Diwali 2024: Tamil Nadu government declares school holidays on October 31 and November 1; Today is half a day off for Choti Diwali

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

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

With the start of Dhanteras on Tuesday, Diwali celebrations have begun. Today, October 30, Chhoti marks Diwali, which is also known as Narak Chaturdashi. While Diwali marks the main 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 like Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Bihar will also be closed on October 31 and November 1 for Diwali celebrations. Some states also have a public holiday on November 2nd on the occasion of Bhai Dooj.

Diwali celebrations in Tamil Nadu

Diwali in Tamil Nadu is marked by a combination of traditional customs and lively celebrations. One of the unique customs in Tamil Nadu is the 'Kolam', intricate floor patterns made of rice flour or colored powders created in front of houses as a sign of welcome and prosperity. These designs come in a variety of patterns, from simple geometric shapes to complex artistic motifs.

“Special” Diwali

Earlier, Prime Minister Modi said Diwali 2024 would be “special” as Lord Ram, also known as 'Ram Lalla', would celebrate the festival at the Ayodhya temple for the first time in 500 years.

Deepotsav-2024 is also planned on the occasion of Chhoti Diwali and this will be the first Deepotsav after the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony of Shri Ram Lalla at the Ayodhya Temple.

The Yogi-Adityanath-led government in Uttar Pradesh is all set to hold “special” Diwali celebrations at the Ram temple. For what is expected to be an eco-friendly and magnificent Diwali, the state government announced to light 28 lakh lamps along the banks of Saryu River.

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