Wed Oct 30 05:10:00 UTC 2024: ## Diwali 2024: Festival of Lights to Illuminate India on October 31
**New Delhi, India** – India is gearing up for Diwali, the festival of lights, which will be celebrated on **Thursday, October 31, 2024**. The five-day festival begins with Dhanteras on October 29 and culminates with Bhaiya Dooj.
While some confusion surrounding the exact date has been circulating, the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Drik Panchang have confirmed that **Diwali will fall on the Amavasya (new moon) Tithi of the Kartik month, which occurs on October 31**.
The date discrepancy stems from regional variations in how Diwali is celebrated. North India marks Diwali as Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya, while Tamil Nadu and Karnataka observe it as the day Lord Krishna and Goddess Satyabhama defeated the demon Narakasura.
Lakshmi Puja, a key ritual during Diwali, will be performed on the evening of October 31.
The five-day festivities for Diwali 2024 will be as follows:
* **October 30:** Choti Diwali (Narak Chaturdashi)
* **October 31:** Diwali and Lakshmi Puja
With the official date confirmed, the nation is now looking forward to celebrating Diwali with traditional rituals, vibrant decorations, and joyous gatherings.
First Piper 