When Is Diwali In 2024
Diwali will be observed on Thursday, October 31st, 2024. This year's celebrations will keep the spirit of joy and light across the countries. On this particular occasion, families will get together in the evening for Lakshmi Puja in the hope of receiving bounty and happiness.
Diwali 2024 Thursday, October 31
- Lakshmi Puja Muhurat 6:52 pm to 8:41 pm, October 31
- Pradosh Kaal 6:10 pm to 8:52 pm
- Vrishabha Kaal 6:52 pm to 8:41 pm
- Amavasya Tithi Begins 6:22 am on October 31
- Amavasya Tithi Ends 8:46 am on October 31
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| Diwali 2024 |
Ayodhya is all set to complete its Ram temple after a rigorous battle that has lasted close to five centuries. The edifice stands tall as a testimony to the belief and determination of millions of people. The conflict over the site began decades ago, in the 16th century, and included a range of hostilities, civil strife, and even cultural wars. Having accepted the verdict of the Supreme Court to build the temple on the land where the mosque has been knocked down, the people of Ayodhya are getting ready for a Diwali 2024 celebration more special than others, with the temple being an everlasting sign of devotion and togetherness.
Story Of Diwali
Diwali, or Deepavali, is a festival rooted deep in Indian culture and mythology and celebrated in various ways in different regions of India. Some such associated stories with Diwali are:
Lord Rama’s Return to Ayodhya
- The oldest and most celebrated Diwali story is also taken from The Ramayana, which focuses on the exploits of Lord Sri Ram, who came back to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile.
- After defeating the king of demons, Ravana in Lankapuri and returning with Sita, Lord Rama returned back home to Ayodhya and his return was celebrated by all the people of Ayodhya who decorated the city with many oil lamps (the diyas) to pay respect to the king who was more than a hundred miles away.
- Lighting lamps represent the hope for the victory of good over evil and reinstating the joy and bounty.
Worship of Goddess Lakshmi
- Among all myths associated with the festival of lights, this is an oft-cited myth about Diwali.
- The day Goddess Lakshmi the goddess of wealth and prosperity appeared, after the churning of the great ocean, (Samudra Manthan), is also said to be the day of Diwali.
- An event of this nature means wealth and good luck is associated with it.
- On Diwali, people also worship Lakshmi which is the devotion offered to bring more worldly possessions, successful undertakings, and pleasant experiences into one’s household.
- So, this for many is the foremost reason for doing Lakshmi Puja on the night of Diwali.
Naraka Roar
- In South India, the tradition of Narakasura is observed on Diwali. Narakasura was a demon king who haunted Heaven and Earth.
- Lord Krishna along with his wife Satyabhama went to fight Narakasura and free everyone from his reign of terror.
- The victory is that of goodness over evil which is celebrated by burning crackers and lighting candles.
King Bali and the Exploits of Lord Vishnu
- In the Keralan state and in a few other Southern states of India.
- Diwali means the worship of King Bali, a good-hearted demon king whose story is about Lord Vishnu putting him deeper into the underworld in the Vamana avatar.
- To commemorate King Bali and his virtues, the people celebrate by lighting lamps in memory of their selfless devotion.
These narratives, which are told in various ways within the Indian sub-continent, are the reasons why ‘Diwali’ is an enthusiastic festival that celebrates victory over darkness, ignorance, and despair with light, knowledge, and optimism respectively.
Rituals of diwali
Though the festival of Diwali is observed in different cultures in India, various rituals are there during the Diwali festival that are observed with great devotion in the families. These are some of the many rituals that are celebrated during Diwali:
1. Home Cleaning and its Beautification
- The days before Diwali every family engages in home cleaning and beautification. This is because it is believed that a house that is clean and well-decorated is likely to attract the blessings of the Goddess who is revered for wealth and prosperity. Entrances are beautified with colored rangolis and doorways with lighted garlands.
2. Lighting of Diyas and Lamps
- Lighting diyas is a major ritual for Diwali. These are basically oil lamps placed around the house and its surroundings to signify the end of darkness. The tradition originated from the time when Lord Rama came back to Ayodhya and citizens lit diyas to help him and rejoice in his victory.
3. Lakshmi Puja
- The main puja (worship) on Diwali night is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, the God who removes all troubles. Many people will perform Lakshmi Puja, where they pray and offer flowers and food items to the Goddess, which is done to attract wealth and prosperity and conquer all the hurdles. This is the time when all the family sit together in the evening, perform pooja, and offer gifts while chanting mantras.
4. Giving and Receiving Gifts, Especially Sweets
- Sending and receiving sweets and gifts between relatives and friends and even among neighbors is an exciting feature of the festival of Diwali. Families come closer through this custom as it tends to be warm, happy, and loving. And this is very much part of the times of Diwali, be it made or bought, laddoos, barfis, jalebis, and other sweet items are served.
5. Bursting Fire Cracker
- Firecrackers are an indispensable part of Diwali celebrations. It is said that the Devas light Testudines and firecrackers because they wish to drive the evil souls away and celebrate the glory of the festival. But of late, things have dramatically changed, and with most people, there is gradually a rise of green celebrations where fewer or non-crackers or green crackers are preferred.
6. Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj
- In certain parts of India, Govardhan Puja is performed a day after Diwali, which celebrates Lord Krishna, who lifted the Govardhan Hill to save the people of Gokul from torrential rains. Bhai Duj is observed as a festival that celebrates the relationship of brothers and sisters; every brother and sister wishes for each other’s long life and prosperity.
These cultural and spiritual rituals, which render in themselves the essence of Diwali, envelop the festival with warmth and love, festooned with joy and togetherness.
Frequently Ask Questions
In which month is Diwali in the year 2024?
The festive observance of Diwali would fall on a Thursday, the 31st day of October 2024. Among the festivities, there will also be Lakshmi Puja which is a ritual practice done in the evening.
Why is Diwali celebrated?
Diwali or Deepavali "the festival of lights" is the time when people celebrate the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness, as various historical accounts reveal different events during that time. For example, this holiday marks the return of Lord Rama to the kingdom of Ayodhya after killing Ravana, and is when families come together, worship, and rejoice.
What are the traditional practices followed in Diwali?
Typical practices are scrubbing and beautifying the house, illuminating it with clay lamps (diyas), worshipping Goddess Lakshmi, giving and receiving presents, partaking in special feasts, etc. In addition, the lighting of firecrackers, or the distribution of mithais are also part of the festivities.
How is Ayodhya set to celebrate Diwali 2024 in a different way?
Baba Ram Mandir, which is approaching its construction completion date, is regarded this year as the final embodiment of a prolonged 500-year dispute. This will also add a flavor of reverence which will be felt during the celebrations of Diwali in the temples across the city.
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