Thursday, 24 October 2024 | PNS | DEHRADUN
The ongoing confusion regarding the date of Deepawali this year has caused concern among many residents in Dehradun. Religious scholars and local residents are divided on the appropriate day for celebrating Deepawali this year. One religious group has chosen October 31 as the day for the festival, while another group has chosen November 1 for Lakshmi Pujan. Due to the ongoing confusion regarding the date of Deepawali, State government employees have also asked the government to designate October 31 as a holiday, in addition to November 1. They have also asked for an advance bonus for Deepawali from the government. Similarly, some private companies and institutions have also scheduled their Deepawali holiday for a date other than November 1.
The confusion surrounding the dates for Lakshmi Pujan has prompted some anxiety among local residents. Himani Dimri expressed concern over the conflicting beliefs about the Deepawali dates. Some individuals are considering October 31 as the day for Deepawali celebrations and Lakshmi Pujan while others believe November 1 is the auspicious day for the festivities. She added that the uncertainty regarding the timing of the Lakshmi Pujan has been causing anxiety among people like her. With the announcement of the date, the local residents will begin preparing for Deepawali accordingly, she added.
To address the confusion surrounding the dates for Deepawali, a local priest in the Kedarpuram area, Paripurnanand Naithani stated that this year, as per the Panchang, the date for Deepawali, including the Lakshmi Pujan, falls on October 31. The Lakshmi Pujan for Deepawali is traditionally performed in the evening. Therefore, this year, as per the Panchang, the schedule for the Lakshmi Pujan on Diwali begins from 6 PM on October 31 and continues until 6 PM on November 1. Lakshmi Pujan is usually conducted after sunset and will be observed on October 31. He emphasised that with the rise of social media and various applications, confusion regarding festivals has grown among the local population.
Another priest, Jagmohan Krishna, has also expressed concern regarding the confusion surrounding the dates and timing of the Lakshmi Pujan on the day of Deepawali. He emphasised that Deepawali has traditionally been observed on the day of Amavasya. This year, Amavasya will begin on October 31 in the afternoon, with Lakshmi Pujan scheduled for 6 PM on that same day, continuing until the evening of November 1. However, Lakshmi Pujan is traditionally performed after sunset. According to the Panchang, Deepawali will be celebrated on October 31 in accordance with religious customs.
“This year, Deepawali will be celebrated on November 1. However, social media and other factors have caused confusion about the festival’s celebration. Chhoti Deepawali will be observed on October 31. According to religious guidelines, the Lakshmi Pujan for Deepawali will take place on November 1 from 5 PM to 8 PM,” stated priest Gopal Thakur.
