Dev Diwali 2024 in the UK | When is Dev Diwali ? | Date, Time, and Celebrations

Celebrate Dev Diwali 2024 in the UK on Friday, November 15. Learn about the festival's significance, key timings, including the Pradoshakal Muhurat from 17:10 to 19:47, and how to observe Dev Deepawali with lighting diyas, temple visits, and charity in the UK.

When is Dev Diwali 2024?

In 2024, Dev Diwali will be celebrated on Friday, November 15. The Muhurat for performing rituals and lighting lamps, known as Pradoshakal Dev Deepavali Muhurat, is from 17:10 to 19:47 in local time. This sacred period lasts for 2 hours and 37 minutes and is the ideal time for devotees to perform the ritual of Deepdan, or the offering of lamps.

In the UK, devotees can celebrate Dev Diwali in their homes or temples by lighting diyas (lamps) and offering prayers to Lord Shiva. Many temples across London, Leicester, and Birmingham hold special events and prayers to mark the festival. While the ghats of the Ganges may be far, the spirit of Dev Diwali can be beautifully captured by observing the traditions with family and community.

Looking for the perfect gifts to celebrate Diwali in the UK? Check out our article on Diwali Gift Ideas in the UK for unique and heartfelt suggestions that will delight your family and friends this festive season!

Significance of Dev Diwali

Dev Diwali, also referred to as Tripurotsav or Tripurari Purnima, commemorates the victory of Lord Shiva over the demon Tripurasur. According to Hindu mythology, this demon, after obtaining immense power, started creating chaos in the three worlds. The gods prayed to Lord Shiva, who eventually destroyed Tripurasur with his divine weapon. The festival represents the triumph of good over evil and is celebrated with immense fervor in Varanasi.

Apart from religious significance, Dev Diwali also marks a day of gratitude and remembrance for deities, ancestors, and the departed souls, making it a deeply spiritual and auspicious occasion.

How to Celebrate Dev Diwali in the UK

While the grand Dev Diwali celebrations in Varanasi may be unparalleled, UK-based devotees can still celebrate this festival in meaningful ways:

1. Lighting Diyas : The most important part of the Dev Diwali celebration is the Deepdan, where devotees light earthen lamps in the evening. UK devotees can place these diyas on their windowsills, balconies, or in their gardens to symbolically join the millions of lamps illuminating the holy city of Varanasi.

2. Puja and Offerings : Visit local temples such as the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in London or the Shree Sanatan Hindu Mandir in Wembley, where special pujas and celebrations may be held. Offerings to Lord Shiva, such as flowers, milk, and sweets, can also be made at home with a small puja setup.

3. Charity and Donations : On Dev Diwali, Hindus believe in the act of daan (charity). Donating food, clothes, or money to local charities in the UK is a way to embody the festival’s spirit of giving and gratitude. Many temples in the UK organize langars (community meals) and charity events on this day.

4. Virtual Varanasi Experience For those longing to experience the beauty of Dev Diwali on the ghats of the Ganges, many live-streamed events from Varanasi are available online. Watching the Ganga Aarti and the lighting of diyas can provide a glimpse of the grand celebration happening in India.

Dev Diwali 2024: Key Timings and Rituals

Here are the key details for Dev Diwali 2024 to help you plan your celebrations: Date: Friday, November 15, 2024, Pradoshakal Dev Deepavali Muhurat: 17:10 to 19:47, Duration: 2 hours and 37 minutes, Purnima Tithi Begins: 06:19 on November 15, 2024, Purnima Tithi Ends: 02:58 on November 16, 2024

These times are based on Varanasi’s Panchang and may differ slightly in the UK due to time zone differences. However, you can still observe the festival in the spirit of the Pradoshakal Muhurat by lighting diyas during sunset, following the local timings.

Why is Dev Diwali Special?

Dev Diwali is not just about the lights; it’s a festival that deepens the connection between humanity and the divine. In Varanasi, the entire city comes alive with the spiritual fervor of millions of devotees. However, for Hindus in the UK, this festival offers a moment of reflection, prayer, and celebration of the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Whether celebrating with a community or in the quiet of your own home, Dev Diwali is a time to reconnect with spirituality.

Where to Celebrate Dev Diwali in the UK?

Several temples across the UK celebrate Dev Diwali, particularly in cities with large Hindu populations. Here are some locations where you might find Dev Diwali events in 2024:

Shree Sanatan Hindu Mandir, Wembley – Known for hosting traditional rituals and aarti on major Hindu festivals.

Neasden Temple (BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir), London – Though primarily focused on other festivals, check for potential Dev Diwali-related events.

Leicester Hindu Temples – Leicester’s large Hindu community may have localized celebrations at temples such as the Geeta Bhawan.

Conclusion

Dev Diwali is a time to celebrate the divine, offer gratitude, and come together in light. Whether you're observing this festival in the UK or tuning into celebrations from Varanasi, the spirit of Dev Deepawali can transcend borders. Mark your calendars for November 15, 2024, and prepare for a day of devotion, celebration, and the beautiful tradition of lighting lamps.