Diwali, also known as Deepawali, is one of the most celebrated festivals in India and among Hindus around the world. Known as the "Festival of Lights," it marks the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. The word “Diwali” comes from the Sanskrit term "Deepavali," which means a row of lights. Diwali symbolizes the spiritual victory of light, knowledge, and truth, dispelling ignorance, negativity, and evil.
The festival typically falls on the 15th day of the Hindu month of Kartik, which is the darkest night of the year. In 2024, Diwali begins on October 29 with Dhanteras, continuing for five days of vibrant celebrations. The homes of devotees are illuminated with oil lamps (diyas), decorative lights, and rangoli designs to welcome prosperity and ward off negativity. Each day of the festival holds its own significance and unique rituals. Here’s calendar of five-day celebration of Diwali in 2024.
Diwali 2024 Calendar and Significance
|
Date |
Festival |
|
October 29 |
Dhanteras |
|
October 31 |
Narak Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) |
|
October 31 |
Diwali and Lakshmi Puja |
|
November 2 |
Govardhan Puja |
|
November 3 |
Bhai Dooj |
1. Dhanteras - October 29, 2024
The first day of Diwali, Dhanteras, is dedicated to the worship of Lord Dhanvantari, the god of Ayurveda and healing. It is believed that buying gold, silver, or new utensils on this day brings good luck and prosperity into the home. Dhanteras is marked by cleaning and decorating homes, making rangoli, and preparing for the arrival of Goddess Lakshmi. Many people invest in new items for their households or businesses, believing it to be an auspicious start to the festival.
2. Choti Diwali (Narak Chaturdashi) - October 31, 2024
Also known as Choti Diwali or Narak Chaturdashi, the second day of the five-day Diwali festival and is celebrated the day before Diwali. According to Hindu mythology, this day celebrates the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. People light up their homes with diyas and bursting firecrackers. Special prayers and rituals are performed to cleanse homes and drive away negative energies.
3. Diwali and Lakshmi Puja - October 31, 2024
The third day, Diwali itself, is the most important day of the festival. It is dedicated to Lakshmi Puja, where devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, and Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. Families decorate their homes with lights, diyas, and colorful rangolis. After the puja, fireworks light up the night sky as families come together for feasts and exchanges of sweets and gifts. This day is the essence of Diwali, as it marks the triumph of good over evil.
4. Govardhan Puja - November 2, 2024
The fourth day, Govardhan Puja, also called Annakut, celebrates Lord Krishna's lifting of the Govardhan Hill to protect villagers from torrential rains caused by Indra, the god of rain. This day is widely celebrated in northern India, especially in states like Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat. Offerings of food (Annakut) are prepared for the deities, and people visit temples to seek blessings. Govardhan Puja also emphasizes gratitude to nature and sustenance.
5. Bhai Dooj - November 3, 2024
The final day of the Diwali celebration is Bhai Dooj, a day that honors the sacred bond between brothers and sisters. On this day, sisters pray for the well-being and long life of their brothers, performing rituals and offering sweets. Brothers, in turn, give gifts and pledge to protect their sisters. The significance of this day lies in reinforcing the familial bond and celebrating the love and care siblings share.
Diwali is not just about lights and sweets; it carries deep spiritual meaning. It reminds people of the importance of self-reflection, good deeds, and spreading joy and kindness to others. With each passing day of this festival, families come together to celebrate prosperity, happiness, and the triumph of light.
