When is Diwali 2024, on October 31 or November 1?

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 2024: Date and Timings

Diwali is celebrated in the Hindu lunisolar months of Ashvin and Kartika, which typically fall between mid-October and mid-November. According to the ancient Hindu calendar, Diwali is observed annually on Amavasya, the fifteenth day of the month of Kartik.

In the year 2024, the Festival of Lights will be celebrated on Thursday, October 31, 2024. As per Drik Panchang, Choti Deepawali and Lakshmi Puja will be observed on the same day.

Diwali 2024: Date and Shubh Muhurat

As per Drik Panchang:

Lakshmi Puja Muhurat – 6:52 pm to 8:41 pm

Pradosh Kaal – 6:10 pm to 8:52 pm

Vrishabha Kaal – 6:52 pm to 8:41 pm

Amavasya Tithi Begins – 6:22 am on October 31

Amavasya Tithi Ends – 8:46 am on November 1

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 symbolises 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 (coloured 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 neighbours and friends. Both kids and elders burst crackers and lit diyas to celebrate this occasion.