Diwali 2024 calendar: When is Diwali, Dhanteras, Choti Diwali, Lakshmi Puja, Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj? Check dates for 5 days of Festival of Lights

Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, one of India's most beautifully celebrated festivals, is just around the corner! The magical atmosphere, celebratory energy, and festive spirit are already in the air. This auspicious festival symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, in other words- - good over evil. The festivities are celebrated over five exciting days, each filled with beautifully unique and cherished traditions and rituals bringing families and friends together.
Here, we have curated a special list of dates for the five days of Diwali to help you understand their significance, dates, and mahurat. Delve in and read on to know more.
Dhanteras: A day for prosperity

The Diwali festivities start with the first festival, Dhanteras, celebrated on October 29, 2024. This is seen as a highly auspicious and prosperous time for purchasing valuable items, especially gold and silver, which are believed to bring immense wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. Many families buy new utensils or jewellery to welcome good fortune and Devi Lakshmi into their homes. The Trayodashi Tithi on Dhanteras will begin at 10:31 Am on October 29 and it will end at 1:15 PM on the same day, as per Drik Panchang. Moreover, people also observe a ritual and puja of Yama Deepam during the evening on this day. The mahurat for this ritual is from 6:37 PM to 7:56 PM.
Choti Diwali: The day of cleansing

The next important day of festivities continues with Choti Diwali, also known as Narak Chaturdashi. This year, it will be celebrated on October 30 to October 31, 2024. The timings are 06: 06 PM to 07:50 AM. This day reflects the victory of Lord Krishna over the rakshasa Narakasura, hence the name ‘Narak Chaturdashi’, symbolising the defeat of evil. People on this day traditionally observe the tradition of waking up before dawn and taking a ritualistic bath, which is believed to clean the mind and body of all the sins and negativity inside, setting the tone for further festivities.
Lakshmi Puja: Welcoming wealth and good fortune

The center point or the heart of Diwali arrives with the most significant Puja- - Lakshmi Puja. It will be observed on October 31 this year. This highly prosperous day is dedicated to Devi Lakshmi, the goddess of happiness, prosperity, and wealth. This day is typically celebrated by thoroughly cleaning the homes and decorating them beautifully with vibrant colours, rangoli designs, fresh and fragrant flowers, lights, and diyas. This ritual is believed to invite the devi into their homes. The Amavasya Tithi begins at 3:52 PM on October 31 and ends at 6:16 PM on November 1.
Govardhan Puja: Cherishing the gifts of nature

After the Lakshmi Puja, the following day- - November 2, 2024, is dedicated to Govardhan Puja. This day honours Lord Krishna’s epic and magical act of lifting the Govardhan Parvat on his little finger to protect his devotees from the anger of Indra Dev. The mahurat timings are 07:52 AM to 10 AM and in the evening- - 04:26 PM to 06:24 PM. This day highlights the importance of protecting and respecting the environment and emphasises gratitude for the blessings of nature.
Bhai Dooj: The celebration of the sibling bond

The cherished celebration of the Festival of Lights finishes off with the celebration of Bhai Dooj, observed from the evening of November 2 to November 3, 2024. This auspicious day is a heartwarming reminder of the bond between brothers and sisters. The mahurat for the rituals of Bhai Dooj starts at 8:21 PM on November 2 and ends at 7:52 PM on November 3. This beautiful day is the ultimate symbol of family ties and the unconditional love shared among siblings.
As Diwali comes to a close, the five days of festivities leave us with a renewed sense of joy, gratitude, and unity. Each day of Diwali is filled with meaningful rituals and cherished traditions that bring families and communities together, celebrating love, prosperity, and the triumph of good over evil. Diwali's timeless spirit reminds us to carry forward its warmth and light into the year ahead, making it a truly special festival for everyone involved.
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