Diwali 2024
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is one of the most celebrated festivals across India and other parts of the world. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. In 2024, Diwali will be celebrated over five days, with each day holding its unique significance. Here’s the information on the important Diwali 2024 dates and traditions.
Diwali 2024 Calendar: Important Dates
- Day 1 – Dhanteras: Tuesday, October 29, 2024
- Day 2 – Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali): Thursday, October 31, 2024
- Day 3 – Lakshmi Puja (Main Diwali): Friday, November 1, 2024
- Day 4 – Govardhan Puja: Saturday, November 2, 2024
- Day 5 – Bhai Dooj: Sunday, November 3, 2024
Day 1: Dhanteras – October 29, 2024 (Tuesday)
Dhanteras marks the first day of the Diwali festival. It is dedicated to praying for prosperity and good health, with devotees worshipping Lord Dhanvantari, the god of health, and Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. Buying gold, silver, or new utensils on this day is considered auspicious, symbolizing wealth and prosperity.
- Tradition: Families light lamps and perform Lakshmi Puja in the evening to invite wealth and good fortune into their homes.
Day 2: Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) – October 31, 2024 (Thursday)
Naraka Chaturdashi, also known as Choti Diwali, is celebrated to mark Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura. On this day, people clean their homes and take an oil bath (Abhyanga Snan), which is believed to ward off evil. It is considered a day of purification before the main Diwali celebrations.
- Tradition: Lighting diyas, decorating homes with rangoli, and preparing sweets are common practices on Choti Diwali.
Day 3: Lakshmi Puja (Main Diwali) – November 1, 2024 (Friday)
The third day of Diwali, Lakshmi Puja, is the most important day of the festival. It is dedicated to worshipping Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. Homes are illuminated with oil lamps (diyas), candles, and decorative lights to drive away darkness and invite positive energy.
- Tradition: Lakshmi Puja is performed in the evening. Families decorate their homes with rangoli, offer prayers, and seek the blessings of the goddess for wealth and prosperity. Firecrackers are also burst to celebrate the triumph of light over darkness.
Day 4: Govardhan Puja – November 2, 2024 (Saturday)
The fourth day of Diwali is known as Govardhan Puja or Annakut, which celebrates Lord Krishna’s lifting of the Govardhan Hill to protect the people of Gokul from torrential rains. On this day, people worship cows and prepare elaborate feasts to offer to Lord Krishna.
- Tradition: Offerings of food are made to Lord Krishna, and large meals are prepared for family and friends in a spirit of gratitude and abundance.
Day 5: Bhai Dooj – November 3, 2024 (Sunday)
Bhai Dooj is the final day of Diwali, dedicated to celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters. On this day, sisters perform aarti for their brothers, apply tilak on their foreheads, and pray for their long life and happiness. Brothers, in turn, give gifts to their sisters and vow to protect them.
- Tradition: Bhai Dooj is a day for family gatherings, where brothers and sisters share sweets, gifts, and fond memories.
Why is Diwali Celebrated?
Diwali is celebrated for different reasons across various regions of India. In North India, it marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after his 14-year exile and victory over Ravana. In South India, it commemorates Lord Krishna’s victory over Narakasura. Despite these different legends, the central theme of Diwali remains the same—the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness.
How to Celebrate Diwali in 2024
Eco-Friendly Celebrations: Opt for eco-friendly Diwali celebrations by minimizing the use of firecrackers and focusing on sustainable, traditional practices.
Clean and Decorate Your Home: Start the Diwali season by thoroughly cleaning your home and decorating it with lights, diyas, and colorful rangoli designs.
Perform Rituals: Follow the traditional rituals of each day, from Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj. Lakshmi Puja on the third day is the most important.
Spend Time with Family: Diwali is a time for family and friends. Share meals, exchange gifts, and celebrate the festival of lights together.
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