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Choti Diwali 2025 date and time : Before the big night of Diwali comes another night, which may not be as noisy, but has a much deeper significance. This is Chhoti Diwali, which we also know as Narak Chaturdashi and Roop Chaudas. This day is not just about lighting lamps and preparations, but also about celebrating victory by eliminating all kinds of darkness, evil and negativity from the mind.
This evening, when lamps are lit in the courtyard of the house, it seems as if we are inviting not just light but good luck and positivity into our home. So let us know every small and big thing related to this special day.
The biggest question: Should we celebrate Chhoti Diwali today or tomorrow?
This year there is some confusion regarding the date, as Chaturdashi Tithi is spread over two days.
- This date will start from 1:53 pm on October 19 and will last till 3:46 pm on October 20.
So when should we celebrate?
The best time for puja and lighting the lamp of Yama is the evening of 19th October (after sunset), as this puja is performed during Pradosh Kaal only. Whereas the auspicious time to take bath after applying ubtan i.e. Abhyang Snan is on the morning of 20th October (from 5:12 to 6:25 am).
Why is it called ‘Narak Chaturdashi’?
This name sounds a bit scary, but its story is one of victory and light. According to mythology, on this day Lord Shri Krishna killed a very evil demon named Narakasura. That demon had kept 16,100 girls captive. Shri Krishna not only freed them all, but also freed the world from its fear. This day is celebrated in memory of this victory.
How to perform puja and why do we light ‘Yam ka Diya’?
Worship of Shri Krishna, Hanuman ji and Yamraj in the evening on Chhoti Diwali is of great importance.
- Yama ka Diya: The most special tradition of this day is lighting ‘Yam ka Diya’. A four-sided lamp made of flour is lit outside the house, facing south. It is believed that by doing this the danger of untimely death from the family is averted and Yamraj is pleased.
- How many lamps should we light? There is a tradition of lighting 14 lamps in the house on this day. One lamp is for Yamraj, one for Maa Kali and one for Shri Krishna. The remaining lamps are kept in every corner of the house – kitchen, basil, door and terrace, so that no corner of the house remains in darkness.
What is the difference between small and big Diwali?
While Chhoti Diwali is associated with the victory of good over evil and cleaning of the house, Big Diwali marks the celebration of Lord Ram’s return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. Actually, Chhoti Diwali is the last and most sacred stage of preparation for Big Diwali, so that when Maa Lakshmi comes home the next day, she gets a clean and positive atmosphere.