Choti Diwali 2024 Date: Narak Chaturdashi today or tomorrow? Know shubh muhurat time, puja vidhi, significance, Narakasura story

Choti Diwali will be celebrated on October 30, 2024, marking the Chaturdashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik. This festival occurs a day before Laxmi Puja and is recognized nationwide with various festivities. It is also known as Narak Chaturdashi.

Choti Diwali Narak Chaturdashi 2024: Date and Time

Chaturdashi Tithi Begins - October 30, 2024 - 02:45 AM
Chaturdashi Tithi Ends - October 31, 2024 - 05:22 AM

Abhyanga bath time - From 06:06 AM - 07:50 AM

Moonrise Time on Narak Chaturdashi - 06:06 AM

Narak Chaturdashi 2024: Significance

Narak Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali is an important day in Hindu tradition, marking the second day of Diwali festivities. Celebrated as Choti Diwali across India, this festival is observed with lively celebrations. It commemorates Lord Krishna’s defeat of the demon Narakasura, which is why it is known as Narak Chaturdashi.

In some regions, the day is also referred to as Kali Chaudas. On this occasion, Goddess Kali is worshipped for protection and to ward off evil spirits. Lighting diyas is a common practice, symbolizing the illumination of the soul and connecting with ancestors.

Narak Chaturdashi 2024: The Story

According to Hindu scriptures, Narakasura, a demon, terrorized people on earth and held 16,000 girls captive. Unable to endure his torment, the girls prayed to Lord Krishna for help. Lord Krishna, with his wife Satyabhama, rescued them by defeating Narakasura. Satyabhama, who had been Narakasura’s mother in a previous life, ultimately fulfilled the demon’s fate as foretold by Lord Brahma. After the rescue, the girls requested Krishna to marry them, as they feared they would not be accepted elsewhere, and he honored their request.

Narak Chaturdashi 2024: Puja Vidhi

Celebration activities on Choti Diwali include taking an oil and herbal paste bath in the morning, known as Abhyang Snana, to cleanse and rid oneself of negative energy. In the evening, diyas are lit to bring light and joy into homes. Rangoli art is created at entrance doors to enhance positivity. People worship Lord Krishna, cook and distribute sweets, and offer prayers for protection and blessings.

On this day, devotees begin by taking a holy bath, followed by cleaning their homes and puja areas. Homes are then adorned with rangoli, lights, diyas, flowers, and other festive decorations. Devotees worship Lord Krishna by lighting diyas with desi ghee and offering sweets like kheer, halwa, and dry fruits. Lighting 11 or 14 earthen lamps in the home is considered auspicious, believed to bring positivity and good fortune.