Choti Diwali 2025 | Narak Chaturdashi

Choti Diwali, also known as Narak Chaturdashi, is the day before Diwali festival. In 2025, Choti Diwali date is October 20.

This festival is considered as Small Diwali as on this day crackers are burst in small scale.

All preparations for Diwali are done on Choti Diwali day. Devotees clean their houses and Rangoli designs are drawn in front of the house to welcome Goddess Lakshmi.

In the evening on Choti Diwali, Sri Rama Puja is also performed along with Shri Lakshmi Puja. Choti Diwali or Naraka Chaturdasi is the second day of Diwali festival.

On Narak Chaturdasi day, demon Narakasur was demolished by Lord Krishna and Satyabhama. They fought very aggressively and beheaded the demon on this day. Narak Chaturdashi marks the destruction of evil in the world and arrival of new lights. So, the diyas are lamps are kept burning for several days after beginning from Naraka Chaturdashi.

Narak Chaturdashi falls on Ashwin Krishna Chaturdashi as per the calendars followed in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. It falls on Kartik Krishna Chaturdashi as per the North Indian calendars.

Significance

• Commemoration of Victory: The festival marks the day when Lord Krishna, alongside Satyabhama and sometimes Goddess Kali, defeated Narakasura, who had been terrorizing the earth. This victory symbolizes the triumph of good over evil
• Cultural Importance: Naraka Chaturdashi is considered a day to cleanse oneself of negativity and laziness, making way for positive energy as Diwali approaches. It emphasizes renewal and fresh starts

Rituals and Observances

1. Early Morning Rituals:
   • Devotees wake up before sunrise to perform Abhyanga Snan, an oil bath believed to cleanse the body and soul. This ritual is often followed by applying herbal pastes and bathing
   • After bathing, individuals wear new or clean clothes.
2. Lighting of Lamps:
   • Homes are illuminated with oil lamps (diyas) to ward off darkness and evil spirits. This act is symbolic of bringing light into one’s life
3. Offerings and Prayers:
   • Offerings typically include flowers, fruits, and sweets to deities like Lord Hanuman and Goddess Kali. Special dishes made from freshly harvested rice are prepared, reflecting the harvest aspect of the festival
4. Community Celebrations:
   • In some regions, effigies of Narakasura are made and burned, symbolizing the destruction of evil. Fireworks are also a common feature during evening celebrations
5. Family Gatherings:
   • Families come together for festive meals, sharing sweets and delicacies as part of the celebration.