Diwali 2024 Date, Festival Facts, Story, Significance, Celebrations, and Foods

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is among the most significant festivals celebrated in India and by Hindus worldwide. A festival of lights symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.

Diwali is a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness, where families come together to celebrate and create beautiful memories. This article will explore the correct date, facts, story, significance, celebrations, and foods associated with Diwali.

Diwali Date

In 2024, Diwali Lakshmi Puja Muhurat is on Friday, 1st November starts from 05:36 PM and ends at 06:16 PM.

Diwali is a 5 day festival starts with Dhanteras on 29th October, Choti Diwali on 30th October, followed by Diwali on 1st November. Govardhan Puja is celebrated on 2nd November, Bhai Dhooj on 3rd November.

In North India, Diwali is celebrated on the fifteenth day of the Hindu month of Kartik and in southern states, on the last day of the Hindu month, Ashwin or Ashwayujam, but both fall on the same day.

Facts about Diwali

1. Diwali is one of the most important religious festivals in India. It is not only celebrated by Hindus but also by Sikhs and Jains. The festival holds different meanings and legends in different regions and religions.
2. Diwali, or Deepavali, means “row of lights” in Sanskrit. It signifies the lighting of lamps and candles to symbolize the victory of light over darkness and the triumph of good over evil.
3. Diwali is celebrated between October and November. The festival lasts for five days, with each day having its (own significance and rituals.
4. One of the most popular stories associated with Diwali is the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana. The people of Ayodhya welcomed Lord Rama by lighting lamps and decorating the city with lights.
5. Diwali is also associated with the goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity. It is believed that on Diwali night, Lakshmi visits every home and blesses them with wealth and prosperity.
6. People decorate their homes with colourful rangoli patterns made with coloured powders or sand. These intricate designs are believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits.
7. Fireworks are an integral part of Diwali celebrations. The night sky is illuminated with colourful fireworks, symbolizing the joy and celebration of the festival.
8. Diwali is also a time for exchanging gifts and sweets with family, friends, and neighbours. It is a gesture of love, appreciation, and goodwill.
9. Traditional Indian sweets, such as ladoos, barfis, and jalebis, are prepared and shared during Diwali. These delicious treats add sweetness to the festivities and are enjoyed by everyone.
10. Diwali is not just a religious festival but also a time for cultural performances, music, dance, and storytelling. It is a time for communities to unite and celebrate their shared heritage.

Significance of Diwali

Diwali holds great significance in various religions and cultures. It is a time to celebrate the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. The festival signifies the importance of inner light, spiritual awakening, and the pursuit of righteousness. Diwali is a time to reflect on one’s actions, seek forgiveness, and start afresh with renewed enthusiasm and positivity.

Diwali Celebrations

The five days of Diwali are filled with various rituals and celebrations. Here is a brief overview of how each day is celebrated:

1. Day 1: Dhanteras – On this day, people clean their homes and purchase new items, especially gold and silver, as it is considered auspicious. It is believed that buying new items brings prosperity and good luck.
2. Day 2: Choti Diwali – People decorate their homes with clay lamps and create design patterns called rangoli on the floor using coloured powders or sand. This day is also known as Naraka Chaturdashi, symbolizing the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura.
3. Day 3: Diwali – The main day of Diwali is celebrated enthusiastically. People wear new clothes, pray to deities, light lamps and candles, and burst fireworks. Goddess Lakshmi is believed to visit homes on this day, and people seek her blessings for wealth and prosperity.
4. Day 4: Govardhan Puja – This day is dedicated to Lord Krishna and commemorates his act of lifting the Govardhan Hill to protect the people from heavy rains. Devotees prepare and offer a variety of vegetarian dishes to Lord Krishna.
5. Day 5: Bhai Dooj – This day celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters apply a tilak on their brothers’ foreheads and pray for their well-being. In return, brothers give gifts to their sisters as a token of love and appreciation.

Diwali Foods

Diwali is when families come together to prepare and enjoy delicious traditional Indian foods. Some popular Diwali foods include:

• Sweets: Diwali is synonymous with mouthwatering sweets like ladoos, barfis, gulab jamuns, and rasgullas. These sweets are made with milk, sugar, ghee, and nuts.
• Savoury Snacks: Diwali is also a time for indulging in savoury snacks like samosas, pakoras, mathri, and chivda. These snacks are enjoyed with tea or as a part of festive meals.
• Fruit and Dry Fruit Platters: Fresh fruits and dry fruits like almonds, cashews, and raisins are also a part of Diwali celebrations. They are offered as prasad (offering) during prayers and shared with family and friends.

Diwali is a time to indulge in these delectable treats and share the joy of the festival with loved ones.

Diwali is a festival that brings people together to celebrate the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. It is a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness. The festival holds deep cultural and religious significance and is celebrated enthusiastically and fervently. Diwali is a time to reflect, seek blessings, and create beautiful memories with family and friends.