Diwali 2024 Date: Is It on October 31 or November 1? Confusion Resolved!

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Every year, Diwali, the grand festival of lights, brings with it a wave of joy and excitement. Traditionally celebrated on Kartik Amavasya, the new moon night of the Hindu month of Kartik, Diwali symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. However, this year, there’s been significant confusion over the correct date of Diwali – whether it falls on October 31 or November 1. Some people have pointed to November 1 for Diwali celebrations, while others have stuck with October 31. After much anticipation, the official date for Diwali 2024 has now been announced. 

Why is Diwali Celebrated? 

Diwali holds immense significance in Hindu culture. According to the epic Ramayana, Diwali marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after a 14-year exile and defeating the demon king Ravana. The people of Ayodhya celebrated his return by lighting earthen lamps (diyas) throughout the city, leading to the tradition of illuminating homes and public spaces with beautiful lights and decorations. Over time, this practice has evolved, and today Diwali is celebrated with grand decorations, the worship of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, and sharing happiness with loved ones. 

Diwali 2024: The Final Date Announcement 

For 2024, Jaipur’s Central Sanskrit University, along with the All-India Council of Scholars, has officially declared October 31 as the accurate date for Diwali celebrations. This decision was reached after careful astronomical and astrological calculations and with the agreement of respected scholars, astrologers, and Hindu religious experts. Here’s a closer look at the detailed reasoning behind the October 31 date. 

Why October 31 is Considered the Correct Date 

According to Hindu beliefs, Diwali rituals and Lakshmi Puja should be performed during the ‘Pradosh Kaal’ on the night of Kartik Amavasya. Based on traditional astronomical calculations, this year’s Kartik Amavasya begins on October 31 in the late afternoon and continues until the evening of November 1. However, the Pradosh Kaal, which is a specific timeframe between sunset and late evening, falls primarily on October 31, making it the ideal time for performing Diwali rituals. 

Prof. Rampal Sharma, chair of the discussion at Central Sanskrit University, emphasized that, according to Hindu scriptures, November 1 does not provide an ideal period for Lakshmi Puja, as the Amavasya Tithi ends shortly after sunset. Therefore, October 31 allows for the correct Pradosh Kaal and midnight Amavasya, ideal for Diwali celebrations. 

Astrological Insights on October 31 Diwali 

Astrological traditions place great importance on the Pradosh Kaal, which starts after sunset and continues until early night. On October 31, the Amavasya period aligns with Pradosh Kaal and enters the Vrishabha (Taurus) Lagna – an auspicious time for invoking Goddess Lakshmi. Furthermore, scriptures like the Brahma Purana state that Goddess Lakshmi visits households at midnight on Kartik Amavasya. Since Amavasya prevails until midnight on October 31, this date is astrologically preferred for Diwali celebrations. 

Reasons Why November 1 Is Not Suitable 

While Amavasya extends to November 1, its timing doesn’t allow sufficient Pradosh Kaal or Vrishabha Lagna for Lakshmi Puja. Some astrologers argue that if November 1 had an extended period of Amavasya during Pradosh Kaal, it could have been acceptable. However, as the Amavasya period fades soon after sunset, there’s no sufficient time to perform Lakshmi Puja, as Goddess Lakshmi’s blessings are said to be showered only during midnight Amavasya. 

Shubh Muhurat for Diwali 2024 

For those planning their Lakshmi Puja, here’s the most auspicious timing on October 31, 2024: 

• Amavasya Tithi Starts: October 31, 2024, 3:52 PM 
• Amavasya Tithi Concludes: November 1, 2024, 6:16 PM 
• Lakshmi Puja Pradosh Kaal Muhurat: October 31, 5:41 PM to 8:50 PM.

The Pradosh Kaal and midnight on October 31 align perfectly, marking the most auspicious time for Lakshmi Puja and other Diwali rituals.

Diwali Puja Vidhi: The Traditional Steps for Worship 

Performing Diwali Puja at home is a cherished ritual that requires careful planning and devotion. Here’s a step-by-step guide for celebrating Diwali 2024 with the traditional Puja Vidhi: 

1. Setting Up the Puja Space: Place a clean wooden platform in the northeast or east direction of your puja room. Cover it with a red or pink cloth as these colors are considered auspicious. 
2. Placing the Idols: Place Lord Ganesha’s idol first and to his right, position Goddess Lakshmi. Ensure the idols face west, while you sit facing east. 
3. Sanctify the Space: Sprinkle some water around the puja area to purify the surroundings. Light an oil lamp, and sit with a calm mind. 
4. Offerings to Deities: Prepare offerings like flowers, sweets, and fruits. Begin with Lord Ganesha, offering him flowers and sweets, as he is the remover of obstacles. Then, proceed with offerings to Goddess Lakshmi, inviting her to bring prosperity and wealth to your home. 
5. Chanting Mantras: Start by chanting Lord Ganesha’s mantra, followed by Goddess Lakshmi’s. The chants should be sincere and respectful, as they create a positive, spiritual atmosphere. 
6. Performing the Aarti: Conclude the Puja by singing the aarti and ringing bells to create a sacred atmosphere. Offer sweets to family members and guests as prasad. 
7. Lighting the Diyas: Take a plate with five diyas, light them, and place them in different corners of the house. Light diyas near water sources like wells or in the backyard to extend blessings to every part of the home. 

Color Choices for Diwali Puja Attire 

For Diwali Puja, it’s recommended to wear bright colors such as red, yellow, or golden, which represent prosperity and positive energy. Avoid wearing dark shades like black, brown, or navy blue during Puja as they are considered inauspicious for such occasions. 

Conclusion: Celebrate Diwali with Joy and Tradition 

This year, mark your calendars for October 31 as the official date for Diwali celebrations. Performing Lakshmi Puja and other rituals on this day will not only align with astrological timing but also with the age-old traditions cherished in Hindu culture. Celebrating Diwali is not only about lighting up homes but also about welcoming prosperity, good health, and joy into our lives. 
Prepare your homes, gather with loved ones, and celebrate Diwali 2024 with reverence and happiness, knowing that you’re following the auspicious timing that scholars and astrologers have agreed upon. May this Diwali bring abundant blessings to you and your family. Happy Diwali!