Why is Diwali on 31 October and Not on 1 November in 2024?

Diwali, one of the most celebrated Hindu festivals worldwide, is traditionally observed on the darkest night of the Hindu month of Kartik, which typically falls between late October and early November in the Gregorian calendar. However, this date varies each year, as it depends on a complex interplay of lunar and solar calendar systems. In 2024, Diwali is set to be celebrated on 31 October rather than on 1 November, sparking curiosity and questions about how this date is determined. This essay explores the religious, astronomical, and calendrical reasons that have led to Diwali falling on 31 October in 2024 and not on the following day, but first learn about some important timings and dates as follows

• Lakshmi Puja Muhurat – 6:52 pm to 8:41 pm, October 31
• Pradosh Kaal – 6:10 pm to 8:52 pm
• Vrishabha Kaal – 6:52 pm to 8:41 pm
• Amavasya Tithi Begins – 6:22 am on October 31
• Amavasya Tithi Ends – 8:46 am on October 3
• (Courtsey: Drik Panchang Site)

Understanding Diwali’s Significance and Its Date in the Lunar Calendar

Diwali, also known as Deepavali or the “Festival of Lights,” marks a significant time in Hindu culture. It symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. Each of the five days of Diwali is associated with distinct customs, deities, and historical events. The primary day of Diwali, often called Lakshmi Puja or Badi Diwali, is observed on the new moon night (Amavasya) of the month of Kartik, which is typically in October or November.

The Hindu calendar is a lunisolar calendar, meaning it takes both the moon’s phases and the sun’s position into account. As a result, Hindu festival dates don’t correspond exactly with the fixed dates of the Gregorian calendar, which is purely solar. Instead, the date of Diwali changes each year, depending on the cycle of the moon. The new moon day, or Amavasya, is pivotal for Diwali celebrations, as this dark night represents the symbolic banishment of ignorance by the light of knowledge and righteousness.

How the Lunisolar Calendar Determines Diwali’s Date

In the Hindu lunisolar calendar, months are divided into two main phases based on the moon’s cycle: the waxing phase, called Shukla Paksha, and the waning phase, called Krishna Paksha. The lunar month ends with Amavasya, the new moon day, which is the darkest night of the month. Diwali is traditionally observed on the Kartik Amavasya, the new moon in the month of Kartik, which is considered one of the most auspicious days for worshipping the goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity.

In 2024, the astronomical calculations for the Kartik Amavasya show that the new moon will occur on 31 October, making it the primary day for Diwali celebrations. Some years, however, the Amavasya might extend across two consecutive days depending on the exact time the moon enters the new phase. In such cases, determining the precise date for Diwali involves consultation with Hindu astrologers, who follow specific rules to decide which day holds the most spiritual significance for the festival. These rules may include the timing of sunset, the start and end of Amavasya, and other astrological considerations.

Why Diwali Is Not on 1 November in 2024

The reason Diwali is on 31 October in 2024 rather than 1 November lies in the exact timing of the Amavasya. In the lunisolar calendar, Amavasya doesn’t always align neatly with a full Gregorian day. The new moon phase, or Amavasya Tithi, is calculated based on the moon’s position and is highly specific, sometimes lasting less than a full day. For 2024, the Amavasya Tithi begins and ends within the span of 31 October according to Hindu astrological calculations. This specific timing means that the full period of darkness, necessary for Diwali, will be observed on 31 October.

Hindu scholars and astrologers use complex calculations to determine the Tithi or lunar day. Tithis do not coincide exactly with Gregorian dates because they are based on the lunar cycle, which spans roughly 29.5 days. For Diwali, the most auspicious Tithi is the Kartik Amavasya, which in 2024 begins and concludes on 31 October. Therefore, Diwali is observed on 31 October rather than 1 November.

The Role of Astrology and Regional Practices

Astrology plays a significant role in Hindu traditions, including the setting of festival dates. Hindu astrologers rely on Panchangs—traditional Hindu almanacs that detail celestial movements and auspicious timings—to set dates for festivals like Diwali. According to the Panchang, the exact timing of Amavasya Tithi in 2024 falls within the day of 31 October, solidifying that day as Diwali.

Moreover, different regions within India may have slight variations in their observance of Diwali, based on local customs and interpretations of astrological data. In some years, there are variations in the way North and South Indian communities mark the primary day of Diwali. For example, South India often celebrates Naraka Chaturdashi, the day before Amavasya, with as much enthusiasm as the North celebrates Lakshmi Puja on the actual day of Amavasya. However, this is not the case in 2024, as both the Amavasya Tithi and the observance of Lakshmi Puja fall squarely on 31 October across the majority of regions and traditions.

Practical Implications and Observances

While the primary reason for Diwali being celebrated on 31 October in 2024 is rooted in the lunisolar calendar and astrological calculations, it also has practical implications. Diwali is an essential cultural, social, and economic event, particularly in India. Businesses, schools, and public institutions in India and other countries with large Hindu populations plan holidays and events around Diwali. Knowing the specific date well in advance allows for better planning and preparation.

Retailers, artisans, and many others who rely on Diwali sales look forward to this season, and fixed dates help them prepare for one of the busiest times of the year. The same goes for families who prepare food, decorations, and gifts in anticipation of Diwali. Having a fixed date on 31 October for 2024 means that festivities and celebrations can proceed smoothly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Diwali is celebrated on 31 October in 2024 rather than 1 November due to the timing of the Kartik Amavasya, as determined by the Hindu lunisolar calendar. This variation arises from the lunar cycle’s influence on the festival date, combined with astrological calculations that designate 31 October as the primary day for Diwali celebrations. While these dates might shift slightly from year to year, the spirit and essence of Diwali remain consistent. The determination of Diwali’s date, grounded in astronomy, astrology, and religious tradition, is a testament to the intricate relationship between cultural practices and the natural world. By observing Diwali on Kartik Amavasya, Hindus honor the rich tradition of celebrating light over darkness, prosperity over poverty, and hope over despair—a message that remains timeless, regardless of the specific date on which the festival falls.