Diwali 2024 Calendar: Accurate Dates and Auspicious Timing for the Celebration
Diwali, also called Deepavali, is celebrated as the “Festival of Lights,” symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. This vibrant five-day festival brings joy, unity, and spiritual reflection. In 2024, Diwali will be observed from October 29th to November 3rd, with homes and streets adorned in lights and prayers. It’s a time for renewal and blessings, with families coming together to celebrate. Knowing the exact Diwali 2024 calendar and auspicious timings (mahurat) is key for planning the perfect celebration. Let’s explore the festival’s dates and significance of each day.
Diwali 2024 Dates: Mark Your Calendar
Diwali is a five-day festival, and each day carries its own significance, traditions, and customs. Here’s the complete breakdown of the Diwali 2024 dates:
| Day | Festival | Date |
| Day 1 | Dhanteras | October 29th, 2024 (Tuesday) |
| Day 2 | Kali Chaudas | October 30th, 2024 (Wednesday) |
| Day 3 | Narak Chaturdashi (Chhoti Diwali) | October 31st, 2024 (Thursday) |
| Day 4 | Diwali (Lakshmi Pujan) | November 1st, 2024 (Friday) |
| Day 5 | Govardhan Puja, Annakut | November 2nd, 2024 (Saturday) |
| Day 6 | Bhai Dooj, Yama Dwitiya | November 3rd, 2024 (Sunday) |
Mark these dates in your calendar to ensure you don’t miss out on any aspect of this sacred and joyous festival.
Auspicious (Mahurat) Timings for Diwali 2024
The right timing, or mahurat, is believed to enhance the benefits of the rituals performed during Diwali. Here are the auspicious timings for each of the festival days in 2024:
| Festival | Date | Auspicious Timing |
| Dhanteras | October 29th, 2024 | 6:55 PM to 8:22 PM |
| Kali Chaudas | October 30th, 2024 | 11:45 PM to 12:36 AM |
| Narak Chaturdashi (Chhoti Diwali) | October 31st, 2024 | 11:39 PM to 12:28 AM |
| Diwali (Lakshmi Pujan) | November 1st, 2024 | 5:36 PM to 6:16 PM |
| Govardhan Puja, Annakut | November 2nd, 2024 | 6:14 AM to 8:33 AM and 3:33 PM to 5:53 PM |
| Bhai Dooj, Yama Dwitiya | November 3rd, 2024 | 1:13 PM to 3:33 PM |
Make sure to perform your Diwali rituals and pujas during these auspicious timings to bring prosperity, happiness, and good fortune into your life.
History and Significance of Diwali
Diwali is celebrated in various regions of India, and each has its own story and traditions. One of the most popular stories comes from the Hindu epic Ramayana, where Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and brother Lakshman return to Ayodhya after a 14-year exile and defeating the demon king Ravana. Their arrival was celebrated with the lighting of oil lamps (diyas), symbolizing the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness.
Another story from the Mahabharata tells of the Pandava brothers returning to their kingdom after 12 years of exile. Their return was also marked by the lighting of lamps and celebrations. In southern India, Diwali marks the celebration of Lord Krishna’s triumph over the demon king Narakasura, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
Additionally, the festival is closely associated with Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. It is believed that Lakshmi visits homes that are clean and well-lit on Diwali night, blessing the inhabitants with abundance and fortune.
The Five Days of Diwali
Each day of Diwali holds special significance, filled with distinct rituals and celebrations.
Dhanteras (October 29th, 2024): The festival kicks off with Dhanteras, dedicated to wealth and prosperity. On this day, people clean their homes and purchase new items, often gold, silver, or utensils, as symbols of wealth and fortune. It is also considered an auspicious day to invest in new ventures and businesses. Lord Dhanvantari, the god of Ayurveda and health, is worshipped on Dhanteras.
Kali Chaudas (October 30th, 2024): Known as Narak Chaturdashi or Chhoti Diwali, this day commemorates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura. People wake up early, bathe in scented oils, and light diyas to cleanse their homes and souls of negativity. Homes are beautifully decorated, and many create intricate rangoli designs.
Diwali (Lakshmi Pujan, November 1st, 2024): The main day of the festival, Diwali, is marked by grand celebrations, fireworks, and the lighting of lamps. Lakshmi Pujan is performed in the evening to welcome the Goddess of wealth and prosperity into homes. People dress in their finest clothes, exchange gifts, and enjoy delicious sweets and snacks. Homes are lit up with diyas, candles, and decorative lights to attract positive energy.
Govardhan Puja (Annakut, November 2nd, 2024): The fourth day of Diwali celebrates Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan mountain to protect his devotees from the wrath of Lord Indra. On this day, devotees prepare an elaborate feast, known as Annakut, as an offering to lord Krishna. The festival is a symbol of gratitude for nature’s abundance and protection.
Bhai Dooj (Yama Dwitiya, November 3rd, 2024): The final day of Diwali celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters perform a tilak ceremony for their brothers, praying for their long life and well-being, while brothers offer gifts in return. This day is similar to Raksha Bandhan, emphasizing the importance of sibling relationships.
Regional Variations of Diwali
While Diwali is celebrated across India, the traditions and customs can vary by region:
Goa and West India: In Goa, the day before Diwali is marked by the burning of effigies of the demon Narakasura.
West Bengal and Assam: Kali Puja is a significant part of Diwali, where the goddess Kali is worshipped instead of Lakshmi.
South India: Diwali in Tamil Nadu is a time for Ayurvedic rituals and paying homage to ancestors.
Punjab: Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Diwas, commemorating Guru Hargobind’s release from imprisonment.
Varanasi: Dev Diwali, celebrated 15 days after Diwali, is a grand event when the gods are believed to descend to Earth, and the banks of the Ganges are illuminated with countless diyas.
Conclusion
As we prepare for Diwali 2024, let’s remember the true essence of the festival. It’s not just about lighting lamps and bursting fireworks, but about dispelling darkness, both externally and internally. This Diwali, take a moment to reflect on the rich traditions, legends, and cultural significance that make this festival one of the most cherished celebrations worldwide.
Let’s embrace the spirit of giving, compassion, and joy, and make Diwali 2024 a time for spreading light and happiness to all.
