Choti Diwali 2025: Choti Diwali, observed a day before Diwali in India, is also called Naraka Chaturdashi, Roop Chaudas, or Kali Chaudas. This day holds great religious and spiritual importance. Devotees believe that praying to Lord Yamaraj on this day helps remove the fear of untimely death. Additionally, the day is linked to a significant victory of Lord Krishna.
Choti Diwali 2025: Date and Time of Choti Diwali
In 2025, Choti Diwali (Chaturdashi) will start at 1:51 PM on October 19 and continue until 3:44 PM on October 20. The auspicious time for performing the Kali Chaudas puja will be from 11:41 PM on October 19 to 12:31 AM on October 20.
Choti Diwali 2025 Shubh Muhurat: Auspicious time to light the Yam Deepak
On Naraka Chaturdashi, lighting a lamp for Yamaraj is considered highly auspicious. It is believed to protect against ancestral curses, fear of death, and negative energies. This year, the ideal time to light the lamp is from 5:50 PM to 7:02 PM.
Choti Diwali 2025 Significance: Importance of Choti Diwali
This festival is celebrated with different names in different parts of India:
- Yama Chaturdashi: The day of worship of Yamaraja
- Roop Chaudas: Belief in enhancing looks and beauty
Naraka Chaturdashi: Commemoration of the killing of Narakasura
On this day, people rise early and take a ritual bath, with a mixture of oil and soap considered especially auspicious. Homes are decorated with lamps, and prayers are offered to Lord Yamaraj, Goddess Lakshmi, and Lord Krishna.
The story of the killing of Narakasura
According to mythology, a demon named Narakasura was granted a boon that he could only be killed by Bhudevi, the Mother Earth. Proud of this boon, he began harassing the gods, sages, and even apsaras. Troubled, the gods approached Lord Krishna. Krishna, along with his wife Satyabhama (who was herself an incarnation of Bhudevi), fought against Narakasura.
When Lord Krishna was wounded during the battle, Satyabhama killed Narakasura with her own hands. This battle took place on the Chaturdashi (fourteenth day) of the dark fortnight of the month of Kartika. After Narakasura’s death, joy spread everywhere, and people celebrated by lighting lamps. Since then, this date has been celebrated as Naraka Chaturdashi.
