Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is one of the most significant and widely celebrated festivals in India and across the globe. It symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Diwali 2024 will be celebrated from October 31 to November 4. The five-day festival is marked by various rituals and traditions, each day holding special significance. Here’s a detailed look at the five days of Diwali 2024.

1. Day 1: Dhanteras (October 31, 2024)

The Diwali celebrations begin with Dhanteras, also known as Dhanatrayodashi, which falls on the thirteenth day of the waning moon in the month of Kartik, according to the Hindu lunar calendar. The word “Dhan” means wealth, and “Teras” refers to the thirteenth day, making this day especially auspicious for the purchase of new items, especially gold, silver, and utensils.

Significance: Dhanteras is dedicated to Lord Dhanvantari, the physician of the gods, and the goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth. According to Hindu mythology, it was on this day that Lord Dhanvantari emerged from the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) with a pot of nectar, symbolizing health and immortality. People light lamps outside their homes and pray for health and prosperity.

Traditions:

• People clean and decorate their homes with rangoli (intricate designs made on the floor using colored powders, rice, or flower petals).
• It is customary to purchase new metal items like gold, silver, or kitchen utensils, as it is considered auspicious and a symbol of bringing good fortune.
• In the evening, a special puja is performed to honor Lord Dhanvantari and Goddess Lakshmi, invoking blessings for health and wealth.

2. Day 2: Naraka Chaturdashi (November 1, 2024)

The second day of Diwali is Naraka Chaturdashi, also known as Choti Diwali or Kali Chaudas. It falls on the fourteenth day of the waning moon in Kartik and commemorates the victory of Lord Krishna and Goddess Kali over the demon Narakasura.

Significance: This day symbolizes the removal of darkness and evil from the world. According to legend, Narakasura had terrorized the heavens and the earth, but was eventually slain by Lord Krishna. The slaying of the demon signifies the victory of good over evil, and this day is observed as a time to rid oneself of laziness, evil, and impurities.

Traditions:

• People wake up early in the morning, bathe with special oils and herbal pastes, which are believed to purify the body and soul.
• Houses are illuminated with diyas (oil lamps) to ward off evil spirits.
• In some regions, people burst firecrackers and enjoy sweets as a way of celebrating the victory over Narakasura.

3. Day 3: Lakshmi Puja (November 2, 2024)

The third day is the most significant of the five days, known as Lakshmi Puja or Main Diwali. It falls on the new moon (Amavasya) night of Kartik and is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.

Significance: On this day, it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi descends from the heavens to bless her devotees with good fortune and wealth. The new moon night is illuminated by millions of lamps to welcome her into homes.

Traditions:

• Houses are thoroughly cleaned and adorned with lights, candles, and rangoli, as cleanliness is said to invite the goddess.
• The main ritual of this day is Lakshmi Puja, during which families worship idols or images of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha (the remover of obstacles), and Lord Kubera (the god of wealth).
• People wear new clothes, exchange gifts, and distribute sweets to their loved ones. Fireworks add to the festive spirit after the puja.

4. Day 4: Govardhan Puja (November 3, 2024)

The fourth day of Diwali is known as Govardhan Puja or Annakut, which means “mountain of food.” It is celebrated in honor of Lord Krishna, who lifted the Govardhan Hill to protect the villagers of Gokul from a devastating storm caused by Lord Indra, the god of rain.

Significance: Govardhan Puja is a celebration of Lord Krishna’s humility and his love for humanity. This day signifies the importance of nature and the need to respect and protect it, as Krishna demonstrated by lifting a hill to provide shelter.

Traditions:

• In some regions, especially in Gujarat and North India, people prepare an elaborate meal offering of different kinds of food to Lord Krishna, symbolizing the Annakut.
• Temples are decorated, and devotees visit to offer prayers and food.
• Small mud or cow-dung replicas of Govardhan Hill are made and worshiped with offerings of food and flowers.

5. Day 5: Bhai Dooj (November 4, 2024)

The final day of Diwali is Bhai Dooj, a celebration of the bond between brothers and sisters. Similar to Raksha Bandhan, Bhai Dooj honors the love and protection shared by siblings.

Significance: The legend behind Bhai Dooj is that Yama, the god of death, visited his sister Yami (Yamuna) on this day. She welcomed him with a tilak (a ceremonial mark on the forehead) and a lavish meal. Touched by her affection, Yama granted her a boon that any brother who visits his sister on this day would be blessed with a long life.

Traditions:

• Sisters perform aarti (a ceremonial prayer) for their brothers, apply tilak on their foreheads, and pray for their well-being and longevity.
• Brothers give gifts to their sisters, often in the form of sweets, money, or clothing, as a token of their love.
• Families come together for festive meals and celebrations, marking the end of Diwali.

Conclusion:

The five days of Diwali 2024 offer a rich blend of religious significance, cultural traditions, and family bonding. From the reverence for wealth and health on Dhanteras to the celebration of sibling love on Bhai Dooj, each day has its unique customs and meanings, making Diwali a multifaceted and cherished festival.