Diwali is the most important festival in India. It is celebrated on the Amavasya date (according to the lunar phase) of Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik (usually in the months of October-November). But the celebration lasts for five days, starting from Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj. The main Diwali festival (Diwali 2024) will be celebrated on October 31 this year. This festival symbolizes the victory of good over evil, light over darkness and has been going on for centuries. There are many rituals associated with Diwali celebration and we will take a look at all of them. But first, the auspicious time of this year’s Diwali celebration.
Diwali 2024: Date and Time
All the festivals celebrated in India are based on dates, which are based on the movement of the moon. It is an important part of Vedic astrology to determine the auspiciousness of events and festivals like birthdays, marriages, etc.
In 2024, Diwali will be celebrated on Thursday (October 31, 2024). As per the Hindu calendar, the Amavasya Tithi will begin at 5.22 am on October 31 and will last till 7.46 am on November 1.
On Diwali, Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and good fortune, is worshipped. This year, the auspicious time for Lakshmi Puja is from 7.19 pm to 9.11 pm on October 31.
Now, let’s talk about the related festivals and celebrations.
Dhanteras: This is the first day of Diwali festival in most parts of India. In 2024, Dhanteras will be celebrated on Tuesday (October 29). ‘Dhan’ signifies wealth and ‘Teras’ is the 13th day of Krishna Paksha. Dhanteras is considered auspicious for buying gold and silver jewellery, as it marks the welcome of Goddess Lakshmi.
Also Read | Dhanteras 2024: Rituals and Traditions Celebrated Across India
Narak Chaturdashi or Chhoti Diwali: This is the day to celebrate the slaying of the demon Naraka. While some associate this slaying with Goddess Kali, others believe that Naraka was slain by Lord Krishna. Overall, the day is celebrated to commemorate the victory of good over evil. Taking an oil bath along with certain rituals is considered auspicious on this day.
Diwali (Lakshmi Puja): This day marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana centuries ago. The tradition of celebration has continued since then, and people light earthen diyas and burst crackers on this day. Drawing vibrant rangolis at the entrance of homes is an integral part of the celebrations. People also perform special pujas in the evening and pray to Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and happiness.
Govardhan Puja: This is the day when Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan mountain to save the villagers in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh from the wrath of Indra. As part of the ritual, a mountain of food is prepared which symbolizes the Govardhan mountain and also signifies abundance. Cows are respected in rural areas as they are an important part of agriculture.
Bhai Dooj: Also known as Bhai Tika, Bhaubeej, Bhai Beej, Bhai Phonta or Bhatri Dwitiya, this festival is celebrated by Hindus on the second lunar day of Shukla Paksha (the period when the moon is rising). On Bhai Dooj, sisters pray to God for the longevity, well-being and prosperity of their beloved brother.
Significance of Diwali
Also known as Deepawali due to the use of earthen diyas, this festival is celebrated as a symbol of driving away darkness from life.
Over the last few decades, Diwali has grown in grandeur and is celebrated across the world.
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