Diwali is the “Festival of Lights,” which is celebrated annually across India to observe the victory of light over darkness. On this day, Lord Rama, along with Goddess Sita and Lord Lakshman, returned to their kingdom, Ayodhya, after defeating Ravana following an exile period of 14 years. This celebration is not only about honouring their return but also symbolises the triumph of good over evil. This year Diwali is on Thu, 31 Oct, 2024.
On this day, people light up their homes with clay lamps, i.e., “Diyas,” and candles to celebrate the victory of good over evil. In addition to these beautiful decorations, families prepare delicious sweets and engage in vibrant celebrations that strengthen community bonds. They also worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, as they are believed to bring good luck, prosperity, and wealth. The festival lasts for five days, with each day featuring its own unique rituals and significance. On this page, we will explore the 5 days of Diwali 2024, delving into the customs and traditions associated with each day, ensuring a complete understanding of this joyous festival. You will find detailed descriptions of each day's significance, the rituals performed, and tips for celebrating sustainably. Additionally, there will be insights into the cultural aspects of Diwali and how it is celebrated in different regions, providing a comprehensive guide to making the most of this festive season.
What is the Diwali Festival?
Diwali is one of the most auspicious festivals in India that people eagerly wait for the entire year. But what is Diwali exactly? It is considered the beginning of the Hindu New Year in many parts of India and takes place on the 15th day of the second dark fortnight of the Karttika month (between October and November each year). Thus, the Diwali dates can vary according to the Lunar calendar. Diwali is celebrated not only in India but also in countries like Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Fiji. The entire festival lasts for five days, each with its own significance, starting with Dhanteras and ending with Bhai Dooj.
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The festival of Diwali is observed as a National holiday throughout the nation and is celebrated by different communities and in different parts of India.
Why do we Celebrate Diwali?
When talking about the history of the Diwali festival, there is no definite reason or record of why Diwali is celebrated. Instead, several opinions & reasons are being proposed by different legends from ancient times. Diwali is celebrated differently across various regions of India, with each region associating its own historical or religious significance with the festival.
Here, one of the most famous & popular reasons behind Diwali celebrations in the northern part of India is that on this day, Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya along with Sita and Laxman after defeating Lanka King Ravana and spending 14 years of exile from the forest. To light the path of Lord Rama to his palace, people decorate with candles, lamps, and diyas at night. This event marks the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness.
The people of South India celebrate Diwali as a day when Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakashur and triumphed over the victory of good over evil. Another reason states that on this day, Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi tied the knot of marriage, which adds another layer of significance, particularly in the context of wealth and prosperity.
This auspicious day is also celebrated as the birth of Goddess Lakshmi on the new moon day of the month Kartik. It depends on the perspective and peoples’ beliefs to celebrate the festival of lights. In the western parts of India, especially Gujarat, Diwali marks the start of a new financial year for businesses, further extending the festival's significance.
What are the 5 Days of Diwali 2024? and Important Dates of Diwali?
Diwali 2024 is a five-day celebration, each day filled with its unique significance, rituals, and customs. Starting with Dhanteras and ending with Bhai Dooj, this festival marks the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Each of these five days plays an important role in bringing families and communities together. From lighting diyas to worshipping deities, every day is special and carries rich cultural meaning.
The 5 days of Diwali 2024, and their corresponding dates are:
Five Magic Days of Diwali
Diwali celebrations last for five days and each day has its importance, each carrying a deep cultural and spiritual significance. From Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj, every day marks a different aspect of prosperity, joy, and togetherness. Families light diyas, decorate homes, and perform traditional rituals, creating an atmosphere of warmth and festivity. These five days symbolise the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and hope over despair, making Diwali one of the most cherished festivals in India. Here are the Diwali event names along with Diwali 5 days images:
Dhanteras - It is the first day of Diwali which is celebrated as the birth of God Dhanvantari the deity of health and healing. It is observed on the thirteenth lunar day of Kartik month and according to the Hindu calendar, this year it will be celebrated on Sunday, 23rd October. People buy jewellery, cooking utensils, automobiles, and electrical appliances on this day as it is believed to bring good fortune and prosperity. It is also considered auspicious to buy gold and silver items, which symbolize wealth and prosperity for the coming year. Additionally, homes are cleaned and prepared for the arrival of Goddess Lakshmi.
Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) - This is the second day of Diwali and is also known as Kaali Chaudas in some parts of India. As per mythology, it is celebrated to mark Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura. On this day, people wake up early, offer puja, and light up diyas. It is believed that taking an early morning oil bath (Abhyanga Snan) purifies the body and soul, preparing devotees to celebrate the festival with positivity. People also wear new clothes and prepare sweets, getting ready for the main Diwali day.
Lakshmi Puja (Diwali Festival) - The third day is the main Diwali festival. People perform Lakshmi Pooja and lighten up their homes with diyas, candles and lamps. Families exchange gifts and burst firecrackers. Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth, is worshipped for prosperity, and Lord Ganesha is also revered for removing obstacles. People prepare delicious feasts, dress in new clothes, and decorate homes with rangoli, enhancing the festive atmosphere.
Govardhan Puja or Padva - The fourth day of the festival is Govardhan Puja or Padva. On this day, Lord Krishna is worshipped for saving the lives of villagers from rains & floods by lifting the huge Govardhan Mountain caused by Lord Indra’s anger. People build small Govardhan hills using cow dung or mud as a symbolic gesture and offer food to Lord Krishna. In some regions, this day is celebrated as Annakut, where a variety of vegetarian dishes are prepared and offered as gratitude to the deity. Married couples also celebrate this day as Padva, signifying love and devotion in marriage.
Bhai Dooj - The fifth and last day of Diwali is Bhai Dooj. This day is celebrated as the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters pray for their brothers’ long & happy lives, exchange happy Diwali wishes and brothers give gifts to their sisters. In return, sisters apply a ceremonial tilak on their brothers' foreheads and perform aarti, asking for their protection and prosperity. The festival is similar to Raksha Bandhan and emphasises the significance of sibling relationships.
How is Diwali Celebrated in India?
The auspicious 5 Day Festival holds a religious significance in the Hindu festivities and people celebrate it with utmost love and enthusiasm.
Take a look at how is Diwali Celebrated in India:
Cleaning Houses: The celebration of Diwali in India starts with people cleaning their houses. As per mythology, it is said that Goddess Lakshmi steps into houses on this day to bless devotees with happiness, prosperity, and wealth and she only enters clean & tidy places. Thus, people tend to clean their houses months before Diwali.
Playing Cards: Playing cards is one of the most fun things to do on Diwali among people, especially youth. People organize small get-togethers in their homes, invite friends & family and play different card games. It is the most fun way of enjoying festivals with close ones.
Bursting Firecrackers on Diwali: The most traditional & common way of celebrating Diwali in India is by burning crackers. People believe that the sound generated by these firecrackers signifies the victory of good over evil. But at the same time, it also causes air pollution and is harmful to individual’s health. That’s why people nowadays use eco-friendly firecrackers.
Buying Jewelry On Dhanteras: Dhanteras is the first day of Diwali which people celebrate by buying gold or silver jewellery to worship Lord Kuber. Some people also buy utensils on this day. However, the increase in jewellery shopping is also related to the upcoming season of marriages. The buying of jewellery is not only linked to auspiciousness but is also tied to the upcoming wedding season, making it a busy time for jewellers.
Worshipping the Domestic Cattle: On the day of Vasu Baras, people in rural areas worship their domestic cattle like cows or calves, etc.
These animals are considered sacred, representing wealth and abundance in rural Indian culture. On this day, people perform rituals, apply tilak on the animals, and offer them special foods. This practice emphasizes the significance of cattle in agriculture and daily life, showcasing gratitude for their contributions. It highlights the deep-rooted connection between humans and animals in Indian culture.
Significance of Diwali 2024
Diwali is the festival celebrating the victory of good over evil, symbolising hope, success, prosperity, and fortune.
People light up their homes with lamps and diyas, burst firecrackers, and decorate their surroundings with rangoli designs and colourful lights.
It is customary to make offerings to Goddess Lakshmi, the wife of Lord Vishnu, symbolising good luck and wealth. Families perform Lakshmi Puja to seek her blessings for prosperity in the coming year.
Alongside, the popular God Ganesha, known for removing obstacles, is also worshipped along with Goddess Lakshmi.
In the eastern part of the country, the fierce Goddess Kali is worshipped, representing strength and the destruction of evil forces.
People exchange Happy Diwali wishes, gifts, and sweets with each other as a symbol of goodwill and love.
Additionally, many communities and businesses consider Diwali as a time to start fresh accounts, marking it as the beginning of a new financial year. Diwali fosters a sense of togetherness, with family gatherings, feasts, and joy-filled celebrations.
Diwali Wishes in Different Languages in India
You can use these wishes to convey your Diwali greetings to friends and family in different languages!
Now you know what is Diwali, its significance and history to how is Diwali celebrated. India is a place where all the festivals are celebrated with great enthusiasm & fun and Diwali is one of India's biggest festivals. The whole city is lit up with Diyas, lights, candles, and hot air balloons. Also, exciting fireworks can be seen in different places. Hope you have the best Diwali this year. Opt for eco-friendly firecrackers and take good care of the environment.
FAQs on 5 Magic Days of Diwali 2024: Celebrations and Traditions
1. What are the 5 days of Diwali 2024?
Diwali is celebrated in India for five days with traditional rituals. Diwali event names include Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdasi (Chhoti Diwali), Lakshmi Pooja (Diwali), Govardhan Pooja, and, Bhai Dooj.
2. Which is the most important day of Diwali?
Lakshmi Pooja is considered as the most important day of Diwali.
3. What significance does Dhanteras hold?
Dhanteras marks the beginning of Diwali, where people buy gold, silver, and new utensils to invite prosperity.
4. Why is Naraka Chaturdashi celebrated?
Naraka Chaturdashi, also known as Choti Diwali, celebrates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura.
5. What rituals are performed on Lakshmi Puja?
On Lakshmi Puja, families worship Goddess Lakshmi, light diyas, and exchange gifts to seek blessings for wealth and prosperity.
6. What is Govardhan Puja?
Govardhan Puja commemorates Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan Hill to protect villagers from torrential rain, symbolizing gratitude towards nature.
7. What do people do on Bhai Dooj?
Bhai Dooj is a day when sisters pray for their brothers’ well-being, apply tilak, and brothers give gifts in return, celebrating their bond.
8. How do people decorate their homes during Diwali?
Homes are decorated with lights, diyas, rangoli designs, and colourful decorations to create a festive atmosphere.
9. Are there any special foods prepared during Diwali?
Special sweets and snacks are prepared, such as ladoos, barfis, and other traditional dishes, to share with family and friends.
10. Why is Diwali considered a time for forgiveness and renewal?
Diwali is seen as a time to forgive past grievances, clean homes, and start fresh, symbolising the triumph of good over evil and the arrival of a new beginning.
11. When is Diwali celebrated in 2024?
Diwali is celebrated on Thu, 31 October 2024. The festival date may vary every year slightly based on regional customs and lunar calendars, but this is the main date for Diwali celebrations in 2024.
