

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.

Upcoming Tamil film "Sardar 2" is set to feature actress Malavika Mohanan in a new and challenging role, according to her recent social media chat with fans. Known for her intense and physically demanding roles in Thangalaan and Yudhra, Mohanan has revealed that she underwent training for MMA and combat in preparation for her role in Thangalaan. Fans eagerly anticipate her upcoming performance in Sardar 2.

Popular music duo Sachet-Parampara have taken to Instagram to address the recent controversy surrounding their hit song "Bekhayali." The duo, who wrote and composed the song for the 2019 film "Kabir Singh," have accused composer Amaal Mallik of making false claims about the song's origins. They have called for a public apology and clarification of the issue. Meanwhile, fans are eagerly anticipating the collaboration of actors Arjun Das and Anna Ben in their upcoming film. Finally, superstar Shah Rukh Khan has dropped hints about a possible sequel to his 2022 blockbuster "Pathaan."

After music composer and singer Amaal Malik accused popular couple Sachet-Parampara of stealing their song 'Bekhayali', the couple has now broken their silence and shared a video on their Instagram handle. In a firm response, they deny the allegations and claim that the entire composition was their original work and they have proof to back it up. They express their disappointment towards Amaal and demand a public apology for his defamatory remarks.

After the successful debut of 'Dune: Part Two', acclaimed director Denis Villeneuve is back with 'Dune Messiah', the next chapter in the sci-fi saga based on Frank Herbert's novels. With a stellar cast including Florence Pugh, Timothee Chalamet, and Robert Pattinson, the film is set to release in December 2026 and will be shot entirely with IMAX cameras. Here's everything you need to know about the anticipated sequel.

After resolving a financial dispute, Nandamuri Balakrishna's Akhanda 2 has finally got the go-ahead from the Madras High Court for its theatrical release. The makers are now planning to release the highly-awaited sequel on December 12 and have also requested approval for paid premiere shows. The HC's decision came after Balakrishna himself stepped in to resolve the pending dues.

Actress Priyamani stars in the lead role of the Tamil adaptation of the popular American legal drama, The Good Wife. With themes of trust, deception, and empowerment, the series is set to stream on JioHotstar starting July 2025 in multiple languages. Directed by renowned actor Revathi, the series features a talented cast and promises to be an engaging and relatable story. Fans are eagerly anticipating the release after the teaser was shared on social media.

JioHotstar's South Unbound event in Chennai showcased new and diverse series in Tamil, Malayalam, and Telugu, including the highly anticipated third season of Heart Beat and a new show starring Vijay Sethupathi. The lineup also includes a legal family drama, Good Wife, with Priyamani reprising her role and bringing on new talents. All the content will be available to watch on OTTplay Premium, along with 25+ OTT platforms.

The makers of the highly anticipated Tamil film Parasakthi have released the promo for the second single, titled Ratnamala, featuring the lead stars, Sreeleela and Sivakarthikeyan. The song, composed by GV Prakash and penned by Jayashree, showcases the intense chemistry between the two actors in a romantic and soulful dance sequence. Along with the buzz surrounding the film's plot and star-studded cast, Sreeleela and Sivakarthikeyan's on-screen chemistry is also receiving much praise and attention from fans and critics alike.

Mumbai citizens' group, Nasha Virodhi Sangharsh Abhiyan, has organized protests against Sunburn Festival's debut in the city. Claiming that the popular electronic dance music event promotes drug abuse, the group is calling for the festival's cancellation. Despite strong resistance from activists, the festival is set to take place in Mumbai for the first time in its 13-year history, with organisers hoping to capitalize on the city's infrastructure and large audience base.

Fans of Nayanthara have been eagerly waiting for her highly anticipated documentary, which promises to offer a deeper look at the actress beyond her on-screen persona. Revealing her journey from a humble beginning to becoming one of the biggest stars in multiple industries - Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Hindi, the documentary captures her growth as an actress and a person. Not only that, it also delves into her private life, including her relationship with Director Vignesh Shivan, who she married in 2022. This intimate peek into her personal life is sure to make Nayanthara's birthday, also the release date, even more special for her fans.