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Diwali 2024 live updates: People celebrate festival of lights; security up

Diwali 2024 live updates: Deepavali is being celebrated on Thursday with enthusiasm by over a billion people worldwide, symbolising hope and renewal.
A policeman talks on the phone in front of a mural of Hindu deity Ram and his wife Sita, on the eve of the Hindu festival of Diwali, in Ayodhya, on October 30, 2024.
A policeman talks on the phone in front of a mural of Hindu deity Ram and his wife Sita, on the eve of the Hindu festival of Diwali, in Ayodhya, on October 30, 2024.

Diwali 2024 live updates: Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is being celebrated on Thursday with great enthusiasm. This festival holds a significant place in Hinduism and is observed by over a billion people globally, including various faiths in India and its diaspora.

What is Diwali known for?

Diwali is derived from the word “Deepavali,” meaning “a row of lights.” It is the most important festival of the year for Hindus, symbolising hope and renewal....Read More

How is Diwali celebrated?

Celebrants illuminate their homes with traditional clay oil lamps, representing the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. Festivities include gatherings, fireworks, feasts, and prayers.

Is Diwali on October 31 or November 1?

The dates of Diwali depend on the Hindu lunar calendar, usually falling in late October or early November. This year, the holiday is being celebrated on October 31.

Follow all the updates here:
Oct 31, 2024 12:39 PM IST

Diwali 2024 live updates: CM Eknath Shinde says this Diwali is ‘special’

Diwali 2024 live updates: Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde called this year's Diwali celebrations “special” as the Mahayuti government in the state had announced several welfare schemes for various sections of the society.

"We are celebrating Diwali today...This year's Diwali is very special. The daughters, youth and farmers have got several schemes this year," Shinde said.

Oct 31, 2024 11:59 AM IST

Diwali 2024 live updates: Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple administration issues safety advisory

Diwali 2024 live updates: The Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple administration has issued a safety advisory ahead of Diwali celebrations, requesting the public to refrain from setting off fireworks and hazardous materials near the temple premises.

This precautionary measure is due to the temple's ongoing consecration ceremony (Kumbabishekam), a significant event occurring once every 12 years, and extensive renovation works, including painting of the iconic towers. To protect the temple and ensure public safety, protective covers have been placed around the structure. Therefore, devotees and residents in nearby areas are urged to cooperate by avoiding firecrackers and flammable materials near the temple during Deepavali, maintaining a safe and sacred environment.

Meenakshi Temple, also referred to as Meenakshi Amman or Meenakshi Sundareshwara Temple, is a historic Hindu temple located on the southern bank of the Vaigai River in the temple city of Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India.

Oct 31, 2024 10:42 AM IST

Diwali 2024 live updates: Delhi air 'very poor' all across on Diwali morning

Diwali 2024 live updates: Delhi’s air quality remained "very poor" Thursday morning, the day of Diwali. The Air Quality Index (AQI) registered 330 at 9 a.m. and is expected to worsen as evening festivities begin.

Delhiites awoke to skies veiled in thick smog, with Anand Vihar showing AQI in the "severe" category. Data from 38 monitoring stations indicated “very poor” air across the city.

On Wednesday, the 24-hour average AQI stood at 307, already within hazardous levels, foreshadowing concerns for further deterioration as Diwali celebrations continue.

Oct 31, 2024 10:41 AM IST

Diwali 2024 live updates: PM Modi extends Diwali greetings

Diwali 2024 live updates: Prime Minister Narendra Modi also greeted the people on the occasion of Diwali and wished everyone a healthy, happy and prosperous life.

"Many happy wishes to the countrymen on Deepawali. On this divine festival of lights, I wish everyone a healthy, happy and prosperous life. May everyone prosper with the blessings of Maa Lakshmi and Lord Shri Ganesha," PM Modi said on X

Oct 31, 2024 10:14 AM IST

Diwali 2024 live updates: President Murmu extends Diwali greetings

Diwali 2024 live updates: President Droupadi Murmu extended her Diwali greetings to the nation on Thursday. In a post on X, she stated, "On the auspicious occasion of Diwali, I extend my warm greetings and good wishes to all Indians living in India and abroad."

President Murmu emphasised that Diwali is a festival of joy and enthusiasm, symbolizing the victory of knowledge over ignorance and good over evil. She encouraged everyone to "illuminate our conscience, adopt virtues of love and compassion, and promote social harmony" during this festive time.

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