Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most cherished festivals in the world, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Its origins stem from the ancient Hindu epic, the Ramayana, which tells the story of Lord Rama, a revered deity and ruler exiled to the forest for 14 years. During his exile, Rama, along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, encountered numerous adventures, ultimately leading to a fierce battle with Ravana, the demon king of Lanka, who had kidnapped Sita. After Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana, he returned to his kingdom, Ayodhya, where the people welcomed him with rows of lamps, lighting up the entire city to celebrate his homecoming. This symbolic act of lighting lamps is recreated every Diwali to signify the triumph of good over evil.
Another popular legend behind Diwali is linked to Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. It is believed that she emerged from the ocean during the cosmic event known as the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean) and married Lord Vishnu on Diwali night. Diwali is celebrated in this way to honor Lakshmi and seek her blessings for wealth, health, and prosperity.
Diwali Story
Lord Ram was sent into exile for fourteen years. Lord Lakshman and Goddess Sita accompanied him. Lord Lakshman is Lord Ram’s brother, and Goddess Sita is Lord Ram’s wife. They all spent fourteen years wandering in jungles, facing various challenges and adventures during their exile. During this time, they encountered mystical creatures and made allies, including the devoted Hanuman. However, Ravana, who was the king of Lanka, kidnapped Goddess Sita. He was Lord Ram’s rival, and he deceived Goddess Sita by converting himself into a saint. This act of deceit led to a series of events that tested the strength and resolve of Lord Ram and his companions.
Determined to rescue Sita, Lord Rama, with Lord Lakshman, Lord Hanuman, and thousands of monkeys, went to fight Ravana. They fought many battles with the rival forces, showcasing immense bravery and strategic warfare. The turning point came when Lord Hanuman flew to Lanka, found Sita, and delivered Lord Rama’s message, giving her hope. After a fierce and intense battle, Lord Rama finally defeated Ravana and saved Goddess Sita. He won a war over evil. After defeating Ravana with a great victory, they returned to Ayodhya, signifying the triumph of good over evil.
His arrival in Ayodhya spread happiness and smiles among all the residents. The entire kingdom was adorned with lights and decorations in celebration. He was welcomed with flowers and lamps. People worshipped Lord Rama and Goddess Sita and their companions, lighting oil lamps (diyas) to illuminate the night sky and guide them home. This joyous occasion marked the beginning of the Diwali festival, symbolising hope, renewal, and the victory of righteousness.
Why Diwali is Celebrated?
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, commemorates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya with Maa Sita and Lord Lakshman after 14 years in exile and the defeat of the demon king Ravana. This festival celebrates India’s rich cultural heritage, unifying Hindus worldwide in a shared tradition. Diwali brings families together, marking the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. During the celebration, people worship deities like Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi, allowing them to connect spiritually and immerse in age-old traditions.
Diwali also symbolizes fresh starts, prosperity, and luck. Many Hindus begin new ventures, businesses, and financial years during this auspicious time. The sense of community flourishes as people decorate their homes with diyas, candles, and vibrant lights, indulge in sweets, exchange gifts, and perform Lakshmi Puja. Diwali traditions, handed down through generations, remind us of togetherness, gratitude, and the joy of giving.
When is Diwali in 2024?
Diwali in 2024 falls on Thursday, October 31, according to Drik Panchang. The auspicious time for Lakshmi Puja is also set for October 31, aligning with the appearance of the Amavasya (new moon) that evening.
Diwali 2024: Puja Timings and Shubh Muhurat
– Diwali Date: Thursday, October 31
– Lakshmi Puja Muhurat: 6:52 pm to 8:41 pm
– Pradosh Kaal: 6:10 pm to 8:52 pm
– Vrishabha Kaal: 6:52 pm to 8:41 pm
– Amavasya Tithi: Begins at 6:22 am on October 31 and ends at 8:46 am on November 1
City-Wise Lakshmi Puja Muhurat
– New Delhi: 5:36 pm to 6:16 pm
– Gurugram: 5:37 pm to 6:16 pm
– Mumbai: 6:57 pm to 8:36 pm
– Pune: 6:54 pm to 8:33 pm
– Chennai: 5:42 pm to 6:16 pm
– Kolkata: 5:45 pm to 6:16 pm
– Bengaluru: 6:47 pm to 8:21 pm
– Ahmedabad: 6:52 pm to 8:35 pm
When is the Next Diwali?
Diwali is an annual festival, and its date shifts slightly each year based on the lunar calendar. The next Diwali after 2024 will be celebrated on Sunday, October 20, 2025. This shifting date keeps Diwali close to the harvest period, marking an agricultural and spiritual milestone.
Why Laxmi Ganesh Puja in Diwali
On Diwali, Hindus perform Lakshmi Ganesh Puja, worshipping Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth, and Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. It is believed that praying to these deities during Diwali brings blessings, prosperity, and a harmonious beginning for the upcoming year. Lakshmi, as the goddess of fortune, is invited into homes through prayers, symbolized by lighting lamps and decorating homes with flowers and rangoli.
Lord Ganesha, known for his wisdom and ability to remove obstacles, is worshipped alongside Lakshmi to eliminate any challenges that may impede prosperity. This combination of Lakshmi’s wealth and Ganesha’s wisdom creates a powerful union that is celebrated with joy, devotion, and reverence during Diwali.
Diwali Puja Samagri
For an authentic and complete Diwali puja, certain items, known as samagri, are essential. Here is a list of commonly used puja items for Diwali:
1. Idols of Lakshmi and Ganesha: The centerpiece of the Diwali puja, these idols are worshipped to invoke blessings.
2. Oil Lamps (Diyas): Clay lamps filled with oil or ghee are lit to symbolize light overcoming darkness.
3. Rangoli Colors: These are used to create intricate patterns at home entrances, symbolizing the welcoming Goddess Lakshmi.
4. Flowers: Fresh flowers, particularly marigold, are used to decorate the altar.
5. Incense Sticks (Agarbatti) and Camphor: These are used to create a fragrant and purified atmosphere.
6. Red Kumkum and Turmeric Powder: Applied to the idols and used for creating a holy symbol (Swastika) on the puja altar.
7. Rice: A symbol of prosperity, used as an offering to the deities.
8. Sweet Offerings (Prasad): Sweets like laddoo, barfi, or kheer are often offered to the gods and shared among family and friends.
9. Coconut and Fruits: Additional offerings symbolizing purity and abundance.
10. New Account Book (Bahi-Khata): For business owners, this signifies the beginning of a new financial year, marked by Lakshmi Puja.
This samagri list helps to create an environment of reverence and gratitude, as each item has its own significance in the ritual. Through these items and rituals, devotees welcome divine blessings and hope for a prosperous and joyful year ahead.
Diwali brings families and communities together, lighting up homes and hearts, symbolizing hope, faith, and the endless victory of good over evil.
Diwali Puja Mantras
1. Lakshmi Vinayaka Mantra
ॐ श्रीं गं सौम्याय गणपतये वर वरद
सर्वजनं मे वशमानय स्वाहा॥
Om Shreem Gam Saumyaya Ganpataye Vara Varada
Sarvajanam Me Vashamanaya Svaha॥
2. Lakshmi Ganesha Dhyana Mantra
दन्ताभये चक्रवरौ दधानं, कराग्रगं स्वर्णघटं त्रिनेत्रम्।
धृताब्जयालिङ्गितमाब्धि पुत्र्या-लक्ष्मी गणेशं कनकाभमीडे॥
Dantabhaye Chakravarau Dadhanam, Karagragam Swarnghatam Trinetram।
Dhritabjayalingitamabdhi Putrya-Lakshmi Ganesham Kanakabhamide॥
3. Rinharta Ganapati Mantra
ॐ गणेश ऋणं छिन्धि वरेण्यं हुं नमः फट्॥
Om Ganesha Rinam Chhindhi Varenyam Hum Namah Phat॥