Diwali 2024 Date: Muhurat, Panchang, and Celebration Guide for North India

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most anticipated and widely celebrated festivals in India. This festival of lights symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Diwali 2024 is set to be celebrated with even more joy, as it brings families together, renews bonds, and invokes a sense of spirituality. Whether you’re in India or anywhere in the world, understanding the importance of Diwali, its muhurat (auspicious times), and how to celebrate it can elevate your experience.

Diwali 2024 Date

In 2024, Diwali will be celebrated on Thursday, November 2, 2024. This day marks the main event of Diwali, also known as Lakshmi Puja, where devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. This date is based on the Hindu lunar calendar and falls on the Amavasya (new moon day) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the Hindu month of Kartik.

Diwali 2024 Date in Muhurat Time

Timing is essential for performing religious rituals during Diwali. Each phase of the day is associated with certain cosmic energies that can enhance the effectiveness of your prayers and celebrations. The most important aspect of Diwali is Lakshmi Puja, which has its own specific muhurat for optimal results.

• Lakshmi Puja Muhurat Time:
  • Starts: 05:42 PM (IST) on Thursday, November 2, 2024.
  • Ends: 07:47 PM (IST) on the same day.

The Lakshmi Puja during Diwali should be performed during Pradosh Kaal, which begins after sunset and lasts approximately 2 hours and 24 minutes. Performing the puja during this time is believed to bring wealth and prosperity.

Additional Muhurat Times for Diwali 2024 Date:

• Nishita Kaal (Night Time): 11:41 PM to 12:31 AM (November 3, 2024).
• Choghadiya Muhurat: Choghadiya timings, or auspicious intervals for various activities, are also important during Diwali. The best Choghadiya times for travel, shopping, and other activities are as follows:
  • Morning (Shubh): 06:42 AM to 08:02 AM.
  • Afternoon (Char): 12:06 PM to 01:26 PM.
  • Evening (Labh): 04:10 PM to 05:42 PM.

These times vary slightly depending on geographical locations, so you should consult your local panchang for the exact muhurat timings for your city.

Diwali 2024 Date in Panchang

The Panchang (Hindu calendar) plays a crucial role in determining all the important aspects of any religious celebration, including Diwali. For Diwali 2024, the panchang details are as follows:

• Amavasya Tithi: Begins at 01:03 AM on November 2, 2024 and ends at 02:52 AM on November 3, 2024.
• Nakshatra: Swati Nakshatra prevails on the day of Diwali.
• Day: Thursday (Guruvar), which is considered auspicious for worshipping Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi.
• Moon Sign (Rashi): The moon will be in Tula Rashi (Libra).

The Diwali Panchang helps determine the best time to perform puja, light diyas, and initiate other traditional rituals.

How to Celebrate Diwali 2024 Date: A Step-by-Step Guide

Celebrating Diwali is an experience that brings immense joy and satisfaction. The preparations begin days in advance, with cleaning homes, buying new clothes, preparing sweets, and decorating with lights. Here’s a detailed guide on how you can celebrate Diwali in 2024:

Pre-Diwali Preparations

1. Cleaning the House:
   • The days leading up to Diwali, especially Dhanteras, are considered ideal for cleaning and organizing the house. It symbolizes removing negativity and making space for new, positive energies.
   • Ensure your home is spotless to welcome Goddess Lakshmi, as it is believed that the Goddess of wealth visits homes that are clean and well-maintained.
2. Decoration:
   • Decorate your home with colorful rangolis, flowers, and fairy lights. Many families also adorn the entrances of their homes with torans (decorative hangings).
   • Light diyas (oil lamps) and candles around the house. The light from these lamps is symbolic of removing ignorance and bringing knowledge and positivity.
3. Shopping for Diwali:
   • Purchase new clothes and jewelry for the family. Many people also invest in gold or silver items, as Diwali is considered a very auspicious time for buying valuable items.
   • On Dhanteras (November 1, 2024), people buy metal items, especially utensils, as it is believed to bring good fortune.
4. Food and Sweets Preparation:
   • Prepare or buy traditional Diwali sweets like laddus, barfis, kaju katli, and gulab jamun. Snacks such as chakli, chivda, and mathris are also a part of the festive spread.
   • You can also prepare these sweets at home using pure ghee and cold-pressed oils to enhance both the taste and health benefits.

Diwali Day Schedule (November 2, 2024)

Morning Rituals

1. Early Morning Bath:
   • Start the day early with an oil bath, traditionally known as Abhyanga Snan. This practice involves applying cold-pressed sesame oil (also known as gingelly oil) to your skin and then taking a warm bath. It’s considered a ritual of purification and is a crucial part of the Diwali celebration.
   • After the bath, wear new clothes, preferably in bright colors, as they symbolize positivity and joy.
2. Breakfast:
   • Enjoy a hearty breakfast with some traditional snacks like poha, idli, or upma. You can also serve some of the Diwali sweets you’ve prepared.

Midday Rituals

1. Preparing for Lakshmi Puja:
   • In the afternoon, start decorating the altar or puja space where the Lakshmi Puja will be performed. Place an idol or picture of Goddess Lakshmi along with Lord Ganesha (the remover of obstacles).
   • Arrange flowers, rice, betel leaves, and sweets for the offering. You’ll also need pure ghee for lighting diyas during the puja.
2. Business Accounts Closing:
   • For those in business, it’s customary to close old account books and start new ones on Diwali. This tradition, known as Chopda Pujan, symbolizes a fresh start with renewed prosperity.

Evening Rituals

1. Lakshmi Puja:
   • The Lakshmi Puja is the most important part of Diwali. As the sun sets and Pradosh Kaal begins, light diyas around the house and at the puja space.
   • Recite prayers and mantras dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, seeking blessings for prosperity, happiness, and well-being.
   • Offer sweets, fruits, and flowers during the puja. Many also perform an Aarti to conclude the rituals.
2. Lighting Firecrackers:
   • Once the puja is over, head outdoors to enjoy the tradition of lighting firecrackers. Fireworks are symbolic of driving away evil spirits, but remember to celebrate responsibly and safely.
   • You can also participate in community gatherings where eco-friendly Diwali celebrations are encouraged.

Dinner:

• Enjoy a festive dinner with family and friends. Traditional dishes like puri, chole, and various rice dishes are commonly served. Pair them with the sweets you prepared earlier.
• For a healthier Diwali, consider cooking the dishes using cold-pressed oils such as groundnut oil or sesame oil.

Post-Diwali Days

Diwali is a five-day festival, and each day has its own significance:

• Day 1 – Dhanteras (November 1, 2024): This day is considered auspicious for buying new items, especially metals like gold, silver, and utensils. People worship Lord Dhanvantari for good health and well-being.
• Day 2 – Naraka Chaturdashi (November 2, 2024): Also known as Choti Diwali, this day symbolizes the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura.
• Day 3 – Lakshmi Puja (November 2, 2024): The main Diwali day where homes are illuminated, and Lakshmi Puja is performed.
• Day 4 – Govardhan Puja (November 3, 2024): This day marks the lifting of Govardhan Hill by Lord Krishna. People worship Lord Krishna and prepare a variety of dishes to offer.
• Day 5 – Bhai Dooj (November 4, 2024): This day celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters, similar to Raksha Bandhan.

GheeStore – Enhancing Your Diwali Celebrations with Purity

At GheeStore, we take immense pride in offering lab-certified, FSSAI-approved products that enhance the authenticity and quality of your Diwali celebrations. Our range of 100% Pure Desi Ghee and Cold Pressed Oils are perfect for preparing your traditional Diwali sweets, lighting diyas, and ensuring the health and well-being of your loved ones. This Diwali, choose purity, choose GheeStore, and make your celebrations even more special. Our Ghee is not only packed with flavor but also loaded with health benefits that can add a rich taste to all your festive dishes. Additionally, our cold-pressed oils, made through traditional wooden churners, retain all their natural nutrients, ensuring that your food is both delicious and wholesome.

Visit GheeStore to shop for the finest quality ghee and oils that will enhance the flavor and authenticity of your Diwali celebrations. Shop now and enjoy festive discounts and offers! Also available on Microbasket