Diwali 2024 History and Significance: Diwali or Deepavali, is one of India’s most cherished festivals, marking a vibrant celebration of lights, prosperity and happiness. This year, the festival falls on October 31, illuminating the darkest night of the Hindu month of Kartik with diyas and fireworks in homes and streets across the country.
A five-day festivity, Diwali begins with Dhanteras and concludes with Bhai Dooj. However, in Maharashtra, the celebrations start with Govatsa Dwadashi, and in Gujarat, they begin two days earlier with Agyaras, extending until Labh Panchami. Diwali is celebrated during the lunisolar months of Ashvin and Kartika, typically between October and November, with its most significant day on Kartik Amavasya, the new moon day.
History and significance of Diwali
Deeply rooted in Hindu mythology, Diwali symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. The festival dates back to ancient lore, notably the return of Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Vishnu, to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana. The residents of Ayodhya welcomed him by lighting diyas and decorating their homes with colorful rangolis, a tradition that continues today. In South India, Diwali commemorates the day Lord Krishna triumphed over Narakasura, symbolizing the victory of knowledge over ignorance.
Diwali also celebrates the union of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, with another legend suggesting that Goddess Lakshmi herself was born on this auspicious new moon day. Families honor both deities by performing the Lakshmi-Ganesha Puja, inviting prosperity into their lives. Other rituals include Kuber Puja for wealth and Bahi-Khata Puja, an accounting ritual marking new financial beginnings.
Shubh muhurat for Diwali 2024
Here are shubh muhurat for the day, as shared by 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
As Diwali nears, homes are cleaned, markets buzz with the sale of sweets, gifts, and earthen lamps, and streets shine with decorative lights. People worldwide join in this festival of lights with enthusiasm, sharing the joy and warmth that Diwali brings. This year, as diyas are lit, they’ll continue the age-old tradition of dispelling darkness with light, uniting communities in a celebration of hope, joy, and renewal.