Diwali is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India and across the globe. It symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists. Diwali 2024- Date for Celebration in India will be on Thursday, October 31.
Diwali 2024-Important Dates for Diwali 2024:
- Dhanteras – Monday, October 28, 2024: This day marks the beginning of the Diwali festivities and is considered auspicious for buying precious metals like gold and silver, as well as utensils.
- Auspicious time for Dhanteras Puja: 7:19 PM to 8:24 PM (IST)
- Chhoti Diwali (Naraka Chaturdashi) – Tuesday, October 29, 2024: Also known as Roop Chaturdashi, this day celebrates the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. It is a day for personal grooming, beautification, and lighting divas (oil lamps).
- Diwali (Lakshmi Pooja) – Thursday, October 31, 2024: This is the main day of the Diwali festival. Devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, and Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles.
- Lakshmi Pooja Muhurta (Timings): 6:03 PM to 8:07 PM (IST)
- Govardhan Puja (Padwa) – Friday, November 1, 2024: The day after Diwali is celebrated by worshipping Lord Krishna’s lifting of the Govardhan Hill to protect villagers from the wrath of Lord Indra.
- Bhai Dooj – Saturday, November 2, 2024: On this day, sisters pray for the well-being and prosperity of their brothers, symbolizing the bond of love and protection.
- The Significance of Diwali
Diwali has both religious and cultural significance in India and beyond. It is celebrated for various reasons depending on regional traditions:
- Hindu Beliefs:
- In North India, Diwali marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over the demon king Ravana.
- In South India, it commemorates Lord Krishna’s victory over Narakasura.
- In Western India, Diwali marks the day Lord Vishnu sent the demon king Bali to rule the netherworld.
- Lakshmi Puja: Diwali also signifies the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, who is believed to visit homes that are clean, well-lit, and peaceful, blessing them with prosperity and happiness for the coming year.
- Jainism: Diwali marks the day Lord Mahavira attained Nirvana, the liberation of the soul from the cycle of birth and death.
- Sikhism: Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas on Diwali, marking the release of Guru Hargobind Ji from prison.
- Buddhism: In some regions, Buddhists observe Diwali as a time to remember Emperor Ashoka’s conversion to Buddhism and the spread of peace and non-violence.
- Global Celebration: Diwali has grown to be an international festival. Countries such as the UK, the USA, Canada, Australia, and others celebrate Diwali with great fervour. Communities abroad light fireworks, organize cultural shows, and offer prayers to maintain a connection with their Indian roots.
Traditional Activities During Diwali
- Cleaning and Decorating the Home:
- In the days leading up to Diwali, families thoroughly clean and declutter their homes. This is symbolic of removing negativity and making space for positive energy.
- Homes are decorated with rangoli (intricate patterns made with coloured powders or flowers) at the entrances, and clay oil lamps (divas) are lit to signify the arrival of prosperity.
- Lakshmi Pooja:
- The evening of Diwali is dedicated to worshipping Goddess Lakshmi. Families decorate their homes with marigolds, divas, and candles to invite the Goddess of Wealth into their homes.
- The pooja is performed at an auspicious time, with offerings of sweets, fruits, and flowers to invoke blessings for prosperity in the coming year.
- Bahi Khata Puja (Account Books Worship):
- For businessmen and traders, Diwali marks the start of the new financial year. On this day, they perform Bahi Khata Puja, a ritual where they worship the account books or ledger (nowadays often replaced by computers) and seek blessings from Goddess Lakshmi for a successful financial year. This tradition is particularly followed by the trading and business communities in India.
- Sweets and Feasting:
- The preparation of traditional sweets and snacks is a major part of Diwali celebrations. Popular delicacies include Kaju Katlis, barfis, gulab jamuns, and samosas.
- Families exchange sweets with neighbours and friends, symbolizing the sweetness of life and strengthening community bonds.
- If you want to treat your family and friends this Diwali, here are some simple and easy Diwali sweet recipes you can make at home. https://rakskitchen.net/easy-diwali-sweets-recipes/
- Distribution of Gifts:
- Diwali is a time for exchanging gifts with loved ones, friends, and business associates. Common gifts include dry fruits, sweets, silver coins, and decorative items.
- Many families also give gifts of clothing and jewellery to their children, celebrating the abundance of wealth and happiness.
- Lighting Firecrackers:
- Fireworks are an intrinsic part of Diwali celebrations. They symbolize the victory of light over darkness. However, in recent years, there has been a growing movement toward celebrating an eco-friendly Diwali to reduce air and noise pollution.
Global Celebrations
Diwali has transcended beyond the borders of India, with celebrations held in various countries where the Indian diaspora has settled. The festival is recognized as an important cultural event in countries like the UK, Canada, and the USA. Many cities, including London, New York, and Toronto, organize large-scale events featuring fireworks, cultural performances, and the lighting of public buildings in vibrant colours. Diwali’s message of good triumphing over evil, and light over darkness, resonates universally.
In India, Diwali is not just a festival; it is a time to reflect on life, values, and relationships. It encourages people to be charitable, kind, and joyous. Whether through worship, social gatherings, or the exchange of gifts and sweets, Diwali fosters a sense of togetherness and harmony across communities.
Diwali 2024, with its myriad rituals and activities, remains deeply rooted in tradition while also evolving to suit contemporary times. The festival brings families, friends, and communities together in a grand celebration of life and its blessings. From lighting divas to performing Lakshmi Pooja, and from distributing sweets to making new financial beginnings, Diwali touches every aspect of Indian life, making it a joyous occasion eagerly anticipated by millions around the world.
