Choti Diwali, also known as Naraka Chaturdashi or Kali Chaudas, marks the second day of the five-day Diwali festival. In 2025, Choti Diwali will be celebrated on Sunday, 19 October 2025, a day before the grand celebration of Diwali (Lakshmi Puja).
This day holds deep spiritual and cultural importance as it symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, paving the way for the joyous Diwali night that follows.
Significance of Choti Diwali (Naraka Chaturdashi)
The festival commemorates the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura, symbolizing the triumph of truth, virtue, and light. In South India, the day is known as Naraka Chaturdashi, and devotees celebrate it with early morning oil baths, rituals, and prayers to purify the body and soul.
In Western India, especially in Gujarat, the day is celebrated as Kali Chaudas, dedicated to Goddess Kali, who destroys negativity and protects her devotees from evil forces.
Choti Diwali is also considered a day of preparation, when homes are cleaned, decorated, and illuminated for the main Diwali celebrations.
Choti Diwali 2025 Date and Puja Timings
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Festival Name: Choti Diwali / Naraka Chaturdashi / Kali Chaudas
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Date: Sunday, 19 October 2025
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Chaturdashi Tithi Begins: 18 October 2025 – 06:45 PM
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Chaturdashi Tithi Ends: 19 October 2025 – 04:55 PM
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Auspicious Time for Abhyanga Snan: 05:55 AM – 06:45 AM (approx.)
The early morning Abhyanga Snan (holy oil bath) is a key ritual of Choti Diwali. It is believed to cleanse the body of negativity and prepare individuals to welcome Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha the following day.
Rituals and Celebrations
1. Abhyanga Snan (Holy Bath)
Devotees wake up before sunrise and take an oil bath, believed to destroy sins and impurities. This ritual is performed to signify victory over evil and to invite purity and prosperity.
2. Lighting Diyas and Decorations
Homes are decorated with oil lamps, rangolis, and flowers, creating a warm and festive atmosphere. Lighting diyas symbolizes removing darkness and inviting divine blessings.
3. Kali Puja and Naraka Chaturdashi Rituals
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In South India, people perform Naraka Chaturdashi Puja, offering prayers to Lord Krishna and Satyabhama for protection from evil.
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In Western India, Kali Chaudas is observed by worshipping Goddess Kali, seeking strength and courage to face adversities.
4. Sharing Sweets and Joy
Families prepare festive sweets like laddoos, chakli, karanji, and barfi, which are shared with loved ones and neighbors.
5. Bursting of Crackers
As the evening sets in, people light fireworks, symbolizing the destruction of darkness and ignorance.
Mythological Background
According to Hindu mythology, the demon Narakasura had imprisoned thousands of innocent beings and created chaos across the three worlds. Lord Krishna, with the help of his consort Satyabhama, defeated and killed Narakasura on this day, freeing all captives.
Before dying, Narakasura requested that his death be celebrated with lights and happiness. Hence, this day became Naraka Chaturdashi — a celebration of victory, liberation, and the removal of darkness.
The Beginning of Main Diwali Festivities
Choti Diwali is the gateway to the grand Diwali celebration that follows the next day. It sets the festive tone for Lakshmi Puja, when Goddess Lakshmi — the deity of wealth and prosperity — is welcomed into homes.
Families finalize their Diwali preparations, decorate their houses, exchange gifts, and light up their surroundings with diyas, signifying the victory of light, purity, and peace.
Spiritual Message of Choti Diwali
Choti Diwali teaches us that light always conquers darkness, and truth always triumphs over evil. It encourages us to remove negativity from our lives, cleanse our minds, and prepare to receive divine blessings.
As you celebrate this day, let your inner light shine brighter, spreading happiness and love all around.
Conclusion
Choti Diwali 2025 — celebrated on Sunday, October 19 — is not just a prelude to Diwali but a meaningful festival of cleansing, renewal, and positivity. As diyas illuminate homes and hearts, may this Naraka Chaturdashi bring light, health, wealth, and happiness to your life.
