Diwali, also known as Deepawali, is considered one of the most auspicious Hindu festivals worldwide. It symbolises the power of light over darkness, and conveys the traditional Indian wisdom that truth triumphs over evil. The annual festival of lights traditionally lasts for five days beginning with Dhanteras, or Dhantrayodashi, and ending with Bhai Dooj, a festival that celebrates the bonding among siblings. The Diwali festivities include days of workshop, lights, and family gatherings which are celebrated, according to India’s traditional lunar calendar.
Diwali is celebrated on the night of the new moon, called Amavasya in Sanskrit, according to the lunar calendar, based on ancient Indian cosmological calculation of the position of celestial objects. The new moon day is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesh, usually known as Lakshmi-Ganesh puja.
It is considered an auspicious ritual, significant for families and businesses, where devotees seek blessings for prosperity and happiness. As the festival draws near, questions concerning the date, shubh muhurat and puja timings come up.
This year, multiple sources put forth different dates for Diwali celebrations and timings for Lakshami-Ganesh puja. Some sources recommend October 31 for both, while others prefer November 1. Here, we try to explain both.
Diwali 2024: Significance
Like every year, Diwali 2024 holds deep spiritual and cultural significance in India. Diwali commemorates, particularly in the north Indian tradition, the return of Lord Ram from exile after 14 years, as a victorious warrior who defeated and exterminated Lanka’s king Ravana, who had become a symbol of evil. This day also marks the arrival of Goddess Lakshmi.
The current confusion is about its date and timings. Traditionally, Diwali is celebrated on Amavasya — the new moon night — during the Pradosh Kaal, a special period mentioned in Indian lunar calendars. This year, there is an overlap of Amavasya timings. Amavasya spans from October 31 to November 1. So, the timings for Lakshmi puja also spread over two days.
This overlap leads to regional variances and marginally varying muhurats in various places. Amavasya Tithi runs from October 31 at 3:52 pm to November 1 at 6:16 pm.
According to the Drik Panchang, one of the Indian lunar calendars, the auspicious time for Lakshmi puja falls on Thursday, October 31, 2024. The Drik Panchang says that Diwali will be celebrated on Amavasya Tithi of the Kartik month.
According to this calendar, Chhoti Diwali should be celebrated on Wednesday, October 30. It recommends celebrating Diwali with Lakshmi puja on Thursday, and performing Govardhan puja on November 2.
Key timings for Diwali 2024
Amavasya Tithi begins: October 31,2024 at 6:22 am
Amavasya Tithi ends: October 31,2024 at 8:46 am
Pradosh Kaal: October 31,2024 from 5:12 pm to 6:16 pm
Lakshmi Puja: 6:52 PM to 8:41 pm, October 31
Vrishabha Kaal: 6:52 PM to 8:41 pm
Diwali 2024: Date and Shubh Muhurat
Here are some auspicious timings or muhurat for Diwali 2024:
Note: Timings are subject to change based on specific locations and time zones.
Diwali 2024 full calendar: Days of Light
Dhanteras – October 29, 2024
Chhoti Diwali (Naraka Chaturdashi) – October 30, 2024
Diwali (Lakshmi puja) – October 31, 2024
Govardhan Pooja – November 2, 2024
Bhai Dooj – November 3, 2024
Diwali will be celebrated with Lakshmi puja on October 31, 2024, as per lunar calendars. Yet, depending on regional customs, some areas may extend their festivities until November 1.
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Diwali 2024 calendar: Know when is Diwali, date, time and puja muhurat
