Diwali, one of the most important festivals in India, will be celebrated on October 31, 2024, according to Drik Panchang. Marked with joy and devotion, this festival involves the worship of Goddess Laxmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. Diwali is celebrated on Amavasya Tithi of Kartik month starting on October 31 at 3:52 pm and ending on November 1, 2024 at 6:16 pm. Most of India celebrates Diwali on October 31st, but some communities celebrate Diwali on November 1st due to regional traditions.

Diwali date confusion

Diwali is traditionally celebrated on Amavasya of Kartik month. However, in 2024 there is some confusion about the exact date. Although the Amavasya Tithi covers both October 31 and November 1, the majority of astrologers, religious scholars and Sanskrit experts have clarified that Diwali should be celebrated on October 31.

To solve this problem, a meeting of over 100 astrologers and religious scholars called “Deepawali Nirnay Dharmasabha” was held at the Central Sanskrit University, Jaipur. They concluded that Diwali on October 31 is more appropriate because the Amavasya Tithi covers the entire Pradosh Kaal (the two hours and 24 minutes after sunset) and extends throughout the night, making it ideal for Laxmi Puja. In addition, the times for the ascendants Taurus and Leo are available for the ritual on this day.

On November 1, the Amavasya Tithi ends at 6:16 pm and covers only a small part of Pradosh Kaal, making it less suitable for Laxmi Puja.

Speaking to Dainik Bhaskar, Professor Arknath Chaudhary, former vice-chancellor of Somnath Sanskrit University, emphasized that as per Rajmartand Granth, Laxmi Puja should be performed on Chaturdashi Mixed Amavasya. According to this principle, Diwali can only be celebrated on October 31, 2024.

Laxmi Puja Timings for Diwali 2024

The Amavasya Tithi begins on October 31 at 3:52 pm and ends on November 1 at 6:16 pm. Laxmi Puja, traditionally performed after sunset, should be performed during Pradosh Kaal on October 31 from 5:12 p.m. to 7:43 p.m. This period is considered extremely auspicious for the worship of Goddess Laxmi. For those celebrating on November 1, the time slot for Laxmi Puja is from 5:36 p.m. to 6:16 p.m., just before the Amavasya Tithi ends.

Diwali 2024 Date and Shubh Muhurat

Amavasya Tithi Begins: October 31, 2024, 3:52 pm
Amavasya Tithi Ends: November 1, 2024, 6:16 pm
Pradosh Kaal: 5:12 pm to 7:43 pm (October 31)
Laxmi Puja Muhurat: 5:12 pm to 6:16 pm (October 31)
Vrishabha Muhurat: 6:00 p.m. to 7:59 p.m. (October 31)

Diwali meaning

Diwali is more than a festival; It is a festival deeply rooted in Hindu tradition. It is known as the Festival of Lights and symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. The main festival day, Deepawali, is celebrated for five days and involves the worship of Goddess Laxmi, who is believed to bestow wealth and prosperity on her devotees.

Lighting diyas, exchanging gifts and decorating houses are common practices during Diwali and symbolize the triumph of virtue and the promise of prosperity. These rituals and customs reinforce the festival’s message of renewal, hope and the pursuit of well-being.

Diwali is a time when families come together to honor their traditions and seek blessings for a prosperous future.