Get ready, because Diwali 2024 is about to light up your life, literally. Diwali, or Deepavali as it’s known in some parts of India, is the most lit festival of the year. Think Christmas, New Year and the Fourth of July all rolled into one, with a heavy dose of tradition, sweets and more fireworks than you can shake a sparkler at.
This is India’s biggest and brightest celebration, and it’s coming your way in November. So buckle up for five days of fun, feasting and – if you’re not careful – accidentally setting off fireworks in places they don’t belong.
A Quick Flashback
Before we dive into the craziness of modern Diwali, let’s rewind a bit. Diwali has roots that go way back, like thousands of years. It’s a festival that signifies the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil and hope over despair.
Depending on who you ask, Diwali celebrates a few different things, depending on the region. In northern India, it’s all about Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after a 14-year exile, where he defeated the demon king Ravana. In other parts, it’s about Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and in some places, it’s the day Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura.
What to Expect During Diwali 2024
Lights, Lights, and More Lights
It’s called the Festival of Lights for a reason. Expect houses, streets and even entire cities to be lit up like Times Square on steroids. People deck out their homes with diyas (little oil lamps), fairy lights and rangolis (intricate patterns made with coloured powders or flowers).
Fireworks Galore
If you love fireworks, Diwali is your dream come true. From the crackle of sparklers to the earth-shaking booms of sky-high rockets, Diwali night is all about lighting up the sky with as many fireworks as possible – and, warning, things can get loud.
Food, Glorious Food
Now, let’s talk about the real reason everyone loves Diwali: the food. Picture tables heaving with sweets, such as ladoos, barfis and jalebis, with each one sweeter than the last. And it’s not just desserts, every family whips up their best snacks, from samosas to chaklis, and dishes that could put any food coma to shame.
New Clothes
Diwali is also the perfect excuse to shop like there’s no tomorrow. It’s practically tradition to buy new clothes, especially brightly coloured items, and, if you’re lucky, maybe some jewellery too. Everyone wants to look fresh for the celebrations, whether you’re lighting fireworks or snapping selfies in your finest attire.
Family, Friends and… More Sweets
Diwali is all about spending time with loved ones. Families come together for prayers (called pujas) to honour the gods, exchange gifts and chow down on endless sweets. Expect long chats, laughter and the occasional gossip sesh, all while stuffing your face with another ladoo.
Spiritual Side of Things
Between all the lights, snacks and explosions, there’s a deeper side to Diwali. People clean their homes and hearts, reflecting on the year gone by and praying for health, wealth and happiness in the year ahead.
Why Diwali 2024 Will Be Extra Sparkly
Diwali 2024 is gearing up to be a spectacular six-day extravaganza, celebrated from October 29 to November 3. The grand finale, Lakshmi Puja, falls on November 1 this year, confirmed after a major conference of scholars in Indore. Apparently, there was quite a debate about whether to light those diyas on October 31 or November 1 since both days coincide with Amavasya (the new moon). Ultimately, November 1 triumphed, not just because of astrological backing but also because it falls on a Friday. Who doesn’t love a long weekend?
Expect a whirlwind of activities and traditions, kicking off with Dhanteras on October 29 – time to shop for gold and fancy new utensils. Then, on October 30, we have Deepdaan, where diyas will be floated on water bodies, lighting up the night like a thousand tiny stars.
November 1 is the main event, featuring families gathering for Lakshmi Puja, delicious feasts and exchanging sweets. Following the main festivities, expect Govardhan Puja on November 2, and wrapping things up, Bhai Dooj on November 3, which celebrates the special bond between brothers and sisters.
Where to Celebrate Diwali With A Dash of Sass
- Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh:
- Welcome to the holy city where spirituality meets sheer chaos. Varanasi during Diwali is like a scene straight out of a Bollywood movie. Think thousands of flickering diyas lining the Ganges while the smell of street food wafts through the air.
- Jaipur, Rajasthan:
- The Pink City gets its glam on for Diwali, turning into a sparkling wonderland of lights and festivities. If you want a taste of royal treatment, head here to see the forts and palaces illuminated like a Christmas tree on steroids. Just remember: when in Jaipur, always be ready for a little traditional dance-off.
- Mumbai, Maharashtra:
- Ah, the city that never sleeps! Diwali in Mumbai means you can have a rooftop party with stunning views of fireworks or hit the streets to savour the delicious chaos of street food. Just brace yourself for the inevitable “OMG, it’s so crowded!” commentary while trying to fit in with the crowd.
- Delhi:
- The capital goes all out for Diwali, so expect dazzling lights, chaotic markets and a serious case of food envy as you navigate through Chandni Chowk. The only thing brighter than the lights will be your aunties competing to see who can gift the most extravagant mithai (sweets).
- Amritsar, Punjab:
- If you want a Diwali experience that feels like a divine blessing, head to Amritsar. The Golden Temple is lit up like a film set, and the atmosphere is filled with joy (and the delicious smell of food). Plus, you get to celebrate Diwali and Kali Puja at the same time.
- Udaipur, Rajasthan:
- The City of Lakes knows how to throw a Diwali bash that’s as romantic as it is spectacular. Picture lakes glimmering under the stars, palaces glowing like they just walked off a fashion runway and you, clutching your cup of chai, living your best life.
- Kolkata, West Bengal:
- Kolkata’s Diwali is a delicious mashup of lights and Kali Puja, because who doesn’t love a little goddess action with their celebrations? The city lights up like a carnival and the sweet shops are overflowing. Just be ready for the aunties to interrogate you about your marital status while you’re trying to enjoy your rasgulla.
- Bangalore, Karnataka:
- The Garden City lights up like a tech-savvy firecracker for Diwali. Expect a mix of traditional celebrations and modern parties where the only thing brighter than the lights will be your social media posts.
So, gear up for Diwali, because wherever you choose to celebrate, it’s bound to be a riot of colours, lights and a whole lot of deliciousness.
When’s It On?
Mark your calendars – Diwali 2024 runs from October 31 to November 3, 2024.
