When is Diwali 2024: Date, timings, history and more

Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, is India's most awaited and brightest of all festivals. Diwali is a shortened form of the original word "Deepavali," which originates from the words "Deepa," signifying lamp or lantern, and "Aavali," referring to a series or rows.

It is celebrated throughout the world, transcending religious and socio-cultural boundaries as a joyous reminder of the power of light over darkness, the victory of good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Diwali festival comes somewhere around late October to mid-November every year.

Diwali is a five-day-long celebration that commences with Dhanteras and ends with Bhai Dooj. It is often considered the festival of lights, joy, prosperity, and happiness. Celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy, Diwali falls on the darkest night of the year in the Hindu month of Kartik, called Kartik Amavasya.

People celebrate Diwali by lighting up their homes and streets with diyas and candles, dressing up in new clothes, exchanging gifts, and indulging in delicious traditional food.

When is Diwali?

On the Hindu lunar calendar, the festival of Diwali falls on Kartik Amavasya, or the new moon of Kartik month. In India, especially in northern states, Diwali is a five-day long celebration that commences with Dhanteras on the 13th lunar day of the Krishna paksha (waning phase) of Kartik month. It ends with the celebration of Bhai Dooj which falls on the 17th lunar day of the Shukla paksha (waxing phase) of the same month as per the Purnimanta calendar. In 2024, North India and South India will celebrate Deepavali on the same day.

Diwali 2024 is on November 01, Friday

Karthik Amavasya Tithi Timing: October 31, 3:53 pm - November 01, 6:17 pm

Pradosh puja time: November 01, 05:44 PM - 08:19 PM

What are the Diwali dates in 2024?
The 2024 Diwali celebration starts with Dhanteras on October 29, 2024 Tuesday, and ends with Bhai Dooj on November 03, 2024 Sunday. Lakshmi Puja, the most auspicious of Diwali festival days is celebrated as the day of Diwali. Hence, Diwali 2024 falls on Friday, November 01.

Diwali Calendar 2024 - The 5 days of Diwali 2024

Day 1	Dhanteras	October 29, Tuesday
Day 2	Kali Chaudas	October 30th, Wednesday
Day 3	Naraka Chaturdasi (Chotti Diwali)	October 31, Thursday
Day 4	Lakshmi Puja (Diwali Festival)	November 01, Friday
Day 5	Govardhan Puja	November 02, Saturday
Day 6	Bhai Dooj	November 03, Sunday

Diwali illuminates our houses and hearts and preaches the message of friendship and togetherness. Light is the depiction of hope, success, knowledge, and fortune and Diwali reinforces our faith in these virtues of life.

Diwali 2024 Shubh Muhurat and Amavasya Tithi Timings

Sunrise	November 01, 06:36 AM.
Sunset	November 01, 05:44 PM.
Amavasya Tithi Timing	October 31, 03:53 PM - November 01, 06:17 PM
Pradosha Puja Time	November 01, 05:44 PM - 08:19 PM
Nishita Kaal Time	November 01, 11:44 PM - November 02, 12:36 AM

Why is Diwali celebrated? History and Significance

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is a major Hindu festival that has great cultural and spiritual significance. It symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. The lighting of diyas represents the inner light that protects from spiritual darkness.

The origins of Diwali can be traced back to ancient Hindu mythology. According to the legend, Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu, returned to his kingdom of Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana.

Since it was a no-moon day (Amavasya) in the Hindu month of Kartik, on the night they came back, the people of Ayodhya welcomed Lord Rama by lighting diyas (earthen lamps) and decorating their houses with rangolis (colored patterns).

On the other hand, in South India, people celebrate the occasion as the day when Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura. Additionally, it is believed that Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi got married on this day. Alternate legends also claim that Goddess Lakshmi was born on the new moon day of Kartik month.

All over the world, people celebrate Deepavali, the festival of lights, with great joy and enthusiasm. In every home, people worship Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi along with valuable items.

After the puja is concluded, devotees distribute sweets and gifts among their neighbors and friends. Both kids and elders burst crackers and lit diyas to celebrate this occasion.

The Story Behind Diwali

Since Diwali is the resemblance of everything that is 'good', this festival has been the center of many mythological stories.

Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya on this day along with Sita and Lakshman after he attained victory over Ravana, the ten-headed demon king of Lanka. On this occasion, the local people lit earthen lamps and burst crackers to welcome their King and queen back to the throne.

This day is also celebrated as the union of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu in heaven.

In Bengal, this day is celebrated to worship the most powerful Goddess of 'Shakti' - Devi Kali.

In the Jain culture, this day is of utmost importance as Mahavira attained the final 'nirvana' on this day.

In ancient India, this day was celebrated as the harvest festival.
Diwali also marks the death anniversary of Dayanand Saraswati, the 'hero' of the Arya Samaj.

Rituals of Diwali

Diwali is celebrated all across India in different forms and is thus an important National holiday too.

Diwali starts with Dhanteras the beginning of a new financial year, the second day is Naraka Chaturdasi, the day Lord Krishna killed the demon Narakasura; the third day is Amavasya, the day Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and fortune is worshipped.

The fourth day is Govardhan Puja and the last day is celebrated as Bhai Dooj, the day sisters worship their brothers and pray for their long life and well-being.

Feasting, gambling, exchanging gifts among friends and families, and bursting firecrackers are a must during Diwali. People also wear new clothes and worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha on this day. This day is dedicated to the Special Lakshmi Puja.

In Southern India, Diwali marks the homecoming of their ancient King Mahabali and people decorate their houses with flowers and cow dung to welcome the King. Govardhan Puja is done on this day.

In Bengal and other parts of Eastern India, Goddess Kali is worshipped on this day. This is known as Shyama puja.

In Maharashtra, Diwali starts with the worshipping of cows and their calves. This is known as Vasu Baras.

Big Diwali fairs are held across the country. These fairs are centers of business and many artists and acrobats are seen performing in these events.

FAQs

What is Diwali in short?

Diwali, commonly referred to as the Festival of Lights, is a significant day when adherents of Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism illuminate earthen lamps known as Diyas or candles, ignite fireworks, exchange sweets, and create intricate Rangoli designs using colored sand or chalk powder, all in jubilant commemoration of the triumph of Light over Darkness.

What are the days of Diwali?

Diwali is typically a five-day festival celebrated by Hindus and one of India's most significant festivals. The five days of Diwali are:
Dhanteras: The first day of Diwali is observed on the Kartik Krishna Paksha Trayodashi, falling on October 29, 2024 Tuesday. It involves cleaning and decorating homes and workplaces, shopping for new items, and performing prayers for prosperity.
Naraka Chaturdashi: The second day of Diwali is observed on Kartik Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi, falling on October 31, 2024 Thursday. On this day, people light oil lamps and create colorful Rangoli designs to celebrate the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura, this day is also the day when goddess Kali defeated the demon called Raktabija, and is celebrated as Kali Chaudas.
Diwali: The festival's primary day is celebrated on Kartik Amavasya, falling November 01, 2024 Friday. People light oil lamps, burst fireworks, exchange gifts, and offer prayers to Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and prosperity, which is why it is also called Lakshmi Puja.
Govardhan Puja: The fourth day of Diwali is observed on Kartik Shukla Paksha Pratipada, falling on November 02, 2024 Saturday. This day is dedicated to the worship of Lord Krishna and commemorates the lifting of the Govardhan Hill to protect the people from torrents of rain caused by Indra.
Bhai Dooj: The fifth and final day is observed on the Kartik Shukla Paksha Dwitiya, falling on November 03, 2024 Sunday. This festival is for celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters perform aarti for their brothers and pray for their well-being.

What is the Origin of Diwali?

The origins of the Diwali can be traced back to the ancient India.
Hinduism: The most followed story of the Origin of Diwali is when Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu, returned to Ayodhya, his home. People lit up Diyas all over Ayodhya to celebrate the return and welcome their King Rama.
Sikhism: Within Sikh tradition, Diwali holds special significance as it marks the liberation of their sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind Singh, from the confines of Gwalior Fort's prison. Mughal ruler Jahangir, the son of Akbar, had imprisoned him following the execution of his father, Guru Arjan, to quell the Sikh resistance against the Mughal authority.
Jainism: According to the Jain culture, Diwali marks the day when Bhagavaan Mahaveer, the 24th Tirthankara of the current era, achieved Nirvana, transcending his earthly existence. Additionally, it is believed that Mahaveera's Gandhara (disciple), Gautam Swami, attained Kevala Jnana (Omniscience) on this auspicious day.