Diwali, one of the most important festivals for Hindus, is celebrated not only in India but also in other countries. But this year many are confused whether Diwali should be celebrated on October 31 or November 1.

The confusion over the date of Diwali in 2024 arises because the Amavasya Tithi or new moon phase falls on both October 31 and November 1. This has led to different communities celebrating the festival on different days.

Understanding the Diwali date confusion

Diwali is traditionally celebrated on Amavasya of Kartik month. In 2024, the Amavasya Tithi will begin on October 31 at 3:52 pm and end on November 1 at 6:16 pm, according to Drikpanchang.com.

While many in India celebrate Diwali on October 31st, several other communities celebrate it on November 1st.

This Diwali date confusion was so serious that more than 100 astrologers, religious scholars and Sanskrit scholars from across India organized a meeting called ‘Deepawali Nirnay Dharmasabha’ at Central Sanskrit University, Jaipur to resolve the issue.

At the meeting, it was decided that Diwali 2024 will be celebrated in India on October 31 as the Amavasya Tithi on that day covers not only the entire Pradosh Kaal (two hours and 24 minutes after sunset) but also the entire night. On this day, the auspicious time of Taurus and Leo Ascendant is available for Lakshmi Puja.

On the other hand, Amavasya Tithi ends on November 1 at 6:16 pm, which means it would only cover a few minutes of Pradosh Kaal, leaving too little time for performing Lakshmi Puja.

The meeting was attended by Professor Rampal Shastri, former head of the astrology department of Maharaj Acharya Sanskrit College, Jaipur, and Professor Arknath Chaudhary, former vice-chancellor of Somnath Sanskrit University, Gujarat, among others.

Speaking to Dainik Bhaskar, Professor Arknath Chaudhary pointed out that as per Rajmartand Granth, Lakshmi Puja should always be performed on the day when the date is available in the Karmakaal. This should be done on chaturdashi mixed amavasya. According to this principle, Diwali can only be held on October 31 as per the scriptures.

He also said that the dates of holidays in India are decided on the basis of Surya Siddhanta, on the basis of which there has never been any date mix-up even this year. The professor said that the confusion over the Diwali date this year was due to the panchangs prepared based on Drik Ganit (a method of performing astronomical calculations).

However, in many other countries such as Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia and Singapore, Diwali is celebrated on November 1st.

TIME OF DIWALI CELEBRATION

For those celebrating on October 31, the auspicious time for rituals and festivals will take place during the Pradosh Kaal (evening), which is considered extremely auspicious for the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, who is believed to bring prosperity and abundance .

In contrast, those who celebrate Diwali on November 1 also have a specific window for their celebrations, specifically between 5:36 p.m. and 6:16 p.m., after which the Amavasya Tithi ends.

5 DAY DIWALI CELEBRATION

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is a five-day festival that begins this year with Dhanteras on October 29, followed by Kali Chaudas on October 30, Chhoti Diwali (or Narak Chaturdashi) on October 31 and culminates with the main celebration of Diwali takes place on November 1st.

The festival symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil and has its roots in ancient Hindu mythology about Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana.

The different dates for Diwali celebrations reflect not only regional customs but also the complexity of the lunar calendar. As communities prepare for this vibrant celebration, they continue to maintain traditions that promote unity and joy during this important time of year.