Diwali 2024
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the grandest and most important festivals in India and among millions around the globe. This festival, which usually falls between October and November, symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. As we approach Diwali 2024, set to be celebrated from October 29th to November 1st , it’s time to delve into the stories behind the festival, the significance of its five iconic days, and the vibrant traditions that bring communities together.
Why is Diwali Celebrated?
Diwali has its roots in various mythological stories, the most popular being the return of Lord Rama after defeating the demon king Ravana. His return was seen as the victory of light (Rama) over darkness (Ravana). Another significant story is about Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura, which is particularly celebrated in Southern India as Narak Chaturdashi or Tamil Deepavali.
Diwali 2024 Celebrations
The festival is filled with vibrant traditions, each rooted in historical and spiritual significance. To help you celebrate Diwali the right way, this guide will take you through all days of the festival and explain the rituals and customs associated with each one.
Dhanteras (October 29, 2024)
Dhanteras marks the official beginning of Diwali, and it is considered one of the most auspicious days of the year. The name “Dhanteras” comes from the words dhan (meaning wealth) and teras (the 13th day in the lunar cycle). On this day, people honor Lord Dhanvantari, the god of Ayurveda, and Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, for good health and prosperity.
Auspicious Dhanteras Puja Time – 06:55 PM to 08:22 PM
Rituals on Dhanteras
1. Buying New Items: One of the most popular customs is purchasing new items, particularly gold, silver, or utensils. These purchases are believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the year ahead.
2. Cleaning Homes: Families clean their homes before Dhanteras to welcome Goddess Lakshmi. A clean and clutter free house symbolizes readiness to receive wealth and blessings.
3. Lakshmi Puja: After sunset, small diyas (oil lamps) are lit outside homes and near the entrance to ward off evil spirits. On this day, people honor Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kuber to seek material wealth and prosperity. Lord Kuber, revered as the treasurer of the world’s riches, is worshiped alongside Sri Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth.
Kali Chaudas (October 30, 2024)
Bhut Chaturdashi, also known as Kali Chaudas, is primarily celebrated in the western states of India, particularly in Gujarat. Kali Chaudas is dedicated to the Goddess Kali, who represents the destruction of evil. On this day, people celebrate Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura, signifying the triumph of good over evil.
Auspicious Kali Chaudas Puja Time – 11:39 PM Oct 30 to 12:28 AM, Oct 31
Rituals on Kali Chaudas
1. Abhyanga Snan: Early in the morning, people take a ritualistic oil bath, known as Abhyanga Snan, which is believed to cleanse the body and soul of negative energies.
2. Kali Puja: In the evening, devotees perform Kali Puja, where they light lamps and offer prayers to the goddess. This ritual is especially popular in Western India and parts of Eastern India.
3. Lighting Diyas: In many parts of India, homes and streets are lit up with oil lamps in preparation for the main Diwali day.
Narak Chaturdashi & Diwali/Deepavali (October 31 & November 1, 2024)
The third day is the most significant day of Diwali, also known as Narak Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali, Roop Chaturdashi and Roop Chaudasin in some regions, and the main Diwali/ Deepavali day in others. It is celebrated with great fervor and joy, marking the day when Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, as described in the epic Ramayana. The people of Ayodhya welcomed their king by lighting the entire city with diyas.
Devotees wake up early, take a holy bath, and offer prayers to cleanse themselves of sin and negativity. Rituals often include lighting additional diyas, bursting firecrackers, and decorating homes with vibrant rangoli designs.
On this day, the lighting of diyas reaches its peak. People burst firecrackers, share sweets and gifts, and wish each other wealth and happiness. The air is filled with joy and celebration, symbolizing unity and love within families and communities. Families also often come together to prepare sweets and savory snacks, further enhancing the festive ambiance.
Auspicious Lakshmi Puja Time – 06:47 PM to 08:21 PM on Oct 31st
Rituals on Diwali
1. Lakshmi Puja: On the day of Diwali, devotees perform Lakshmi Puja in the evening, offering prayers, sweets, and flowers to Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and prosperity.
2. Ganesh Puja: Before the Lakshmi Puja, a prayer is offered to Lord Ganesha to seek his blessings for success and the removal of obstacles.
3. Lighting Diyas and Candles: Diyas and candles are lit throughout homes to signify the victory of light over darkness and to welcome divine presence.
Govardhan Puja & Bali Padyami(November 2, 2024)
Govardhan Puja is celebrated the day after Diwali in Northern India. It commemorates the day when Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan Hill to protect the people of Vrindavan from torrential rains sent by Lord Indra. This day is also known as Annakut, meaning a “mountain of food,” as people prepare large quantities of food to offer to Lord Krishna.
Auspicious Govardhan Puja & Bali Padyami Time – 06:14 AM to 08:33 AM
Rituals on Govardhan Puja
1. Building Govardhan Hills: In some communities, small replicas of the Govardhan Hill are made using cow dung and decorated with flowers. These are worshiped to honor Lord Krishna.
2. Food Offerings: On this day, devotees prepare and offer various vegetarian dishes to Lord Krishna as a gesture of gratitude for his protection.
3. Prayers and Feasts: After the puja, families come together to enjoy a grand feast, sharing food and happiness with their neighbors and community.
Bali Padyami, celebrated in Southern India on the same day, honors the return of King Bali to Earth. This day represents generosity, sacrifice, and prosperity. Families perform rituals, including offering lamps and decorating their homes to welcome the blessings of King Bali.
Bhai Dooj (November 3, 2024)
Bhai Dooj, the final day of the Diwali festival, is dedicated to the bond between brothers and sisters. It is similar to Raksha Bandhan, but instead of tying a rakhi, sisters perform a special puja and pray for their brothers’ long life and prosperity. Sisters pray for their brothers’ wellbeing and prosperity, while brothers, in turn, vow to protect and support their sisters
Auspicious Bhai dooj Puja Time – 01:13 PM to 03:33 PM
Rituals on Bhai Dooj
1. Tika Ceremony: Sisters apply a tika (a mark) of vermilion on their brothers’ foreheads as a symbol of protection. Brothers, in return, give gifts to their sisters as a token of love and respect.
2. Exchanging Sweets: Just like other days of Diwali, Bhai Dooj is also celebrated with sweets and savory dishes, bringing families together in celebration.
3. Feasting Together: After the ceremony, families enjoy a meal together, strengthening the bond between siblings.
How to Attract Wealth on Diwali 2024
Diwali 2024, celebrated from October 29th to November 1st, is not just the festival of lights, it is also a time for new beginnings, prosperity, and the attraction of wealth. In Hindu culture, Diwali is synonymous with the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and abundance. With Vastu and astrology guiding the rituals and practices, you can align your energies and surroundings to invite financial growth, success, and good fortune into your life during Diwali 2024.
Vastu Tips for Wealth on Diwali
The principles of Vastu Shastra focus on balancing the energies in your home and workspace. During Diwali 2024, following these Vastu guidelines can create a welcoming environment for prosperity.
Entrance of the House: The main entrance is considered the gateway for positive energy. Clean and decorate it with rangoli, flowers, and diyas (lamps). Placing a pair of elephants or Lakshmi’s feet stickers at the entrance is believed to invite Goddess Lakshmi into your home.
North and Northeast Zones: These directions are linked with wealth and success. Keep this area clutterfree and ensure good lighting to allow the free flow of financial energy. You can place a green plant or a water fountain in the northeast to enhance wealth.
Treasury and Cash Storage: Store your valuables, cash, and important documents in the north direction of your home or office. This area is ruled by Lord Kuber, the god of wealth.
Light Lamps: Lighting lamps or placing a ghee diya inside and outside the house during Diwali is said to amplify prosperity.
To know more read – 15 Vastu Tips for Money and Prosperity: Enhance Your Luck and Happiness
Mantras and Yantras for Wealth & Prosperity
Mantras and yantras are powerful tools in astrology to enhance prosperity and success. During Diwali 2024, chant mantras dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha & Lord Kubera to remove obstacles and attract wealth. The presence of Shri Yantra in your home can amplify the results of your efforts.
Lord Ganesha Mantras
1. || Om Gan Ganpataye Namah||
2. ||Om Ekadantaya Vidmahe, Vakratundaya Dhimahi, Tanno Danti Prachodayat ||
Chanting Ganeshji’s Mantras 108 times wards off negativity and brings good luck and success.
Goddess Lakshmi Mantras
1. || Om Hreem Shreem Kleem Maha Lakshmiyai Namaha ||
2. || Om Shreem Hreem Kleem ||
3. || Om Shreem Maha Lakshmiyei Namah ||
These Lakshmi mantras are highly effective for attracting wealth and prosperity this Diwali/ Deepavali.
Chant these mantras a minimum of 108 times or more during Lakshmi Puja to invoke her blessings.
Lord Kuber Mantras
1. || Om Hreem Shreem Kreem Shreem Kuberaya AshtaLakshmi
Mama Grihe Dhanam Puraya Puraya Namah॥
2. || Om Shreem Hreem Kleem Shreem Kleem Vitteshvaraya Namah ||
Chant these Kubera mantras 108 times to vanish all troubles and bring wealth and prosperity this Diwali.
Shri Yantra
Place the Shri Yantra in the north or east direction of your home or office, and worship it regularly with flowers and incense to enhance the flow of wealth.
You can buy Shri Yantra from Dr Pandit Pavan Sharma Guruji
For more Info Call +91 9945222269
Business Growth Rituals
For business owners and professionals, Diwali is the best time to perform specific rituals that can attract success and financial growth in the coming year.
Chopda Puja: On October 31, 2024, perform Chopda Puja, a ritual where new account books are opened in the name of Goddess Lakshmi. This signifies the beginning of a new financial year for businesses and invites blessings for prosperity and growth.
Vastu for Offices: Ensure your office follows the Vastu principles, especially when it comes to desk placement, cash storage, and reception areas. The southeast corner of the office should be well lit and clutter free to enhance financial success.
To know more read – 6 Vastu tips for Office: Unleash success and prosperity
Offerings to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kuber
Making the right offerings to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kuber on Diwali 2024 is essential to ensure their blessings.
For Goddess Lakshmi: Offer sweets, fruits, incense, lamps and lotus flowers. You can also place a silver coin engraved with her image in the puja area to symbolize wealth and abundance.
For Lord Kuber: Offer water, rice(akshat), flowers, incense, and naivedya as well as lighting a special lamp dedicated to him. This helps strengthen the wealth bringing energies in your life.
Lighting Up Your Home
Diwali is known as the Festival of Lights, and lighting your home is one of the most important aspects of attracting wealth and prosperity.
Diyas and Candles: Place clay lamps (diyas) and candles in the south and southeast directions to attract prosperity. Ensure your home is well lit throughout the night, especially on Diwali night, as it’s believed that Goddess Lakshmi prefers well lit homes.
Electric Lights: String up electric lights around your home, particularly near doors and windows, as they symbolize the dispelling of darkness and welcoming of prosperity.
Additional Rituals
For Wealth
Place a picture of an owl near where you keep money in your home and office. This should be done during Pradosh time(06:47 PM to 08:21 PM on Oct 31st). This remedy will help boost your wealth throughout the year.
For a Happy Married Life for Newlyweds
Wrap an owl nail and some red sindoor in a red cloth and tie it into a small pouch. Keep this pouch in the makeup box. Using this remedy will bring happiness and bliss to the married life of the newlywed woman.
For Family Growth
On Deepavali night, tie an owl feather and a peacock feather together with a red thread and hang them at the main entrance. This remedy will bring wisdom, knowledge, good health, wealth, and prosperity to all family members.
Do’s and Don’ts on Diwali
Do’s
- Buy Gold if possible, or bring home a Silver coin with Goddess Lakshmi’s feet on it.
- Buying Copper or Brass utensils is believed to attract prosperity.
- Buying a Broom is a symbol of Good Luck on Dhanteras
- Investing in gadgets, home appliances, or vehicles on this day brings Good Fortune.
- Buy Coriander seeds to attract money and positivity.
- On Dhanteras (or Dhantrayodashi), drawing the ॐ (Om symbol) at the main entrance using a paste made from freshly ground turmeric and rice can attract wealth and prosperity to your home.
- Bring home a sugarcane root and worship it during Lakshmi Puja
- Offer a Lotus flower to Maa Lakshmi for her blessings and abundance in your life
- Light 13 diyas in different corners of your house.This helps remove negativity and invite light and balance to your home. In Astrology, 12 diyas represent the 12 houses of the zodiac, and the 13th diya represents your own self, promoting peace and harmony to your life.
- Burn incense and dhoop, and offer naivedyam to Goddess Lakshmi & Lord Ganesh
- Chant powerful Mahalakshmi mantras to invoke positive energy, which will be uploaded shortly
- After the Diwali puja, blow the shankh, play the damru, or ring bells in your home to remove illness and money blockages
Tip for Shops
If your Business is struggling, worship a Gomati chakra during Lakshmi Puja. After the puja, tie the Gomati Chakra in a red Cloth and hang it at the entrance of the shop, this stimulates growth and brings profit and balance.
Don’ts
- Do not buy sharp items like knives or scissors as they are believed to cut off good luck
- Avoid throwing away old items today. Do cleaning and decluttering before Dhanteras
- Don’t turn away a beggar empty-handed, it’s considered bad luck
- Avoid buying Plastic, Iron or Steel as these are unlucky purchases on Dhanteras.
- Don’t keep Maa Lakshmi idol alone, place her alongside Lord Ganesha.
- Don’t use broken items, replace them before Diwali as this can attract bad energy
- Keep a picture or idol of Maa Lakshmi always in Sitting Position in the east or North Direction
- Don’t keep dead plants at home, be sure to discard them before Dhanteras
- Avoid selling household items, as this can attract an energy of letting go instead of abundance
- Refrain from gambling, as it’s considered inauspicious.
- Avoid wearing Black coloured clothes.
Conclusion
As you prepare for Diwali 2024, remember that aligning your space, actions, and thoughts with the principles of Vastu and astrology can help you attract wealth, success, and abundance. From performing Lakshmi Puja during the auspicious muhurta to decluttering and lighting your home, every ritual has a profound impact on your financial wellbeing. Use these tips and practices to make the most of the energy of Deepavali and create a prosperous year ahead.