#12. When Should We Celebrate Diwali 2024: October 31 or November 1?

When is Diwali in 2024?

Diwali is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India. It symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil. However, in 2024, there is a lot of confusion about the date of Diwali. Some calendars show it on 31st October, while others mention 1st November. So, which is the correct date?

In this blog, we will clear the confusion and explain, step by step, when it is most auspicious and appropriate to celebrate Diwali in 2024 according to Hindu scriptures, astrology, and Jainism.

The Significance of Diwali and Amavasya

Diwali is traditionally celebrated on Kartika Amavasya (the New Moon of the Kartika month). It marks the day when Lord Ram returned to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, and the people of Ayodhya lit oil lamps to welcome him. On this day, people worship Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity and peace.

The celebration of Diwali on Amavasya is important because this night symbolizes the removal of darkness and the arrival of light into our lives. However, in 2024, the Amavasya falls over two days: 31st October and 1st November. This has led to the confusion of which day Diwali should be celebrated.

Understanding the Amavasya Tithi

In 2024, Kartika Amavasya begins at 3:52 PM on 31st October and ends at 6:16 PM on 1st November. This means that Amavasya spans across both days.

Now, we need to determine which day to celebrate Diwali by considering two important factors: Pradosh Kaal and Udaya Tithi.

The Importance of Pradosh Kaal

Pradosh Kaal is the time period during which day transitions into night, essentially around sunset. This time is considered highly auspicious for performing Lakshmi Puja on Diwali. According to Hindu beliefs:

• On 31st October, Pradosh Kaal is from 4:24 PM to 6:48 PM.

• On 1st November, Pradosh Kaal is from 4:18 PM to 6:42 PM.

Amavasya is present during Pradosh Kaal on both days, so technically, Diwali could be celebrated on either day. However, Pradosh Kaal alone is not enough to decide the correct date. We also need to consider the Udaya Tithi.

Why Udaya Tithi Matters

According to Hindu tradition, festivals are celebrated on the day when the specific tithi (lunar day) is present at sunrise. This is known as Udaya Tithi.

• On 31st October, at sunrise, it is Chaturdashi Tithi (14th day).

• On 1st November, at sunrise, it is Amavasya Tithi.

This makes it clear that, according to the Udaya Tithi, Amavasya is on 1st November. Therefore, Diwali should be celebrated on this day. Hindu scriptures also state that if a tithi spans over two days, the festival should be observed on the second day if that tithi is present at sunrise.

Scriptural Guidance for Tithi Selection

In addition to Udaya Tithi, Hindu scriptures also provide further clarification. It is mentioned that if a tithi extends beyond sunset by at least 1 Ghati (24 minutes), then the festival should be celebrated on that night.

On 1st November 2024, the sun sets at 5:36 PM, and Amavasya lasts until 6:16 PM, which is more than 1 Ghati (24 minutes) after sunset. Therefore, according to this rule, Diwali should be celebrated on 1st November 2024.

Diwali in Jainism - Mahavir Swami’s Nirvana

In Jainism, Diwali holds a unique and profound significance. It is observed as the day of Lord Mahavir Swami’s Nirvana. On Kartika Amavasya, Lord Mahavir attained Moksha (liberation), and since then, Jains celebrate this day as the Nirvana Kalyanak of Lord Mahavir.

Jains light lamps to symbolize the light of knowledge and the spiritual liberation that Mahavir Swami achieved. This day is one of the most important days in the Jain calendar, and according to Jain traditions, Diwali in 2024 will also be celebrated on 1st November, as that is when Amavasya tithi aligns with the day of Mahavir’s Nirvana.

When is Diwali Being Celebrated in Ayodhya?

Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram and the historical origin of Diwali, plays a central role in this festival. According to Acharya Satyendra Das Ji, the head priest of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya, Diwali will be celebrated on 1st November 2024.

Ayodhya’s deep connection to Lord Ram and the festival of Diwali makes it an authoritative source for determining the correct date. If Ayodhya is celebrating on 1st November, following their tradition, it is considered most appropriate for us to also celebrate Diwali on the same day.

Scriptural Proof and Support from Panchangs

This conclusion is supported by various ancient scriptures and panchangs such as:

- Diwakar Panchang

- Aryabhatt Panchang

- Dharmasindhu

- Purusharth Chintamani

- Tithi Nirnaya

According to all these scriptures and panchangs, celebrating Diwali on November 1st, 2024 is the most auspicious and scripturally correct.

Conclusion - When Should You Celebrate Diwali in 2024?

Considering all the factors—Udaya Tithi, Pradosh Kaal, scriptural guidance, and the historical significance of Diwali— it is clear that 1st November 2024 is the most auspicious and correct date to celebrate Diwali.

Not only does this align with Hindu traditions, but it also honors the Jain celebration of Mahavir Swami’s Nirvana. Therefore, on 1st November 2024, perform Lakshmi Puja in the evening, light diyas, and celebrate the victory of light over darkness.

FAQs

1. When should Diwali 2024 be celebrated?
   Diwali 2024 should be celebrated on 1st November 2024, as per the Udaya Tithi and other scriptural guidelines.

2. Can Diwali be celebrated on 31st October?
   While Amavasya starts on 31st October, according to Hindu scriptures, festivals should be observed on the day when the tithi is present at sunrise, which in this case is 1st November.

3. Why do Jains celebrate Diwali?
   Jains celebrate Diwali as the Nirvana Kalyanak of Lord Mahavir Swami, who attained Moksha on Kartika Amavasya.

4. When will Ayodhya celebrate Diwali in 2024?
   According to the head priest of Ayodhya, Diwali will be celebrated on 1st November 2024 in Ayodhya.