At the core of India’s rich heritage of culture and traditions lies Diwali, which is also known as the Festival of Lights. A celebration like no other, where homes are adorned with exquisite rangoli patterns and shimmering oil lamps bearing the promise of prosperity, echoing the victory of good over evil. The vibrant fireworks dazzle against the night sky, ushering in the wave of togetherness. The vivid array of Indian delicacies and sweets being exchanged between loved ones. The festival is a feast for the senses, a true grand celebration of India’s ancient mythology. The auspicious day when Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya and was welcomed in a symphony of lights. This grand five-day celebration is a cultural extravaganza of lights and legends. So, let’s deep dive into this article and know the dates of Diwali 2024.

However, Diwali’s significance extends beyond its vibrant display to its deep cultural and religious meanings. Each day of the festival is marked to worship different deities. The first day, Dhanteras, honors wealth and prosperity, while the second day, Choti Diwali, involves preparing for the main festivities. The third day, the grand Diwali night, is dedicated to goddess Lakshmi, and the fourth day, Bhai Dooj, celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Hence, the day of Diwali is preceded by much preparation and enthusiasm, with the hope that Goddess Lakhsmi will visit the homes of her devotees.  

When is Diwali 2024: Date and Timings 

Diwali or Deepawali is a five-day-long celebration. It begins with Dhanteras and ends with Bhai Dooj. It falls on the darkest night of the year in the Hindu month of Kartik, called Kartik Amavasya.  

Diwali is celebrated in the months of Ashvin and Kartika, which typically falls between mid-October and mid-November. According to the ancient Hindu calendar, Diwali is observed annually on Amavasya, the fifteenth day of the month of Kartik. In 2024, Deepawali will be celebrated on Friday, November 1st, 2024.  

Diwali Puja Time 

The most auspicious time to do Diwali puja is after sunset. In the Hindu calendar, the time frame after sunset is known as “pradosh”. The auspicious time or “muhurat” for puja is during pradosh, even if it is available for only 24 minutes.  

Why is Diwali celebrated?  

Diwali, otherwise dubbed the Festival of Lights, holds great historical and cultural significance to Indians. The lighting of the oil lamps reflects the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.  

The origin of Diwali dates to ancient Hindu mythology. According to the legend, the 7^th incarnation of Lord Vishnu was Lord Rama, who defeated the demon king Ravana and triumphantly returned home. This day was a no-moon day (Amavasya) in the Hindu calendar of Kartik. On the night that Lord Rama reconciled with the people of Ayodhya, he was welcomed by lit earthen lamps. Additionally, people decorated their homes with rangoli designs.  

The rich historical significance of this day is not limited to Ramayana. As it is believed in South India, on this day Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura. Moreover, it is believed that Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi joined in holy matrimony. There are yet other traditions that claim Goddess Lakshmi was born on the day of the new moon in the Kartik month. Due to this auspicious significance of this day, people worship Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi.   

Thus, this year, Diwali 2024 will be celebrated on November 1^st. And just like each year, people will turn their cities and villages into a symphony of lights. Beyond paying respect to the historical legends, Diwali is a holy occasion of bringing people together. Whether it is the aroma of cherished sweets or freshly bought clothes, the Festival of Lights captures everyone in its warm embrace.