Diwali 2024: Confirmed Date and Muhurat by Kashi Pandits
Diwali 2024: Confirmed Date and Muhurat by Kashi Pandits
Diwali 2024: Confirmed Date and Muhurat by Kashi Pandits
Diwali, also called Deepavali, is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in India. It symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and wisdom over ignorance.Diwali 2024 is eagerly awaited by millions around the globe, and people are preparing to celebrate this festival with immense joy, fervor, and devotion. This year, the Kashi Pandits have officially confirmed the date and auspicious muhurat for Diwali, providing devotees with a guide on how to best align their rituals and celebrations with the cosmos.
Diwali 2024 Date: When is Diwali Celebrated This Year?
According to the traditional Hindu calendar, Diwali is celebrated on Amavasya Tithi (the new moon day) in the month of Kartika. This year, Diwali will be celebrated on Thursday, 31st October 2024, as confirmed by the Kashi Pandits, who are renowned for their expertise in Vedic astrology and religious knowledge.
The five-day festival begins with Dhanteras and culminates with Bhai Dooj, each day holding its unique significance in Hindu mythology and tradition.
- Dhanteras: Tuesday, 29th October 2024
- Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali): Wednesday, 30th October 2024
- Diwali (Lakshmi Puja): Thursday, 31st October 2024
- Govardhan Puja: Friday, 1st November 2024
- Bhai Dooj: Saturday, 2nd November 2024
The Significance of Diwali: Why Do We Celebrate?
Diwali, often referred to as the “Festival of Lights,” has deep-rooted cultural, religious, and spiritual significance. It commemorates various events in Hindu mythology, most notably the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over the demon king Ravana. To welcome Rama, the people of Ayodhya lit oil lamps (diyas), symbolizing the removal of darkness and ignorance.
Apart from the Ramayana, Diwali is also celebrated as the day Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura, and in some parts of India, it is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. Devotees pray to Lakshmi for blessings of health, wealth, and success during the Lakshmi Puja on the main Diwali day.
Auspicious Muhurat for Diwali 2024: Best Time for Lakshmi Puja
The most important ritual on Diwali is the Lakshmi Puja, which involves the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, and Kuber (the god of wealth). According to the Kashi Pandits, the auspicious time for performing Lakshmi Puja in 2024 is as follows:
- Lakshmi Puja Muhurat: 06:06 PM to 08:01 PM (IST)
- Pradosh Kaal: 05:30 PM to 08:10 PM (IST)
- Amavasya Tithi: Begins at 02:37 AM on 31st October 2024 and ends at 02:46 AM on 1st November 2024.
Performing the Lakshmi Puja during the Pradosh Kaal is considered highly auspicious, as it aligns with the transition period of day and night, symbolizing the removal of darkness and the welcoming of light and prosperity into one’s home.
Preparations and Rituals for Diwali
Diwali preparations usually begin weeks in advance. People clean and decorate their homes, believing that a clean house will attract Goddess Lakshmi’s blessings. Here are some of the essential traditions associated with Diwali:
- House Cleaning and Decoration: Homes are thoroughly cleaned and adorned with colorful rangolis, flowers, and oil lamps. People often repaint their homes to give them a fresh, inviting look.
- Lighting of Diyas: The lighting of oil lamps is central to Diwali celebrations. On the night of Diwali, homes, temples, and public spaces are illuminated with diyas, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness.
- Bursting of Firecrackers: In many parts of India, bursting firecrackers is a popular tradition. The sounds and lights of the firecrackers are believed to drive away evil spirits. However, in recent years, there has been a significant shift towards more eco-friendly celebrations, with people opting for green crackers or avoiding them altogether.
- Exchanging Gifts and Sweets: Diwali is a time for sharing joy with loved ones. People exchange gifts, sweets, and dry fruits with friends and family, symbolizing the strengthening of bonds and spreading happiness.
- Lakshmi Puja: The Lakshmi Puja is the highlight of Diwali night. Families gather to offer prayers to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha for wealth, wisdom, and prosperity. After the puja, people distribute sweets and light more diyas to usher in positive energy and good fortune.
The Five Days of Diwali: Understanding the Festivities
The five-day Diwali celebration is packed with meaning and customs, each day dedicated to a different set of rituals:
- Dhanteras: The first day of Diwali is dedicated to worshipping Dhanvantari, the deity of health and healing. People buy gold, silver, and new utensils on this day, believing that these items will bring prosperity and good luck in the coming year.
- Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali): This day commemorates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura. Many people engage in early morning oil baths, which are believed to rid the body of impurities and prepare for the festive days ahead.
- Lakshmi Puja (Main Diwali Day): Diwali night is devoted to Lakshmi Puja. Homes are lit with diyas, and the worship of the goddess Lakshmi is accompanied by chanting of Vedic mantras to invoke prosperity and well-being.
- Govardhan Puja: This day celebrates Lord Krishna’s act of lifting Govardhan Hill to protect villagers from torrential rains. Many people prepare and offer a variety of foods to Lord Krishna as part of the celebrations.
- Bhai Dooj: The festival concludes with Bhai Dooj, a celebration of the bond between brothers and sisters. On this day, sisters pray for their brothers’ long life and happiness, and brothers give gifts to their sisters as tokens of love and protection.
Why is Diwali Special in 2024?
Diwali 2024 holds special significance due to the alignment of celestial events and the ongoing shift towards more environmentally conscious celebrations. The growing awareness of pollution caused by firecrackers has led to an increase in eco-friendly alternatives such as lighting more diyas, using natural materials for rangolis, and choosing sustainable gifts.
Moreover, the accurate predictions by the Kashi Pandits offer a perfect guide for those who want to celebrate Diwali in accordance with the auspicious timings and traditional rituals, ensuring that their prayers and offerings align with divine blessings.
Final Thoughts on Diwali 2024
Diwali is a time for renewal, joy, and spiritual reflection. As we prepare to celebrate Diwali 2024 on 31st October, let us focus on its deeper meaning — the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. Whether through the lighting of diyas, the chanting of prayers, or the exchange of gifts and sweets, Diwali brings people together in a shared celebration of life, love, and prosperity.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, we do not make any guarantees regarding its completeness or reliability. Readers are advised to consult with appropriate professionals or authorities, especially regarding religious or astrological matters, to confirm specific details. We are not responsible for any decisions made based on the information presented in this article.
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