Diwali 2024: Key date and auspicious timings for Lakshmi Puja muhurat
Produced by: Tarun Mishra
Diwali Date
Diwali, the festival symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness, falls on Thursday, October 31, 2024. The festival is widely celebrated with lights, diyas, and special rituals to honour the deities, especially Goddess Lakshmi.
Lakshmi Puja Significance
Lakshmi Puja is a central Diwali ritual, believed to invite prosperity and happiness. Devotees perform prayers to Goddess Lakshmi, seeking her blessings for wealth and success in the coming year.
Connection to Ramayana
Diwali also commemorates Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya after his exile, as mentioned in the Ramayana. His return, celebrated by illuminating Ayodhya with oil lamps, serves as a symbol of victory over evil.
Primary Puja Timing
For 2024, the most auspicious Lakshmi Puja Muhurat is between 6:54 PM and 8:33 PM on October 31, aligning with Pradosh Kaal (6:02 PM to 8:33 PM) and Vrishabha Kaal (6:54 PM to 8:54 PM), enhancing the Puja’s significance.
Amavasya Tithi
This year, Diwali coincides with the Amavasya Tithi, which begins at 3:52 PM on October 31 and ends at 6:16 PM on November 1. The new moon phase, or Amavasya, is seen as an ideal period for invoking blessings from Goddess Lakshmi.
Nishita Kaal Muhurat
For those observing later rituals, the Nishita Kaal, from 11:53 PM to 12:43 AM on November 1, is also considered auspicious. This late-night window under Mahanishita Kaal provides an alternative time for Lakshmi Puja.
Additional Choghadiya Muhurat
- Afternoon (Shubha): 4:36 PM to 6:02 PM - Evening (Amrita, Chara): 6:02 PM to 9:10 PM - Night (Labha): 12:18 AM to 1:52 AM (Nov 1) - Early Morning (Shubha, Amrita): 3:26 AM to 6:34 AM (Nov 1)