Diwali 2024 Date: Is Diwali on 31st October or 1st November? Get the Final Date and Puja Details
Every year, Diwali is celebrated on the day of Kartik Amavasya, marking one of the most important and well-known festivals in Hindu culture. Diwali celebrates Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, a day when the people of Ayodhya welcomed him by lighting lamps throughout the city. This tradition of lighting diyas has continued for centuries, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness.
This year, there has been some confusion regarding the exact date of Diwali. While some sources suggest Diwali on 31st October, others claim it will fall on 1st November. Let’s clarify the correct date and understand the reasoning behind it.
According to an official decision made by the All India Council of Scholars at Jaipur’s Central Sanskrit University, Diwali will be celebrated on 31st October 2024. Experts, astrologers, and scholars determined this date after careful astrological calculations and following traditional scriptures.
Based on this council's findings, Kartik Amavasya will fall on 31st October during the Pradosh period (evening hours), making it the ideal time for Diwali celebrations. In contrast, on 1st November, the Amavasya period will only last a few minutes in the evening, which is not sufficient for the Lakshmi Puja. Thus, 31st October has been deemed the most auspicious day for Diwali this year.
As per astrologer Pandit Kaushal Dutt Sharma, the Amavasya period on 1st November is very brief after sunset, making it unsuitable for Lakshmi Puja, which ideally takes place during the night hours. Additionally, tradition holds that Goddess Lakshmi roams the skies only once during the midnight of Amavasya, which aligns with the night of 31st October this year.
According to the Hindu Panchang (calendar), the Amavasya period begins on 31st October from 3:52 PM and lasts until 1st November at 6:16 PM. Thus, observing Diwali on the night of 31st October is considered astrologically ideal and spiritually significant.
Prepare the Setup: Place a wooden platform in the east or northeast corner of your home. Cover it with a red or pink cloth.
Position the Idols: Place the idol of Lord Ganesha first and position Goddess Lakshmi to his right.
Purification: Sprinkle water around yourself before beginning the Puja.
Begin the Puja: Light a ghee lamp and offer flowers, sweets, and other offerings to Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi.
Recite Mantras and Perform Aarti: First, chant Ganesha mantras, followed by Lakshmi mantras, and end with Aarti.
Lighting the Diyas: Place five diyas in a plate, offer flowers, and light them before placing diyas in different parts of the house. Also, light diyas near wells and temples for blessings.
Colors and Dress Code for Diwali
Wear bright colors like red, yellow, or other vibrant shades during the Diwali Puja, while avoiding black, brown, or dark blue.
This Diwali, let’s celebrate with joy, light, and unity on the confirmed date of 31st October 2024. Wishing everyone a prosperous and blissful Diwali!
Reference from :-https://www.aajtak.in/religion/news/story/diwali-2024-date-31-october-or-1-november-when-diwali-will-be-celebrate-kab-hai-diwali-laxmi-puja-shubh-muhurt-tlifdu-dskc-2072000-2024-10-27