Diwali 2024 A Complete Guide to Celebrations and Puja Rituals

Are you ready for this year’s Diwali Celebration? Surely, you would be. The Festival of Lights marks the victory of good over evil and the roots of Diwali lie deep in many historical events and mythological stories.

From the return of Lord Rama to worship goddess Lakshmi, Diwali is associated with various traditions and cultural aspects. So, this comprehensive guide will navigate you through such different aspects of Diwali.

Diwali Puja Muhurat 2024: Auspicious Timings

This year, the Festival of Lights is on October 31. This colourful occasion brings good fortune, prosperity, happiness, and blessings to everyone.

The Puja Muhurat is based on the astrological calculations based on the celestial bodies. Performing rituals during this time improves the effectiveness of prayers and attracts good energy and divine blessings.

That’s the important reason for doing the puja at a particular time of the day. Well, this Diwali 2024, The Lakshmi Puja Muhurat is from 06:53 PM to 08:44 PM.

The Pradosh Kaal is from 5:36 PM to 8:11 PM.

The Lakshmi Puja Muhurat in other cities

Diwali Puja Rituals: Step-by-Step Guide

Cleaning: Thoroughly, clean the rooms and ensure the puja area looks neat and clean.  

Offerings for Lakshmi puja: Performing Lakshmi puja is the most important thing, so make a list of Lakshmi puja offerings. You need to buy fresh flowers, fruits, light diyas, incense sticks, sweets, and others to attract positive energy and the festival vibes.

Performing Puja: Light the diyas and incense stick and offer Naivedya to start the Lakshmi Puja and make sure to begin it on Muhurat. Chant Mantras, perform Aarti, and pray for the wellness of your loved ones and family.

Naivedya: It is the food offerings made during traditional puja rituals. It symbolises gratitude and devotion. Once the puja is over, people share it with everyone in their family and neighbours.

Diwali Celebration Traditions Across India

People across India celebrate Diwali with their distinctive customs and rituals.

In East India, on Diwali, people worship Goddess Kali. In Goa, Diwali is a unique combination of Indian and Portuguese cultures and is locally called Akash Kandils, meaning lit in public spaces, churches, and homes.

In West India, Diwali is celebrated with vibrant rituals; particularly, people fill the streets with colourful rangolis.

In South India, Diwali means celebrating the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura who tortured and imprisoned many people. In North India, people commemorate Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after defeating King Ravana.

People celebrate Diwali for 5 days, from 29th October to 2nd November.

  1. Dhanteras
  2. Choti Diwali or Naraka Chaturdashi
  3. Diwali or Lakshmi Puja
  4. Govardhan Puja
  5. Bhai Dooj

Best Gifting Ideas for Diwali 2024

Gifting is a pivotal thing when it comes to Diwali and Dhanteras shopping. Here are some gift ideas for family and friends.

  1. Gold & Silver Coins: Presenting gold and silver coins will be a thoughtful idea. Make sure you buy BIS Hallmarking Gold coins to ensure authenticity and purity.
  2. Sweets: Sweets are the traditional gifting options on Diwali, so add up laddoos, rasgullas, rasmalai, kaju katli, and varieties of halwa, kheer, and gulab jamuns.
  3. Crackers: Purchasing eco-friendly crackers is a thoughtful idea that everyone loves. So, gift it to friends and family and take a step ahead in creating a sustainable environment.
  4. Jewellery: Make sure to add Gold Jewellery for Dhanteras and Diwali. Yes, choose a reputable jewellery store to explore the wide range of collections and buy expensive chains, earrings, bracelets, and rings for your beloved ones.
  5. Clothers: During Diwali, it’s common for people to purchase new clothing, both for themselves and as gifts. Wearing new attire is seen as a sign of good fortune.

FAQs

When is Diwali in 2024?

This year, Diwali will be celebrated on October 31.

Why is it important to follow the Diwali Puja Muhurat?

Muhurat is an auspicious time for performing Lakshmi Puja during Diwali. In 2024, the Muhurat will start from 06:53 PM to 08:44 PM on October 31. Beginning your Puja at this time will increase your chances of receiving blessings.  

How does Diwali Puja 2024 bring prosperity and happiness?

Following the Diwali puja rituals properly such as cleaning homes, lighting diyas, and performing puja during the Muhurat attract positive energy to every home. Seeking blessings from god with a good intention brings happiness, well-being, prosperity, and peace.

What are the different ways to celebrate Diwali in 2024?

Along with the traditional Diwali rituals, you can celebrate this year’s Festival of Lights in these ways.

  • Make Rangoli using raw rice flour, flower petals, and colour powder.
  • Fill with a beautiful home with lights.
  • Invest in new clothes, gold coins, utensils, and eco-friendly firecrackers.
  • Plan for traditional feasting and a Diwali game night.
  • Pray and perform religious rituals both at home and temple.