Diwali 2024: Diwali, also known as Deepawali, is set to brighten up the festival season across India. The Dhanteras or Dhantrayodashi festival will kick off the much-anticipated five-day celebrations on Tuesday, October 29. As the Festival of Light approaches, the question of date, Shubh Muhurat and Puja time arises. The confusion between October 31st and November 1st is annoying everyone.

The occasion marks a spiritually significant time for reflection and celebration. Meanwhile, Bhaiya Dooj marks the conclusion of the five-day celebrations. Before we focus on a specific point in the celebrations this year, let us answer the question of why the confusion over the festival date persists and which date is the correct one.

Official Diwali date

North India celebrates Deepavali to mark the arrival of Lord Rama in Ayodhya. However, in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, Deepawali is celebrated to mark the day when Goddess Satyabhama and Lord Krishna killed the demon Narakasura. “In Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, Chaturdashi Tithi is the main day of Deepavali and unlike the rest of India, earthen lamps and biscuits are lit at dawn and not after dark,” Drik Panchang said.

According to Drik Panchang, Diwali falls on Thursday, October 31st. The Lakshmi Puja timings for October 31 are:

• Vrishabha Kaal – 6:52 pm to 8:41 pm
• Amavasya Tithi begins on October 31 at 6:22 am
• Amavasya Tithi ends on October 31 at 8:46 am

“The Diwali festival this year coincides with Amavasya – the new moon phase that begins this afternoon,” India Today TV quoted Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) spokesperson Sharad Sharma as saying. According to VHP’s official confirmation of the Diwali date, Diwali celebrations will begin on the evening of October 31. Adding further confirmation of the date, Drik Panchang said that Diwali will be celebrated on Amavasya Tithi of Kartik month.

Below are the 5 day events in Deepawali calendar:

October 30 – Choti Diwali (Narak Chaturdashi)

October 31 – Diwali and Lakshmi Puja

November 2 – Govardhan Puja