The tale of the celebration of Diwali originates from the Hindu epic Ramayana known for its heterogeneity. It is the celebration of triumph of good over evil as Lord Rama returned with Goddess Sita and Lord Lakshmana to Ayodhya after killing the Lankeshwar Ravana with the help of Lord Hanuman and Vanar Sena.
It is the most important festival for Hindus across the world and is celebrated with great pomp and show. People decorate their houses with lights, flowers, rangoli, and decorative elements. They bring new idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, buy new utensils and jewellery, and prepare different delicacies.
Diwali 2024: Date And Time
Diwali is technically a 5-day festival which will commence on October 29, 2024, and culminate on November 3, 2024. The date time for the celebration of each will be as follows,
Dhanteras - October 29, 2024
Kali Chaudas - October 30, 2024
Narak Chaturdashi (Chhoti Diwali) - October 31, 2024
Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) - November 1, 2024
Govardhan Puja - November 2, 2024
Bhai Dooj - November 3, 2024
The muhurat for Lakshmi Puja is between 5:36pm and 6:16pm. The auspicious time for worship falls on Amavasya Tithi which will begin on October 31, 2024, at 3:52pm and end on November 1, 2024, at 6:16pm. According to some Hindu calendars, Dhanteras will be celebrated on October 30, 2024, as well.
Diwali History & Significance
Lord Rama was sentenced to exile for 14 years. Towards the end of 13th, Lanka King Ravana kidnapped Sita and kept her as a captive in Ashok Vatika. It is believed that Lord Rama, along with his brother, Lord Hanuman, and Vanar Sena built a bridge of stones between India and present-day Sri Lanka to free his wife.
After killing Ravana, he took his chariot and returned to Ayodhya with his wife and brother. According to mythology, people lit ghee lamps in their homes as the rightful king and queen of Ayodhya returned.
Diwali in South India is also the celebration of Lord Krishan defeating Narakasura. Many devotees also believe that on the no-moon day (Amavasya), Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi got married. No matter which legend you believe, Diwali is considered the most auspicious time of the year and is celebrated with utmost enthusiasm and joy.
Traditional Food Prepared On Diwali
From savouries to sweets, Diwali is not only the festival of light but also of food. Different households from different communities across India prepare numerous dishes and offer them to Gods and Goddesses before sitting for a feast. Some traditional delicacies include,
Gulab Jamun
Gulab jamun is a must-have on Diwali. Soft khoya balls are deep-fried in oil and dipped in sugar syrup to absorb the sweetness. It is also one of the sweets that people exchange on this auspicious occasion or distribute to employees in the office.
Neyyappam & Adhirasam
In South India, neyyappam and adhirasam are prepared in most households. Neyyappam are deep-fried sweet pakoras made of jaggery, rice flour, cardamom, and coconut. Adhirasam, on the other hand, is a sweet but chewy disc made with the same ingredients.
Puri & Sabzi
In North, West, and parts of East India, people make puri sabzi as a complete meal to offer to Gods and Goddesses during puja. Puris can be flavoured but the curry is prepared without onion and garlic.
Beverages
Many households across the country make sure to add homemade beverages to the festive spread. It could be a special batch of masala tea, thandai, lassi, or falooda. Most of the beverages are sweet without a trace of alcohol in them.
Snacks
For snacks, fritters, sev puri, gol gappe, tikki, dhokla, khaman, fafda, etc. are preferred. Many Hindus believe that they should neither offer to Gods nor consume onion and garlic on Diwali. The wholesome festive spread is what foodies wait for throughout the year.