Diwali 2024: Date, Significance, and Celebrations
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most significant and widely celebrated festivals in India and among Hindus worldwide. For the year 2024, there was some confusion regarding the exact date of Diwali, but it has now been clarified.
According to the consensus among over 150 scholars who gathered in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, Diwali in 2024 will be celebrated on **Friday, November 1**. This decision was made after considering the Hindu lunisolar calendar and the timing of the Amavasya (new moon) which falls on both October 31 and November 1.
Why November 1?
The scholars based their decision on religious scriptures, which state that when two days are designated as Amavasya, it is appropriate to celebrate Deepavali on the second day. Additionally, November 1 coincides with the auspicious Swati Nakshatra, further supporting this choice.
Five-Day Celebration
Diwali is a five-day festival, each day having its own significance. Here is the schedule for Diwali 2024:
- **Dhanteras**: October 29, 2024 (Tuesday) - This day marks the beginning of the Diwali festivities and is associated with the purchase of utensils and silverware.
- **Kali Chaudas**: October 30, 2024 (Wednesday) - Also known as Narak Chaturdashi, this day is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Kali.
- **Choti Diwali**: October 31, 2024 (Thursday) - This day is also known as Narak Chaturdashi and is a day of cleansing and decorating homes.
- **Lakshmi Puja (Diwali)**: November 1, 2024 (Friday) - The main day of Diwali, where people worship Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.
- **Govardhan Puja**: November 2, 2024 (Saturday) - This day commemorates Lord Krishna's victory over the demon king Indra and is celebrated with the making of a mountain of food (Annakut).
- **Bhai Dooj**: November 3, 2024 (Sunday) - A day dedicated to the bond between brothers and sisters.
Significance and Celebrations
Diwali, or the Festival of Lights, symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy, involving the lighting of diyas (earthen lamps), decorating homes with rangolis (coloured patterns), and exchanging gifts and sweets.
The festival is also associated with several mythological stories, including the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana, and the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. Additionally, it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi was born on the new moon day of the Kartik month.
For those planning to experience the best of Diwali celebrations, popular destinations in India include Jaipur, known for its beautifully decorated streets; Goa, where the focus is on the destruction of the demon Narakasura; Varanasi, with its special Ganga Aarti and earthen lamps; Kolkata, where Kali Puja is a significant part of the celebrations; and Delhi, famous for its Diwali shopping and handicrafts.
To understand more about the cultural and historical significance of Diwali, you can explore the history of Diwali and its various celebrations around the world.
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