In 2024, Diwali falls on Friday, November 1st. This auspicious day aligns with the Amavasya (new moon day) in the Hindu month of Kartika. It is the time of spiritual reflection, celebration, and the worship of Goddess Lakshmi. Diwali’s date changes every year due to the lunisolar Hindu calendar, which tracks both the moon's phases and solar months.
The Complete Diwali 2024 Calendar
Diwali is a five-day festival, each day holding its own significance and rituals. Below is the detailed calendar for 2024:
Day |
Festival |
Date |
Day of the Week |
Day 1 |
Dhanteras |
October 29th, 2024 |
Tuesday |
Day 2 |
Kali Chaudas |
October 30th, 2024 |
Wednesday |
Day 3 |
Narak Chaturdashi (Chhoti Diwali) |
October 31st, 2024 |
Thursday |
Day 4 |
Diwali (Lakshmi Pujan) |
November 1st, 2024 |
Friday |
Day 5 |
Govardhan Puja, Annakut |
November 2nd, 2024 |
Saturday |
Day 6 |
Bhai Dooj (Yama Dwitiya) |
November 3rd, 2024 |
Sunday |
Day 1: Dhanteras 2024 – October 29th
Dhanteras marks the beginning of Diwali on October 29, 2024. On this day, people celebrate the arrival of Lord Dhanvantari, the god of medicine, by purchasing precious metals such as gold, silver, and utensils, symbolizing prosperity. Devotees also perform a special puja to honor Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kuber, seeking their blessings for wealth and good fortune.
Puja:
- Worship Lord Dhanvantari and Goddess Lakshmi.
- Light diyas (oil lamps) and place them in your home.
- Recite the Dhanteras mantra for wealth and health.
Food:
- Sweets: Make or buy sweets like gulab jamun or laddoos.
- Snacks: Enjoy savory snacks like samosas or pakoras.
- Fruits: Offer fresh fruits as a symbol of abundance.
Day 2: Kali Chaudas – October 30th
Kali Chaudas will be celebrated on October 30, 2024. It is dedicated to Goddess Kali, known for her fierce form that destroys evil. Rituals on this day focus on dispelling negative energies from homes and lives. Devotees also worship Lord Hanuman, asking for protection against harmful influences. Lamps are lit to signify the defeat of darkness and to cleanse the atmosphere.
Puja:
- Perform a ritual bath (abhyanga snan) before sunrise.
- Offer prayers to Lord Krishna for liberation from sins.
- Light diyas in the evening to ward off darkness.
Food:
- Sweets: Prepare special sweets like barfi or peda.
- Main Dish: Cook a festive meal with your favorite curry and rice.
- Drinks: Serve traditional drinks like masala chai or thandai.
Day 3: Narak Chaturdashi (Chhoti Diwali) – October 31st
Narak Chaturdashi, also known as Chhoti Diwali, will fall on October 31, 2024. It celebrates Lord Krishna's victory over the demon Narakasura, representing the removal of darkness and evil from the world. Early morning rituals include taking a special bath, believed to wash away past sins. Families begin decorating their homes with rangolis, and the evening is filled with the soft glow of diyas, welcoming the upcoming main day of Diwali.
Puja:
- Perform a ritual bath (abhyanga snan) before sunrise.
- Offer prayers to Lord Krishna for liberation from sins.
- Light diyas in the evening to ward off darkness.
Food:
- Sweets: Prepare special sweets like barfi or peda.
- Main Dish: Cook a festive meal with your favorite curry and rice.
Day 4: Diwali (Lakshmi Pujan) – November 1st
The highlight of the festival, Diwali or Lakshmi Pujan, will be celebrated on November 1, 2024. This is the most important day when families gather to worship Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. Homes are adorned with oil lamps, candles, and colorful rangolis to invite prosperity and positive energy. After the prayers, firecrackers light up the night sky, and families exchange sweets and gifts in celebration.
Puja:
- Set up an altar for Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha.
- Conduct the Lakshmi Puja in the evening with offerings of sweets, fruits, and flowers.
- Light lamps and candles around the house to invite prosperity.
Food:
- Sweets: Prepare rich desserts like jalebi or kheer.
- Main Dishes: Serve a grand meal with biryani, paneer dishes, and various curries.
- Savory Snacks: Include chakli and mathri for guests.
Day 5: Govardhan Puja and Annakut – November 2nd
On November 2, 2024, Hindus observed Govardhan Puja, also known as Annakut. This day commemorates Lord Krishna's act of lifting the Govardhan Hill to protect his devotees from a devastating storm sent by Lord Indra. Devotees prepare a large offering of food, called Annakut, and present it to Lord Krishna as a mark of gratitude and reverence.
Puja:
- Worship Lord Krishna by making a hill of food (Govardhan).
- Offer prayers for good harvest and prosperity.
- Perform the Govardhan Puja in the morning.
Food:
- Sweets: Make sweets like khoya or rasgulla.
- Main Dish: Prepare a traditional meal with khichdi or dal and rice.
- Vegetables: Serve a variety of seasonal vegetables and salads.
Day 6: Bhai Dooj – November 3rd
The final day of Diwali, Bhai Dooj, will be celebrated on November 3, 2024. This day honors the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters perform a tilak ceremony for their brothers, praying for their long lives and well-being. In return, brothers give gifts and promise to protect their sisters. This day reinforces family ties and love.
Puja:
- Sisters pray for their brothers' long life and prosperity.
- Apply tilak on the brother's forehead and perform an aarti.
- Brothers give gifts to their sisters as a token of love.
Food:
- Sweets: Prepare delicious sweets like besan ladoos or coconut burfi.
- Main Dishes: Cook a special family meal, including roti, sabzi, and dal.
- Snacks: Serve snacks like namkeen and dry fruits.
Diwali 2024 Celebrations: Traditions and Rituals
Every region of India celebrates Diwali in its unique way, but some traditions remain common across the country. Here are a few key elements of the festival:
- Rangoli and Diyas: Homes are adorned with intricate rangoli designs and lit diyas to invite the divine presence of Goddess Lakshmi.
- Fireworks: The night sky is illuminated with colorful fireworks and firecrackers, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness.
- Feasts and Sweets: Families prepare a variety of sweets and festive dishes to enjoy with loved ones. Mithai like ladoos, barfis, and kheer are an essential part of the Diwali feast.
- Gift Exchange: Exchanging gifts and sweets is a gesture of goodwill and affection, strengthening bonds among friends and family.
- Lakshmi Puja: The most significant ritual of the festival, families perform Lakshmi Puja in the evening, offering prayers for wealth, health, and happiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Which is the No 1 festival in India?
Ans. Diwali, the festival of lights, is considered the most important and widely celebrated festival in India. It symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
Q2. What are the few lines of Diwali?
Ans. Diwali is the festival of lights, celebrated with diyas, fireworks, and sweets. It marks the victory of good over evil, and families come together to worship, feast, and exchange gifts.
Q3. What is the story behind Diwali?
Ans. Diwali commemorates Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. It also honors Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and prosperity.
Q4. Is it Diwali or Deepavali?
Ans. Both "Diwali" and "Deepavali" refer to the same festival. "Diwali" is more common in North India, while "Deepavali" is widely used in South India, meaning "row of lights."
Q5. Why do South Indians say Deepavali?
Ans. South Indians use "Deepavali," which means "row of lights," reflecting the linguistic and cultural variation between North and South India. It emphasizes the lighting of oil lamps to celebrate the festival.
Q6. Can Muslims celebrate Diwali?
Ans. While Diwali is a Hindu festival, Muslims can choose to celebrate it with friends and neighbors.