Mark Your Calendars: The Complete Guide to October's Grand Festive Celebrations – Dhanteras, Diwali, Govardhan, Bhai Dooj, and Chhath Puja Dates Revealed!

As October unfolds, India prepares to immerse itself in a vibrant tapestry of traditions, lights, and devotion. This year, the festive season kicks off with the auspicious Dhanteras, paving the way for the grand celebration of Diwali, followed by the heartfelt observances of Govardhan Puja, Bhai Dooj, and the profound Chhath Puja.

Get ready to illuminate your homes and hearts as we unveil the exact dates for these cherished festivals, ensuring you don't miss a single moment of joy and reverence.

The festivities begin with Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, a day dedicated to wealth and prosperity.

It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the ocean during the churning of the milk (Samudra Manthan) on this day. Devotees often purchase gold, silver, and new utensils, symbolizing good fortune for the year ahead. This year, Dhanteras will be celebrated on Sunday, October 27, 2024.

Following closely is the most anticipated festival of the year, Diwali, or Deepawali, the Festival of Lights.

This five-day extravaganza culminates on the third day with Lakshmi Puja, where devotees seek blessings from Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and prosperity, and Lord Ganesha for wisdom. Homes are adorned with dazzling lights, lamps, and intricate rangoli, signifying the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.

Diwali 2024 falls on Monday, October 28, 2024.

The day after Diwali is dedicated to Govardhan Puja, a unique festival where devotees worship Govardhan Hill and Lord Krishna. It commemorates the day Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan Hill to protect the villagers from the wrath of Lord Indra.

People often build miniature hills of cow dung and adorn them with flowers, offering food and prayers. This significant day is observed on Tuesday, October 29, 2024.

The penultimate day of Diwali celebrations brings Bhai Dooj, also known as Bhau Beej or Bhai Tika.

This heartwarming festival celebrates the eternal bond between brothers and sisters, similar to Raksha Bandhan but with a different ritual. Sisters apply a tilak on their brothers' foreheads, pray for their long life and well-being, and exchange gifts. Brothers, in turn, promise to protect their sisters.

This joyous occasion will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 30, 2024.

As the Diwali festivities conclude, the focus shifts to the powerful and ancient festival of Chhath Puja, predominantly celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, Eastern Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Nepal.

Dedicated to the Sun God (Surya Dev) and Chhathi Maiya, this festival involves rigorous fasting, holy bathing, and offering arghya (offerings) to the rising and setting sun. The Chhath Puja spans four days, each with its unique rituals:

• Nahay Khay: The first day, involving a holy bath and consuming specific vegetarian meals.

  This is on Thursday, October 31, 2024.
  

• Kharna: The second day, where devotees observe a fast and break it after sunset by consuming kheer (rice pudding) and chapati. This is on Friday, November 1, 2024.
  
• Sandhya Arghya: The third and most important day, when offerings are made to the setting sun.

  Devotees gather at riverbanks or ponds to offer prayers. This takes place on Saturday, November 2, 2024.
  

• Usha Arghya: The fourth and final day, marking the culmination of the puja with offerings made to the rising sun, followed by breaking the fast. This will be on Sunday, November 3, 2024.
  

Prepare to embrace the festive spirit with open arms, as these upcoming days in October promise a season filled with devotion, family gatherings, and abundant blessings.

May your celebrations be grand and memorable!