About Diwali 2024
Diwali, or more commonly Deepavali, is one of the most prevalent and important festivals celebrated in India. Diwali is derived from the Sanskrit word for “Deepavali,” meaning a row of lights. This festival symbolizes light defeating darkness, knowledge defeating ignorance, and good triumphing over evil. Diwali, 2024, is sure to be a truly wonderful festival filled with cheer, revelry, and a strong sense of camaraderie.
Historical Significance
The historical origin of Diwali can be attributed to a lot of ancient Indian texts and legends. However, the most popular legend can be ascribed to the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after living in exile for 14 years and winning a battle against the demon king Ravana. It was to celebrate his return that the people of Ayodhya lit up oil lamps, which has remained ever since as an inherent part of the Diwali celebrations.
Another major legend connected with Diwali is the slaying of the demon Narakasura by Lord Krishna and indicating that goodwill and good sense always ultimately triumph over evil. It is also said that it was on this day that Lord Vishnu married Goddess Lakshmi and therefore, Diwali is also celebrated as a festival of prosperity and wealth.
Traditions and Rituals of Diwali
Cleaning and Decoration of Homes
They clean their houses properly before deepavali as cleanliness is considered to invite Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. The homes are then decorated with colorful rangoli designs which are intricate patterns drawn on the floor with colored powders, rice, or even flowers.
Lightning Diyas and Fireworks
The most integral part of the deepavali celebrations is the lighting of diyas and candles. These lights adorn every available space in the houses, courtyards, and rooftops, making for a beguiling spectacle. Fireworks and sparklers are also an integral part of Diwali, epitomizing the joy and fanfare associated with this festival.
Lakshmi Puja
The third day is for Lakshmi Puja. On this day, the families worship Goddess Lakshmi, offering prayers and other poojas. It is believed that she visits those homes that are well cleaned and brightly lit, bringing with her wealth and prosperity for the coming year. A puja performed with flowers, sweets, and incense sticks brings serenity and spirituality into the atmosphere.
Diwali Sweets and Savories
Diwali is incomplete without consuming a host of exquisite sweets and savories. Some of the sweet and savory Diwali treats which people most commonly love to gorge on are round, sweet ladoo balls made with flour, ghee, and sugar; barfi, a milk-based dense sweet, usually cut into square or diamond-shaped pieces; jalebis spirals, deep-fried and then soaked in sugar syrup; and samosa.
These sweets are distributed among near and dear ones as a gesture of affection and festivity.
Diwali 2024 Date and pooja time
The Festival of Lights falls on Friday, November 1st, 2024, in the year 2024. According to Drikpanchang, the best timings are from 5:36 PM to 6:16 PM.
Day 1: Dhanteras is on 29th October 2024 (Tuesday)
Day 2: Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) is on 31st October 2024 (Thursday)
Day 3: Day 3: Lakshmi Puja (Main Diwali) is on 1st November 2024 (Friday)
Day 4: Govardhan Puja (Padwa) is on 2nd November 2024 (Saturday)
Day 5: Bhai Dooj is on 3rd November 2024 (Sunday)
Now, in the year 2024, there will be an intervening day in between Dhanteras on October 29, 2024, and Choti Diwali on October 31, 2024. The pattern is in keeping with how these festivals have traditionally been celebrated according to the Hindu lunar calendar and is outlined by Drik Panchang.
Pradosh Kaal: 05:36 PM to 08:11 PM
Vrishabha Kaal: 06:20 PM to 08:15 PM
Amavasya Tithi Begins: 03:52 PM on October 31, 2024
Amavasya Tithi Ends: 06:16 PM on November 1, 2024.
FIVE DAYS OF DIWALI
Though Diwali is a five-day festival, each day in itself holds significance in the celebration. The five days of Diwali are not called by a single name; however, day one is called Dhanteras.
Day 1: Dhanteras
Dhanteras is the first day of Diwali. Houses are cleaned, and interiors of homes are decorated; people purchase new utensils, gold items, or silver items on this day, since it is regarded as auspicious and a good omen for prosperity. It is also the day dedicated to the worship of Dhanvantari, who is considered to be the god of health and Ayurveda.
Day 2: Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali)
The second day is called Chhoti Diwali, and the day is celebrated for the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. People generally clean their homes, take ritual baths, and decorate their houses with rangoli. In the evening, diyas are lighted to ward off evil spirits.
Day 3: Lakshmi Puja (Main Diwali)
The third day, being the main Diwali day, the evening will be spent in family reunions for the Lakshmi Puja, followed by feasting and fireworks. It is the most festive day of the five and is marked by the widespread lighting of lamps and bursting of firecrackers.
Day 4: Govardhan Puja (Padwa)
On the fourth day, Govardhan Puja is done to celebrate the event of Lord Krishna’s holding up the Govardhan Hill to save the villagers from the heavy rains. This day is also a personification of the brother-sister relationship; wives will fast and pray for their husbands’ long life and well-being.
Day 5: Bhai Dooj
The fifth and final day is Bhai Dooj, which celebrates the relationship between brothers and sisters. Sisters worship brothers by performing aarti for them and pray for well-being and prosperity. Brothers reciprocate with gifts to sisters as a token of appreciation for their sisters’ love and protection.
Diwali Around the World
Although deepavali is essentially an Indian festival, it is enthusiastically celebrated in a number of other countries, which include Nepal, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia, and the United States. Each country adds its own flavor to the festival, signaling the world’s connection with Diwali.
Tihar is a festival of deepavali also involving the worship of animals such as crows, dogs, and cows in Nepal. Diwali is a public holiday in Singapore and Malaysia, celebrated with street decoration and cultural performances. The Indian diaspora in the United States and the United Kingdom celebrate Diwali with community congregations and traditional foods and fireworks to resemble a sense of unity and belonging.
Environmental Considerations
More and more, in the past couple of years, people have started becoming aware of the environment and what the deepavali celebrations contribute to it—especially fireworks. Many people are trying out ‘green Diwali’ using biodegradable decorative stuff and opting for green crackers that cause less pollution. Noise-free and pollution-free Diwali initiatives are quickly catching on, underlining the point about celebrating with responsibility.
Conclusion on Diwali 2024
Diwali 2024 is going to be a marvelous festival of light, love, and togetherness. Starting from spending time with families and indulging in sweets to lightening the households, the spirit of deepavali remains the same—celebrating a festival that signifies joy, prosperity, and victory of good over evil. Embracing eco-friendly activities can ensure that this much-loved festival keeps illuminating lives for generations.
