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. It is also believed to welcome Goddess Lakshmi into the home, bringing prosperity.
10. What is the importance of early morning baths during Narak Chaturdashi?
Taking an early morning bath on Narak Chaturdashi is symbolic of purifying oneself of negative energies and evil. It represents a fresh start, leaving behind all negativity from the previous year.
Final Thoughts
Diwali 2024 is not just a festival of lights but a celebration of traditions, values, and the triumph of good over evil. Each day of Diwali holds special importance, from Dhanteras, which welcomes prosperity, to Bhai Dooj, which honors the bond between siblings. The carefully observed Muhurat timings add to the significance of rituals, ensuring they are performed during the most auspicious periods. As you prepare for Diwali 2024, remember to reflect on the stories behind each day and incorporate the rich cultural traditions that make this festival so meaningful.
May this Diwali bring light, happiness, and prosperity to you and your loved ones!
