Diwali Date 2024 - Melbourne- Friday, 01st November 2024

The Diwali date is calculated based on the Hindu lunar calendar, which is different from the Gregorian calendar used in most of the world. Here's a description of the calculation process and Diwali date nirnay

1.Hindu Lunar Month:The Hindu lunar month is based on the lunar cycle, which is approximately 29.5 days long. Each month starts on the new moon day (Amavasya) and ends on the full moon day (Purnima).

2. Calculation: To determine the Diwali date, we need to identify the Amavasya (new moon day) of Kartik. This can be calculated using astronomical data and mathematical algorithms. Traditional method which is based on Surya Sidhant is still used by most panchang makers but with advancement NASA data is used to predict the location of moon and sun from earth. When the angular distance between sun and moon reaches 348deg , this marks the start of Amavasya tithi. The angular distance of 12 deg is 1 tithi which can vary from 19 to 26 hours. Reaching 0 deg, when moon comes between Sun and Earth is end of Amavasya and start of new moon.

For Melbourne 2024, Amvasya tithi will start at 09:22pm on 31st October when and the tithi ends at 11:46pm on 01st November.

3. Diwali date Nirnay: as per rules stated Dharmic scriptures, Mata Lakshmi puja is performed during "Pradosh kaal" when Amavasya tithi is prevailing. Pradosh means during sunset. Since there is no Amavasya present on 31st at sunset time but is present on 01st , this makes 01st suitable day for Diwali Puja.
Note the rule is Amavasya tithi prevailing during Pradosh Kaal.

4. General information: Tithi starts all over the world at same time since its an celestial event.This is the reason why some countries such as India may celebrate diwali on 31st. The rules for festival is applied globally and festival dates should not be compared with Indian calendar dates. Festival are calculated based on geographical location. Traditional method with minimum information left no choice but to accept Indian calculated panchang and till today some people are still using those creating more confusion for other countries.

4. Tantric Puja- for those who perform mantra / tantric puja vidhi for shakti shall use the night when amavasya is present at midnight which is on night of 31st October. This is the night of Narak Chaturdasi which is also known as Choti Diwali.

While the exact calculations may be intricate, the end result is a joyous celebration that unites Hindus worldwide.

Shub Deepawali from Hindu Priest Council of Australia.