The celebration of Happy Diwali 2024 brings a unique question this year: should Diwali be celebrated on October 31 or November 1? This overlap between the two days of the Amavasya tithi (new moon phase) has sparked a lively debate among our experts and spiritual leaders on the most auspicious timing for Lakshmi Puja.
While some recommend performing the puja on October 31, others advise waiting until November 1 based on traditional tithi timing.
Happy Diwali 2024 – October 31 vs. November 1: Which Day is Right for Diwali?
- October 31: Advocates of an October 31 Diwali highlight that Amavasya begins at 3:52 PM, overlapping with Pradosh Kaal (the evening period after sunset) and Vrishabha Kaal (Taurus period). The symbolism of beginning Lakshmi Puja at the start of Amavasya is rooted in the tradition of dispelling darkness with light, an act at the heart of Diwali.
- November 1: Some spiritual leaders emphasize observing Diwali based on Udaya Tithi, or the tithi present at sunrise. As Amavasya continues into November 1 until 6:16 PM, it aligns with a significant part of the day. This tradition is deeply embedded in Vedic customs, and many believe that observing Diwali during this time will invite more incredible spiritual blessings. Drik Panchang, a trusted source, suggests performing Lakshmi Puja on November 1, aligning with Pradosh and Vrishabha Kaal for enhanced positive energies.
Happy Diwali 2024: Auspicious Lakshmi Puja Muhurta’s
For those seeking the most favorable times to perform Lakshmi Puja on Diwali, here are the auspicious timings for both days:
- October 31, 2024:
- Pradosh Kaal: 5:35 PM to 8:11 PM
- Vrishabha Kaal: 6:21 PM to 8:17 PM
- Lakshmi Puja Muhurat: 6:25 PM to 8:32 PM
- November 1, 2024:
- Pradosh Kaal: 5:36 PM to 8:11 PM
- Vrishabha Kaal: 6:19 PM to 8:15 PM
- Lakshmi Puja Muhurat: 5:36 PM to 6:16 PM
At the end of the day, Lakshmi Puja’s choice of day and time is very personal. Choose the day and time that resonate with your beliefs and follow the rituals to invite prosperity into your home.
Steps to Perform Lakshmi Puja for an Auspicious Diwali
No matter when you celebrate Diwali, remember that the Lakshmi puja is the key to deepening the blessings of Diwali.
What Preparations for Lakshmi Puja
- Cleanse and Purify Your Home: Thoroughly clean your living space to welcome positive energies. Purify each room by burning incense or dhoop, as it’s believed that Goddess Lakshmi favors a clean, welcoming home.
- Set Up the Puja Altar: Arrange a dedicated space with idols or images of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha. Place diyas (oil lamps), flowers, fruits, sweets, and traditional items such as coins or grains to symbolize abundance.
Puja Rituals to Follow
- Invoke Lord Ganesha: Start by praying to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. Light the diyas and chant “Om Gan Ganapataye Namah” to bring success and harmony to your home.
- Lakshmi Puja: Focus your devotion on Goddess Lakshmi. Recite mantras like “Om Shreem Mahalakshmiyei Namah” while offering flowers, sweets, and coins to invite prosperity.
- Chanting Lakshmi Mantras: Mantras are integral to the ritual. Each mantra should be chanted with focus and sincerity to align with the goddess’s blessings.
- Perform Aarti: Conclude the puja with Lakshmi Aarti, a devotional song sung in reverence. Aarti symbolizes the culmination of the ritual and is a time to express gratitude.
- Distribute Prasad: Offer Prasad, the blessed food items, to family and neighbors, spreading the blessings of Diwali with your loved ones.
Doing these rituals during Pradosh and Vrishabha Kaal helps you connect with positive energies, making the puja more effective.
No matter when you celebrate, a happy heart makes Diwali 2024 a unique and blessed occasion for you and yours.
Rajani S
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