Choti Diwali 2023 : Date, Significance and Story Behind Narak Chaturdashi

Choti Diwali also known as Naraka Chaturdashi is an annual Hindu festival celebrated before Diwali. According to the Hindu literature, Lord Krishna and Satyabhama killed the asura (demon) Narakasura on the same day. It is the time for reflection, and renewal which marks the beginning of the festive season.

In various areas of the country, the celebration is additionally celebrated as Kali Chaudas, Narak Chaudas, Roop Chaudas, Choti Diwali, Narak Nivaran Chaturdashi or Bhoot Chaturdashi.

When is Choti Diwali?

Choti Diwali, otherwise called Narak Chaturdashi falls on the fourteenth day of the Krishna Paksha in the Hindu schedule month of Kartika. The lunisolar month concurs with October or November in the Gregorian schedule. The second day of the five-day-long celebration of Diwali will be commended for this present year on November 11.

Why is Choti Diwali also known as Narak Chaturdashi?

Choti Diwali holds importance in light of multiple factors in various locales of India. The word Narak Chaturdashi means 'fourteenth day of the dull fortnight.' It memorializes the triumph of Lord Krishna over Satan Narakasura. He was the image of insidiousness and dimness. Thus, completely the day denotes the victory of good over evil, dispersing obscurity through the heavenliness of Ruler Krishna.

Significance

Choti Diwali is connected with various divine beings yet with a shared objective to destroy murkiness and nullify insidiousness or lethargy. According to a popular fanciful legend, all divine beings were scared of the incomparable Ruler Baliand his strong power.

Lord Vishnu visited him in his Vamana avatar and requested that he grant him only three feet of space within his realm to allay this worry

How is Narak Chaturdashi celebrated in India?

It is observed as a day of spiritual significance, and family togetherness to spread the message of love, light and victory of good over evil. People celebrate the day in different ways, like:

• The day before the main Diwali celebration is known as Choti Diwali, and it is considered a day for thoroughly cleaning and decorating homes for the most awaited Diwali celebration.
• People wear new garments, use scented oils, and take oil baths on Choti Diwali. Lighting lamps and diyas represent the eradication of ignorance and inner darkness.
• Other than, Lord Krishna, Goddess Kali, and Yama, the god of death are worshipped by lighting a lamp to protect one from the anguish of hell.