Diwali 2024:
In Hinduism, Deepawali (Diwali) is an important festival.Celebrated yearly, it is known as the festival of lights and represents the triumph of good (or light) over evil. In various Indian states it is a joyful and passionate event which is celebrated mostly in the Northern, Western and Eastern regions of the country.
According to the Ramayana, a famous Hindu epic, Diwali celebrates Lord Rama’s (his brother Lakshmana and wife Sita) arrival back to Ayodhya after spending 14 years in exile. It is also believed that this day was when the heavenly ocean(Samudra Manthan) churned from which goddess Lakshmi came as wealth .
Timing and date:
Diwali is determined by Indian calendars – it takes place any time between October/November every year. As per Indian calendars, individuals celebrate it on the 15th day of Kartik month. For instance in India,diwali will be celebrated on Friday November 1,on Amavasya.In addition Amavasya Tithi indicate the period when moon oppose sun light up to twelve degrees, will start from 03:52 p.m on October 31 until 06:16 p.m on November 1 2024.
During Diwali Puja, people mostly worship Goddess Lakshmi, the god of wealth, in hopes of achieving fame, prosperity, and happiness. The Lakshmi Puja Muhurat (best time to worship Lakshmi) for Diwali 2024 is between 6:15 pm to 7:15 pm on November 1, 2024, Friday, which lasts for one hour Deepavali is known by its Sanskrit name, “line of lamps”, which can be correlated with Diwali.
History of Diwali:
Deepavali, another name for Diwali, is an important Hindu festival that has a lot of cultural and spiritual significance. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and wisdom over ignorance.The illumination of diya signifies an internal light that protects against spiritual darkness.
Rama’s Return:
Lord Rama is remembered as he visits Ayodhya with Sita and Lakshman after 14 years from exile by people lighting lamps as a way to signify the defeat of evil (in those times) while driving away darkness from their lives.
Krishna’s Victory:
In South India, Diwali is usually linked with Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura. His death is representative of the victory of good over evil and a new beginning following the defeat of negativity.
Goddess Lakshmi:
Diwali is also associated with Goddess Lakshmi, the divine spouse of Vishnu, a symbol of happiness, prosperity and wisdom throughout India. People believe that lights invite abundance and good fortune into homes along with Lakshmi.
Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists are the three sub-religions of India, and each has a unique story about the festival of Diwali. Diwali, according to Sikh tradition, marks the release of their 17th-century Guru Hargobind from a 12-year prison sentence. Jains, who hold many Hindu religious beliefs in common, will celebrate the day that Lord Mahavira attained nirvana on the Diwali festival. Buddhists celebrate Diwali as the day that Ashoka, the Hindu emperor, converted to Buddhism.
The significance of Diwali
Diwali’s significance goes beyond its spectacular lights and joyous celebration. It is a strong tapestry containing strands of tradition, history, and symbolism. Following are a few key characteristics that highlight the importance of Diwali.
Light triumphs over darkness:
Lighting clay lamps represents the triumph of knowledge over ignorance, good over evil, and light over darkness. It stands for throwing away negativity and welcoming enlightenment.
Internal changes:
Diwali is a time of meditation and spiritual cleansing. The festival is a reminder to let go of our ill conscience, pride and jealousy and embrace humanity, charity and compassion.
Goddess Lakshmi Diwali:
Goddess Lakshmi who represents happiness, prosperity and well being. By inviting Lakshmi into homes through pujas and offerings, people can invite wealth and abundance for the coming year.
Family and Community:
Diwali strengthens the bonds between community and family. Socializing by attending festivals, exchanging gifts and sharing meals all contribute to social bonds and a sense of community.
Brother-Sister Bond:
Bhai Dooj, the last day of Diwali, honors the unique relationship that is shared by siblings. It is a day to celebrate love, gratitude, and fortifying the special bond between siblings.
Ancient Origins:
With more than 2500 years, Diwali is one of the oldest festivals in the world recorded in history, celebrated since time immemorial. Originally based on ancient harvest festivals it has grown into numerous myths, perspectives and modifications over time.
Essentially, it’s everything about optimism, lightness and victory over darkness This is proof of how diverse cultures situated at different ends of the world make us one. Our ability to go beyond physical barriers and emotional connection among ourselves remain indelible marks in this age when human reflections tell all.
How the Diwali Puja is performed
Diwali also connects to Goddess Lakshmi, the heavenly partner of Vishnu and the symbol of luck, prosperity, and well-being throughout India. Lamps invite abundance and positivity into homes, along with Lakshmi.People celebrate Diwali Puja to invoke the blessings of Lord Ganesh, who is revered for his knowledge and ability to remove barriers, and Goddess Lakshmi, who represents wealth and success. While regional customs may differ, certain conducts are common:
House cleaning:
Keeping your home clean and organized attracts Goddess Lakshmi. As a result, a month before Diwali, people begin cleaning and sometimes even painting their homes.
Puja Area Preparation:
In many Hindu houses, people set aside a special place for worship that they decorate and clean beautifully in advance of the Lakshmi Puja. This is where they locate the idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesh.
Decorating the home:
People create vibrant rangolis and hang banners and posters with the words “Shubh” and “Labh” to make their houses look more inviting.
Puja Thali assembling:
Flowers, a bell, kumkum, incense sticks, raw rice, red thread, and prasad (a sacred offering) are among the elements that go into making a puja thali. Diyas (lamps) with mustard oil that are traditionally lit are kept in another thali.
Kalash Placement:
Beneath a coconut and encircled by mango leaves, a Kalash (holy pot) is filled with water.
The recital of Aarti
With the Ganesh aarti, the puja begins by striking a bell and moving the puja thali in a clockwise direction. The Lakshmi aarti is recited in a similar manner after the aarti of Lord Ganesh.
Deity and Diya Worship:
Deity and Diya worship involves applying crimson vermillion (kumkum) and rice to the deities’ foreheads, decorating them with flowers, and offering prasad. Diyas are also placed there.
Blessings and Celebration:
As the puja comes to an end, people ask Lord Ganesh and Goddess Lakshmi for their blessings. Diyas are placed throughout the home, in outdoor locations, and on rangolis. During the festivities, people visit one another, exchange gifts, share sweets, and, if they really wish, light environmentally friendly fireworks.
Sweets for Bhog
Since many people buy and even make sweets and prasad during Pooja, it is considered not just the festival of lights but also the festival of sweets and delicacies. Below, we have also provided you with a list of some unique Prasad possibilities.
1. Panchamrit
Traditionally, it is one of the sacred beverages of God. It is offered to deities or gods in puja ceremonies.
2. Gur-halwa
Gur Atta Halwa is the most popular Prashad during Diwali since it is thought to be dedicated to Goddess Laxmi.
3. Motichoor ladoo
Motichoor ladoo is offered to Lord Ganesh and Goddess Laxmi during the auspicious days of Dhanteras and Diwali. Moreover, the Motichoor ladoo is said to be Lord Ganesh’s favorite.
4. Kheer:
Every Indian celebration would be incomplete without rice kheer. Kheer is a diverse dish that can reflect the maker’s culture, history, and tastes.
