Diwali Week in Kolkata 2024: Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj Traditions & Spots

Diwali 2024 is almost at the doorstep, and as always Kolkata adds its own unique touch to this festival of lights, blending traditional Bengali customs with grandeur. Kolkata offers a special charm during Diwali week, where traditions, rituals, and vibrant celebrations span five days, starting from Dhanteras and ending with the affectionate exchange of love and gifts on Bhai Dooj.

Important Dates and Times for Diwali 2024

Day 1: Dhanteras – A Divine Start to Diwali

Dhanteras, the first day of Diwali week celebrations in Kolkata, is all about welcoming wealth and prosperity into homes. People flock to Dhanteras shopping spots in Kolkata, like Gariahat Market and New Market, to buy precious metals such as gold, silver, and brass utensils. The belief is that these purchases, especially of Lakshmi idols or traditional jewellery, bring good luck. The evening is reserved for the Dhanteras Lakshmi puja where families light up 13 diyas (lamps) and offer prayers to Goddess Lakshmi symbolising the removal of darkness.

Day 2: Naraka Chaturdashi – Choti Diwali

Naraka Chaturdashi—often referred to as Choti Diwali in northern parts of India—is known as Bhoot Chaturdashi in Bengali traditions. This day is specifically associated with the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. It’s a quieter day compared to the main Diwali celebration, but the night is celebrated as Dipaboli in Bengal. While the rest of India celebrates the return of Lord Rama, Mata Sita, and Lakshman's return to Ayodhya, Bengalis also worship Goddess Kali, making this day Kali Puja Day.

Day 3: Diwali – Festival of Lights

Diwali itself is a grand celebration of light, symbolising the victory of good over evil. In Kolkata, homes come alive with decorations of earthen lamps (diyas), colourful rangoli, and twinkling lights. Families perform Lakshmi and Ganesh puja in the evening. Firecrackers light up the night sky, Kolkata maintains a cultural approach to the celebrations. People visit neighbours with traditional Diwali gifts like sweets and diyas sharing the joy of the festival.

Day 4: Govardhan Puja – Offering Thanks to Nature

The day following Diwali is Govardhan Puja, a day dedicated to nature. In Kolkata, many perform small pujas in their homes to honor Lord Krishna, who lifted the Govardhan hill to protect the villagers from torrential rains. The day is filled with families gathering for small rituals and feasts.

Day 5: Bhai Dooj – A Day of Sibling Love

The last day of Diwali week is Bhai Dooj, celebrated with much affection between brothers and sisters. Known as Bhai Phota in Bengal, where sisters fast and perform rituals to pray for their brothers' well-being, applying a tika on their foreheads while chanting mantras. This loving gesture is followed by the exchange of Bhai Dooj gifts, and Bhai Dooj special foods and Bengali delicacies are prepared for the occasion. This intimate family day is one of the most cherished parts of the Diwali week celebrations in Kolkata.