During Diwali 2024, with rituals, colorful clothes, and sweets that taste like tradition, there’s so much to experience and learn.

But, do you know all the customs behind Diwali? Or maybe just the date it falls on this year? If you want to know what’s happening during Diwali this year, this article is just for you.

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What is Diwali?

Diwali is a major festival in India and by Hindus worldwide. It lasts five days and symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. In northern India, it remembers Lord Rama’s return after defeating the demon king Ravana. In the south, it celebrates Lord Krishna’s victory over Narakasura. For Jains, Diwali is Mahavira’s nirvana, while Sikhs celebrate the release of Guru Hargobind Ji from jail.

When is Diwali 2024?

Diwali in 2024 will be celebrated on October 31 and November 1, 2024. This festival follows the Hindu lunar calendar, so its date changes every year. Diwali lasts five days, starting with Dhanteras on October 29 followed by Choti Diwali on October 30, the main Diwali celebration, and ending with Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj on the next days.

The dates vary across countries depending on the time zone. However, the festival’s common themes are light, joy, and family gatherings with common practices such as lighting diyas (lamps), buying gold, setting off fireworks, sharing sweets, and honoring sibling bonds.

Diwali 2024 dates across various regions:

• India: November 1, 2024
• USA and Canada: October 31, 2024
• UK: October 31, 2024
• Australia: November 1, 2024

How Diwali is Celebrated: Rituals, Traditions, and Festive Customs

• Lighting Diyas: People light small lamps filled with oil to push away darkness in various spots around homes. It’s meant to attract wealth and prosperity into the house.
• Lakshmi Puja: On the main day, a prayer is done for the goddess of wealth. Homes are cleaned, and decorated, and an altar is made to offer fruits, flowers, and sweets.
• Rangoli: Colorful designs, usually at the entrance, with powdered colors or flower petals. These designs invite good fortune and joy.
• Firecrackers: Fireworks are a huge part of the celebration, as their sound is believed to keep away negativity. However, now attendees pay more attention to air and sound pollution.
• Gift Exchange: Giving gifts is a way to show affection. Typical gifts include sweets, clothes, and jewelry, often shared with loved ones.
• Cleaning Homes: Houses are deeply cleaned and, at times, repaired before Diwali. This is so because a clean space is believed to invite the goddess Lakshmi.
• Bhai Dooj: On the last day, sisters pray for their brothers’ wellbeing, and brothers give gifts in return, a small ritual that celebrates sibling love.

Note that in different parts of India, the main attention can shift from worshiping gods like Lord Rama or Krishna depending on the cultural region.

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The Cultural Meaning of Diwali in Hinduism

Diwali is a major festival in Hinduism, a time to reflect, rejoice, and share good food with the ones that matter most to you. People light up diyas, which are little lamps that represent knowledge shining bright against ignorance. Lord Rama comes back home after battling Ravana. This is a famous tale that teaches us about hope. Then there is another story of winning over evil: Krishna who beats Narakasura.

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Regional Variations of Diwali Across India

Diwali festivals may resemble other Hindu festivals. The truth is that the way it is celebrated varies according to the specific part of India you are in.

In the North, the focus is on Lord Rama’s return. Ayodhya becomes a scene of lights and joy, with citizens cleaning homes, and buying sweets. In Gujarat, its focus is on starting fresh, new accounts, and Goddess Lakshmi, its business, and rituals. In Rajasthan, they have colorful rangoli and bustling markets, while in Delhi and Punjab, firecracker explosions resonate. In Uttar Pradesh also grand processions light the streets.

No matter the different ways to celebrate Diwali, they all come together for the same cause.

How Different Communities Celebrate Diwali

Diwali is celebrated in India, but also in some other far-off places. Every community adds its unique touch to the celebrations. Here are some examples of Diwali celebrations.

• Nepal – Tihar Festival: Known as Tihar, this five-day festival brings Nepal alive. Each day has its special theme, from honoring crows to dogs. The last day is a heartwarming celebration of sibling bonds, with sisters bestowing blessings on brothers.
• Singapore: Singapore’s celebration in Little India is known as Deepavali. Families partake in rituals, light up the night, and enjoy street parades filled with shopping and performances.
• Malaysia: Malaysian Hindus kick off Deepavali with an oil bath, a symbol of purification. Open houses foster togetherness and welcome everyone for a feast. This celebration brings together Indian and Malay customs.
• South Africa: Based on its Indian heritage, Diwali in South Africa is a fun affair. Community gatherings feature performances while fireworks light up the night.
• United Kingdom: Leicester is the center stage during Diwali, hosting one of the largest celebrations outside India. London’s Trafalgar Square has turned into a cultural hotspot for music and dance.
• United States: In the U.S., Diwali is on the rise in public festivals across cities. Times Square has turned into an amazing stage for cultural performances.
• Canada: In cities like Toronto, Diwali festivities grow in popularity every year, with galas and temple celebrations. Canadians light up homes and hearts, share sweets, and come together as a community.

Tips to Celebrate Diwali Festival 2024

Celebrating Diwali in 2024 means remembering ancient customs while bringing new ideas. Here are some tips to celebrate Diwali while keeping traditions alive.

Eco-Friendly Diwali

Go green during Diwali celebrations! Use clay or cow dung diyas instead of plastic ones. Opt for natural rangoli colors from turmeric or flowers, and if you use firecrackers, favor eco-friendly options. You can also choose LED or solar lights to save energy.

Diwali Shopping Spree

Don’t forget Diwali also means shopping. And while you may think it is a superfluous practice, you can do better than that! You can support local artisans by buying handmade gifts or organic treats. Handmade or customized gifts, like personalized sweets, make gift-giving more special.

Diwali Home Decoration Ideas

Create a warm, inviting space with a blend of minimalist styles and traditional elements like diyas and marigold flowers. DIY decorations using sustainable materials add a personal touch, and smart lighting systems can change colors to fit the festive vibe.

Celebrate with Family and Friends

Gatherings are an essential part of Diwali. Host virtual parties with loved ones far away. Throw themed parties, like “Bollywood Night,” or potluck dinners to share everyone’s favorite dishes.

Creative and Educational Activities

Teach younger generations about Diwali. Share stories from the Ramayana or organize craft sessions for making diyas and rangoli. This keeps cultural traditions alive while being creative.

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FAQs About Diwali

Are Dussehra and Diwali the same?

No, Dussehra and Diwali are different festivals. Though both festivals celebrate the victory of good over evil, Dussehra marks the end of Navratri and celebrates Goddess Durga’s triumph over Mahishasura. Diwali, also called the Festival of Lights, occurs 20 days after Dussehra. It celebrates Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya and the victory of light over darkness.

Do Sikhs Celebrate Diwali?

Yes, Sikhs celebrate Diwali, but with a different meaning. They remember Bandi Chhor Divas, which marks the release of Guru Hargobind Sahib from prison. The event symbolizes freedom and justice. Sikhs light lamps, especially at the Golden Temple, where they pray and gather for meals. Diwali for Sikhs is also a homage to the foundation of the Golden Temple in 1577.

How Long Is Diwali?

Diwali lasts for five days, and each day has a different meaning and set of customs. During Day 1 or Dhanteras, people clean homes, buy new things, and worship gods. Day 2, Naraka Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali, marks Lord Krishna’s win over evil, and they rise early, bathe, and decorate homes. Day 3, Lakshmi Puja, is the most important day because families worship Goddess Lakshmi, light diyas, and share gifts. Then, on Day 4, or Govardhan Puja, they honor Lord Krishna’s act while building cow dung hills and feasting. Finally, on Day 5, or Bhai Dooj, they celebrate sibling bonds, sisters pray, and brothers give gifts.

What Countries Celebrate Diwali?

The most important festival takes place in India, but other countries such as Nepal, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Fiji, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Malaysia, and Singapore observe it too. The UK, Canada, and the US have seen growing festivities in recent decades. South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and Indonesia have joined in as well.