Diwali 2024: Is The Celebration On October 31 Or November 1? Check City-Wise Muhurat For Laxmi Puja

Diwali, known as the Festival of Lights, is set to brighten up homes and hearts across India, commencing with the five-day celebration on Dhanteras, Tuesday, October 29. This annual celebration signifies the triumph of good over evil, the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya, and the welcoming of prosperity and light into households. But this year, confusion around the main Diwali date has emerged due to regional variations, sparking questions about when exactly to celebrate. Here's everything you need to know about the dates, auspicious times, and rituals for Diwali 2024.

Why the Confusion on Diwali Dates?

The ambiguity surrounding Diwali's main date - whether to celebrate on October 31 or November 1 - arises from cultural differences across Indian states. Northern states, traditionally observing Diwali as the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya, mark this day with grand festivities. In contrast, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka celebrate it as the day Lord Krishna and Goddess Satyabhama defeated the demon Narakasura, which typically calls for Chaturdashi Tithi, observed at dawn rather than dusk.

For North India, the Amavasya (new moon) day of Kartik month is the traditional time for Diwali, aligning this year on the evening of October 31. According to the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and other spiritual leaders, Amavasya falls on October 31, affirming this as the primary date. Drik Panchang, a respected Hindu calendar source, also confirms this date, stating that Diwali celebrations will take place on the evening of October 31 across much of India.

Lakshmi Puja Muhurat on October 31

Lakshmi Puja, dedicated to the goddess of wealth and prosperity, is a central ritual for Diwali celebrations. Observers seek the most auspicious time, or "shubh muhurat," for this important ritual. For 2024, the recommended Lakshmi Puja Muhurat on October 31 is from 6:52 pm to 8:41 pm.

Here are the detailed timings for Diwali puja:

Lakshmi Puja Muhurat: 6:52 pm - 8:41 pm (1 hour 50 minutes)
Pradosh Kaal: 6:10 pm - 8:52 pm
Vrishabha Kaal (Taurus period): 6:52 pm - 8:41 pm
Amavasya Tithi Begins: October 31, 6:22 am
Amavasya Tithi Ends: November 1, 8:46 am

City-wise Lakshmi Puja Muhurat

For those seeking specific city-wise puja timings, here are a few for October 31:
New Delhi: 5:36 pm - 6:16 pm
Mumbai: 6:57 pm - 8:36 pm
Chennai: 5:42 pm - 6:16 pm
Bengaluru: 6:47 pm - 8:21 pm
Kolkata: 5:45 pm - 6:16 pm
Ahmedabad: 6:52 pm - 8:35 pm
These timings are specifically chosen based on the Pradosh Kaal, considered the most favourable time for performing the Lakshmi Puja.

Diwali 2024: Complete Five-Day Festival Calendar

Dhanteras (October 29): The festival opens with Dhanteras, a day dedicated to the goddess of wealth. It is auspicious to purchase gold, silver, and new utensils, symbolizing an invitation to prosperity.

Choti Diwali (Naraka Chaturdashi) (October 30): Known as Choti Diwali, this day celebrates the defeat of the demon Narakasura by Lord Krishna. People light lamps, prepare for the main Diwali, and sometimes perform early morning ablutions, symbolizing purification.

Diwali and Lakshmi Puja (October 31): The grand Diwali celebration marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana. Homes are decorated with lights, rangolis, and flowers, and people wear new clothes. Lakshmi and Ganesha are worshipped to bring prosperity and remove obstacles.

Govardhan Puja (November 2): This day honours Lord Krishna's protection of the people of Vrindavan. Devotees make offerings of food, and symbolic Govardhan Mountain models are created as a reminder of his strength and care.

Bhai Dooj (November 3): The festival concludes with Bhai Dooj, a day for brothers and sisters to strengthen their bonds. Sisters perform aarti, apply tilak, and pray for their brothers' prosperity, while brothers offer gifts in return.

Diwali Significance and Customs

Diwali holds deep cultural significance, celebrated as the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. It's rooted in several legends, notably Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya after a 14-year exile and his victory over Ravana. Diwali also celebrates Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, with rituals and prayers centred around prosperity, happiness, and harmony.

Common customs include:

Decorating Homes: Houses are adorned with colourful lights, diyas (earthen lamps), rangolis, and flowers.
Sharing Sweets and Gifts: Families and friends exchange sweets, gifts, and well-wishes, strengthening social bonds.
Firecrackers and Feasting: Firecrackers are traditionally set off to drive away evil spirits, while special feasts and sweets mark the celebrations.
Lakshmi and Ganesha Puja: Worshipping Lakshmi brings prosperity, while Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, is prayed to for a peaceful, joyous new year.