Diwali 2024: Diwali, also known as Deepawali, is set to light up the festive season across India. Dhanteras or Dhanatrayodashi, the festival will kick off the much-awaited five-day celebration on Tuesday, October 29. As the festival of lights approaches, questions arise about the date, shubh muhurat and puja timings. The confusion between the dates of October 31 or November 1 is bothering everyone.
The occasion is a spiritually significant time for contemplation and celebration. Meanwhile, Bhaiya Dooj marks the conclusion of the five-day celebration. Before moving on to the specific timing of the celebration this year, let us answer the question of why there is confusion about the date of the festival and what is the correct date.
Official Diwali date
In north India, Deepavali is celebrated to commemorate the arrival of Lord Rama to Ayodhya. However, in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, Deepavali is celebrated on the day when Goddess Satyabhama and Lord Krishna killed the demon Narakasura. “In Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, Chaturdashi tithi is the main day during Deepavali and unlike the rest of India, earthen diyas and firecrackers are lit at dawn and not after dusk,” the Drik Panchangam said.
According to the Drik Panchang, Diwali is on October 31, Thursday. The Lakshmi Puja timings for October 31 are as follows:
Lakshmi Puja Muhurat – October 31, 6:52 pm to 8:41 pm
Pradosh Kaal – 6:10 pm to 8:52 pm
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Vrishabha Kaal – 6:52 pm to 8:41 pm
Amavasya Tithi Start – October 31 at 6:22 am
Amavasya Tithi End – October 31 at 8:46 am
India Today TV quoted Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) spokesperson Sharad Sharma as saying, “This year the festival of Diwali coincides with Amavasya – the new moon phase, which begins that afternoon.” Thus, as per the official confirmation of VHP regarding the Diwali date, Diwali celebrations will begin from the evening of October 31. Further confirming the date, Drik Panchang said that Diwali will be celebrated on the Amavasya date of Kartik month.
Given below is Deepawali calendar 5-day events:
October 29 – Dhanteras
October 30 – Choti Diwali (Narak Chaturdashi)
October 31 – Diwali and Lakshmi Puja
November 2 – Govardhan Puja
November 3 – Bhai Dooj
