Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most celebrated festivals in India, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. In 2024, Diwali will be celebrated on the 1st of November. This five-day festival brings together families and communities to celebrate with joy, splendor, and a series of rituals and traditions that have been passed down through generations.
Significance of Diwali
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, holds immense significance across various Indian cultures and religions. Celebrated with great fervor and joy, it symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. Here are some key aspects of its significance:
- Hinduism:
- Return of Lord Rama: Diwali marks the return of Lord Rama, along with Sita and Lakshmana, to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over the demon king Ravana.
- Goddess Lakshmi: The festival honors Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, and people perform Lakshmi Puja to seek her blessings.
- Lord Krishna: It also celebrates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
- Jainism:
- Nirvana of Lord Mahavira: Diwali commemorates the spiritual awakening (nirvana) of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, in 527 BCE.
- Sikhism:
- Release of Guru Hargobind Ji: Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas, which marks the release of Guru Hargobind Ji from imprisonment by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir.
- Buddhism:
- Emperor Ashoka’s Conversion: For Newar Buddhists in Nepal, Diwali marks the conversion of Emperor Ashoka to Buddhism.
The Five Days of Diwali
- Dhanteras (November 1, 2024):
- Significance: This day marks the beginning of Diwali and is dedicated to Dhanvantari, the god of health and Ayurveda.
- Rituals: People clean and decorate their homes, buy new utensils, gold, or silver items, and perform Lakshmi Puja in the evening.
- Naraka Chaturdashi (November 2, 2024):
- Significance: It celebrates Lord Krishna’s victory over Narakasura and is also known as Choti Diwali.
- Rituals: Early morning rituals include Abhyanga Snan (holy bath) with oil and herbal pastes, followed by lighting oil lamps in the evening.
- Diwali (November 3, 2024):
- Significance: The main day of the festival celebrates the return of Lord Rama and the worship of Goddess Lakshmi.
- Rituals: Homes are decorated with rangoli, lamps, and candles. In the evening, families perform the Lakshmi Puja, seeking blessings for prosperity and happiness.
- Govardhan Puja (November 4, 2024):
- Significance: It commemorates Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan Hill to protect villagers from torrential rains.
- Rituals: Special offerings of food are made, and elaborate meals are prepared. Some communities create small mounds of cow dung representing Govardhan Hill and decorate them with flowers.
- Bhai Dooj (November 5, 2024):
- Significance: This day honors the bond between brothers and sisters.
- Rituals: Sisters perform aarti for their brothers and apply a ceremonial tikka on their foreheads, praying for their well-being, while brothers give gifts in return.
Detailed Lakshmi Puja Procedure
Lakshmi Puja is the highlight of Diwali and is performed to invite Goddess Lakshmi into homes to bring wealth and prosperity.
- Preparation:
- Clean the house thoroughly, as it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi visits only clean and well-decorated homes.
- Set up an altar in a quiet, clean space, placing idols or pictures of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, and other deities.
- Items Needed:
- Idols or images of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha
- A red or white cloth to cover the altar
- Oil or ghee lamps, candles, and incense sticks
- Flowers, particularly marigolds and lotuses
- Rangoli materials for decoration
- A small plate for offering food (bhog), which can include sweets, fruits, and other traditional items
- Kumkum, turmeric, rice, and sandalwood paste for tilak
- Coins, preferably gold or silver
- Panchamrit (a mixture of milk, curd, honey, sugar, and ghee)
- Betel leaves and nuts
- Water in a small vessel
- Ritual Procedure:
- Sankalp: Begin with a Sankalp (resolution), stating your intentions and seeking blessings from the deities.
- Ganesha Puja: Start with a prayer to Lord Ganesha to remove obstacles. Offer him flowers, sweets, and light an incense stick.
- Kalash Puja: Place a Kalash (a metal pot filled with water) on the altar, topped with mango leaves and a coconut. Decorate it with a swastika made of kumkum.
- Lakshmi Puja: Perform the main Lakshmi Puja:
- Light the oil lamps and place them around the altar.
- Apply tilak of kumkum and turmeric to the idols and offer flowers.
- Chant Lakshmi mantras or recite the Lakshmi Ashtottara Shatanamavali (108 names of Goddess Lakshmi).
- Offer Panchamrit, sweets, fruits, and coins to the goddess.
- Perform the aarti with a lit camphor or ghee lamp, singing devotional songs.
- Sprinkle holy water or Ganga water around the house, symbolizing purification and the goddess’s presence.
- Concluding Rituals: Distribute prasad (consecrated food) among family members and guests.
Other Diwali Rituals and Traditions
- Lighting Diyas and Fireworks: Homes and public spaces are illuminated with diyas (oil lamps) and colorful lights. Fireworks are burst to celebrate the festive spirit and ward off evil spirits.
- Rangoli: Beautiful rangoli designs are created at the entrances of homes using colored powders, flowers, and rice.
- Feasting and Sweets: Traditional sweets and delicacies are prepared and shared among family and friends. Common sweets include laddoos, barfis, and kheer.
- Gift Exchange: Exchanging gifts is a common practice during Diwali, symbolizing love and goodwill.
Diwali 2024
Lakshmi Puja on Friday, November 1, 2024
Lakshmi Puja Muhurat – 05:36 PM to 06:16 PM
Duration – 00 Hours 41 Mins
Pradosh Kaal – 05:36 PM to 08:11 PM
Vrishabha Kaal – 06:19 PM to 08:15 PM
Lakshmi Puja Muhurat without Sthir Lagna
Amavasya Tithi Begins – 03:52 PM on Oct 31, 2024
Amavasya Tithi Ends – 06:16 PM on Nov 01, 2024
Conclusion
Diwali 2024 promises to be a time of immense joy, celebration, and spiritual reflection. As families come together to perform rituals, light lamps, and share festive meals, the festival reinforces the values of unity, prosperity, and the triumph of good over evil. With its rich traditions and deep cultural significance, Diwali continues to be a beacon of hope and happiness for millions around the world.
