Diwali, or the Festival of Lights, is one of the most celebrated festivals in India and among Hindu communities worldwide. Diwali signifies the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. The celebration spans five days, with each day having its own significance, and the third day—Diwali itself—is the most important one, dedicated to Lakshmi Puja, a ritual to honor the goddess of wealth and prosperity.
For 2024, Diwali falls on Thursday, November 1. Here’s an overview of the dates for each day of the Diwali festival and the most auspicious timings for performing Lakshmi Puja.
Diwali 2024: Important Dates
- Dhanteras, Tuesday, October 29, 2024
This day marks the beginning of Diwali and is dedicated to Dhanvantari, the god of health and healing. People traditionally buy precious metals or items symbolizing wealth to bring good fortune. - Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali): Wednesday, October 30, 2024
Naraka Chaturdashi represents the day Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. - Diwali (Lakshmi Puja): Thursday, November 1, 2024
The main day of Diwali celebrations, where families perform Lakshmi Puja in the evening to invite blessings of prosperity, health, and happiness. Houses are decorated with lamps, candles, and rangolis, and sweets are exchanged among family and friends. - Govardhan Puja (Annakut)—Friday, November 2, 2024
This day commemorates Lord Krishna’s lifting of the Govardhan Hill to protect villagers from heavy rains. Devotees offer a mountain of food as a form of gratitude and worship. - Bhai Dooj, Saturday, November 3, 2024
The last day of Diwali, Bhai Dooj, celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters pray for their brothers’ well-being, and brothers offer gifts in return.
Lakshmi Puja Muhurat for Diwali 2024
The ideal timing to perform Lakshmi Puja on November 1, 2024, is during the Pradosh Kaal, which is the evening time just after sunset. Performing the puja within this time is considered highly auspicious as it allows devotees to invite Goddess Lakshmi into their homes during her preferred hours.
- Pradosh Kaal: From approximately 5:50 PM to 8:20 PM (timings may vary slightly depending on location).
- Vrishabha Kaal (fixed lagna, most favorable): 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Amavasya Tithi: Begins on November 1 at 12:45 PM and ends on November 2 at 10:00 AM.
During these times, families light diyas (oil lamps) around their homes, prepare sweets, and perform rituals to welcome the goddess.
How to Perform Lakshmi Puja
- Preparation: Clean and decorate the home, especially the area for puja, with rangoli and lights.
- Setting up the Puja Altar: Arrange idols or images of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha as they are worshipped together. Prepare offerings like sweets, fruits, rice, and flowers.
- Lakshmi Puja Ritual: Begin by chanting Lakshmi mantras, offer prayers to Lord Ganesha, and then proceed with the worship of Goddess Lakshmi. Offer sweets, flowers, and incense while chanting her praises.
- Aarti and Lighting of Diyas: Conclude with the aarti (prayer hymn), light diyas throughout the home, especially near entrances, to symbolize the dispelling of darkness and welcoming of prosperity.
Why Lakshmi Puja is Important on Diwali
Lakshmi Puja on Diwali is believed to invite prosperity, wealth, and happiness into the household. Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, is said to roam the earth on Diwali night, visiting homes that are clean, well-lit, and welcoming. This puja signifies gratitude for blessings received and the wish for continued prosperity in the coming year.
This Diwali, with the correct date and timings for Lakshmi Puja, let the Festival of Lights fill your home with abundance, peace, and joy.
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