People all around the nation are enjoying the preparations for the important holiday of Deepawali. Diwali, sometimes called the “Festival of Lights,” commemorates the return of Lord Rama, Lakshman, and Sita after their 14-year exile. Diwali also symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. To enhance the mood of the festivities, people light diyas, build rangolis, decorate their houses, and trade sweets during Diwali.

Dhanteras, Narak Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali, Lakshmi Puja, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj are just a few of the festival days that come with Diwali. The festivities of Diwali begin with the start of Dhanteras and end with Bhai Dooj.

Festival Lists for Diwali in 2024 with Dates

Date: October 29, 2024, Dhanteras

Rituals: On Dhanteras, worshippers honor the goddess Laxmi and the Ayurvedic deity Lord Dhanvantari. Purchasing gold, silver, or silverware is a common way to show riches. To welcome riches, people clean and adorn their homes and light diyas, or oil lamps.

On October 30, 2024, Choti Diwali

Rituals: This day, which is also called Narak Chaturdashi, is marked with prayers for forgiveness of sins. To fend off bad spirits, people often burn diyas, take holy baths, and rise early. Another way to commemorate Lord Krishna’s triumph over the demon Narakasura is to light firecrackers.

Diwali (Laxmi Puja): October 31, 2024

Rituals: Goddess Laxmi is worshipped on the main day of Diwali. Families erect altars with different offerings, flowers, and candies. In order to commemorate the victory of light over darkness, the puja usually takes place in the evening and is followed by the lighting of fireworks and the popping of fireworks.

Puja of Govardhan: November 2, 2024

Rituals: Lord Krishna is honored on this day for raising the Govardhan Hill to shield the peasants from the intense rains. A little mound of cow dung is traditionally made, and it is adorned with flowers and candies to represent Govardhan Hill. Community meetings are frequent, and special prayers and feasts are organized.

Dooj Bhai: November 3, 2024

Rituals: The relationship between brothers and sisters is celebrated on Bhai Dooj. Sisters pray for their brothers’ wellbeing, conduct aarti for them, and mark their foreheads with a tilak. In exchange, brothers swear to protect their sisters and provide them presents. Family love and dedication are highlighted on this day.