Festival of Lights Diwali 2024: Date, timings, history

Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most significant and widely celebrated Hindu festivals. In 2024, Diwali falls on Thursday, October 31.

Festival of Lights Diwali 2024

Timings

The main day of Diwali, also known as Lakshmi Puja, has specific timings for the puja (worship) rituals:

• Lakshmi Puja Muhurat: 6:09 PM to 8:04 PM (IST)
• Pradosh Kaal: 5:39 PM to 8:16 PM (IST)
• Vrishabha Kaal: 6:09 PM to 8:04 PM (IST)

History and Significance

Diwali is celebrated over five days and holds different significances in various regions of India:

1. Day 1 – Dhanteras: This day marks the beginning of the festival and is dedicated to Dhanvantari, the god of health and Ayurveda. People purchase gold, silver, and new utensils, believing it brings good luck and prosperity.
2. Day 2 – Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali): This day commemorates the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. It is celebrated with the lighting of diyas (oil lamps) and bursting of firecrackers.
3. Day 3 – Diwali (Lakshmi Puja): The main day of Diwali is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Homes are thoroughly cleaned and decorated with rangoli (colorful designs), and families perform Lakshmi Puja in the evening. The lighting of lamps signifies the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
4. Day 4 – Govardhan Puja or Annakut: This day is celebrated to commemorate Lord Krishna’s lifting of the Govardhan Hill to protect villagers from torrential rains. People prepare and offer a large variety of food to Krishna as a gesture of gratitude.
5. Day 5 – Bhai Dooj: The final day of the festival is dedicated to the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters perform aarti and apply a ceremonial red mark on their brothers’ foreheads, praying for their long life and prosperity.

Historical Background

Diwali’s origins can be traced back to ancient India, and it is associated with several significant events in Hindu mythology:

• Return of Lord Rama: According to the Ramayana, Diwali marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after a 14-year exile and his victory over the demon king Ravana.
• Victory of Lord Krishna: In some regions, Diwali celebrates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura.
• Incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi: Diwali is also associated with the birth of Goddess Lakshmi, who emerged from the ocean during the churning of the Milky Sea.

Diwali is celebrated with great enthusiasm across India and among the Indian diaspora worldwide, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.