Does Diwali Amavasya, known as the Festival of Lights? The festival signifies the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Diwali Amavasya, also known as the Northern Deepavali, holds immense significance, especially for followers of Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism. Diwali is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in India and other parts of the world.
Amavasya, the new moon day, is a critical aspect of this celebration. It marks the darkest night of the year and is considered a powerful time for spiritual reflection, prayer, and the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. Northern Deepavali or Diwali Amavasya is celebrated with great enthusiasm, especially in the northern states of India.
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What is Diwali Amavasya Called?
The term “Diwali Amavasya” refers to the no-moon night that falls during the festival of Diwali. This night is also known as “Lakshmi Puja Amavasya”, as it is believed to be the most auspicious time for worshipping Goddess Lakshmi. In various parts of India, this day is recognized by different names, but the central theme remains the same—celebrating the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
Which Date is Deepavali Amavasya in 2024?
In 2024, Diwali Amavasya will be celebrated on Friday, November 1st. According to the Hindu calendar, the festival occurs on the 15th day of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the month of Ashwin or Kartika. The day is marked by various rituals and customs, including Lakshmi Puja, which is performed during the evening hours. Deepavali Amavasya is especially important for Hindus as it symbolizes the triumph of light and knowledge over ignorance.
Which Day is Diwali on Amavasya?
Diwali always falls on the Amavasya or no-moon day. The exact date varies each year according to the lunar calendar, but it typically occurs in the months of October or November. The Diwali Amavasya in 2024 is on November 1st, which is a Friday. It marks the culmination of the five-day Diwali festival, where families come together to light diyas, decorate homes, and offer prayers for prosperity in the coming year.
In 2024, Diwali Amavasya will be observed on Friday, November 1st. The Amavasya Tithi (new moon phase) will begin at 12:33 PM on October 31st and will end at 2:38 PM on November 1st. The auspicious time for Lakshmi Puja during Diwali Amavasya in Delhi is from 5:35:57 PM to 8:11:50 PM.
It is crucial to perform the puja during the Pradosh Kaal (the evening time after sunset), which is considered the most auspicious time for worshipping Goddess Lakshmi.
What to Do on Diwali Amavasya?
Diwali Amavasya is considered an extremely auspicious day for performing spiritual rituals and invoking the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi. Here are some activities commonly undertaken on this day:
Lakshmi Puja: The main event of Diwali Amavasya is the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, who is believed to visit homes that are clean, well-lit, and decorated with flowers and rangoli. Lakshmi Puja is conducted in the evening, following specific rituals to attract wealth and good fortune.
Lighting Diyas: To dispel the darkness of Amavasya, households light clay lamps, or diyas, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness. People place these lamps on windowsills, doorsteps, and rooftops to guide the goddess into their homes.
Bursting Firecrackers: As part of the celebration, families burst firecrackers to ward off negative energies and to celebrate the joyous occasion.
Exchanging Gifts and Sweets: It is customary to exchange gifts and sweets among family, friends, and neighbors during Diwali, fostering a sense of community and love.
Offering Prayers to Ancestors: On this day, some also perform Pitra Tarpan to pay respects to their ancestors, seeking their blessings for happiness and prosperity.
Is Diwali Amavasya Good or Bad?
While Amavasya (no-moon day) is traditionally considered a time of darkness, Diwali Amavasya is an exception and is seen as highly auspicious. The darkness of Amavasya is believed to be overcome by the light of knowledge and goodness, represented by the illumination of lamps and fireworks. This day is particularly favorable for starting new ventures, performing religious rituals, and seeking the blessings of deities. Lakshmi Puja on Diwali Amavasya is considered one of the most powerful and effective ways to invite prosperity and wealth into one’s life.
Diwali 2024 Hindu Calendar and Dates
The Diwali 2024 Hindu calendar provides detailed dates and times for the celebration across India. In 2024, Diwali begins on October 28th and concludes with Bhai Dooj on November 2nd. Here are the key dates:
October 29, 2024: Dhanteras – The first day, dedicated to the worship of Lord Dhanvantari, the god of health and wealth.
October 31, 2024: Naraka Chaturdashi – Also known as Choti Diwali, it celebrates the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura.
November 1, 2024: Diwali – The main festival day, when Lakshmi Puja is performed, and homes are illuminated with lamps.
November 2, 2024: Govardhan Puja – The fourth day, honoring Lord Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill to protect villagers from torrential rains.
November 3, 2024: Bhai Dooj – The final day, which celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters.
diwali diya the diya is placed
Significance of Diwali Amavasya
Diwali Amavasya, also known as the new moon night, holds immense spiritual significance during the Hindu festival of Diwali. This auspicious occasion is the darkest night of the year, where people celebrate by lighting oil lamps, bursting fireworks, and worshipping Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. For those searching for “When is Diwali Amavasya?”, it is vital to understand its connection with the Hindu calendar and why it is revered across India and beyond.
Diwali Amavasya is considered the most auspicious night of Diwali. The day holds great mythological and spiritual significance. According to Hindu tradition, the night of Diwali Amavasya is the perfect time to seek blessings from the divine forces, offering prayers to Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and prosperity and Lord Ganesha for wisdom and success.
This Amavasya is also believed to be the day when Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, during which he defeated the demon king Ravana. The people of Ayodhya lit lamps to welcome their beloved prince home, and this tradition of lighting lamps, known as diyas, continues to this day.
In addition to honoring Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Rama, Diwali Amavasya is an important time to perform rituals that eliminate negativity, as this day is believed to be particularly effective for performing spiritual and ancestral rites known as Pitra Tarpan.
Diwali Amavasya / Northern Deepavali Date
According to Hindu Lunar Calendar: Diwali Celebrated on Kartik Amavasya that is called Diwali Amavasya, the new moon of Kartik month. In India, particularly northern states, it is a five-day celebration starting with Dhanteras on the 13th lunar day of the Krishna paksha of Kartik Month of Hindi Calendar.
Diwali Dates from 2024 to 2034
Diwali Amavasya / Northern Deepavali Date
Day
Date
Diwali Amavasya / Northern Deepavali 2024
Friday
1 November 2024
Diwali Amavasya / Northern Deepavali 2025
Tuesday
21 October 2025
Diwali Amavasya / Northern Deepavali 2026
Sunday
8 November 2026
Diwali Amavasya / Northern Deepavali 2027
Friday
29 October 2027
Diwali Amavasya / Northern Deepavali 2028
Tuesday
17 October 2028
Diwali Amavasya / Northern Deepavali 2029
Monday
5 November 2029
Diwali Amavasya / Northern Deepavali 2030
Saturday
26 October 2030
Diwali Amavasya / Northern Deepavali 2031
Friday
14 November 2031
Diwali Amavasya / Northern Deepavali 2032
Tuesday
2 November 2032
Diwali Amavasya / Northern Deepavali 2033
Saturday
22 October 2033
Diwali Amavasya / Northern Deepavali 2034
Friday
10 November 2034
Regional Variations in Diwali Celebrations
While Diwali Amavasya is celebrated across India, different regions have unique customs and traditions. In the north, it is primarily associated with the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya, while in the south, it is linked to the slaying of the demon Narakasura by Lord Krishna.
In states like Gujarat and Maharashtra, Diwali marks the beginning of a new financial year for businesses, and accounts are settled with rituals of Chopda Pujan (worshipping of books of accounts). In West Bengal, the night of Diwali Amavasya is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Kali, the goddess of destruction and transformation.
Diwali 2024 Date in Delhi and Other Cities
The date for Diwali 2024 is consistent across India, including major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bangalore. Diwali Amavasya will be observed on Friday, November 1st, with festivities extending through the week. The Diwali Muhurat time for Lakshmi Puja will vary slightly based on location, so it is advisable to consult the local Hindu calendar for the exact timing in your city.
Conclusion
Diwali Amavasya is a time for joy, renewal, and seeking divine blessings. It marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of a new financial year in many regions of India. On this special day, devotees perform Lakshmi Puja, light oil lamps, and pray for prosperity, health, and happiness. The significance of Diwali Amavasya lies in its symbolism—light overcoming darkness, a message that resonates across all communities and cultures.
The festival is not only about celebrating with family and friends but also about introspection, eliminating negativity, and ushering in a future full of hope and success. As we look forward to celebrating Diwali in 2024, let us embrace the spirit of unity, love, and harmony that this ancient festival represents.
Key Aspects of Diwali Amavasya / Northern Deepavali:
Aspect
Details
Festival Name
Diwali Amavasya / Northern Deepavali
Festival Significance
Celebration of the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.
Religious Importance
Worship of Goddess Lakshmi (wealth and prosperity) and Lord Ganesha (wisdom and success)
Main Date for 2024
Friday, November 1st, 2024
Amavasya Tithi
Begins at 12:33 PM on October 31st, 2024, ends at 2:38 PM on November 1st, 2024
Lakshmi Puja Muhurat (Delhi)
5:35:57 PM to 8:11:50 PM on November 1st, 2024
Major Rituals
– Lakshmi Puja for wealth and prosperity – Lighting diyas (lamps) to dispel darkness – Fireworks and distribution of sweets to celebrate
Ancestral Prayers
Pitra Tarpan to honor departed family members
Regional Variations
– Northern India: Celebration of Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya – West Bengal: Kali Puja for Goddess Kali
Environmental Concerns
Growing awareness of the need for eco-friendly practices, like biodegradable decorations and minimizing fireworks pollution
