Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is one of the greatest festivals that India and other Hindu nations have to offer alongside the colourful lights, sweets, and fairs. Diwali 2024 going to be celebrated with various events starting from Dhanteras on October 29, culminating with Bhai Dooj on November 3, 2024.
The festivities of Diwali begin with Dhanteras which is a day of propitiating the god of money and prosperity. People buy precious metals to ensure good fortune and avoid bad luck.
Choti Diwali, October 31, 2024: It is just a day before Diwali named Choti Diwali. As it is known, it is said to be the eve of the festival. According to tradition, people celebrate by adorning their houses and lighting diyas to keep the darkness at bay.
Diwali, November 1, 2024: It is the big day of the Festival of Lights with grand feasts, light up of oil lamps, fireworks, and worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.
Govardhan Puja, November 2, 2024: The day after Diwali is Govardhan Puja, which is the celebration of Lord Krishna who is believed to have held up the Govardhan hill to save the villagers from the heavy rains.
Bhai Dooj, November 3, 2024: The final festival is Bhai Dooj, which is primarily a celebration of sibling love, but there are also specific rituals done by sisters to ensure the prosperity of their brothers.
Bhai Dooj: Date and Rituals
The last festival of Diwali 2024 in the calendar is Bhai Dooj on Sunday, November 3. According to Drik Panchang, Aparahna Muhurat for Bhai Dooj will be between 1:10 and 3:22 PM. It marks brotherly love as sisters apply sectarian tilak to the foreheads of their brothers, wishing them a long life and protecting them.
Another name includes Bhau Beej in Maharashtra, Yama Dwitiya in South India, and simply Bhai Phota in West Bengal.
Mythological Origins of Bhai Dooj
There are two very popular tales through which the origin of Bhai Dooj is traced. According to one, Lord Krishna visited his sister Subhadra after defeating the demon Narakasura. She welcomed him with sweets and a tilak.
According to another, Yama, the god of death in Hinduism, visited his sister Yamuna; on which Yamuna performed the tilak ceremony on him. Yama in return blessed all the brothers who received a tilak from their sisters, bestowing them with longevity.
Significance of These Events
Diwali is celebrated not only in India but worldwide. It is a day that signifies the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Every day holds its special significance. Specifically on Bhai Dooj, something special is marked between brothers and sisters. This ritual is believed to safeguard from negative energies and earn their blessings in terms of health and longevity.
Diwali 2024 marks the promise of a great celebration that binds family, tradition, and gratitude, radiating hope and prosperity.
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