Celebrate the arrival of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha to your homes this Diwali 2024 with Wedding Affair!
Diwali 2024 is today and people all over the globe are excited to welcome Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth, fortune and prosperity, and Lord Ganesha, the deity of new beginnings and remover of obstacles, into their homes. Also known as the festival of lights, Diwali symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. Typically falling between late October and November, as per the lunar calendar, the festival is celebrated in various ways across the Indian subcontinent and holds a major significance religiously and culturally.
Why is Diwali Celebrated?
Diwali is one festival that marks one of the most important events of the Hindu religion, reiterating its teachings with its celebration. The day of Diwali marks the day Lord Rama, Goddess Sita and Lord Lakshmana returned to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. Exiled by his father, King Dasratha, Lord Rama, his wife Sita and his brother Lakshmana faced various struggles during their time away from home. Diwali is observed as a day of celebration when their sorrows and difficulties ended and they finally returned to their home. To welcome them, the citizens of Ayodhya cleaned the city, lit the streets with thousands of diyas, and decorated every corner with beautiful rangoli. Thus, the ritual has been carried on by generations of Hindus to celebrate the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana.
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When is Diwali Celebrated?
Diwali 2024 is being celebrated on the 31st of October, 2024. As per the Drik Panchang, the muhurat for Diwali puja are as follows:
- Lakshmi Puja Muhurat – 6:52 pm to 8:41 pm, October 31
- Pradosh Kaal – 6:10 pm to 8:52 pm
- Vrishabha Kaal – 6:52 pm to 8:41 pm
- Amavasya Tithi Begins – 6:22 am on October 31
- Amavasya Tithi Ends – 8:46 am on October 31
How is Diwali Celebrated?
While humongous celebrations are annually held on the day of Diwali, the preparation for the festivals begin at least four days prior.
First Day: Dhanteras (29 October, 2024)
Dhanteras involves worshipping Lord Dhanvantri, the god of health and ayurveda. Families pray for health and well-being. This also marks the presence of Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. People usually buy something new on Dhanteras to invite good fortune into their homes. This could be new utensils, electronic appliances, gold or silver jewellery and more.
Second Day: Naraka Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali (30 October, 2024)
Naraka Chaturdashi is celebrated a day before Diwali to mark the victory of Lord Krishna over the Asura Narakasura. Also marking the fourteenth day of the month of Kartik, the day is often celebrated as roop chaudas where families indulge in Abhyanga Snan where they scrub their bodies, apply face packs, and face masks and essentially purify their souls before Diwali. Additionally, diyas are lit up in and around the house on this day!
Third Day: Diwali (31 October, 2024)
The day of Diwali begins with cleaning the house, decorating it with loads of flowers and rangoli, doing a Lakshmi Puja in the evening, distribution of sweets, and bursting crackers at night to welcome Lord Rama back to Ayodhya.
Fourth Day: Govardhan Puja
Govardhan Puja marks the day when Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan hill to save the villagers from the wrath of Lord Indra. It marks respect for nature and the earth. On this day people observe the Annakut Puja, where a mountain of food is prepared to symbolize the Govardhan hill and abundance. Cows are worshipped because of their contribution to the world of agriculture and families gather to eat a variety of food.
Fifth Day: Bhai Dooj
This is one of those days that the sisters wait for eagerly every year. On the day of Bhai Dooj, sisters apply the holy tilak on their brother’s forehead followed by their arti wishing for their health and prosperity. Brothers, on the other hand, shower them with tons of gifts.
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We hope this Diwali brings a lot of good luck, prosperity, and happiness to your households. May your homes shine bright with love and togetherness. Wedding Affair wishes all a very happy Diwali!
