Diwali 2024: Tamil Nadu government declares school holidays on October 31, November 1; half day off for Choti Diwali today

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

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

Diwali celebrations have kicked off with the beginning of Dhanteras on Tuesday. Today, October 30, marks Chhoti 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 celebrated just a day later.

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

Diwali celebration in Tamil Nadu

Diwali in Tamil Nadu is characterized by a combination of traditional customs and vibrant celebrations. One of the unique customs of Tamil Nadu is ‘Kolam’, intricate floor designs made with rice flour or colored powder created in front of homes as a sign of welcome and prosperity. These designs come in various patterns, from simple geometric shapes to complex artistic motifs.

‘Special’ Diwali

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

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 temple of Ayodhya.

The Yogi-Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government is all set to hold ‘special’ Diwali celebrations 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 central focus for this Deepotsav. Special wax lamps will be used to minimize carbon emissions and protect the temple from soot damage,” a UP government statement said. These lamps will remain lit for longer periods and will not affect the structure of the Ayodhya temple.