The festive season is upon us, and Diwali 2024 is right around the corner. However, this year there is some confusion over the exact date of the festival. Diwali, celebrated on Kartik Amavasya, will occur between 31st October and 1st November, depending on the state you are in. Some states will celebrate on 31st October, while others have declared 1st November as the Diwali holiday.
Why is There Confusion on Diwali’s Date?
Diwali is traditionally celebrated on the new moon day (Amavasya) of Kartik month, marking the darkest night of the lunar calendar. In 2024, Amavasya begins at 3:12 PM on 31st October and continues until 5:53 PM on 1st November. The custom of lighting lamps after sunset on Amavasya makes 31st October more favorable for many states, while others prefer 1st November, when the Amavasya ends before sunset.
This has led to different states observing the holiday on either 31st October or 1st November, with a few states having a two-day celebration.
Diwali 2024: State-Wise Holiday List
Here is a breakdown of the states and the official Diwali holiday dates:
States Celebrating on 31st October 2024:
- Uttar Pradesh
- Madhya Pradesh
- Bihar
- West Bengal
- Chhattisgarh
- Punjab
- Gujarat
- Jharkhand
- Odisha
- Rajasthan
- Karnataka
- Kerala
- Himachal Pradesh
- Goa
- Assam
- Arunachal Pradesh
- Telangana
- Meghalaya
- Mizoram
- Nagaland
States Celebrating on 1st November 2024:
- Haryana
- Manipur
- Tripura
States with Two-Day Celebration:
- Maharashtra – 1st and 2nd November 2024
- Tamil Nadu – 31st October and 1st November 2024
- Sikkim – 1st to 3rd November 2024
Why Some States Celebrate Diwali on 1st November
For states like Haryana, Manipur, and Tripura, Diwali falls on 1st November. In these regions, the preference for celebrating the festival on 1st November comes from the fact that Amavasya (new moon day) will be in effect till 5:53 PM on that day, allowing the traditional lighting of lamps to continue within the timeframe of the Amavasya.
Celebrating Diwali Across India
Diwali is one of India’s most celebrated festivals, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. It is a time when families come together to decorate their homes, exchange gifts, and worship Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity. Streets and homes are illuminated with oil lamps and candles, while firecrackers light up the night sky.
While the date may vary across states this year, the essence of Diwali remains the same—celebrating love, joy, and togetherness.
What About Bank and Stock Market Holidays?
Given the confusion surrounding the Diwali dates, it is also important to note that bank holidays vary across the country. In many states, banks will remain closed on both 31st October and 1st November. Meanwhile, the stock market holiday is confirmed for 1st November, as per the official market calendar.
Diwali 2024: Conclusion
While there is some confusion about whether Diwali falls on 31st October or 1st November this year, states have already decided their respective holiday dates. Be sure to check your state’s official holiday list and plan your celebrations accordingly.
