Diwali celebrations run for almost a week, with the Choti Diwali or Narak Chaturdashi being a significant day in Diwali festivities. It will be celebrated on October 19, 2025, with Dhanteras falling on October 18 and Badi Diwali or Lakshmi Puja on October 20. While Lakshmi Puja is considered to be the most important day of Diwali, Choti Diwali also has great significance. Let’s take a deep dive into this day, its significance, and how it is celebrated across the country.
Choti Diwali 2025: Significance, Celebration, And Legends
Choti Diwali Date And Muhurat
This festival will fall on October 19, 2025 while in 2024, the day falls on October 31. In Hinduism, a muhurat is an auspicious timing according to the alignment of stars and constellations. Observing auspicious occasions on the time of a muhurat is believed to guarantee the success of that occasion. For Choti Diwali, the muhurat as per Hindu astrology is said to be from 7:39 PM to 8:25 PM.
Naraka Chaturdashi 2025: Hindu Mythological Legend Behind The Day
Naraka Chaturdashi is rooted in a mythological tale of Lord Krishna in Hindu mythology. According to the tale, Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura on this day, relieving the world of his tyrannic rule. This day is thus looked at as a day that symbolizes the victory of truth over evil and light over darkness.
As Narakasura is associated with darkness, it is believed that Naraka Chaturdashi is a day to practice good deeds, get rid of the ‘darkness’ in one’s mind and soul, and remember that ultimately, it is only truth that triumphs over evil.
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How Is Choti Diwali Celebrated?
Choti Diwali, in general, is celebrated by waking up early in the morning, before sunrise. Hindu scriptures believe that getting up early on this day and taking a ritualistic bath will cleanse the body and soul and also protect individuals from going to hell.
After getting up early, people apply fragrant oils, sandalwood, as well as ubtan – a special skincare paste of sandalwood, turmeric, chickpea flour, and other essential oils. During their bath, some communities in India also crush a bitter fruit called kareet under their feet. This act of crushing the bitter fruit is considered symbolic of getting rid of one’s vices, sins, and ignorance.
Once they partake in a ritualistic bath, people light earthen diyas outside their homes to ward off evil spirits. This act symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and is considered to be bring prosperity, good fortune, and good health. Families also offer prayers, dress up in new, traditional outfits, and exchange wishes and gifts.
Kali Chaudas In Gujarat
Many people often consider Kali Chaudas and Naraka Chaturdashi as the same, but they differ in their significance as well as muhurat. The former is dedicated to Goddess Kalaratri and in 2025, will be observed on the same day as Naraka Chaturdashi.
This celebration is considered to protect devotees from negative energies and evil spirits and foster spiritual cleansing. Devotees visit cremation grounds at midnight to offer prayers to the departed as well as Goddess Kalaratri. She is known for her fierce nature and is mainly worshipped in Gujarat and some parts of West India, however, it is not synonymous with Naraka Chaturdashi.
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Bhoot Chaturdashi In West Bengal
Similar to Kali Chaudas, Bhoot Chaturdashi often aligns on the day of Naraka Chaturdashi. While Kali Chaudas is popular in West India, Bhoot Chaturdashi is popular in East India, particularly the states of West Bengal and Odisha. It is dedicated to the goddess Kali and involves lighting 14 diyas that honor departed souls and signify purity, spiritual cleansing, and good health.
Bengali families light up 14 diyas in the dark corners of their house, with each diya representing a past generation of the family. It is also believed that these diyas open up a portal for the departed descendants and helps them reach their family, where they bless their current generation.
Summing Up
Naraka Chaturdashi is a day that tells us that it is truth and goodwill that triumphs over evil. Individuals wake up early, bathe in a ritualistic manner, and offer prayers to deities for good fortune and destruction of evil in their minds. Celebrated across India along with the Kali Chaudas and Bhoot Chaturdashi, Naraka Chaturdashi is a day marking spiritual growth and cleansing just before Lakshmi Puja or Badi Diwali.
