Diwali 2024, Lakshmi Puja 2024, and Kali Puja 2024: Date, Pooja Timings, and Shubh Muhurat across different US Time Zones (ET, CT, MT, PT)

Diwali 2024, an auspicious time for Hindus around the world, is celebrated with much fanfare in India and other parts of the world including United States, where many celebrations are being held in community centers, temples, and homes, allowing families and friends to enjoy the festival of lights away from home with traditional sweets, music, and cultural performances.

Diwali is celebrated on the 15th day of the month of Kartik as per Hindu lunisolar calendar and falls on October or November. This year it's being celebrated on Thursday, October 31, 2024. The five day Diwali celebrations begin with Dhanteras (October 29), followed by Narak Chaturdashi or Chhoti Diwali (October 30), which falls a day before main Diwali celebrations. Govardhan Puja (November 1) and Bhai Dooj (November 3) mark the final two days of Diwali festivities. Denoting the victory of good over evil, the marks Lord Rama and Mata Sita's return to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana. This also marked end to their 14 years of vanvaas or exile.

How to do Lakshmi Puja
One of the important parts of Diwali celebrations is worshipping goddess Lakshmi. Many people fast during the day and conclude it post Lakshmi Puja, which is conducted in homes and offices. The entire house is decorated with marigold flowers, mango and banana leaves, and other decorations on the day of Lakshmi Puja. According to drikpanchang, it is considered auspicious to keep Mangalik Kalash covered with unpeeled coconut at both sides of the main entrance of the home.

For Lakshmi Puja, idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha are kept on a red cloth, cleaned and adorned with silk clothes and jewellery. After this, a white cloth is kept at the left hand side on a raised platform for installing Navgraha gods. Akshat, silver coin, kalash, mango leaves, sweets, fruits, Kumkum, incense sticks, diya, supari are among the items that are included in the puja samagri. Lakshmi puja should be done as per the timings suggested by panchang.

What is Kali Puja
Kali Puja, also known as Shyama Puja, is an integral part of Diwali celebrations, especially for people from West Bengal, Orissa, Assam among others. Diwali Puja and Kali Puja may fall on the same day sometimes, but the latter might fall one day before Diwali Puja. This year Kali Puja, will be done on the same day as Diwali puja. As per drikpanchang, for Kali Puja, the day when Amavasya prevails during midnight is considered. On the other hand, for Lakshmi Puja the day when Amavasya prevails during Pradosh is considered.

Diwali 2024, Lakshmi Puja 2024, and Kali Puja 2024 Date, Pooja Timings, and Shubh Muhurat Across US States (ET, CT, MT, PT)