Happy Diwali Wishes for 2024 | 210+ Quotes, Wishes, Personal messages, greeting cards, or WhatsApp status updates And Images
Happy Diwali Wishes for 2024 , also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most cherished celebrations in India and around the world. In 2024, Diwali will be celebrated on Tue, Oct 29, 2024 – Sun, Nov 3, 2024 this Year, marking the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. This auspicious festival carries cultural, spiritual, and social significance, symbolizing hope, happiness, and the renewal of life. Families come together to light diyas, burst crackers, exchange gifts, and enjoy delicious sweets.
A key part of Diwali is sending warm wishes to family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones. In a world that often feels fast-paced and busy, these heartfelt greetings remind people of the joy of connections and spread positivity during the festive season. Whether it’s through Personal messages, Greeting Cards, or WhatsApp status updates, conveying your feelings through Diwali greetings adds to the festive spirit.
This post offers a collection of best wishes for Diwali 2024, helping you express your love and care creatively. Whether you’re looking for emotional wishes for close friends or professional messages for colleagues, these Happy Diwali 2024 wishes will ensure your greetings bring joy to those around you.
The Story Behind Diwali Celebration: Mythology and Significance
The origins of Diwali lie in ancient Hindu mythology, with several stories across regions explaining the significance of the festival. All the stories revolve around themes of victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. Below are the most popular mythological tales associated with the Diwali celebration.
1. The Return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya (Ramayana)
- The Most Popular Story:
The most well-known legend traces the origin of Diwali to the epic Ramayana. After 14 years of exile and a fierce battle in which Lord Rama defeated the demon king Ravana, he returned to his kingdom Ayodhya with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana. - The Celebration:
To celebrate the return of their beloved king, the people of Ayodhya lit earthen lamps (diyas) across the city, signifying the triumph of good over evil. This tradition continues today as millions light lamps to mark the victory of righteousness.
Lord Rama to Ayodhya
2. Krishna’s Victory over Narakasura
- The Legend:
In some parts of India, especially in South India, Diwali is linked to Lord Krishna‘s victory over the evil demon Narakasura. The demon had terrorized the heavens and earth, enslaving many and stealing valuable treasures. Krishna, along with his wife Satyabhama, fought Narakasura and freed the captives. - The Celebration:
The day of Naraka Chaturdashi (one day before Diwali) commemorates this victory, and people light lamps to symbolize the defeat of darkness and tyranny.
3. Goddess Lakshmi’s Birth and Marriage to Vishnu
- The Story:
According to another legend, Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, was born on the day of Amavasya (the new moon) during the churning of the ocean of milk (Samudra Manthan).
In some traditions, Diwali also marks the day Lakshmi married Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe. - The Celebration:
On Diwali night, devotees perform Lakshmi Puja to seek her blessings for prosperity and happiness.
4. Govardhan Puja: Krishna Lifts the Govardhan Hill
- The Legend:
In another tale from Vrindavan, the people of the region once worshiped Indra, the god of rain. But Lord Krishna encouraged them to stop worshiping Indra and instead offer their devotion to Govardhan Hill for providing them with food and shelter.
Angered, Indra unleashed heavy rains, threatening to flood the region. Krishna lifted the Govardhan Hill on his little finger, sheltering the people under it until the rains stopped. - The Celebration:
The fourth day of Diwali is celebrated as Govardhan Puja in honor of this event, symbolizing gratitude towards nature and humility over arrogance.
5. The Story of King Bali and Vamana (South India)
- The Story:
In some parts of South India, Diwali is linked to the legend of King Bali and Lord Vishnu. King Bali was a generous but ambitious demon king who ruled the three worlds. Vishnu, in his dwarf incarnation Vamana, tricked Bali and sent him to the underworld. However, because of his devotion, Vishnu granted Bali permission to return to earth once a year to meet his people. - The Celebration:
This day symbolizes sacrifice, humility, and devotion, and some communities light lamps to welcome King Bali during Diwali.
Diwali as a Universal Celebration of Light and Goodness
Though the stories behind Diwali vary across regions, they all share the same essence—the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Whether it’s Rama’s return to Ayodhya, Krishna’s triumph over Narakasura, or Lakshmi’s blessings, Diwali serves as a reminder of the power of hope, unity, and positivity. This vibrant festival brings people together, inspiring them to overcome challenges, embrace kindness, and welcome new beginnings.
How Diwali Starts: A Step-by-Step Overview of the Celebrations
Diwali is a five-day festival, with each day carrying unique cultural and religious significance. The celebrations vary slightly by region, but they traditionally follow a set sequence that begins before the main day of Diwali.
1. Dhanteras (First Day)
- Meaning: Marks the official start of Diwali festivities.
- Rituals: People buy gold, silver, or new utensils to bring good fortune. Homes are cleaned to welcome the goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity.
- Significance: Dhanteras symbolizes the beginning of wealth accumulation and prosperity for the year ahead.
2. Naraka Chaturdashi or Chhoti Diwali (Second Day)
- Meaning: The day before Diwali, also known as Kali Chaudas in some regions.
- Rituals: People perform early morning oil baths (abhyanga snan) to cleanse negative energies. Houses are decorated with rangolis and lamps are lit.
- Mythological Reference: It marks the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura.
3. Lakshmi Puja / Diwali Night (Third Day)
- Meaning: This is the main day of Diwali and the most widely celebrated part of the festival.
- Rituals: Families worship Goddess Lakshmi to invite wealth and prosperity into their homes. Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, is also honored during the puja.
- Celebrations: Homes are illuminated with diyas and fairy lights, and firecrackers are burst to symbolize the banishment of evil spirits. Delicious sweets are exchanged among friends and relatives.
4. Govardhan Puja / Annakut (Fourth Day)
- Meaning: Celebrated to commemorate the story of Lord Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill to protect the people of Vrindavan from torrential rains sent by Lord Indra.
- Rituals: Devotees prepare elaborate meals, known as Annakut, to offer to the deities. In some regions, this day is also called Padwa, celebrating the bond between husband and wife.
5. Bhai Dooj (Fifth Day)
- Meaning: The final day of the Diwali festival, focused on the bond between brothers and sisters.
- Rituals: Sisters perform aarti, pray for their brothers’ long life, and apply tilak (a ceremonial mark) on their foreheads. Brothers, in return, give gifts and promise to protect their sisters.
A Festival of Lights and New Beginnings
The first day of Diwali begins with Dhanteras, setting the tone for new beginnings and prosperity, and the festival continues with various rituals and traditions over the next few days. Each phase of Diwali represents the journey from darkness to light—a spiritual transition from negativity to positivity, celebrated with joy, togetherness, and devotion.