In its core feeling, Diwali is the symbol of victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. People from different regions celebrate it in their own unique ways, but the essence is always the same. People come together, families sit down with each other, elaborate decorations, positive energies, and much more. —coming together with family, decorating homes, and offering prayers to the gods for prosperity and peace.
Diwali 2024
In 2024, Diwali will be celebrated on October 31, Thursday, and will be followed with Govardhan puja and Bhaidooj festivities.
It will all start on October 29 with Dhanteras, the day considered best for purchasing gold, silver, and utensils. Then, on October 30 will be Chhoti Diwali, or Naraka Chaturdashi, the day when people light lamps and burst crackers to celebrate the victory over Narakasura. Then on October 31, all of India will celebrate Diwali with Lakshmi pujan, bursting crackers, and prayers.
Then on November 1, there is Govardhan puja, the day when people celebrate the lifting of Govardhan parvat by Lord Krishna to protect villagers from rain. And then the festivities end with Bhai dooj, a day that celebrates the love between siblings.
Diwali puja timings
In 2024, according to Drik Panchang the timings will be – “Lakshmi pujan Thursday, October 31, 2024
Lakshmi Puja Muhurta – From 06:52 PM 08:41 PM
Duration – 01 hour 50 minutes
Pradosh period -From 06:10 P.M. 08:52 PM
Taurus period -From 06:52 PM 08:41 PM
Amavasya Date Start -October 31, 2024 at 06:22 AM
Amavasya date ends -November 01, 2024 at 08:46 AM”.
Diwali puja vidhi
Apart from the eating of sweets and bursting crackers, or decorating the homes, the main event of Diwali in the majority of homes is Lakshmi puja. On the day of Diwali, October 31 this year, people will worship the goddess of wealth, Maa Lakshmi, along with Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles.
The puja vidhi for Diwali is fairly simple and people start by cleaning the house thoroughly. It is believed that a clean and tidy home attracts Goddess Lakshmi, and she then blesses households with wealth and prosperity.
Now, choose a clean and sacred space for the puja or keep the murti of Lakshmi and Ganesh in the home temple. Make sure to not keep them directly over the marble or the floor, and spread a clean cloth, preferably red, over the surface.
Then, start the puja by invoking the energies of Lord Ganesha. Light a diya and offer flowers, incense sticks, and sweets to Lord Ganesha. Remember that Lord Ganesha is always worshipped first, as he removes obstacles from the path of success and prosperity. Then, invoke the energy, love, and protection of Mata Lakshmi by lighting the diyas and offering her flowers and sweets.
In the puja, sing the aarti dedicated to Maa Lakshmi, the mantras dedicated to Lord Ganesha, and ask them for happiness, contentment, abundance, and positivity.
And then before the main aarti place coins, silver, or gold jewelry near the deities as a blessing that they gave and show your thankfulness for it.
How to decorate your home this Diwali
During Diwali, it is best to keep your home decorated and looking beautiful instead of making a cluttered mess of anything. For the decor, start with cleaning the home, clearing the junk, changing up the colours or patterns a bit, and of course, make some additions to the home temple.
Once this is done, it is Rangoli time. Making rangoli is one of the most traditional and artistic ways to decorate your home for Diwali. Use colorful powders, flowers, or rice to design patterns near the entrance or in your living room.
Fairy lights
Another amazing decor idea is to light up the house with fairy lights. Drape the lights along your windows, doors, balconies, and even on plants in your balcony or garden. Choose a warm, white light for a traditional glow, and look at the beautiful ambiance and shine.
Diyas for decor
Diyas too are an important part of Diwali. You can keep traditional clay diyas filled with oil and cotton wicks around your home. Or buy more colourful ones to add a pop of colour to the space.
Bandhanwars and torans
Bandhanwars and torans are basically decorative wall hangings that were traditionally made with flowers, leaves, beads, and the likes. Buy some bandhanwars and tie them up on the main entry door as they are believed to be symbols of protection and positivity.
Add more flowers
For home decor, one can also use fresh flowers like Marigold, roses, jasmine, and the likes to not just add some colour to the decor, but also give the home a natural, floral freshness.
Diwali traditions
Although Diwali is celebrated all over India, different regions have different, unique customs and traditions. In North India for example, Diwali celebrates Lord Ram’s return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. The city is believed to have been lit with diyas to welcome him home, and similar things are done in the Northern side.
People clean their homes, perform Lakshmi puja, burst crackers, prepare sweets like laddoos, jalebis, kaju katli, and more.
And then in the Southern parts of India, Diwali is related to the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. People wake up early on Naraka Chaturdashi, take a ritualistic bath, wear new clothes, and more. The temple are decorated, and families perform special pujas to mark the occasion.
And in Bengal and parts of East India, Diwali coincides with the ‘Kali Puja’, where Goddess Kali is worshipped as a symbol of strength and protection from evil. Homes and temples are lit with diyas, and elaborate pujas are performed.
Mantras to chant on Diwali to invite prosperity
Some of the most famous mantras that people like to chant on Diwali are dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, Lord Kuber, and more.
For example, people usually start their pujas with a Ganesh mantra – “Om Gam Ganapataye Namah”.
People also chant mantras dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, for example, “Om Mahalakshmyai Cha Vidmahe Vishnu Patnyai Cha Dheemahi Tanno Lakshmi Prachodayat”.
Another famous mantra is one dedicated to Lord Kuber which is “Om Yakshaya Kuberaya Vaishravanaya Dhanadhanyadhipataye Dhanadhanyasamriddhim Me Dehi Dapaya Swaha”.