Chhoti Diwali 2025: Date, Significance, Puja Vidhi, and the Story of Naraka Chaturdashi

Indian festivals are steeped in cultural heritage and religious beliefs, and Diwali is one such festival that is celebrated with special enthusiasm and joy throughout the country. However, a day before Diwali comes another important day known as Chhoti Diwali or Naraka Chaturdashi. In this article, we will learn why Chhoti Diwali is celebrated in 2025, its significance, and the mythology associated with it.

Choti Diwali: Religious Significance

Choti Diwali is also known as Naraka Chaturdashi or Roop Chaudas. This festival is celebrated on the Chaturdashi date of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of the Kartik month, a day before the main Diwali. On the day of Chhoti Diwali, Lord Krishna killed the demon Narakasura, and this day is celebrated as a commemoration of his victory.

Why is Chhoti Diwali celebrated? Mythology

Choti Diwali, also known as Naraka Chaturdashi or Roop Chaudas, is celebrated a day before the main Diwali. This festival commemorates the killing of the demon Narakasura by Lord Krishna. According to mythology, Narakasura abused his power to oppress the earth and capture 16,000 girls. He caused immense suffering to gods and humans.

At that time, Lord Krishna, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, killed Narakasura and freed the girls. This victory is celebrated as the triumph of light over darkness, and hence, this day is celebrated as Naraka Chaturdashi or Chhoti Diwali. This day symbolizes the victory of good over evil, just as the main Diwali symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness.

On Chhoti Diwali, people wake up early in the morning and take a bath, called Abhyanga Snan, and then light lamps in their homes to worship Lord Krishna, Yamaraj, and Goddess Lakshmi. This day is also associated with beauty and health, which is why it is also called Roop Chaudas.

Choti Diwali Puja Vidhi

Waking up early in the morning, getting an oil massage, and taking a bath on Chhoti Diwali is considered auspicious. This is called Abhyanga Snan, which is considered a special worship ritual on this day. Afterward, the house is cleaned, lamps are lit, and Lord Yamaraj, Lord Krishna, and Goddess Lakshmi are worshipped.

Key Steps of the Puja:

• Bathing and Purification: Abhyanga Snan purifies the body and mind. The significance of this bath is explained before sunrise.
• Lighting of Lamps: Lamps are lit in every corner of the house to ward off negative energies.
• Worship of Lord Krishna: Lamps are lit in front of the idol of Lord Krishna and meditation is performed.
• Worship of Yamaraj: Lamps are lit to worship Yamaraj on this day to seek salvation from untimely death.

Interesting Facts Related to Chhoti Diwali

• Yama Deepdaan: Lamps are offered to Yamaraj on Chhoti Diwali. It is believed that lighting lamps on this day eliminates the fear of untimely death in the home.
• Roop Chaudas: Also known as Roop Chaudas, this day is celebrated with special rituals for beauty and health. Women consider this day especially auspicious for enhancing their beauty.
• Slaying of Narakasura: On this day, Lord Krishna killed the demon Narakasura, bringing peace and happiness to the earth.

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