Diwali 2024 Celebrations In USA: When & Where To Celebrate?

Diwali 2023 Celebrations In USA

Renu Dahiya posted on Thursday, Nov 2nd, 2023

In the United States, the arrival of Diwali is not just a festival; it’s a magnificent mix of traditions, lights, and a heartfelt blending of cultures. With the official declaration of Diwali as a holiday by the U.S. government, the excitement for this joyous occasion has reached new heights, sparking a huge celebration all across the country. Here’s to know everything about Diwali 2024 in USA – Date, Muhurat/timings, Diwali events & more. Enjoy the grand Diwali celebrations in USA. 

When Will Diwali 2024 Be Celebrated In The USA? 

Diwali, also known as Deepawali, is a festival associated with lights, signifying the victory of good over evil. It isn’t limited to Hindus alone; people of Jainism, Sikhism, and Buddhism all partake in this grand celebration. According to the ancient calendar, Diwali unfolds on Amavasya, the 15th day of the Kartik month, each year which typically falls 20 days after the celebration of Dussehra or Vijayadashami and spans five days, from Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj. 

In 2024, the radiant Diwali festival will be celebrated on Thursday, October 31, 2024, in USA (the Muhurat timings will differ), and in India, Diwali will be celebrated on Friday, November 1, 2024. Check out complete details about Diwali 2024 date and time as per the Indian and USA timings:

Diwali 2024 Date & Laxmi Puja Muhurat

Event India USA (EST)
Diwali 2024 Date November 1, 2024 (Friday) October 31, 2024 (Thursday)
Laxmi Puja Muhurat 06:03 PM – 08:04 PM (IST) 06:40 PM – 08:41 PM (EST)
Amavasya Tithi Start 09:43 AM, November 1, 2024 (IST) 12:13 AM, October 31, 2024 (EST)
Amavasya Tithi End 10:26 AM, November 2, 2024 (IST) 12:56 AM, November 1, 2024 (EST)

5 Days Of Diwali 2024

Festival India USA (EST)
Dhanteras October 29, 2024 (Tuesday) October 28, 2024 (Monday)
Choti Diwali October 30, 2024 (Wednesday) October 29, 2024 (Tuesday)
Diwali (Laxmi Puja) November 1, 2024 (Friday) October 31, 2024 (Thursday)
Govardhan Puja November 2, 2024 (Saturday) November 1, 2024 (Friday)
Bhai Dooj November 3, 2024 (Sunday) November 2, 2024 (Saturday)

Diwali/Deepavali: History & Significance

Diwali isn’t a new festival; it’s been around for more than 2,500 years. Long ago, it started as a big harvest festival in ancient India, where people celebrated the good times in the fields. But there’s more to it than that – Diwali has a collection of stories that make it special.

Diwali and Ramayana Connection

The most popular tale associated with Diwali is the return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya following his 14 years of exile and after defeating the demon king Ravana. During this exile, the wicked king Ravana of Lanka abducted Sita. After a lot of hurdles and a lengthy quest, Lord Rama finally vanquished Lanka and saved Sita. In joyous celebration of this victory and the return of King Rama, the people in Ayodhya lit up the whole place with little clay lamps called Diyas, shared sweets, and set off fireworks. People still follow these traditions today when they celebrate Diwali.

Goddess Kali and Diwali Story 

In the Bengali tradition, Diwali is known as Kali Puja. There’s a unique story behind this. It’s said that Goddess Kali showed up on this special day along with 64 thousand Yoginis and took down many demons, including one called Rakta Beej.

Goddess Lakshmi and Diwali Connection

Most Hindus celebrate Diwali by worshiping Goddess Lakshmi, who brings good fortune and wealth. The day is marked as the birthday of this deity which was the New Moon day of the Karthik month. A long, long time ago, Lord Vishnu was so enchanted by Lakshmi’s beauty that he decided to marry her. To mark this special event, people light up rows of Diyas. And that’s why we celebrate Diwali, to honor Goddess Lakshmi and ask for her blessings.

What Is Diwali Tradition And Culture? 

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, stands as one of India’s most important celebrations, and it’s cherished by Hindus everywhere. It’s a festival that stretches across several days and carries a powerful message: it’s about light conquering darkness, goodness defeating evil, and wisdom winning over ignorance. Here’s a look at some of the key elements that make Diwali special:

  • The lighting of lamps and colorful fireworks
  • Prayers and worship (Puja)
  • Sharing gifts and sweet treats
  • Dressing up in traditional clothes
  • Family get-togethers and feasting
  • Diwali markets and cultural shows
  • Helping others and giving back

Diwali Celebrations In India 

Diwali Events in North India 

In Northern India, the religious significance of Diwali is associated with the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya with his wife Sita and brother Laxman after 14 years of exile. The celebrations of Diwali start with Dussehra, where Ramlila, a dramatic rendition of the story of the Ramayan is depicted. Here, houses are decorated with candles, lights, Diyas, Bandhanwars, and Rangolis. Laxmi puja is performed at night. Shopping, cleaning, redecoration, whitewashing, home decoration, and exchanging of gifts and sweets are part and parcel of the celebrations. To enjoy such vibrant celebrations, book your air tickets to North India today. Here are the popular routes – 

Diwali Events in Eastern India 

The necessary rituals remain the same in Eastern India, which include the lighting of lamps, candles, and Diyas, along with the bursting of crackers. Some people keep the doors of their houses open so that Goddess Lakshmi can enter. In West Bengal, Laxmi Puja is celebrated six days after Durga Puja. Diwali is celebrated as Kali Puja. Late-night worshipping of Goddess Kali is done on Diwali night. There are Kali Puja pandals in various areas. To participate in Durga Puja, reserve your flights to East India. Consider these famous routes –

Diwali Events in Western India 

Western India is mostly associated with business and trade. A few days before Diwali, the markets of Western India are crowded with Diwali shoppers. In Gujarat, on the night before Diwali, Gujaratis create colorful rangolis in front of their houses. For Gujaratis and Maharashtrians, Diwali is the New Year. Get your flight tickets to West India today for such sweet celebrations of Diwali. Take a look at popular routes below – 

Diwali Events in Southern India

Diwali is celebrated in the Tamil month of Aipasi (which is Thula month), also ‘Naraka Chaturdasi’ Thithi. In south India, Naraka Chaturdashi is the main day of the Diwali celebrations. One day before the main day, the oven is cleaned, and then it is smeared with lime. Religious symbols are drawn on the oven, filled with water, and this is used on the main day for the oil bath. Another unique ritual in South India observed on Diwali is Thalai Deepavali. On this day, newlyweds spend their first Diwali in the bride’s parental home. Book your flights to South India today for such unique Diwali celebrations. Check out the popular routes below –

Diwali 2024 Celebrations In USA

Update: There are no Dussehra events released for 2024. We’ll update you accordingly. However, here are the previous years’ events you can check.

Diwali Events in New York

Nov 16th 2024

Saturday 6 pm to 12 am

Colts Neck Fire Co, 50 Conover Rd, Colts Neck, NJ 07722

Diwali Milan Indian Dinner Buffet

Nov 6th 2024

Wed,at 7:00 PM(EST)

RSVP ON EVENTBRITE., 620 8th Avenue, New York, NY 10018

Diwali Get Together – Desi Soiree – Meet I Mingle I Network Food | Drinks

Check out the popular routes below to book your India to New York flights at low prices –

Diwali Events in Chicago

Nov 9th 2024

Sat, at 7:00 PM(EST)

Shankar Distillers – Home of Varchas Premium Spirits, 1030 Chicago Road, Troy, MI 48083

Disco Diwali Food | Drinks

Nov 2nd 2024

Sat, at 10:00 PM(CDT)

Hard Rock Cafe, 63 West Ontario Street, Chicago, IL 60654

Diwali Celebration with DJ Shadow Dubai – Chicago Food | Drinks

Get your flights from India to Chicago booked today. Check out the famous routes below –

Diwali Events in Los Angeles

Nov 17th 2024

Sun, at 10:30 PM(PST)

Six Flags Magic Mountain, 26101 Magic Mountain Parkway, Valencia, CA 91355

Diwali Carnival At Six Flags Los Angeles Food | Drinks

Here are the popular routes for India to Los Angeles flights you can choose from –

Diwali Events in San Diego

You can consider the below-mentioned routes for your India to San Diego flights. Check now – 

What are you waiting for? Get your event tickets booked today and join the vibrant celebrations of Diwali 2024 in USA. You can easily reserve your tickets at various websites like Sulekha, Ticketmaster, Ticketsonsale, etc.

Here at IndianVibes, a sister platform to MyTicketsToIndia, our mission is to build a bridge between Indian folks in the USA and their roots in India. We understand the importance of keeping you updated on the latest updates and cultural happenings.

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About Renu Dahiya | View Posts

Renu Dahiya is a passionate writer who worships her profession. Her love for writing has encouraged her to pursue her career as a writer. Her friends call her a “travel worm” and always come to her to know some interesting traveling tips and destinations. Renu is a repository of knowledge about traveling who knows which place should be visited in which season. Oh yes, she is insanely in love with dancing too. Writer, traveler and dancer, a perfect combination! Without a doubt, she is a complete package.

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