Diwali, commonly known as Deepavali, is the great Festival of Lights, observed not only throughout India but across other countries as well. With vibrant celebrations, it commemorates the victory of good over evil and also celebrates the return of Lord Ram, Mata Sita, and Lakshman to Ajodhya after a period of 14 years of exile. In some regions, the celebrations are planned to extend into November 1 this year, and this time it falls on October 31, 2024, which happens to be a Thursday.

Below are the details of the date, auspicious time, and importance of Diwali.

1. Clarification for Date and Time of Deepavali 2024:

October 31 or November 1?

• Major Date: Diwali on October 31, 2024. The New Moon day, also called the Amavasya Tithi, is said to be the most suitable evening for worshiping the goddess of wealth.
• Extended Celebrations: In some places, Diwali celebrations and rituals may go up to November 1, 2024, due to varied local customs and Amavasya Tithi.
• Panchang Glimpses: Amavasya Tithi will begin from 6:22 AM on October 31 and end at 8:46 AM on November 1 in the Hindu calendar. Hence, October 31 is the best evening for Lakshmi Puja.

2. Important Dates in the Diwali Festival Series

• Important dates associated with Diwali are the following: Dhanteras – 29th October, 2024 happens to be a wonderful date to buy precious metals, as well as good luck-bringing things. Chhoti Diwali or Naraka Chaturdashi-30th October, 2024 commemorates the victory of Narakasura by means of morning worship and subsequently setting up diyas.
• Diwali (Lakshmi Puja): On October 31, 2024 it coincides with the main Diwali day. There, Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped along with Lord Ganesha for prosperity and hindrance.
• Govardhan Puja: On November 1, 2024. Story behind it is Govardhan Hill was carried in his hands by Lord Krishna to save people from heavy rains.
• Bhai Dooj: November 2, 2024: Brothers and sisters celebrate their bond on Bhai Dooj to mark the end of the Diwali celebrations

3. Lakshmi Puja Muhurat on Diwali 2024

Lakshmi Puja is the main puja performed during Diwali. Devotees pray for prosperity, good fortune, and happiness through Lakshmi Puja. Here are the timings for Lakshmi Puja for this year as well.

Lakshmi Puja Muhurat: 6:52 PM to 8:41 PM on October 31

• Time: 1 hour 50 min
• Pradosh Kaal (Evening Time): 6:10 PM to 8:52 PM
• Taurus Kaal (Vrishabha Kaal): 6:52 PM to 8:41 PM
• Muhurat timings have been taken from Drik Panchang. The best one for Lakshmi Puja is as under-

4. City-Wise Lakshmi Puja Muhurat on 31st October

Below are the city-specific times for Lakshmi Puja for those in Indian cities who are going to celebrate Diwali during the day.

• New Delhi: 5:36 PM to 6:16 PM
• Gurugram: 5:37 PM to 6:16 PM
• Noida: 5:35 PM to 6:16 PM
• Mumbai: 6:57 PM to 8:36 PM
• Pune: 6:54 PM to 8:33 PM
• Hyderabad: 5:44 PM to 6:16 PM
• Bengaluru: 6:47 PM to 8:21 PM
• Ahmedabad: 6:52 PM to 8:35 PM

Different cities will have an approximation in sunset time. Here, the puja time should be done on both Pradosh Kaal and Taurus Kaal-the most important time on a Diwali eve.

5. Rituals and Celebrations of Diwali

Diwali is celebrated with multiple traditional activities that extend to five days. Here is how the people celebrate the beautiful festival:

• Decorations in the Homes: Home is cleaned, and a very intricately designed rangoli is performed at each entrance. House is also decorated with Diyas, oil lamps and fairy lights, which draw in all the positive energy.
• Shopping for New Goods: It is an ongoing tradition to buy clothes, gold, and utensils during Dhanteras. This is known as the symbol of wealth.
• Lakshmi and Ganesh Puja: Lakshmi Puja is performed seeking the favor of prosperity and success. The Ganesha Puja clears all barriers from the way.
• Distributing Gifts: Individuals give and take gifts and sweets among friends and family as a bond of love develops and happy moments are brought.
• Lighting Diyas and Firecrackers: Diya’s are lit for removing darkness, the essence of which is that victory of good over evil; firecrackers are merely an added fun in those festivities.

6. What is Diwali?

Diwali is quite more than a festival itself; it encompasses many elements of the core values associated with some of the more ancient stories of profound spirituality and morality:

It symbolizes the victory of good over evil as in Diwali, God Ram along with Mata Sita and Lakshman comes back to Ayodhya after defeating the king Ravana. This epical legend reminds people about their righteousness and integrity.

A symbol of prosperity and purity: Worshiping Goddess Lakshmi through the devotees’ eyes fetches materialistic prosperity and spiritual purification
Festival that brings families together with their communities to encourage peace, love, and unity.
New Start: Diwali is believed to usher in fresh opportunities for success and growth, so it is the best time to start something new.

7. Tips for Diwali Celebrations 2024

To make the most of Diwali and celebrate it meaningfully, here are some tips:

• Clean and Decorate in Advance: Begin cleaning a few days ahead of the festival to avoid last-minute stress. Use flowers and rangoli to enhance the festive ambiance.
• Stick to Auspicious Timings: Synchronize your Lakshmi Puja with the particular muhurat so that one can fall in line with the positivity prevailing during the occasion.
• Go Green with Firecrackers: Use as much as possible eco-friendly or noiseless crackers. This way, one shall cause the least pollution and let this festive season be much healthier for all.
• Donate and Share: Diwali is an excellent time to distribute clothes, food, etc., in abundance to your surroundings to spread the beautiful essence of the festival to people beyond personal boundaries.

8. Do’s and Don’t’s for Diwali

Here’s a quick rundown of dos and don’ts to celebrate this Diwali:

Do’s

• Use the traditional diyas instead of electric lights, so people continue their tradition.
• Wear new clothes. It must be the colour of good luck such as red, yellow, or green.
• Avoid the burning candles and fireworks in unsafe situations.

Do not’s

• Do not buy plastic goods as those are harmful for the nature and its inhabitants.
• Do not create excessive noise through fireworks. Prevent pollution through noise and air.
• Try not to buy things or perform rituals outside auspicious timings.

9. Conclusion

Diwali 2024 is going to be very vibrant and auspicious. Families are going to reunite and celebrate the triumph of light over darkness. Observing traditions with devotion and joy bring a lot of blessings of prosperity, but it gets the bond with loved ones stronger. As diyas lighten up homes, they light up hope, purity, and the spirit of unity too.

Happy Diwali 2024! Wish you a very healthy, happy, and prosperous Diwali ahead with your family.