Mumbai: Diwali festivities continue across India as several states mark the grand festival of lights today, November 1st, 2024. While some regions celebrated on October 31st, a significant portion of the country—including Delhi, Rajasthan, and parts of Mumbai—is observing Diwali today, aligning with the auspicious Lakshmi Puja Muhurat.
This year’s unique two-day Diwali schedule is due to the rare occurrence of Amavasya extending across two consecutive days. Hindu traditions prioritise Lakshmi Puja on the Amavasya evening, preferably during Pradosh Kaal (early evening) for maximum prosperity. Here is a comprehensive list of states celebrating Diwali today and the recommended Muhurat timings for Lakshmi Puja in major cities.
Lakshmi Puja Muhurat Timings on November 1st, 2024
| City | Lakshmi Puja Muhurat on 1 Nov 2024 | Duration |
| New Delhi | 05:36 PM to 06:16 PM | 41 minutes |
| Jaipur | 05:44 PM to 06:16 PM | 32 minutes |
| Mumbai | 05:57 PM to 06:25 PM | 28 minutes |
| Hyderabad | 05:44 PM to 06:16 PM | 32 minutes |
| Chandigarh | 05:35 PM to 06:16 PM | 41 minutes |
| Chennai | 05:42 PM to 06:16 PM | 34 minutes |
| Kolkata | 05:45 PM to 06:16 PM | 31 minutes |
| Bengaluru | 05:48 PM to 06:20 PM | 32 minutes |
During these Muhurat timings, devotees are encouraged to perform Lakshmi Puja with sincere devotion to invite blessings of wealth, happiness, and prosperity into their homes. Each region’s timing has been specifically calculated to align with Pradosh Kaal, the ideal period for conducting the puja.
For those looking to observe the full traditional Puja timings, here are the recommended Pradosh and Vrishabha Kaal periods for November 1st:
- Pradosh Kaal – 05:36 PM to 08:11 PM
- Vrishabha Kaal – 06:20 PM to 08:15 PM
Why Diwali Observance Spans Two Days This Year?
The two-day observance stems from the Amavasya’s rare alignment, beginning on October 31st at 3:22 PM and concluding on November 1st at 6:16 PM. This allows flexibility, as regions with a preference for night-time Amavasya celebrated on October 31st, while others aligned their rituals with November 1st’s Udya Tithi and Pradosh Kaal for Lakshmi Puja.
Significance of November 1st Lakshmi Puja
For many in Hindu traditions, performing Lakshmi Puja on the Udya Tithi (the day when Amavasya is active at sunrise) brings enhanced blessings. The Pradosh Kaal on November 1st is viewed as a particularly auspicious time to invoke Goddess Lakshmi’s blessings. In cities and states observing Diwali today, temples and households will light oil lamps and offer prayers to welcome prosperity and remove darkness from their lives.
In conclusion, while Diwali celebrations vary in timing this year, the essence of the festival remains focused on togetherness, devotion, and the celebration of light over darkness. Observing the recommended Muhurat timings allows devotees to connect deeply with the festival’s spiritual significance, honouring traditional practices that date back centuries.
(Disclaimer: The auspicious timings mentioned are based on general astrological beliefs and may vary according to individual location and time zone. advises consulting with a local astrologer for personalised recommendations.)
