Choti Diwali, also known as Narak Chaturdashi, is celebrated a day before the main Diwali festival. It marks the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
On this day, devotees take an early morning oil bath, also called Abhyang Snan, as it is believed to wash away all sins and bring good luck. Families decorate their houses with lights and beautiful rangolis to welcome positive energy and happiness.
Choti Diwali reminds everyone to remove darkness from their lives and fill it with light and positivity. It is a time to celebrate love, peace, and togetherness with family and friends.
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What is Choti Diwali?
Choti Diwali, also known as Narak Chaturdashi, Kali Chaudas, or Roop Chaudas, is celebrated one day before the grand festival of Diwali. It marks the victory of good over evil and light over darkness.
Although it is called “Choti” or “small” Diwali, it holds great importance in Hindu tradition and is observed with much devotion and joy.
These days, people clean their homes, light diyas, and prepare for the grand Diwali celebration.
2025 Chhoti Diwali Date and Time
Choti Diwali will be celebrated on Monday, 20th October, 2025
Choti Diwali Puja Muhurat
Chaturdashi Tithi Begins: 1:51 PM on 19th October 2025
Chaturdashi Tithi Ends: 3:44 PM on 20th October 20, 2025
Auspicious Time for Abhyang Snan: 4:23 AM to 5:35 AM
This early morning ritual bath, known as Abhyang Snan, is considered highly sacred and symbolizes purification of the body and soul.
The Story Behind Choti Diwali
The celebration of Choti Diwali is rooted in an ancient legend. It is said that Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura, who had captured thousands of innocent beings and spread terror across the worlds. With the help of his consort Satyabhama, Lord Krishna fought bravely and destroyed the demon, freeing all the captives.
After the victory, Krishna took a holy bath to wash away the remains of the battle. Hence, people perform the ritual bath on this day as a symbol of cleansing negativity and inviting divine blessings.
This day, therefore, represents the triumph of light, purity, and truth over darkness, sin, and ignorance.
Rituals and Traditions of Choti Diwali
1. Abhyang Snan
Devotees wake up before sunrise and take an oil bath using sesame or herbal oil. It is believed that this ritual removes impurities and brings good fortune.
2. Cleaning and Decoration
Houses are cleaned, decorated with colorful rangolis, and lit with diyas. It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi enters clean and well-lit homes.
3. Lighting Diyas
Small oil lamps are lit in every corner of the house to eliminate darkness and invite positivity. Lighting diyas also represents the victory of divine energy over evil forces.
4. Worship and Prayers
People perform special prayers to Lord Krishna for his victory over Narakasura.
In some regions, Lord Yama (the God of Death) is also worshipped by lighting a “Yama Deepam” outside the home to protect family members from untimely death.
5. Bursting Firecrackers
Early morning fireworks are common on Choti Diwali, symbolizing joy and the end of evil.
6. Sharing Sweets and Gifts
Families exchange sweets, gifts, and greetings to spread happiness and strengthen bonds of love and friendship.
7. Regional Variations
In Goa, effigies of Narakasura are burned to mark the victory of Lord Krishna.
In West Bengal, the day is celebrated as Bhoot Chaturdashi, where 14 lamps are lit to honor ancestral spirits.
In South India, the main Diwali celebration often falls on Narak Chaturdashi itself, with early morning oil baths and prayers.
Significance of Choti Diwali
Victory of Good Over Evil
Reminds us that truth and righteousness always triumph over falsehood and cruelty.
Spiritual Cleansing
The ritual bath symbolizes washing away sins and negative energy.
Preparation for Diwali
It marks the beginning of the grand festival of lights, preparing homes and hearts for Goddess Lakshmi’s arrival.
Protection and Peace
Lighting lamps for Yama ensures protection from evil and brings peace to departed souls.
Inner Light
Beyond rituals, Choti Diwali inspires people to light the lamp of wisdom within and overcome inner darkness.
Choti Diwali 2025 will be celebrated with devotion, light, and happiness across India. It is a time to cleanse, renew, and rejoice.
The day reminds us that even the smallest lamp can dispel great darkness – symbolizing that kindness, truth, and positivity can overcome all negativity.
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FAQ:
Q. Why do we celebrate Choti Diwali?
Choti Diwali, also known as Narak Chaturdashi, celebrates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura.
It signifies the triumph of good over evil and the removal of darkness from our lives.
Q. What rituals are performed on Choti Diwali?
On this day, people wake up early for an Abhyang Snan for cleaning. People are decorate their homes with light diyas and perform puja for protection and prosperity. Many also worship Lord Yama and Goddess Kali in the evening.
Q. Is Choti Diwali and Narak Chaturdashi the same?
Yes, Choti Diwali and Narak Chaturdashi are the same festival. In some regions, it is also called Kali Chaudas. The name may differ, but the rituals and significance remain similar.
Q. What is the difference between Choti Diwali and Diwali?
Choti Diwali is celebrated one day before the main Diwali (Lakshmi Puja). It focuses on cleansing the body and home to remove negativity.
While Diwali is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and celebrates wealth, light, and prosperity.