When is Diwali 2024? How to Celebrate and Perform Lakshmi Puja Rituals

Diwali 2024

The festival of Diwali, often called the Festival of Lights, is one of India’s most cherished celebrations, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. This year, Diwali is subject to a unique debate due to the overlapping of the Amavasya (new moon) tithi across two days. The Amavasya tithi begins on October 31, 2024, at 3:52 PM and concludes on November 1, 2024, at 6:16 PM. Traditional customs typically align Diwali with the Amavasya that coincides with the Pradosh Kaal (early evening) and Vrishabh Kaal (Taurus period), suggesting that October 31 might be ideal for celebrations. Here’s a guide to understanding the festival, its significance, and the rituals for Lakshmi Puja.

When is Diwali Celebrated?

Diwali falls on the Amavasya (new moon) of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartika according to the Hindu lunar calendar. This year, experts propose that the ideal time for Lakshmi Puja and Diwali celebrations is on October 31, when the Amavasya and Pradosh Kaal overlap.

Auspicious Timings for Lakshmi Puja on October 31, 2024:

• Lakshmi Puja Muhurat: 7:19 PM to 9:11 PM
• Pradosh Kaal: 6:35 PM to 9:15 PM
• Vrishabh Kaal: 7:19 PM to 9:11 PM

Why Do We Celebrate Diwali?

Diwali celebrates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after a 14-year exile and his victory over the demon king Ravana. It also marks the birth of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, and her marriage to Lord Vishnu. Another significant legend linked to Diwali is the slaying of the demon Narakasura by Lord Krishna, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. These stories collectively remind devotees of the importance of courage, kindness, and the pursuit of righteousness.

How to Celebrate Diwali

1. Decorate Your Home: Begin by cleaning and decorating your home, symbolizing the removal of negativity and welcoming positivity. Rangolis, earthen lamps (diyas), and flowers are used to beautify spaces and invite Goddess Lakshmi.
2. Light Diyas: The lighting of diyas on Diwali symbolizes the dispelling of darkness. Place these small lamps in various locations around the house to signify enlightenment and hope.
3. Share Sweets and Gifts: Exchanging sweets, gifts, and tokens of love with family and friends strengthens bonds and brings joy. Diwali is also a time for charity, where many distribute food, clothes, and essentials to those in need.
4. Fireworks: Traditionally, Diwali is celebrated with fireworks that signify the victory of light over darkness. However, due to environmental concerns, many now prefer eco-friendly alternatives or reduce the use of fireworks.

How to Perform Lakshmi Puja

Lakshmi Puja, dedicated to the goddess of wealth, is the central ritual of Diwali night. It is believed that a properly conducted Lakshmi Puja brings prosperity, peace, and success into one’s life.

Items Needed:

• Idol or picture of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha
• A kalash (pot) filled with water, betel leaves, and mango leaves
• Flowers, especially marigold and lotus
• Sweets and fruits
• Diyas and incense sticks
• Coins and turmeric for wealth invocation
• Panchamrit (a mixture of milk, honey, sugar, curd, and ghee)

Steps for Lakshmi Puja:

1. Cleanse the Puja Area: Clean the area where you plan to perform the puja. Place the idols or images of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha on a raised platform decorated with a cloth.
2. Prepare the Kalash: Fill a kalash with water and place it in front of the idols. Decorate it with betel leaves, mango leaves, and a coconut.
3. Invoke Lord Ganesha: Start by invoking Lord Ganesha to remove any obstacles. Offer flowers, sweets, and light incense sticks.
4. Offerings to Goddess Lakshmi: Pray to Goddess Lakshmi and offer flowers, fruits, sweets, and panchamrit. Light diyas around her and chant mantras to invoke her blessings.
5. Aarti and Mantras: Conclude the puja by performing an aarti for Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, accompanied by devotional songs or chants. Distribute prasad (the blessed food) to all family members after the puja.
6. Light Diyas Throughout the Home: After the puja, place diyas around the house, particularly at the entrance, to invite prosperity and drive away darkness.

Diwali 2024: Embracing Traditions Amidst Debate

This year’s overlapping Amavasya brings a rare debate, adding to Diwali’s charm. Observing Diwali on the night of October 31 aligns with the traditional symbolism of celebrating during the darkest night of the month, reinforcing the theme of light overpowering darkness.