When is the holiday and why is it celebrated?

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Diwali is one of the most important Hindu festivals and is celebrated in many South Asian societies.

Starting Thursday, October 31, many people around the world will observe Diwali or Deepavali and participate in its festivities for the next few days.

The dates of Diwali vary from year to year according to the lunar calendar, but in 2023 the festivities began on November 10 and continued through November 14, lasting a total of five days.

Here’s everything you need to know about Diwali 2024, including when it starts, how it’s celebrated and what the holiday symbolizes.

When is Diwali 2024?

Diwali begins on October 31, 2024 and is celebrated over five days.

Dhanteras, the period of preparation leading up to the peak of Diwali on October 31, begins two days earlier on October 29, according to The Times of India.

The date of Diwali is determined by the lunar calendar. According to Almanac.comDiwali begins on the darkest day, the night of the new moon. This day typically falls on the 13th day of the dark half of the lunar month, Ashvina, according to Britannica.

Diwali typically occurs in autumn and typically happens in late October or early November.

What is Diwali? Which religions celebrate it?

According to National Geographic KidsDiwali or Deepavali, is known as the festival of lights. Over time, it has become a national holiday, and communities other than Hinduism, including Jainism and Sikhism, have their own way of celebrating it.

The word Diwali is derived from the Sanskrit word Deepavali, which means row of lights. This refers to the row (avali) of clay lamps (deepa) that observers light outside their homes during Diwali to represent the light that guards against spiritual darkness.

How is Diwali celebrated?

Depending on the region and tradition, observance of Diwali differs.

The most common practice among Hindus is to light diyas (small clay lamps filled with oil) on the night of the new moon to invoke the goddess of prosperity, Lakshmi.

Once lit, the diyas are placed in rows in temples and houses or floated on rivers and streams. Homes are traditionally decorated and feature deliberate designs called rangolis made of colored rice, sand or flower petals to invoke Goddess Lakshmi to bless their home with wealth and success.

Every day of Diwali is celebrated differently, from cleaning your house to building colored designs called rangolis to eating a grand meal and traditional Indian sweets.

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