Diwali 2024: When is Diwali, Choti Diwali? Check Diwali 2024 date and timings; wishes and messages for loved ones

Diwali, or Deepavali, is one of the most happening festivals in India—anywhere you look, you’ll find smiling faces ready to spread joy and love. Families decorate their houses with diyas and lights and everyone gets dressed up in new clothes and sits for Lakshmi Puja.

When is Choti Diwali 2024?

Choti Diwali, also known as Narak Chaturdashi, is a significant day for the Diwali festival. This year, Choti Diwali is falling on October 31, along with Diwali. While the confusion regarding the entire Diwali 2024 calendar still persists, Choti Diwali is falling on the same day as Diwali according to Drik Panchang.

According to Drik Panchang, this is the date and timings for Choti Diwali 2024:

• Date: Thursday, October 31

• Abhyang Snan Muhurat: 06:28 am to 07:36 am

• Moonrise at Abhyang Snan: 6:28 am

• Chaturdashi Tithi: 08:45 am, October 30 to 11:22 am, October 31

Diwali 2024 date and time

According to Drik Panchang, this is the date and timings for Diwali 2024:

• Lakshmi Puja Muhurat : 06:04 pm to 07:45 pm, October 31

• Pradosh Kaal: 05:31 pm to 08:21 pm, October 31

• Vrishabha Kaal: 06:04 pm to 07:45 pm, October 31

• Amavasya Tithi: 11:22 am, October 31 to 01:46 pm, November 1

Narak Chaturdashi significance

Narak Chaturdashi, widely referred to as Choti Diwali, is usually celebrated one day before Diwali. The Chaturdashi Tithi, the 14th day (tithi) of the waxing or waning phase of the moon in the Hindu calendar, can sometimes overlap with the day of Lakshmi Puja, depending on the lunar calendar. If Chaturdashi Tithi remains in effect before sunrise and Amavasya Tithi begins after sunset, both days occur on the same day. This might be an explanation for why Choti Diwali will be celebrated on the day of Diwali this year.

Abhyang Snan is a significant ritual in which a ceremonial bath is performed before sunrise on Narak Chaturdashi. The ritual is a symbol of spiritual cleansing, along with physical, and it is believed that those who participate in this ritual can avoid Narak (hell). It is said to purify and push away negativity from our lives. For the bath, items like til (sesame) oil, ubtan and gangajal are used. Ubtan is a traditional paste with natural ingredients like lentils, clays, grains and Ayurvedic herbs.

Story behind Narak Chaturdashi

The second day of the Diwali festival, Narak Chaturdashi, has its origins in the legend of Lord Krishna. It is believed that on this day, Lord Krishna and his wife Goddess Satyabhama defeated the demon Narakasura. Further, it is said that after the battle, Lord Krishna took an oil bath during Brahma Muhurat, a highly auspicious period. This ritual is honoured by countless devotees who engage in oil baths on this day, the Abhyang Snan, symbolising purification and the start of new beginnings.

Diwali significance

Diwali marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana. The people of Ayodhya welcomed him by lighting diyas (oil lamps), symbolising the victory of light over darkness. The festival is also associated with the worship of Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and prosperity.

Diwali 2024 wishes

Diwali is a festival that is celebrated with family and friends to spread happiness. Here are some wishes you can share with your loved ones:

• Wishing you a Diwali that is filled with joy and brings you peace, prosperity and all the happiness you deserve!

• As the diyas light up the night, may your life shine with love, laughter and endless opportunities. Happy Diwali!

• This Diwali, let’s celebrate the victory of good over evil and fill our hearts with joy and positivity.

• May the auspicious festival of Diwali guide you towards success and fill your home with happiness and good fortune. Happy Deepavali!

• Sending you warm wishes with love and light this Diwali! May your days be brightened with joy and laughter.

• On this auspicious occasion, may your life be as colourful as the rangoli and as bright as the diyas. Wishing you a joyful Diwali!

• Let the spirit of Diwali fill your heart with hope and happiness. Here’s to a year filled with new beginnings and bright moments.

• As you celebrate this festival of lights, may your year ahead be illuminated with success, love and cherished memories. Happy Diwali!

• Wishing you a Diwali overflowing with joy, warmth and endless blessings. May your life shine brighter with each diya you light!

• This Diwali, may you find peace and joy in the happiness of your loved ones. Have a beautiful festival!

• May the festival of lights help you shine bright and achieve all your dreams. Happy Diwali to you and your family!

• On this special day, let’s spread love, kindness and joy. May your Diwali be as happy as your spirit!

• Wishing you a Diwali filled with sweet moments and the warmth of loved ones. Celebrate the festival with joy!

• As we light up our homes, let’s also fill our hearts with positivity and gratitude. Happy Diwali!

• May each diya you light bring hope, happiness and health into your life. Here’s to a wonderful and prosperous Diwali!