Diwali 2024: Date, puja timings, rituals and best traditional sweet recipes

After the vibrant celebrations of Navratri and Dussehra, our attention will turn to the upcoming Diwali festival. Known as the festival of lights, Diwali is a time of joy, celebration and deep traditions. Diwali, or Deepavali, is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India, consisting of a five-day festive period that begins with Dhanteras and ends with Bhaiya Dooj. According to the Hindu calendar, Diwali falls in the month of Kartik. This year Diwali will be celebrated on 1 November 2024. As the date approaches, preparations for the festival already begin. On the day of Diwali, devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha to seek blessings for prosperity and well-being.

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Diwali 2024: date and puja timings

Lakshmi Puja will take place on Friday, November 1, 2024. The ideal time to perform Lakshmi Puja is during Pradosh Kaal, which starts after sunset and lasts for approximately 2 hours 24 minutes. This is the moment when devotees light lamps, offer prayers and celebrate the arrival of Goddess Lakshmi in their homes.

Lakshmi Puja on Friday, 1 November 2024
Lakshmi Puja Muhurat- 05:36 pm to 06:16 pm
Duration – 00 hours 41 minutes
Pradosh Kaal – 05:36 pm to 08:11 pm
Taurus period- 06:20 pm to 08:15 pm
Lakshmi Puja Muhurta without fixed ascendant
Amavasya Tithi Start – 31st October 2024 at 03:52 PM
Amavasya date ends – 01 November 2024 at 06:16 pm
(Source: drikPanchang.com)

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Diwali 2024: Significance and rituals

Diwali marks the return of Lord Shri Ram to Ayodhya with his wife Sita and brother Lakshman. To celebrate this joyous occasion the residents of Ayodhya illuminated their homes with lamps, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness. The festival also symbolizes the victory of good over evil, a central theme of many Hindu traditions.
Worshiping Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, is an integral part of Diwali celebrations. Cleanliness plays an important role in Diwali preparations, prompting families to clean and decorate their homes well in advance. Houses are illuminated with diyas (oil lamps) and decorated with vibrant rangolis. After the puja, families come together to enjoy a variety of delicious dishes and lots of sweets. Another popular tradition is to meet friends and relatives, exchange gifts, sweets and dry fruits, thereby strengthening the bonds of love and friendship.

Diwali is celebrated with lots of sweets.
Photo Credit: iStock

Diwali 2024: 5 traditional sweets you can make at home for Diwali

No Indian festival is complete without traditional sweets and Diwali is no exception. To make your Diwali celebrations even sweeter, here are five must-try traditional sweet dishes!

1. Kaju Katli

A true classic, Kaju Katli is a beloved sweet that is synonymous with Diwali. Made from finely ground cashew nuts and flavored with cardamom, this diamond-shaped dish is very much liked by the people. It’s perfect for gifting or enjoying at home. Click here for the recipe.

2. Rasmalai

This melt-in-the-mouth sweet is a festival favourite. Rasmalai consists of soft chhena (fresh cheese) discs soaked in sweetened, flavored milk. It is the perfect end to any meal during Diwali. Click here for the recipe.

3. Rice pudding

Kheer is the main sweet of Indian festivals. Made with fragrant basmati rice, milk and nuts, this creamy rice pudding is a comforting indulgence that everyone loves. Click here for the recipe.

4. Motichoor Laddus

These sweet, round balls made of fine boondi are a must for Diwali. Motichoor laddus are soft, delicious and absolutely delicious! Click here for the recipe.

5. Jalebi and milk

Crispy, syrupy jalebi is often mixed with milk as a popular bhog prasad. This combination is not only delicious but also adds to the festive spirit.

Diwali 2024 promises to be a memorable occasion full of love and lights. happy Diwali!