Mumbai: The five days of Diwali in 2024 hold immense cultural and religious significance for Hindus worldwide. Each day of the festival marks a different occasion, from the start of preparations with Dhanteras 2024 to the final celebrations on Bhai Dooj 2024. With shifting lunar dates, it’s essential to clarify when Diwali’s festivities take place in 2024, as many are confused by the overlap between October 31 and November 1.
The 5 Days of Diwali 2024 begin with Dhanteras and continue through to Bhai Dooj. This is how the festival unfolds:
- Dhanteras (October 29, 2024) – The first day of Diwali, Dhanteras, is dedicated to the worship of Mahalakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. It’s also an auspicious time for buying gold, silver, and other precious metals.
- Naraka Chaturdashi (October 30, 2024) – Known as Choti Diwali, this day marks the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. Many families light lamps and burst firecrackers to symbolise the victory of good over evil.
- Diwali (October 31, 2024) – The main event, Diwali 2024, falls on the night of October 31. Celebrations include Lakshmi Puja, where families pray for prosperity and light diyas to invite the goddess into their homes.
- Govardhan Puja (November 2, 2024) – The day after Diwali, Govardhan Puja, celebrates Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan Hill to protect his devotees. This is a day of feasting and thanking the gods for a good harvest.
- Bhai Dooj (November 3, 2024) – The final day of Diwali, Bhai Dooj 2024, celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters pray for their brothers’ long lives and perform rituals for their safety.
Diwali 2024 Dates: When is Diwali?
The Diwali 2024 date is a point of confusion due to the overlap between the lunar and solar calendars. While some may observe Diwali on November 1, the Hindu calendar points to October 31 as the correct date for Diwali in 2024, as the amavasya (new moon) occurs on this night.
For those planning their celebrations, it’s essential to follow the right Diwali muhurat timings. The auspicious Lakshmi Puja muhurat on October 31 falls between 6:11 PM and 8:08 PM, making it the ideal time to perform rituals.
Significance of 5 Days of Diwali
Each day of Diwali 2024 has a specific purpose and symbolic meaning. Dhanteras marks the start of preparations, focusing on health and wealth. Naraka Chaturdashi symbolises the triumph of light over darkness, while Diwali Day celebrates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya. Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj bring the festival to a close with gratitude for the harvest and a focus on family ties.
Understanding the 5 Days of Diwali adds depth to the celebrations and ensures that you are observing each day in alignment with its traditional purpose.
When is Dhanteras in 2024?
The festival begins with Dhanteras 2024 on October 29. On this day, people buy gold and perform Mahalakshmi Puja to seek blessings for wealth and prosperity. The auspicious timing for Dhanteras Puja is between 6:19 PM and 8:15 PM.
Naraka Chaturdashi 2024: Choti Diwali
The day before Diwali is Naraka Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali on October 30, 2024. This day celebrates the victory of good over evil, and families light lamps and celebrate with festive firecrackers.
5 days of Diwali 2024
|
Festival |
Date |
Time/Muhurat Details |
| Dhanteras | October 29, 2024 | 6:19 PM – 8:15 PM (Mahalakshmi Puja) |
| Masik Shivratri | October 30, 2024 | |
| Narak Chaturdashi | October 30, 2024 | |
| Hanuman Jayanti | October 30, 2024 | Mesh Lagna (Evening: Hanuman Puja) |
| Diwali | October 31, 2024 | 1:33 PM – 3:04 PM (Shops), 6:11 PM – 8:08 PM (Home) |
| Govardhan Puja | November 2, 2024 | |
| Bhai Dooj | November 3, 2024 | 1:10 PM – 3:21 PM (Aparahna Time) |
As the Diwali 2024 dates near, ensure you’re prepared by following the Hindu calendar and marking your celebrations for October 31. Whether it’s the festival of lights on Diwali or the bond shared on Bhai Dooj, each day has a unique significance that makes Diwali the most awaited time of the year.
