Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most awaited and widely celebrated festivals in India. As soon as the crisp autumn air sets in, every street and corner across the country starts twinkling with diyas (earthen lamps), and you can sense a sweet scent of festive treats filling up the air.
But there's so much more to this festival than just lights and sweets. In Hinduism, Diwali holds deep cultural, religious, and spiritual significance for millions across different cultures and regions. Hence, in today’s blog, we will discuss everything from rituals to traditions and the significance behind Diwali 2024.
Significance and Legends Associated with Diwali
Diwali represents the victory of good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Each region and religion celebrates Diwali following its own unique traditions and stories.
However, one of the most well-known legends associated with Diwali is that of Lord Rama, who returned to Ayodhya with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana after 14 years of exile and after defeating the demon king Ravana. Hence, to celebrate their return and win over Ravana, the people of Ayodhya lit their homes with diyas. And this is how the tradition of Diwali started. Some also celebrate Diwali as Lord Krishna's victory over the demon Narakasura.
More so, Diwali holds unique significance across different religions. For instance, in Jainism, the festival is marked as the day of liberation of Mahavira while in Sikhism, it is celebrated as Bandi Chor Divas marking the release of Guru Hargobind Singh Ji from the Mughal prison.
In Bengal, Goddess Kali is worshiped during Diwali, symbolizing the destruction of evil forces. For Jains, Diwali marks the nirvana (liberation) of Lord Mahavira, and Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas, commemorating Guru Hargobind's release from imprisonment. On the other hand, Newar Buddhists celebrate the day by worshiping Goddess Laxmi, and Hindus of Eastern India and Bangladesh worship Kali mata on Diwali.
When is Diwali 2024?
In 2024, Diwali falls on Friday, November 1st. However, note that the exact date of Diwali varies each year based on the Hindu lunar calendar, but it generally occurs in October or November. Diwali is celebrated over five days, each with its own set of traditions and rituals.
|
Festival |
Day & Date |
Puja Muhurat |
|
Dhanteras |
October 29th, 2024, Tuesday |
06:31 PM to 8:13 PM |
|
Choti Diwali |
October 31st, 2024, Thursday |
11:39 PM to 12:31 AM |
|
Diwali (Laxmi Pujan) |
November 1st, 2024, Friday |
05:12 PM to 06:16 PM |
|
Govardhan Puja |
November 2nd, 2024, Saturday |
06:34 AM to 08:46 AM |
|
Bhai Dooj |
November 3rd, 2024, Sunday |
12:38 PM to 02:55 PM |
The Five Days of Diwali Celebrations
Diwali is a glorious five-day celebration, with each day bringing its own significance and excitement.
- Dhanteras (November 1, 2024): The festival starts with Dhanteras, a day devoted to wealth and prosperity. Families clean their homes and shop for gold, silver, or new utensils as a sign of good fortune. Homes are lit with oil lamps to welcome Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth.
- Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali, November 2, 2024): Also known as Choti Diwali, this day celebrates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura. On this day, people rise early, take ritual baths, and apply ubtan (a paste prepared using natural ingredients like sandalwood powder, turmeric, flour, oil, and perfume, to cleanse themselves of evil and impurities. Besides, homes are decorated with rangolis and lit with lamps, preparing for the big day ahead.
- Lakshmi Puja (Main Diwali, November 3, 2024): This is the main day of Diwali and is all about worshiping Goddess Lakshmi. After the evening puja, families light up their homes with diyas, burst fireworks, and enjoy a feast of sweets and treats. It’s a day filled with joy, celebration, and prayers for prosperity and happiness.
- Govardhan Puja (November 4, 2024): The fourth day, also known as Annakut or Govardhan Puja, celebrates the bond between Krishna and the people of Braj. In many homes, large meals are prepared, and people offer prayers to Lord Krishna. It’s also a day of gratitude and sharing with family and friends.
- Bhai Dooj (November 5, 2024): The five-day festival of Diwali ends up with Bhai Dooj, a day that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. On this day, sisters perform aarti and apply tilak on their brothers, praying for their well-being and good health.
Also Read : Dhanteras 2024 : Why this Day is Key for Lakshmi Pujan and Diwali Festivities
Celebrations Across Different Cultures
While the essence of Diwali remains the same, the way it’s celebrated varies across India and beyond.
In North India, Diwali is all about fireworks, Lakshmi Puja, and family gatherings. In South India, the focus is often on Naraka Chaturdashi, with early morning oil baths and temple visits. In Bengal, the festival is marked with Kali Puja, where the fierce form of Goddess Durga is worshiped.
Diwali in recent years has also become a global phenomenon. In countries with a significant Indian diaspora, like the UK, USA, and Singapore, Diwali is celebrated with beautiful cultural events, fireworks displays, and community gatherings. And the best part is that even non-Hindus actively take part in the festivities, making it a cross-cultural celebration.
Special Rituals Performed During Diwali
- Cleaning and Decorating homes: one of the most significant rituals of Diwalis is cleaning and no – it's not just the everyday dusting and mopping. Rather it's the deep cleansing and washing of the homes to ensure everything is squeaky clean. And once the cleaning is done, the next part is to decorate the homes with lights, decor items, and warmly lit diyas.
- Rangoli making: Rangoli is a beautiful pattern drawn on the floors using colored powders or flower petals. These are usually designed outdoors to welcome guests (both human and divine) and ward off negative energies.
- Lakshmi Puja: The main highlight of Diwali is the Laxmi Pujan, where families gather to offer prayers to Shree Laxmi along with Lord Ganesha and Saraswati, seeking their blessings for wealth and prosperity. Fresh flowers, sweets, and gold or silver coins are part of the offerings made to deities.
- Fireworks display: Crackers, though a controversial topic in recent years due to environmental concerns, have long been a Diwali tradition. It is believed that the sound and smoke from the crackers help ward off negative energies.
- Exchanging Sweets & Gifts: And finally, the best part of the festival is the tradition of exchanging sweets and gifts among family and friends with heartwarming Diwali wishes. It highlights the importance of love, togetherness, and gratitude.
Also Read : Karwa Chauth 2024 : Date, Significance & Traditions
Conclusion
Diwali is much more than just a festival of lights. It's a celebration of new beginnings, and the triumph of good over evil. So, this Diwali, as you light the diyas and share sweets with your loved ones this Diwali, take a moment to focus on the deeper meaning behind the festivities. After all, Diwali isn't just about lighting up our homes – it's about lighting up our lives with positivity, love, and hope.
Wishing you a Diwali filled with light, love, and happiness!
