Mumbai: Diwali, often referred to as the “Festival of Lights,” is one of the most significant and widely celebrated festivals in India, marking the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Spanning five days, this vibrant festival begins with Dhanteras and concludes with Bhai Dooj, each day holding unique traditions and rituals. Diwali is not only about illuminating homes with lamps but also invoking the blessings of deities for prosperity, health, and happiness. According to ancient Hindu texts, it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth, visits Earth on Kartik Amavasya (New Moon night) and blesses her devotees. This divine visit is commemorated by performing Lakshmi Puja, often accompanied by the worship of other deities like Lord Ganesha, Goddess Saraswati, and Lord Kubera, ensuring blessings in wealth, wisdom, and knowledge.
In 2024, Diwali falls on October 31, bringing with it the promise of joy, familial gatherings, and rituals that promote prosperity and success. Each type of worship has its specific timing, or muhurat, which is considered crucial to maximising the blessings of the festival. For instance, the timing for puja at home may differ from that at a commercial establishment. This year, many worshippers will observe Diwali on October 31, though some will continue the celebrations on November 1, especially for business-related pujas. Understanding the festival’s rituals and auspicious timings enhances the Diwali experience, making it a truly holistic celebration of culture, spirituality, and community.
Diwali 2024 Muhurat Details
Diwali falls on October 31, 2024 (Thursday), with Amavasya starting in the evening, making it an ideal time for Lakshmi Puja. Different muhurats (auspicious timings) are designated for various locations, like homes, offices, and commercial spaces. Here’s a detailed guide:
Muhurat Timings for Lakshmi Puja
| Location | Timing |
| Commercial Shops | 1:33 PM – 3:04 PM |
| Home | – 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM |
| – 5:37 PM – 7:00 PM | |
|
– 7:15 PM – 8:45 PM
|
|
| Students (Saraswati Puja) |
6:48 PM – 8:48 PM
|
| Farmers |
5:45 PM – 7:15 PM
|
| Office and Factories |
7:15 PM – 8:45 PM
|
|
– Nishith Kaal: 1:15 AM – 3:27 AM
|
The Nishith Kaal timing is particularly significant for those wishing to invoke prosperity and stability in businesses.
How to Conduct Lakshmi Puja in Shops and Offices
For those conducting Lakshmi Puja in offices, shops, or factories, here’s a simple guide to performing the ritual:
- Cleanliness and Decor: Start by thoroughly cleaning the space. Decorate with flowers, lights, and rangoli.
- Lighting Diyas: Place a ghee diya on the left side of Goddess Lakshmi and an oil diya on the right side.
- Positioning Deities: Place the idols or images of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha on the decorated puja table.
- Offerings and Prayers: Use Ashtagandha, flowers, sweets, and fruits as offerings. Then, worship the accounting books and ledgers (bahi-khata) by marking them with kumkum, creating auspicious symbols like Swastik and Shubh-Labh.
- Prayers for Prosperity: Conclude the puja with a prayer, asking Goddess Lakshmi to bless your business with prosperity and wealth. After the prayers, distribute prasad to everyone present.
Happy Diwali!
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