Diwali 2024 Date: The tradition of celebrating Diwali on Kartik Amavasya has been followed for centuries. However, due to differences between the dates in the Hindu Panchang and the Gregorian calendar, confusion often arises regarding the exact date of festivals.
A similar situation is occurring with Diwali this year. Some people believe that Diwali will be celebrated on October 31, 2024, while others are suggesting that it will fall on November 1, 2024.
The confusion regarding the Diwali date arises because Kartik Amavasya falls on both October 31 and November 1. Additionally, there are different beliefs concerning the exact determination of the Amavasya date, leading to uncertainty.
To resolve this, various scholars and experts were consulted, and the correct date for Diwali, based on scriptures, was determined. Let’s find out when Diwali will be celebrated in 2024.
According to religious beliefs, Diwali is celebrated and Lakshmi Puja is performed only on Kartik Amavasya. As per the Panchang, Kartik Amavasya will begin on Thursday, October 31, 2024, at 3:52 PM and will end on Friday, November 1, 2024, at 6:16 PM.
This means the Amavasya date will start in the afternoon of the first day and last until the evening of the next day. This overlap has caused confusion about the exact date of Diwali.
Generally, Hindu festivals are celebrated according to the "Udaya Tithi" (the date that is active at sunrise). However, for Diwali, it is essential that the Amavasya falls during the Pradosh Kaal (early evening), which is why this distinction is important for determining the correct date.
Recently, scholars from Kashi gathered at the Faculty of Sanskrit Vidya Dharma Vigyan in BHU to discuss and resolve the confusion regarding the date of Diwali.
According to Prof. Vinay Kumar Pandey, coordinator of BHU's published Vishwa Panchang, the scriptures state that for Diwali to be celebrated, Amavasya must fall during the Pradosh period.
This year, on October 31, 2024, the Pradosh period (lasting 2 hours and 24 minutes) will occur. Hence, celebrating Diwali on October 31 is scripturally appropriate.
On the other hand, Amavasya will not coincide with the Pradosh period on November 1, making it unsuitable for Diwali according to the scriptures.