Mumbai: This year, there is a whole lot of confusion regarding the celebration of Chhoti Diwali and Badi Diwali. Some people are considering celebrating Chhoti Diwali on October 30 while others are considering celebrating it on October 31. Similarly, for Badi Diwali or Diwali, people are in dilemma as to when to celebrate Diwali- October 31 or November 1.
Many people are therefore seeking clarity on the correct dates to celebrate Chhoti Diwali and Badi Diwali in 2024. Traditionally, Chhoti Diwali, or Naraka Chaturdashi, falls one day before Badi Diwali. However, this year has seen a difference of opinion among astrologers, priests, and religious experts regarding whether the main celebrations should occur on October 30-31 or November 1.
Astrologers and scholars have weighed in on this matter, with several noting that October 31 holds favourable Nakshatra and Lagna for Lakshmi Puja in alignment with traditional practices. Others, however, argue that the presence of Amavasya at sunrise and Pradosh Kaal on November 1 makes this date ideal for Diwali rituals.
Here’s a look into each viewpoint to help you decide on the best date to honour Diwali this year.
Acharya Satyendra Maharaj, the Chief Priest of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi, clarified the confusion regarding the dates for Choti Diwali and Badi Diwali during a conversation with ANI on Tuesday, October 29. He confirmed that Choti Diwali will be celebrated on October 30, while Badi Diwali will take place on October 31, particularly in the context of Ram Leela.
Maharaj explained, “Choti Diwali will be celebrated on October 30, with the Puja conducted in the evening, and Badi Diwali follows on October 31 in the court of Lord Ram Leela. In the past, Choti Diwali, Diwali, and Annakoot were all celebrated together, but traditions have evolved.”
Acharya Chandrashekhar Shastri from Sikri Tirth emphasised the importance of celebrating Kartik Amavasya with a stable Lagna and Nakshatra, which are only present on the night of October 31. He highlighted the significance of observing Kartik Amavasya and Nishith Kaal, noting that this is the auspicious Kaalratri period for performing Lakshmi Puja. According to him, the combination of a stable Lagna and Swati Nakshatra occurs exclusively on October 31.
Astrologer Pandit Vijay Kumar Joshi from the Astrology Research Center in Kankhal expressed concern over the ongoing confusion regarding the Panch Parv celebrations. He stated that celebrating Diwali on November 1 contradicts the scriptures.
According to the Surya Siddhant of astrology, Tithi Var Yoga is an astronomical process that can change, making the full Pradosh Kaal and the night-widening Amavasya on October 31 completely valid. He asserted that it is incorrect to celebrate Diwali with Pratipada on November 1 when these auspicious timings are available. He urged everyone to celebrate Diwali on October 31 to uphold their religious practices.
Dr Pandit Pradeep Joshi, an astrologer, asserted that Diwali cannot be celebrated on November 1. He explained that the overlap of Amavasya with Pratipada during Kartik led to disaster. The Raj Martand Granth explicitly states that Diwali’s Amavasya should align with Chaturdashi, not Pratipada. Esteemed sages like Vyas and Garg, as well as the Surya Siddhanta, support this view. The worship of Lakshmi, Ganesh, and Kuber occurs during Pradosh Kaal, while the worship of Varada Lakshmi and Kali at midnight can only be performed on October 31.
Vijendra Prasad Mamgain, President of the Uttarakhand Vidvat Sabha, stated that Deepawali will be celebrated on November 1st, based on the Nirnay Sindhu, Dharmasindhu, and Sakalyapadita Tithi Kaal Nirnay. He noted that on this date, there will be sunrise during Amavasya and the Amavasya Tithi will coincide with Pradosh Kaal. Mamgain mentioned that nearly 100 Panchangs agree that the festival of Mahalakshmi Puja, associated with Deepawali, should be observed on November 1st.
Acharya Dr Sushant Raj stated that Amavasya Tithi will commence on October 31st in the afternoon. According to Dharmasindhu, celebrating Deepawali on November 1st aligns with scripture. He explained that there is a specific rule for worshipping Goddess Lakshmi during Pradosh Kaal on Amavasya. If the Pradosh Kaal of Amavasya extends for more than one ghari during the night, between sunrise and sunset, then Lakshmi Puja should be conducted on that day. Hence, he concluded that the festival of Deepawali should indeed be celebrated on November 1st.
Tanmay Vashishth, Shri Ganga Sabha’s General Secretary along with Acharya Karunesh Mishra, Secretary of the Vidvat Parishad, announced their support for celebrating Deepawali on November 1. After thoroughly reviewing all relevant facts and religious texts, they concluded that this year, the worship of Goddess Lakshmi will occur on November 1.
They emphasised that major Panchangs across the country indicate Deepawali on this date. According to religious scriptures, if Amavasya spans two days, the worship of Maa Lakshmi should take place on the second day.
Pandit Pratik Mishrapuri, President of the Indian Oriental Studies Society, pointed out that the controversy arises from the belief that Parvan Shradh, performed every Amavasya afternoon, is set for November 1. However, he noted that only a small fraction of people in India observe Parvan Shradh on every Amavasya.
He asserted that Deepawali Puja cannot occur without Amavasya lasting throughout the night and emphasised the necessity of Pradosh, Nishith, and Maha Nishith periods for worship, suggesting that Deepawali should rightfully be celebrated on October 31.
