Get a glimpse of the radiant Festival of Lights, Diwali, through the ABP Live coverage. From photos to videos, stay updated with all the festivities happening across India during this auspicious festival. Diwali, which falls on October 31st and November 1st in 2024, is a five-day celebration with different customs and traditions in different regions. Follow this space for live updates on the festival!
The Radiant Festival of Lights: Diwali
Diwali, also known as Deepavali or the Festival of Lights, is one of the most significant and widely celebrated festivals in India. It is a five-day celebration that signifies the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance.
Historical Background
The origins of Diwali can be traced back to ancient Hindu mythology. The festival commemorates the return of Lord Rama, the exiled prince of Ayodhya, to his kingdom after defeating the demon king Ravana. People lit their homes with oil lamps to welcome him and guide his way back.
Celebrations
Diwali is celebrated with fervor across India and beyond. The festivities include:
Regional Customs
While the spirit of Diwali remains the same, different regions of India have unique customs and traditions.
Top 5 FAQs
1. When is Diwali celebrated? A: Diwali falls on October 31st and November 1st in 2024.
2. How long does Diwali last? A: Diwali is a five-day festival.
3. What is the significance of Lakshmi Puja? A: Lakshmi Puja is a ritual performed to worship Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. People believe that it brings good fortune and blessings.
4. What are the popular Diwali sweets? A: Some popular Diwali sweets include ladoos, gulab jamun, jalebi, and barfi.
5. What is 'Diwali Milan'? A: 'Diwali Milan' is a post-Diwali gathering where people visit friends and relatives to exchange greetings and celebrate the festival.
The gripping trailer of the much-awaited supernatural thriller Kaal Trighori was released, giving a glimpse into the chilling world of curses, legends, and terror. Starring Arbaaz Khan and Rituparna Sengupta, the film is set to hit theatres on November 14 and has been written and directed by Nitin Vaidya. The multi-layered characters, unsettling imagery, and eerie atmosphere have already sparked intrigue among audiences, making it a must-watch.
On the auspicious occasion of Guru Nanak Jayanti, Bollywood actor Anupam Kher visited the Golden Temple in Amritsar to seek blessings. He shared a video on social media, showcasing his serene experience inside the sacred shrine. Kher also extended warm wishes to his followers on the occasion, accompanied by the soulful track 'Ik Onkar' from the film Rang De Basanti.
In a heartwarming post on Instagram, acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair celebrates her son Zohran Mamdani's historic win as he is elected as the Mayor of New York City. Nair shares a congratulatory post by Zoya Akhtar and adds her own words of pride for her son. With a successful career in directing films and series, including A Suitable Boy and Monsoon Wedding, Nair's joy knows no bounds as her son joins the progressive wing of the Democratic Party.
Zohran Mamdani, son of acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair and academic Mahmood Mamdani, has made history by becoming the first Muslim Mayor of New York City. He secured a landslide victory, winning with 83 percent of the total vote count and defeating political heavyweight Andrew Cuomo. The news has been met with immense joy by veteran actress and activist Shabana Azmi, who worked closely with Nair and has been closely following Zohran's political journey. Shabana expresses her hopes for social justice and praises Zohran's focused and dignified campaign.
After the recent announcement of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman's departure from Strictly Come Dancing, talks have begun for their successors. According to sources, One Show host Alex Jones and The Chase star Bradley Walsh are the top contenders for the hosting gig. While negotiations are still in the early stages, ITV bosses believe that the duo would make the perfect combination to take over the popular ballroom dancing show. The move is seen as a way to "freshen up" the show, while also maintaining its familiar elements. With Tess' exit, speculations have risen that she could be looking for a new opportunity in the US.
The October 29 episode of Bigg Boss Telugu Season 9 was packed with drama, emotions, and competitive tasks. The highlight of the day was the intense rivalry between contestants Thanuja and Madhuri, which reached a turning point when Madhuri chose fairness over personal differences in a crucial decision. However, the day also saw a serious injury to Bharani during a task, multiple quarrels and conflicts between housemates, and a hilarious skit by Emmanuel that provided some comic relief.
Filmmaker Apoorva Lakhia's recent Instagram Stories featuring Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan on the sets of his upcoming film Battle of Galwan sparked rumours of the star possibly making a cameo in the Salman Khan-starrer. However, Lakhia has clarified that Bachchan's visit was purely personal and unrelated to the movie. Meanwhile, actor Chitrangada Singh has joined the cast for the second shooting schedule in Mumbai, promising a film packed with action and emotion as it draws inspiration from the 2020 Galwan Valley clash.
Toronto-based taiko group Nagata Shachu and Seattle-based taiko family trio Chikiri come together for a powerful and dynamic musical collaboration, capturing the essence of Japan. Led by two artistic directors and taiko masters, the performance will feature vocal performances, drums, flutes, and shamisen, promising an evening of exceptional taiko drumming and Japanese music. With glowing reviews and high anticipation, this collaboration is a must-see for all lovers of music and culture.
Junglee Pictures brings to light yet another powerful and thought-provoking story with their latest film HAQ. Starring Yami Gautam Dhar and Emraan Hashmi, the film is a fictionalized version of the controversial Mohd. Ahmed Khan v. Shah Bano Begum case, sparking a debate on personal versus secular law in our society. With its strong and fearless performances, HAQ will leave audiences questioning the concept of justice and the need for a Uniform Civil Code.
The winners of the 55th Kerala State Film Awards were announced on Monday, with Malayalam superstar Mammootty taking home the award for Best Actor for his performance in the horror thriller 'Bramayugam'. The film 'Manjummel Boys' won the award for Best Film, while also picking up multiple other awards in categories such as directing, sound design, and cinematography. Other notable winners included actress Shamla Hamza for Best Actress and Prasanna Vithanage for Best Story.