Deepawali on 31st October or 1st November 2024: The big confusion resolved
Deepawali, one of the most significant festivals in the Hindu tradition, brings joy, light, and the promise of prosperity to millions across the globe. Every year, families prepare to celebrate this festival with grandeur by decorating their homes with lamps (diyas), performing Lakshmi Puja, and enjoying feasts. However, for the year 2024, a significant confusion has arisen regarding the correct date to celebrate Deepawali.Some people are planning to observe the festival on the 31st of October, while others are being advised to celebrate it on the 1st of November. This situation has caused uncertainty among devotees who wish to ensure that their puja is performed at the most auspicious time.
To provide clarity on this matter, we need to look into two critical aspects: the timing of Amavasya (No Moon Day) and the presence of a Fixed Ascendant (Lagna) for performing Lakshmi Puja. Both are essential factors determined by the ancient Vedic calendar and astrological principles, which dictate the most favourable time for Deepawali celebrations.
Understanding Amavasya and its importance
The festival of Deepawali is traditionally celebrated on Amavasya Tithi, or the day of the new moon, according to the Hindu lunar calendar. Amavasya is considered a highly auspicious occasion to worship Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, fortune, and prosperity. Hindu scriptures such as the Puranas and the Shastras emphasize that Lakshmi Puja during Amavasya invites the divine grace of the goddess into homes, blessing devotees with material and spiritual abundance.
In 2024, Amavasya begins on 31st October at 3:53 p.m. and continues until 1st November at 6:17 p.m. This time frame creates an overlap between two consecutive days, thus leading to the confusion about which day is more auspicious for the Lakshmi Puja.
Why is 31st October more auspicious?
Night of Amavasya: While the Amavasya Tithi lasts until the evening of 1st November, the night of 31st October is the only full night that falls within the Amavasya period. Traditionally, the night of Amavasya holds immense significance for the celebration of Deepawali because it is during the night that devotees light oil lamps (diyas) to symbolize the triumph of light over darkness. Moreover, it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi descends from the heavens during the Amavasya night to bless households that are clean, illuminated, and prepared for her presence.
As the Amavasya night of 31st October falls entirely within the tithi, it provides the complete time needed for conducting the rituals associated with Deepawali. The night of 1st November does not fall within the Amavasya tithi, which diminishes its auspiciousness for worship.
Lakshmi Puja During Fixed Ascendant (Lagna): In Vedic astrology, the timing of pujas and rituals is determined not only by the lunar day (tithi) but also by the ascendant (lagna), which is the astrological sign rising on the eastern horizon at the time of the ritual. According to the Vedic tradition, a fixed ascendant is considered highly auspicious for performing Lakshmi Puja. A fixed ascendant ensures that the results of the puja—wealth, prosperity, and peace—remain stable and do not fluctuate over time.
On 31st October 2024, there is a fixed ascendant available between 6:25 p.m. and 8:29 p.m., which provides the perfect window to perform Lakshmi Puja. This time period aligns with the evening of Amavasya, allowing devotees to complete their rituals at the most propitious time. In contrast, there is no fixed ascendant available in the evening of 1st November 2024, which is why astrologers recommend observing Deepawali on 31st October.
Cultural and Ritual Significance
Deepawali is not just a festival of lights, but it is also deeply rooted in spiritual practices and astrological timing. Many ancient Hindu scriptures, such as the Skanda Purana and the Padma Purana, emphasize the importance of following the correct lunar and planetary alignments for religious festivals. In keeping with this tradition, the alignment of Amavasya and the fixed ascendant ensures that Deepawali brings lasting prosperity, happiness, and spiritual progress.
The lighting of diyas on the night of Amavasya symbolizes the banishment of ignorance and darkness from our lives, inviting the light of knowledge and the blessings of Lakshmi. By performing Lakshmi Puja at the most favourable astrological moment, devotees strengthen their connection to the divine and create a powerful energy that brings abundance into their homes.
In short, the confusion surrounding the date for Deepawali in 2024 arises from the overlapping Amavasya period, but the ancient wisdom of Vedic astrology and Hindu Shastras provides a clear answer. Since the night of 31st October 2024 falls entirely within the Amavasya tithi, and there is a fixed ascendant available for Lakshmi Puja during the evening, 31st October is the most auspicious date for Deepawali celebrations. Performing the rituals on this night will ensure that the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi are maximized, bringing wealth, peace, and prosperity to all devotees.
It is essential to respect the traditions laid out in the Vedic scriptures and consult knowledgeable astrologers and pandits when in doubt. By following the ancient wisdom passed down through generations, we can ensure that our Deepawali celebrations are filled with joy, devotion, and divine blessings.
