Diwali 2024: The Tamil Nadu government on Tuesday announced a public holiday for all educational institutions in the state on October 31 and November 1 for the celebration of Diwali.

The second half of today, October 30, has also been declared a holiday for Chhoti Diwali by the Tamil Nadu government, an official press release said.

Diwali festivities started on Tuesday with the start of Dhanteras. Today, October 30, is Chhoti Diwali, also known as Narak Chaturdashi. While Diwali marks the most important festival, Chhoti Diwali is also of utmost importance as this event sets the tone for Diwali, which is celebrated just a day later.

Schools in other states such as Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Bihar are also closed on October 31 and November 1 for Diwali celebrations. Some states also have a public holiday on November 2 on the occasion of Bhai Dooj.

Diwali Celebrations in Tamil Nadu

Diwali in Tamil Nadu is characterized by a combination of traditional customs and lively festivities. One of the unique customs in Tamil Nadu is the ‘Kolam’, intricate floor designs made with rice flour or colored powders that are made for homes as a sign of welcome and prosperity. These designs are available in a variety of patterns, from simple geometric shapes to complex artistic motifs.

‘Special’ Diwali

Earlier, Prime Minister Modi had said that Diwali 2024 is “special” as Lord Ram, also known as ‘Ram Lalla’, will celebrate the festival at the Ayodhya temple for the first time in 500 years.

Deepotsav-2024 is also scheduled on the occasion of Chhoti Diwali and this will be the first Deepotsav after Shri Ram Lalla’s ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony at Ayodhya temple.

The Yogi-Adityanath-led government in Uttar Pradesh is all set to hold ‘special’ Diwali festivities at the Ram Temple. In what is expected to be an eco-friendly and grand Diwali, the state government said it will light 28 lakh lamps along the banks of the Saryu river.

“Environmental protection is also a major focus for this Deepotsav. Special wax lamps will be used to minimize CO2 emissions and protect the temple from soot damage,” a UP government statement said. These lamps remain lit for a longer period of time and do not affect the structure of the Ayodhya temple.