Diwali 2024 Date: When Is Diwali This Year In The UK?

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Diwali 2024, also known as the Festival of Lights, will be celebrated on Thursday, 31 October 2024. This vibrant festival, rooted in ancient Indian traditions, is one of the most celebrated occasions among Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains across the UK and worldwide. Marked by prayer, family gatherings, lights, fireworks, and feasts, Diwali 2024 promises to be a moment of brightness and unity in a fast-paced world.

In the United Kingdom, Diwali is celebrated with immense enthusiasm, particularly in cities like Leicester, London, Birmingham, and Manchester. Each year, thousands come together to participate in community events, temple ceremonies, and festive light shows. Diwali 2024 is more than a cultural celebration—it’s a time to reflect on inner light, seek blessings for the year ahead, and reconnect with tradition.

What Is Diwali and Why Is It Celebrated?

Diwali, or Deepavali, derives its name from the Sanskrit term meaning “a row of lamps.” The lighting of oil diyas (lamps) symbolises the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. For Hindus, Diwali is linked to several legends, including the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years in exile, and the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the bringer of wealth and prosperity.

For Jains, Diwali marks the day Lord Mahavira attained Nirvana, while Sikhs commemorate the release of Guru Hargobind Ji from prison. Despite variations in religious significance, the core message remains the same:Diwali is a time for spiritual renewal, moral reflection, and celebrating the victory of righteousness. Diwali 2024 will continue this timeless message of hope and renewal.

When Is Diwali 2024 and How Is the Date Decided?

Diwali 2024 falls on Thursday, 31 October 2024, and is determined according to the Hindu lunar calendar. The festival always falls on the darkest night of the Kartik month, known as Amavasya. Since the lunar calendar shifts in relation to the Gregorian calendar, the date of Diwali varies each year. This year, the Amavasya aligns with late October, making 31 October the date to mark.

In the UK, Diwali rituals generally begin in the evening. Families clean their homes, light lamps, and perform the Lakshmi Puja during the auspicious hour known as Pradosh Kaal, after sunset. The official Diwali date for the USA is the same—31 October 2024—but local time differences will slightly adjust puja times. Compared to Diwali 2023, which was held on 12 November, and Diwali 2025, expected on 20 October, this year’s celebration falls right in the middle of autumn.

Diwali 2024 Calendar: Five Days of Celebration

Diwali 2024 spans five days, each holding deep religious and cultural meaning. Here’s a breakdown of the Diwali calendar:

Day 1 – Dhanteras (28 October 2024): This day is dedicated to Dhanvantari, the god of health and Ayurveda. It’s considered auspicious for buying gold, silver, and utensils, symbolising prosperity and wealth.
Day 2 – Naraka Chaturdashi / Choti Diwali (30 October): Associated with Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura. Homes are decorated, and people burst small firecrackers in celebration.
Day 3 – Diwali / Lakshmi Puja (31 October): The main event. Families light diyas, offer prayers to Lakshmi, and enjoy festive meals.
Day 4 – Govardhan Puja (1 November): Celebrated mainly in North India, this day honours Lord Krishna’s lifting of Mount Govardhan to protect villagers from a storm.
Day 5 – Bhai Dooj (2 November): A beautiful festival of sibling love, where sisters pray for their brothers’ wellbeing and perform rituals similar to Raksha Bandhan.

Diwali 2024 offers a complete week of devotion, joy, and bonding, both spiritual and social.

How Is Diwali Celebrated in the UK?

Diwali 2024 will be a grand event across the UK, bringing communities together in vibrant celebration. Leicester hosts the largest Diwali celebration outside of India, with Belgrave Road famously lit with thousands of lights. The event includes a Diwali switch-on, fireworks, dance performances, food stalls, and family-friendly entertainment. London’s Trafalgar Square also holds a spectacular public Diwali celebration with music, rangoli, yoga sessions, and Indian street food.

Many families host private celebrations at home, preparing traditional sweets like laddoos, barfis, and chaklis. Temples organise pujas, bhajans, and cultural events. It’s common for schools and workplaces to hold Diwali-themed activities or awareness assemblies. Diwali 2024 in the UK serves as a bridge between tradition and the modern multicultural identity that defines British society.

Diwali Shopping, Fashion, and the 2024 Trends

Diwali 2024 is also a shopper’s delight. From festive outfits to curated gift hampers, there’s something for everyone. This year, designer fashion is taking centre stage, particularly with cultural icons like the Anita Dongre Barbie Diwali Doll making waves in the market. This doll, adorned in ethnic wear, has become a symbol of modern cultural pride, especially among younger generations.

Shops across the UK stock traditional Indian garments, jewellery, sweets, and Diwali décor. Online platforms and stores also offer Diwali background images, WhatsApp greetings, and gift cards. Websites like pichunt.tech and Adobe Stock have become go-to resources for those wanting to personalise their digital wishes. Whether it’s shopping for loved ones or dressing up for a virtual celebration, Diwali 2024 offers something exciting for all ages.

Diwali Wishes and How to Share Them in 2024

Sending wishes is a beautiful part of the Diwali tradition. Whether you’re writing a greeting card or sending a message on WhatsApp, thoughtful Diwali 2024 wishes go a long way. Phrases like “Wishing you a Happy Diwali 2024 filled with light and prosperity” or “May this Diwali bring peace, joy, and endless blessings” are popular choices.

In a world growing increasingly digital, personalised greetings, short videos, and Diwali countdown timers are trending. People also enjoy sharing Diwali status updates, festival images, and voice notes with friends and family. Including photos with candles, rangolis, and fireworks can elevate your Diwali message. This year, use creativity and technology to make your Diwali 2024 greetings more memorable and heartfelt.

Diwali’s Message in Today’s World

In the busy world we live in, Diwali offers a moment to pause and reflect. Its message—light over darkness, good over evil—is as relevant today as it was thousands of years ago. In 2024, as families navigate modern life, Diwali reminds us of the importance of inner peace, gratitude, and shared values.

Whether you’re celebrating Diwali 2024 in a bustling UK city or a quiet town, the heart of the festival lies in human connection. It encourages giving, forgiving, and expressing love to those around us. It also invites us to reflect inward, to light our own inner diya and find joy in simple moments.

Final Thoughts on Diwali 2024

Diwali 2024 is more than a date on the calendar—it’s a cultural heartbeat that connects people across continents. It brings joy, colour, flavour, light, and meaning into homes and communities. Whether you’re buying your first diya, watching fireworks in Leicester, or cooking traditional food with family, Diwali offers something magical.

So, mark your calendars for 31 October 2024, and prepare to embrace the brilliance of Diwali. Light up your home, dress in your finest, send wishes to those near and far, and let the joy of the Festival of Lights fill your heart.