The festival of Diwali, or Deepawali, often brings up questions regarding its exact date due to the lunar-based Hindu calendar. In 2024, there is some confusion surrounding whether Diwali should be celebrated on October 31 or November 1. Let’s clear the air on this.
Diwali 2024: Is Deepawali on October 31 or November 1?
Diwali, the festival of lights and one of India’s most cherished celebrations, is set for October 31, 2024, according to the Drik Panchang. This auspicious festival is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Laxmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, and falls on the Amavasya Tithi (new moon day) of the Kartik month. While the majority will observe the festival on October 31, some regions may follow local traditions and celebrate on November 1, leading to some confusion regarding the date.
Diwali 2024 Date Confusion
The uncertainty surrounding Diwali 2024 arises due to the Amavasya Tithi starting at 3:52 pm on October 31 and ending at 6:16 pm on November 1. This overlap led to debates over the appropriate date for the celebrations. To address the confusion, the ‘Deepawali Nirnay Dharmasabha’, a panel of over 100 astrologers and religious scholars, convened at Central Sanskrit University in Jaipur. After thorough discussions, they determined that October 31 is the most suitable day for Diwali, as it aligns with the Pradosh Kaal—the sacred period after sunset deemed ideal for Laxmi Puja.
Why October 31 is Considered the Right Date
The Pradosh Kaal on October 31 falls between 5:12 pm and 7:43 pm, providing a favorable time for performing Laxmi Puja. This window allows for the traditional worship of Goddess Laxmi during the optimal period. The scholars emphasized that, although the Amavasya Tithi extends into November 1, the Pradosh Kaal ends before sunset on that day, limiting the time for rituals.
On November 1, the Laxmi Puja can only be performed from 5:36 pm to 6:16 pm, making the available period considerably shorter. Hence, for the most auspicious Diwali celebration, the experts recommend following the timings on October 31.
Key Timings for Diwali 2024
- Amavasya Tithi begins: October 31, 2024, at 3:52 pm
- Amavasya Tithi ends: November 1, 2024, at 6:16 pm
- Pradosh Kaal (October 31): 5:12 pm to 7:43 pm
- Laxmi Puja Muhurat (October 31): 5:12 pm to 6:16 pm
- Vrishabha Muhurat (October 31): 6:00 pm to 7:59 pm
Celebrating Diwali on October 31, 2024
For those observing Diwali on October 31, it is recommended to perform Laxmi Puja during the Pradosh Kaal for the most auspicious results. The worship of Goddess Laxmi is believed to bring blessings of wealth and prosperity when done during this sacred time. Households will light diyas, decorate with colorful rangolis, and exchange sweets to mark the joyous occasion.
What If You Celebrate on November 1?
For those opting to celebrate on November 1, ensure to complete Laxmi Puja between 5:36 pm and 6:16 pm. Since the Amavasya Tithi ends shortly after, performing the rituals during this narrow time frame can still bring the desired blessings, although it is less ideal compared to the October 31 Pradosh Kaal.
While the Amavasya Tithi extends over two days, the recommended observance for Diwali 2024 is on October 31, aligning with the auspicious Pradosh Kaal. This date offers the most favorable conditions for performing Laxmi Puja and fully embracing the spirit of the festival.
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