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The highly anticipated festival of Diwali, known as the festival of lights, is set to be celebrated on October 31, 2024, according to confirmations from the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra. The date coincides with Amavasya Tithi, the new moon phase, which begins on the afternoon of October 31st and extends into the evening, making it the auspicious time for Diwali celebrations.
The VHP spokesperson, Sharad Sharma, clarified that Diwali will be celebrated on the evening of October 31st, as the Amavasya Tithi falls on that day. The Drik Panchang, a Hindu almanac, corroborates this by stating that Diwali will be observed on the Amavasya Tithi of the Kartik month, with Lakshmi Puja taking place on October 31st.
The timing of Diwali is closely tied to the lunar calendar, with the festival traditionally celebrated on the darkest night of the Hindu lunisolar month of Kartik. This year, the Amavasya Tithi, the new moon phase, aligns with the evening of October 31st, making it the designated date for Diwali festivities. The auspicious period for Lakshmi Puja, a significant ritual dedicated to the goddess of wealth and prosperity, falls between 5:12 PM and 6:16 PM on October 31st, marking the peak of Diwali celebrations.
Leading up to Diwali, October 30th will witness the celebration of Deepotsav, a grand event in Ayodhya where thousands of diyas (oil lamps) are lit, illuminating the city and symbolizing the victory of light over darkness. This year, Deepotsav also coincides with Hanuman Jayanti, a celebration honoring the birth of Lord Hanuman, further enhancing the spiritual significance of the occasion.
Diwali holds deep cultural and religious significance for Hindus worldwide. It is a time for family gatherings, feasts, prayers, and the exchange of gifts. The festival symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. The lighting of diyas, the bursting of fireworks, and the vibrant decorations all represent the celebration of hope, prosperity, and the joy of togetherness.
Source: Diwali 2024: Will October 31 or November 1 mark the festival of lights? Ayodhya Ram Mandir confirms