Diwali 2024 Calendar : When Is Dhanteras, Choti Diwali, Bhai Dooj, And Govardhan Puja

Diwali 2024 Calendar Dates

Day 1: Dhanteras - October 29, 2024 (Tuesday)

Dhanteras, celebrated on the first day of the five-day Diwali festival, marks the beginning of the festivities with prayers for wealth and prosperity.This day is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari and is considered auspicious for purchasing gold, silver, and new utensils. People believe that buying these items on Dhanteras brings prosperity and good luck for the coming year. Homes are often cleaned and decorated, symbolising the welcome of Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth. Many families light diyas in the evening to illuminate their homes.

Day 2: Choti Diwali - October 30, 2024 (Wednesday)

After Dhanteras the next celebration is known as Choti Diwali or Naraka Chaturdashi. According to mythological legends, this day commemorates Lord Krishna's victory over the demon Narakasura, symbolising the defeat of evil. It symbolises the triumph of good over evil and the preparation for the grand celebrations to come on Diwali. People perform rituals, and homes are decorated with diyas, and lights to celebrate the occasion. People also prepare sweets and snacks, which are shared among family and friends. The day ends with lighting up the surroundings, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

Day 3: Diwali - October 31, 2024 (Thursday)

The main event of the festival is Diwali, which falls on November 1, 2024. This day holds immense significance as it marks the worship of Lord Ram, Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Krishna, Lord Ganesha, Lord Kubera, and Goddess Saraswati. Families gather to perform puja, offering sweets and fruits to the deities. Homes are beautifully decorated with rangoli (colourful patterns made with powders or flower petals), lights, and diyas.

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Day 4: Govardhan Puja - November 2, 2024 (Saturday)

The day after Diwali is dedicated to Govardhan Puja, also known as Annakut festival. This day honours the lifting of the Govardhan Hill by Lord Krishna to protect villagers from heavy rains. Devotees create a replica of the Govardhan Hill from cow dung or clay and decorate it with flowers, leaves, and other offerings, as per Jagran Josh.The festival symbolises the importance of nature and the divine's role in safeguarding the faithful devotees.

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Day 5: Bhai Dooj - November 3, 2024 (Sunday)

The final day of the Diwali celebrations is Bhai Dooj, a day dedicated to the bond between brothers and sisters. On this day, sisters pray for their brothers' well-being and longevity, applying a ceremonial tilak on their foreheads. In return, brothers offer gifts to their sisters, symbolising their protective role. This ritual strengthens family ties and highlights the importance of sibling relationships in Indian culture.

As we prepare for Diwali 2024, let’s embrace the spirit of the festival and spread love and light in our lives and the lives of others.

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