The air is filled with festive excitement as Diwali, the Festival of Lights, approaches! With preparations in full swing, many are eager to know the exact date and puja timings for this auspicious occasion.
This year, Diwali will be celebrated on
October 31, 2024, Thursday
. The evening of October 31st marks the appearance of the Amavasya moon, making it the ideal day for Diwali celebrations. However, it’s important to note that in some cities, Diwali festivities might extend into November 1st due to the Amavasya Tithi ending at 6:16 pm on that day.
Lakshmi Puja
, the main ritual of Diwali, is traditionally performed after sunset when the moon is visible. This aligns with the belief that Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, arrives during this time.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key events leading up to Diwali:
*
Dhanteras:
October 29 (Tuesday)*
Chhoti Diwali (Naraka Chaturdashi):
October 30 (Wednesday)*
Diwali (Lakshmi Puja):
October 31 (Thursday)*
Govardhan Puja:
November 1 (Friday)*
Bhaidooj:
November 2 (Saturday)
Diwali Puja Timings:
General Lakshmi Puja Muhurta:
*
From:
06:52 PM*
To:
08:41 PM*
Duration:
01 hour 50 minutes
Pradosh Period:
*
From:
06:10 P.M.*
To:
08:52 PM
Taurus Period:
*
From:
06:52 PM*
To:
08:41 PM
Amavasya Date:
*
Starts:
October 31, 2024, at 06:22 AM*
Ends:
November 01, 2024, at 08:46 AM
City-Wise Lakshmi Puja Muhurat:
The auspicious time for Lakshmi Puja can vary slightly based on location. Here are the muhurat timings for some major cities:
*
New Delhi:
5:36 pm to 6:16 pm*
Gurugram:
5:37 pm to 6:16 pm*
Noida:
5:35 pm to 6:16 pm*
Mumbai:
6:57 pm to 8:36 pm*
Chandigarh:
5:35 pm to 6:16 pm*
Pune:
6:54 pm to 8:33 pm*
Chennai:
5:42 pm to 6:16 pm*
Jaipur:
5:44 pm to 6:16 pm*
Hyderabad:
5:44 pm to 6:16 pm*
Kolkata:
5:45 pm to 6:16 pm*
Bengaluru:
6:47 pm to 8:21 pm*
Ahmedabad:
6:52 pm to 8:35 pm
Significance of Diwali:
Diwali is more than just a festival of lights; it’s a celebration of triumph over adversity. It commemorates Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over the evil Ravana. The festival symbolizes the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance.
On this joyous occasion, homes are adorned with diyas, candles, and fairy lights, creating a mesmerizing spectacle of brilliance. People wear new clothes, exchange gifts, share delicious sweets, and create vibrant rangoli patterns. Devotees offer prayers to Maa Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, seeking their blessings for wealth, prosperity, and happiness.
As we approach Diwali, may the light of this festival illuminate our lives with joy, peace, and prosperity. Happy Diwali!