Naraka Chaturdashi | Chhoti Diwali 2019 | Date, time and more details

The five days of one the biggest festival in India, Diwali has started. This year Choti Diwali which comes before the main festival of Diwali will be celebrated on October 26, 2019. It is also known by several names such as Naraka Chaturdashi, Bhoot Chaturdashi, Roop Chaudas or Kali Chaudas. It happens on the 14th day which is Chaturdashi of the Krishna Paksha in the Vikram Samvat Hindu calendar month of Avani. Read to know more details about the festival.

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Choti Diwali details

Choti Diwali date: October 26th

Choti Diwali time: 5:38 pm to 6:55 pm

Duration: 1 hour 18 minutes

Pradhosh Kaal: 5:38  pm to 8:13 pm

Vrishabh Kaal: 6:50 pm to 8: 45 pm

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Choti Diwali significance

According to Hindi legends, it is said that evil asur Narakasur forcefully ruled several kingdoms brought under is reign. Lord Brahma had blessed Narakasur that he could not be killed by anyone, but a woman. Evil demon Narakasur had the desire to rule heaven. When Lord Vishnu incarnated as Lord Krishna, he made a plan to defeat Narakasur in a battle. Lord Krishna rode the mouth Garuda as 'saarthi’, while his wife Satyabhama attacked Narakasur and killed him. Just like Dusshera, the day is another reminder that good always wins over evil.

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Choti Diwali observance

• On this occasion, a bitter berry known as kareet is crushed under the feet. This signifies the killing of the demon Narakasura who symbolises evil. The crushing of sour berry is considered as removal of ignorance.
• It is believed that on Naraka Chaturdashi, Lord Krishna tool oil bath after defeating the demon Naraksura. Thus, the day is important to take a ritualistic oil bath before the sun rises.
• In the morning on Choti Diwali, age-old ritual of Abhyanga Snan. It is a holy bath which is performed before the sunrise.
• Devotees apply a sesame oil, unbtan of rose and Ganga water on the body before taking a bath. Based on that, the day is also called as Roop Chaturdashi. 
• On Choti Diwali, after the sunset, the house and the porch is decorated with candles and diyas to welcome Goddess Laxmi.

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