The festival of Diwali, one of India’s most eagerly awaited celebrations, is set to light up homes across the country on November 1, 2024. Known for its sparkling lights, joyous family gatherings, and the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, Diwali is a time for celebrating prosperity and happiness. Here’s a detailed look at the five days of Diwali festivities along with important timings for Lakshmi Puja, ensuring you don’t miss out on the blessings of the goddess of wealth.
Diwali 2024 Date and Auspicious Timings for Lakshmi Puja
This year, Diwali falls on Friday, November 1, 2024. The day will also see the formation of Preeti Yoga, which is considered highly auspicious for worship, lasting until 10:40 PM on the same day. According to the Hindu calendar, the Amavasya Tithi (new moon) will begin on October 31, 2024, at 3:52 PM and will end on November 1, 2024, at 6:16 PM.
During this time, it is considered extremely lucky to perform Lakshmi Puja. Worshipping Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha is said to bring wealth, prosperity, and wisdom to your home.
Why is Lakshmi Puja Important During Diwali?
Diwali is synonymous with the worship of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha. It is believed that Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, visits homes on Diwali night, showering blessings of fortune and success. Lakshmi Puja is performed with utmost devotion, ensuring that the house is clean and adorned with lights to welcome her. Lord Ganesha is worshipped alongside Lakshmi to bless the household with wisdom, success, and peace. Together, their blessings are thought to bring financial stability and happiness throughout the year.
5 Days of Diwali: Festival Calendar for 2024
Diwali is celebrated over five days, each holding special significance. Here’s the complete calendar for the Diwali 2024 holidays:
1. Dhanteras (October 29, 2024)
- Significance: On this day, people traditionally buy gold, silver, or utensils, which is believed to bring good fortune.
- Puja Timings: 6:30 PM to 8:12 PM
2. Narak Chaturdashi (October 30, 2024)
- Also known as Choti Diwali, this day is celebrated by lighting a diya for Yamraj, the god of death, to protect loved ones from untimely death.
3. Diwali / Deepavali (November 1, 2024)
- Main Festival Day: This is the day when Lakshmi Puja and Ganesha Puja are performed in the evening, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
4. Govardhan Puja (November 2, 2024)
- This day marks Lord Krishna’s lifting of the Govardhan mountain to protect villagers from a storm. It is celebrated with a special offering of food known as Annakoot.
5. Bhai Dooj (November 3, 2024)
- This day celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters perform rituals and pray for the well-being and long life of their brothers.
What Makes Diwali 2024 Special?
This year, Diwali comes with auspicious planetary alignments, including Preeti Yoga, which adds to the spiritual significance of the festival. As the festival is all about family, lights, and worship, it’s the perfect time to gather your loved ones, decorate your home with Diyas, and perform Lakshmi Puja to welcome peace, prosperity, and happiness into your lives.
