Diwali 2024: Exact Date with Pooja Timings and Vidhi; Unique home decor traditions and mantras for prosperity

Diwali or Deepawali is one of the biggest, most energetic and popular Indian festivals. It is the homecoming of Lord Ram after a long period of exile to his birthplace and kingdom of Ayodhya and is celebrated in various ways across India.
At its core sentiment, Diwali is the symbol of the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance and good over evil. People from different regions celebrate it in their own ways, but the essence is always the same. People coming together, families sitting down together, elaborate decorations, positive energies and much more. – get together with family, decorate houses and say prayers to the gods for prosperity and peace.

Diwali 2024

In 2024, Diwali will be celebrated on Thursday, October 31, followed by Govardhan Puja and Bhaidooj celebrations.
It all starts on October 29 with Dhanteras, the day considered the best for buying gold, silver and utensils. Then, on October 30, Chhoti Diwali or Naraka Chaturdashi takes place, the day when people light lamps and burst crackers to celebrate the victory over Narakasura. On October 31st, all of India celebrates Diwali with Lakshmi Pujan, bursting crackers and prayers.

Then on November 1, Govardhan Puja takes place, the day when people celebrate the lifting of Govardhan Parvat by Lord Krishna to protect villagers from rain. And then the celebrations end with Bhai Dooj, a day to celebrate the love between siblings.

Diwali puja times

According to Drik Panchang, the dates in 2024 will be: “Lakshmi Pujan Thursday, October 31, 2024.”
Lakshmi Puja Muhurta – From 6:52 p.m. to 8:41 p.m
Duration – 01 hour 50 minutes
Pradosh time – 6:10 pm onwards 8:52 p.m
Taurus Period – From 6:52 p.m. to 8:41 p.m
Amavasya Start Date: October 31, 2024 at 6:22 am
The Amavasya date ends on November 1, 2024 at 8:46 am.

Diwali Puja Vidhi

Apart from eating sweets and bursting crackers or decorating the houses, the main event of Diwali in most houses is the Lakshmi Puja. On the day of Diwali, October 31 this year, people will worship the goddess of wealth, Maa Lakshmi, along with Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles.

The Puja Vidhi for Diwali is quite simple and people start by cleaning the house thoroughly. It is believed that a clean and tidy home attracts Goddess Lakshmi and she then blesses households with wealth and prosperity.
Now choose a clean and holy place for the puja or keep the murti of Lakshmi and Ganesh in the home temple. Make sure they are not lying directly on the marble or floor and spread a clean cloth, preferably red, over the surface.
Then begin the puja by invoking the energies of Lord Ganesha. Light a diya and offer flowers, incense sticks and sweets to Lord Ganesha. Remember that Lord Ganesha is always worshiped first as he removes obstacles on the path to success and prosperity. Then invoke the energy, love and protection of Mata Lakshmi by lighting the diyas and offering her flowers and sweets.
In the puja, chant the aarti dedicated to Maa Lakshmi, the mantras dedicated to Lord Ganesha and ask her for happiness, contentment, abundance and positivity.
And then before the main aarti, place coins, silver or gold jewelry near the deities as blessings given by them and show your gratitude for it.

Here's how to decorate your home this Diwali

During Diwali, it is best to ensure that your home is well decorated and looks beautiful rather than making everything a mess. For decoration, start by cleaning the house, putting away the trash, changing the colors or patterns a little and of course making some additions to the home temple.

Once this is done, it is rangoli time. Making rangoli is one of the most traditional and artistic ways to decorate your home for Diwali. Use colorful powders, flowers or rice to create patterns near the entrance or in your living room.
Fairy lights
Another great decorating idea is to light up the house with fairy lights. Hang the lights along your windows, doors, balconies and even on plants in your balcony or garden. Choose a warm white light for a traditional glow and enjoy the beautiful atmosphere and shine.
Diyas for decoration
Diyas are also an important part of Diwali. You can keep traditional clay diyas filled with oil and cotton wicks in your home. Or buy more colorful ones to add a pop of color to the room.
Bandhanwars and Torans
Bandhanwars and Torans are basically decorative wall hangings traditionally made from flowers, leaves, beads and the like. Buy some bandhanwars and attach them to the main entrance door as they are considered symbols of protection and positivity.
Add more flowers
For interior decoration, you can also use fresh flowers such as marigolds, roses, jasmine and the like to not only add some color to the decor but also give the home a natural, floral freshness.
Related: 50+ Happy Diwali Wishes, Greetings, Messages, Quotes and Images to share on this auspicious festival of lights

Diwali traditions

Although Diwali is celebrated across India, different regions have different, unique customs and traditions. For example, in northern India, Diwali celebrates the return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya after 14 years in exile. It is believed that the city was lit up with diyas to welcome him home and similar things are also performed on the north side.
People clean their houses, perform Lakshmi puja, burst crackers, prepare sweets like laddoos, jalebis, kaju katli and more.
And in the southern parts of India, Diwali is associated with the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. People wake up early on Naraka Chaturdashi, take a ritual bath, wear new clothes and much more. The temple is decorated and families perform special pujas on the occasion.
And in Bengal and parts of eastern India, Diwali coincides with “Kali Puja,” in which the goddess Kali is worshiped as a symbol of strength and protection from evil. Houses and temples are illuminated with diyas and elaborate pujas are performed.

Mantras to chant on Diwali to invite prosperity

Some of the most famous mantras that people like to chant on Diwali are dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, Lord Kuber and others.
For example, people usually start their pujas with a Ganesh mantra – “Om Gam Ganapataye Namah”.
People also chant mantras dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, for example, “Om Mahalakshmyai Cha Vidmahe Vishnu Patnyai Cha Dheemahi Tanno Lakshmi Prachodayat”.
Another famous mantra is dedicated to Lord Kuber and is “Om Yakshaya Kuberaya Vaishravanaya Dhanadhanyadhipataye Dhanadhanyasamriddhim Me Dehi Dapaya Swaha”.