Diwali Festival 2024 Date and Time: Diwali falls on 31st October, 2024.
- Chaturdasi Thithi - 11:39 PM to 12:28 AM
Imagine a festival that lights up not just the streets, but also our hearts and homes, a celebration that brings families together and fills the air with joy, laughter, and the crackle of fireworks. This is Diwali, the most significant and eagerly awaited festival in India. Diwali, also known as Deepavali, the Festival of Lights, has created many memories and stories from our childhoods, making it a beloved tradition passed down through generations. It is celebrated in the month of Kartik according to the Hindu Lunisolar calendar and falls in October – November.
Why Diwali is Celebrated
The origins of Diwali are rooted in various scriptures, with the most popular one being the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after a 14-year exile. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Rama, along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, defeated the demon king Ravana and returned to Ayodhya. The people of Ayodhya welcomed them by lighting oil lamps (diyas) to celebrate the triumph of good over evil. This tradition has continued over the centuries, symbolizing the dispelling of darkness and the ushering in of prosperity and happiness.
Apart from the story of Lord Rama, Diwali also has significance in other traditions. In some regions, it is believed to commemorate the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura, while in others, it marks the day Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, emerged from the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan). For the Sikh community, Diwali is the day Guru Hargobind Ji was released from imprisonment, and for Jains, it is the day Lord Mahavira attained Nirvana.
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, celebrates the victory of good over evil. While it has various legends and Diwali traditions within Hinduism, it is widely celebrated across different cultures and religions. Known for its vibrant and inclusive festivities, Diwali is a universal celebration of light, joy, and cultural diversity.
Diwali Celebrations
How Diwali is Celebrated across India
Diwali is celebrated differently across various regions of India, reflecting the country’s rich cultural diversity:
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North India: Diwali is predominantly associated with the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya. The entire region lights up with diyas, and grand fairs and events are organized. In cities like Varanasi, the ghats are beautifully illuminated, and Ganga Aarti is performed.
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South India: In Tamil Nadu, Diwali is celebrated as Naraka Chaturdashi, commemorating Lord Krishna’s victory over Narakasura. People take an oil bath before sunrise and burst crackers. In Karnataka, Deepavali Amavasya is dedicated to honouring ancestors with special prayers and Diwali rituals.
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West India: In Gujarat, Diwali marks the beginning of the new year. Homes and businesses are thoroughly cleaned and adorned with torans (door hangings). The worship of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha is an integral part of the celebrations.
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Maharashtra: In Maharashtra, Diwali is a four-day celebration starting with Vasubaras, where cows and calves are honoured with an Aarti. On the second day, Dhanteras follows traditional observances. On Narakchaturdashi, the third day, people take an early oil bath, visit temples, and enjoy a feast called Faral, with sweets like karanji and spicy snacks like chakli. The main day, Lakshmi Puja, involves worshipping Goddess Lakshmi and wealth items in every home.
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East India: In West Bengal, Diwali coincides with Kali Puja, which is dedicated to Goddess Kali. Homes are illuminated with lamps, and offerings are made to the goddess. In Odisha, people light jute sticks and burst crackers as part of the celebrations.
Rituals on Diwali
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Clean and decorate your house before the special day, as it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi visits homes that are spotless and beautifully illuminated.
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Take an oil bath before sunrise, which is believed to cleanse away negative traits such as ego and jealousy, preparing you for the auspicious day.
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After the bath, wear new clothes and light oil lamps around your home to invite prosperity and positive energy.
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Perform a puja (worship) to Goddess Lakshmi, seeking her divine blessings for wealth, success, and well-being.
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Following the puja, celebrate by bursting firecrackers, a vibrant and traditional aspect of Diwali that adds to the joyous atmosphere.
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Share sweets and gifts with your neighbours and relatives, as Diwali is a time for spreading joy, fostering connections, and exchanging heartfelt tokens of love.