When Is Diwali 2024? Meaning & Celebration

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When is Diwali 2024? Meaning & Celebration

Diwali, the festival of lights, is a joyous and vibrant celebration that holds immense cultural and religious significance for millions around the world, especially in India and the Indian diaspora. If you're wondering when Diwali 2024 will be, mark your calendars for November 11, 2024. This date coincides with the new moon in the month of Kartik according to the Hindu lunisolar calendar, a crucial aspect of Diwali's timing.

What is the Meaning of Diwali?

Diwali is more than just a festival of lights; it's a celebration of triumph over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair. The festival commemorates the return of Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu, to his kingdom of Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. His homecoming was celebrated with lamps, signifying the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.

How is Diwali Celebrated?

The celebration of Diwali unfolds over five days, each with its own significance:

• Dhanteras: This day is dedicated to wealth and prosperity. People buy new things, especially gold and silver, and pray for financial success.
• Naraka Chaturdasi: Also known as Choti Diwali (Small Diwali), this day is dedicated to the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. People indulge in sweets, and some perform rituals for protection from evil forces.
• Diwali (Lakshmi Puja): The main day of Diwali is a grand celebration of light, where people decorate their homes with diyas (clay lamps), candles, and rangoli (colorful patterns), bursting firecrackers, and worshipping Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.
• Annakut: This day is dedicated to Lord Krishna and is celebrated in various forms, including the offering of food and sweets to the deity.
• Bhai Dooj: This day celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters apply tilak on their brothers' foreheads and pray for their well-being.

What are the Key Rituals of Diwali?

The key rituals of Diwali include:

• Lighting Diyas: Diyas (clay lamps) are lit to symbolize the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil.
• Decorating Homes: Homes are decorated with diyas, candles, and colorful rangolis to welcome Goddess Lakshmi and usher in prosperity.
• Firecrackers: Bursting firecrackers is a significant part of Diwali celebrations, adding to the festive atmosphere.
• Puja: Families perform puja (worship) to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha for wealth, prosperity, and happiness.
• Sharing Sweets and Gifts: Sharing sweets and gifts with friends and family is an integral part of Diwali celebrations, fostering goodwill and happiness.

Diwali Across the World

Diwali is celebrated with great enthusiasm not only in India but also in many parts of the world where the Indian diaspora resides. From vibrant street decorations in London to dazzling lights in Sydney, the spirit of Diwali shines brightly across continents.

Diwali 2024 promises to be a vibrant celebration, filled with joy, light, and hope. Mark your calendars for November 11th and join in the festivities!