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Festival of Lights Diwali 2024: Date, timings, history


Diwali 2024 Date and Time: Everything You Need to Know

Dates for Diwali 2024:

Diwali spans five days, each with its own significance and set of rituals. In 2024, the dates for Diwali are as follows:

  1. Dhanteras: October 28, 2024
  2. Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali): October 29, 2024
  3. Lakshmi Puja (Main Diwali): October 31, 2024
  4. Govardhan Puja: November 1, 2024
  5. Bhai Dooj: November 2, 2024

Lakshmi Puja Muhurat:

The main day of Diwali, when Lakshmi Puja is performed, is considered the most auspicious. In 2024, the Lakshmi Puja Muhurat (the most favorable time for worship) is as follows:

Significance of Diwali:

Diwali holds deep cultural, religious, and social significance. Each of the five days of Diwali has its own unique meaning and importance:

  1. Dhanteras (Day 1):
Diwali ("Festival of Lights") 2024 ?
  1. Naraka Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali (Day 2):
  1. Lakshmi Puja (Day 3):
  1. Govardhan Puja (Day 4):
  1. Bhai Dooj (Day 5):

The Story of Diwali:

The celebration of Diwali is rooted in various mythological stories and legends. Here are some of the most popular ones:

  1. Return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya: One of the most widely known stories associated with Diwali is the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after a 14-year exile and his victory over the demon king Ravana. The people of Ayodhya lit oil lamps to celebrate Rama’s return, symbolizing the victory of good over evil and light over darkness.
  2. The Story of Lord Krishna and Narakasura: Another popular legend is the slaying of the demon king Narakasura by Lord Krishna and his wife Satyabhama. Narakasura had imprisoned 16,000 women and was causing havoc in the heavens. His death is celebrated as Naraka Chaturdashi, and it signifies the triumph of good over evil.
  3. The Birth of Goddess Lakshmi: According to another legend, Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, was born on the new moon day of Kartik month during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) by the gods and demons. Thus, Diwali is also celebrated as the birthday of Goddess Lakshmi.
  4. The Story of King Bali and Vamana Avatar: In some regions, Diwali is linked to the story of King Bali and the Vamana avatar of Lord Vishnu. King Bali was a benevolent demon king who was known for his generosity. To curb his growing power, Lord Vishnu took the form of a dwarf Brahmin (Vamana) and asked Bali for three paces of land. Vamana then grew in size and covered the earth, sky, and the underworld in three steps, thus humbling Bali. This story is particularly popular in South India.

Rituals and Celebrations:

Diwali is celebrated with a variety of rituals and customs that vary across regions. Here are some of the most common practices:

  1. Cleaning and Decorating:
  1. Lighting Lamps and Fireworks:
  1. Lakshmi Puja:
  1. Feasting and Sharing:
  1. Shopping and Gifting:
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