Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) 2025: Date, Significance, and How to Celebrate

Naraka Chaturdasi, also known as Choti Diwali or Choti Deepawali, is celebrated a day before the grand Diwali festival. Falling on the 14th day of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) in the month of Kartik, it marks the defeat of the demon Narakasura by Lord Krishna. The day symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness.
 

Traditionally, the festival is observed with rituals that include early morning oil baths, lighting diyas, and cleaning homes. These practices are believed to purify the body and surroundings, clearing the path for prosperity and joy during Diwali. For many, Choti Diwali is a time to reflect, prepare, and welcome the festival of lights with clarity and renewed energy.
 

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In 2025, Choti Diwali will be celebrated on 19 October. The Chaturdashi tithi begins at 1:51 PM on 19 October and ends at 3:44 PM on 20 October. As per tradition, the main rituals are observed during the early morning hours before sunrise on 19 October.

The most important ritual is the Abhyang Snan—a sacred oil bath performed during the auspicious muhurat, which is from 5:29 AM to 6:39 AM. It is believed that this bath purifies the body, mind, and soul, and removes negative energies. Families also begin preparations for the main Diwali festivities on this day, making sweets, decorating homes, and shopping for essentials. Following the correct timings and rituals ensures spiritual benefits and brings positivity into the household.

This day also marks the beginning of festive preparations—from making sweets, decorating homes, and shopping for essentials, to planning thoughtful gifts for loved ones. If you’re looking to buy home appliances, electronics, or festive gifts, you can explore Easy EMI options with Bajaj Finserv. Check the latest offers and make the most of the festive season without straining your budget.

Choti Diwali is not just a day of rituals—it carries profound spiritual, social, and cultural importance. 
Spiritually, it symbolizes the cleansing of negative energies. The pre-dawn bath and lighting of lamps are believed to purify the soul and remove the darkness of ignorance.
 

Socially, this day fosters togetherness. Families come together to cook festive meals, decorate homes, and perform pujas. The spirit of giving and sharing also plays a role—many people distribute food, sweets, or clothing to those in need.
 

Culturally, the regional names and customs—like Roop Chaudas, Kali Chaudas, or Bhoot Chaturdashi—reflect India’s diversity and the layered interpretations of the same event. Observing Choti Deepawali helps reinforce values of cleanliness, harmony, and readiness to welcome prosperity, making it an essential part of the Diwali season.

While the essence of Choti Diwali remains the same (celebrating the victory of good over evil) customs and rituals vary across regions in India:

North India

• Begins with an early morning oil bath.
• Homes are thoroughly cleaned and decorated with rangoli and diyas.
• People perform pujas dedicated to Lord Krishna or Goddess Kali.

Maharashtra

• Families observe a traditional Abhyang Snan using scented ubtan.
• A variety of festive sweets like laddoos, chaklis, and karanjis are prepared and exchanged.

West Bengal

• Celebrated as Bhoot Chaturdashi.
• Fourteen lamps are lit in memory of ancestors to ward off evil spirits.

South India

• Considered an integral part of the main Diwali celebration.
• Rituals include early baths, house cleaning, and lighting lamps in the evening.

This rich diversity in traditions makes Choti Deepawali a vibrant and culturally significant day, bringing families together in shared joy and devotion.

Choti Diwali is a wonderful time to show appreciation and love through thoughtful gifts. With the festival just a day before the grand Diwali celebration, it sets the tone for the season of giving. Whether you are surprising family members, thanking employees, or gifting yourself something special, here are some modern gifting ideas that blend tradition with tech:

• Smartwatches
  Stylish and functional, smartwatches make excellent gifts for all age groups. With features like fitness tracking, heart rate monitoring, and message alerts, they’re a perfect blend of wellness and convenience.
• Smartphones
  A new smartphone is always a festive favourite. From mid-range models to premium flagships, gifting a smartphone during Choti Diwali is both practical and exciting—especially when paired with attractive festive discounts.
• Bluetooth speakers and headphones
  Great for music lovers, wireless audio devices make thoughtful gifts that enhance daily entertainment and productivity.
• Kitchen appliances
  Think air fryers, mixers, or coffee makers—perfect for families who love to cook or entertain guests during Diwali.
• Home gadgets and décor
  Robot vacuum cleaners, LED lights, or smart home assistants can elevate any living space. They're great for those who enjoy tech and home improvement alike.
   

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The central legend of Naraka Chaturdasi revolves around the demon Narakasura, who ruled with cruelty and arrogance. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Krishna, along with Satyabhama, defeated Narakasura on this day, freeing thousands of imprisoned women and restoring peace.
 

This victory is celebrated as Choti Deepawali, symbolizing the end of ignorance and the beginning of light and knowledge. In some traditions, the goddess Kali is worshipped on this day for her role in destroying evil forces. Others also connect the day with Yama, the god of death, believing that lighting lamps and offering prayers ensures protection from untimely death.
 

These stories reinforce the values of righteousness, courage, and the importance of standing against injustice, making the festival deeply meaningful across different regions of India.

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