New Delhi – Diwali, the Festival of Lights, holds a profound significance in Sanatan Dharma. Celebrated with grandeur across India, Diwali marks the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. This festival is an occasion to worship Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. The traditions associated with Diwali date back to ancient times when Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. The people of Ayodhya illuminated the city with lamps to welcome their beloved king.
In 2024, Diwali will be celebrated on October 31, which coincides with Kartik Amavasya, the new moon day of the Hindu lunar calendar. This article will cover the exact date, timings, and the detailed puja vidhi (worship rituals) for Diwali 2024.
When is Diwali 2024?
According to the Hindu Panchang, the auspicious date for Diwali in 2024 falls on October 31, which is a Thursday. This year, the Amavasya Tithi begins at 3:00 PM on October 31 and ends at 2:44 PM on November 1. Diwali is celebrated on the night of Amavasya, so the main festival will be observed on October 31, 2024.
Auspicious Timings for Lakshmi and Ganesha Puja
One of the most important aspects of Diwali is the Lakshmi Puja. As per tradition, people perform the puja during the Pradosh Kaal, which is the period just after sunset. For Diwali 2024, the Pradosh Kaal begins at 5:15 PM and lasts until 8:55 PM. The most auspicious time to perform the Lakshmi Puja, known as the Shubh Muhurat, falls between 5:15 PM to 8:55 PM.
The Vrishabha Kaal, which overlaps with the Pradosh Kaal, is considered highly favorable for conducting the Diwali puja, as this period is believed to be when Goddess Lakshmi visits homes to bless devotees with wealth and prosperity. To ensure that you maximize the benefits of this divine occasion, it is crucial to perform the rituals during this time.
Significance of Diwali in Sanatan Dharma
Diwali, or Deepavali, is not just a festival but a cultural and spiritual journey in itself. The festival symbolizes the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana. The lighting of diyas (lamps) on this day symbolizes the removal of darkness from the world, and the welcoming of good fortune, prosperity, and happiness. In modern times, the festival has also become a time for families to gather, share gifts, and enjoy the cultural richness of India.
Why is Diwali Celebrated on Amavasya?
Diwali always falls on Kartik Amavasya, which is considered one of the darkest nights of the year. According to Hindu beliefs, this night is when the divine energy of Goddess Lakshmi can be invoked to fill homes with wealth and blessings. It is believed that on this day, the goddess visits the Earth, and worshipping her with devotion brings abundance, prosperity, and peace.
Detailed Diwali Puja Vidhi (Rituals)
Preparing for Diwali involves a series of sacred steps, from cleaning the house to arranging the items required for the puja. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure that your Diwali rituals are carried out correctly:
Pre-Puja Preparations
- Cleanliness: Clean the house thoroughly, as Goddess Lakshmi is believed to reside in places that are clean and pure. This represents the removal of negative energy from your surroundings.
- Decorate with Rangoli: Create beautiful rangoli designs at the entrance of your home. This not only welcomes guests but also invites the goddess into your home.
- Set Up the Altar: Prepare the altar (puja place) by placing an idol or picture of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi on a raised platform. The altar should be adorned with flowers, especially marigold, as they are auspicious.
Items Required for Puja
To perform the Diwali puja with full devotion, the following items are necessary:
- Kalash (water vessel)
- A coconut
- Akshat (uncooked rice)
- Roli (vermilion) and sindoor
- Flowers (preferably red or yellow)
- Cloth offerings for deities (new clothes)
- Betel leaves and betel nuts
- Ghee lamps (Diyas)
- Incense sticks and camphor
- Kumkum
- Panchamrit (mixture of milk, curd, ghee, honey, and Gangajal)
- Fruits, sweets, and batasha
- Havan Samagri (offerings for fire ritual)
Step-by-Step Puja Procedure
- Morning Bath: Begin your day with a bath during the Brahma Muhurat (before sunrise) to cleanse your body and mind.
- Pranayam and Meditation: Perform simple meditation or pranayama (breathing exercises) to center your thoughts before the puja.
- Invoking Lord Ganesha: Start by invoking Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. Offer him sweets like modak, coconut, flowers, and akshat.
- Kalash Sthapana: Place the Kalash (water-filled copper vessel) in front of the deities. Place mango leaves on the Kalash and a coconut on top of it, symbolizing the offering of life’s essence.
- Lakshmi Puja: Offer haldi, kumkum, flowers, and sweets to Goddess Lakshmi. Light lamps filled with ghee and perform the aarti while reciting Lakshmi mantras.
- Offer Naivedya: Present the offerings (fruits, sweets, batasha) to the gods and then distribute them among family members.
- Havan and Arati: Finally, conclude the puja with the havan (fire ritual), offering ghee, herbs, and wood into the sacred fire. Sing the aarti with family members, thanking the gods for their blessings.
Importance of Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdashi, and Govardhan Puja
The five-day Diwali festival begins with Dhanteras, where people buy gold, silver, or new utensils to invite prosperity. Naraka Chaturdashi is observed the day before Diwali, celebrating the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. Govardhan Puja occurs the day after Diwali, commemorating Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan Hill to protect his devotees from a massive storm.
Each day of Diwali holds a unique importance, and following the proper rituals during these days ensures divine blessings for the entire year.
