Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most significant festivals in Hindu culture. It marks the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. Celebrated with immense zeal and enthusiasm across India and in many parts of the world, Diwali is not just a festival but an emotion, a celebration of life and harmony.
In 2024, Diwali will be celebrated with the same fervor, and it's essential to be aware of the correct dates, rituals, and traditions associated with this grand festival. This blog will serve as a comprehensive guide to the 2024 Diwali Calendar, providing detailed information on each day of the festival, its significance, and how to celebrate it according to tradition.
2024 Diwali Puja Calendar
| Date | Days | Event Day | Hindu Calendar | Event Name |
| 28th October 2024 | Monday / सोमवार | 1 | Ekadashi | Govatsa Dwadashi, Vasu Baras |
| 29th October 2024 | Tuesday / मंगलवार | 2 | Dwadashi | Dhantrayodashi, Dhanteras, Dhanvantari Trayodashi, Yama Deepam |
| 30th October 2024 | Wednesday / बुधवार | 3 | Trayodashi | Kali Chaudas, Hanuman Puja |
| 31st October 2024 | Thursday / गुरूवार | 4 | Chaturdashi | Narak Chaturdashi, Tamil Deepavali, Kali Puja |
| 1st November 2024 | Friday / शुक्रवार | 5 | Amavasya | Lakshmi Puja, Diwali, Kedar Gauri Vrat, Chopda Puja, Sharda Puja |
| 2nd November 2024 | Saturday / शनिवार | 6 | Pratipada | Govardhan Puja, Annakut, Bali Pratipada, Dyuta Krida, Gujarati New Year |
| 3rd November 2024 | Sunday / रविवार | 7 | Dwitiya | Bhaiya Doojm Bhau Beej, Yama Dwitiya |
Understanding Diwali: The Festival of Lights
Before delving into the specific dates and rituals, it's crucial to understand what Diwali represents. The term "Diwali" is derived from the Sanskrit word "Deepavali," which means "a row of lights." The festival is celebrated over five days, each with its own unique significance and rituals. Diwali is not only a Hindu festival but is also observed by Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists, each with their own interpretations and reasons for celebrating.
For Hindus, Diwali commemorates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after a 14-year exile and his victory over the demon king Ravana. It also honors the goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, and Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. For Jains, Diwali marks the nirvana or spiritual awakening of Lord Mahavira, while Sikhs celebrate it as Bandi Chhor Divas, commemorating the release of Guru Hargobind from imprisonment.
2024 Diwali Calendar: Dates and Significance
Diwali in 2024 will be celebrated from Thursday, October 31st, to Monday, November 4th. Each day of the festival has its own importance, and specific rituals are performed to honor various deities and aspects of life. Here’s a detailed look at each day:
1. Dhanteras (Tuesday, October 29, 2024)
Significance:
Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, marks the beginning of Diwali festivities. The word "Dhan" means wealth, and "Teras" refers to the 13th day of the lunar cycle. On this day, people worship Lord Dhanvantari, the god of health and Ayurveda, and seek blessings for prosperity and well-being. It is also the day when Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped, and people purchase gold, silver, or new utensils as a sign of good fortune.
Rituals:
- Lakshmi Puja: Perform a ritualistic puja to invite Goddess Lakshmi into your home. Clean the house thoroughly to welcome her.
- Dhantrayodashi Puja: Worship Lord Dhanvantari for good health and longevity. Light a diya (lamp) at the entrance of your home to ward off evil spirits.
- Purchasing Wealth: Buy new items such as gold, silver, or kitchen utensils as a symbol of prosperity and good luck.
2. Naraka Chaturdashi (Thursday, October 31st, 2024)
Significance:
Naraka Chaturdashi, also known as Choti Diwali, is celebrated on the 14th day of the lunar month. This day commemorates the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. It symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and is also a day to cleanse oneself of all impurities, both physical and spiritual.
Rituals:
- Abhyanga Snan: Start the day with an early morning ritual bath known as Abhyanga Snan, which involves applying scented oils and bathing to purify the body and soul.
- Kali Chaudas: In some regions, this day is also dedicated to the worship of Goddess Kali. Devotees offer prayers to the goddess for strength and protection from evil forces.
- Lighting Diyas: In the evening, light diyas and decorate your home with rangoli to invite positive energy and drive away negativity.
3. Lakshmi Puja (Friday, November 1, 2024)
Significance:
Lakshmi Puja is the most important day of the Diwali festival. It falls on the new moon day, or Amavasya, and is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, prosperity, and happiness. It is believed that on this night, Lakshmi roams the earth, blessing her devotees with wealth and fortune.
Rituals:
- Lakshmi Ganesh Puja: Begin the evening by performing a detailed Lakshmi Puja, along with the worship of Lord Ganesha. Place idols of Lakshmi and Ganesha on a clean altar, light diyas, and offer sweets, fruits, and flowers.
- Chopda Pujan: Business communities perform the Chopda Pujan, where they close their old accounting books and start new ones, seeking blessings for a prosperous financial year.
- Illumination: Illuminate your home with rows of diyas, candles, and electric lights. It is believed that the more brightly lit the house, the more likely it is that Lakshmi will visit.
- Crackers and Sweets: Celebrate the night by bursting crackers and sharing sweets with friends and family.
4. Govardhan Puja (Saturday, November 2, 2024)
Significance:
Govardhan Puja, also known as Annakut, is celebrated to commemorate the day Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan Hill to protect the people of Vrindavan from the wrath of Lord Indra. This day is a reminder of the importance of nature and the environment in sustaining life.
Rituals:
- Annakut: Prepare a large variety of vegetarian dishes and offer them to Lord Krishna as Annakut, symbolizing gratitude for the abundance of nature.
- Govardhan Worship: Create a small replica of Govardhan Hill using cow dung or mud, and decorate it with flowers and food offerings. Perform aarti and sing bhajans in praise of Lord Krishna.
- Community Feasts: In many communities, people come together to share a meal, symbolizing unity and togetherness.
5. Bhai Dooj (Sunday, November 3, 2024)
Significance:
Bhai Dooj, also known as Bhau Beej or Bhai Tika, is the last day of the Diwali festival. It celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. According to legend, on this day, Yama, the god of death, visited his sister Yamuna. She welcomed him with a tilak and a feast, and in return, Yama blessed her with protection for her brothers.
Rituals:
- Tilak Ceremony: Sisters perform aarti and apply a tilak on their brothers' foreheads, praying for their long life and prosperity. In return, brothers give gifts to their sisters as a token of love and appreciation.
- Feasting: Families come together to enjoy a meal, often prepared with the brother's favorite dishes, strengthening family bonds.
- Yamuna Puja: In some regions, Yamuna Puja is performed, where devotees offer prayers to the Yamuna River, seeking blessings for the well-being of their brothers.
The Environmental Impact of Diwali
While Diwali is a festival of joy and celebration, it's essential to be mindful of its environmental impact. The excessive use of fireworks leads to air and noise pollution, which can have adverse effects on health and the environment. Here are some ways to celebrate an eco-friendly Diwali:
- Use Eco-Friendly Diyas: Instead of electric lights, opt for traditional clay diyas made from natural materials. These are biodegradable and add a rustic charm to the festivities.
- Avoid Firecrackers: Minimize or avoid the use of firecrackers to reduce air and noise pollution. Instead, celebrate with music, dance, and other forms of entertainment.
- Eco-Friendly Rangoli: Use natural colors made from turmeric, rice flour, and flowers for your rangoli designs. This not only reduces chemical waste but also supports traditional art forms.
- Plant a Tree: As a symbolic gesture, plant a tree during Diwali. It represents growth, prosperity, and a commitment to protecting the environment.
- Support Local Artisans: Buy handmade products from local artisans, such as clay lamps, textiles, and crafts. This helps support the local economy and preserves traditional skills.
Conclusion
Diwali is more than just a festival; it's a time to reflect on our values, strengthen bonds with family and friends, and express gratitude for the blessings in our lives. The 2024 Diwali Calendar provides an opportunity to celebrate each day with intention, following the rituals that have been passed down through generations.
As we prepare to celebrate Diwali in 2024, let us remember the true essence of the festival: the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. By honoring the traditions and rituals associated with Diwali, we not only preserve our cultural heritage but also bring positive energy and prosperity into our lives.
May the festival of lights illuminate your path with joy, peace, and abundance. Wishing you a very happy and prosperous Diwali!