Happy Chhoti Diwali 2025: Date, Time, Narak Chaturdashi Tithi, Puja Shubh Muhurat, Vidhi, Ritual, Significance

The five-day Diwali festivities have officially begun in India, starting with Dhanteras on Saturday. As the celebrations continue, the country now looks forward to the second day, which will be observed as Chhoti Diwali, also known as Narak Chaturdashi on Sunday. This day holds deep mythological and spiritual significance and sets the stage for the grand celebration of Diwali that follows.

Chhoti Diwali 2025 Date, Timings, Narak Chaturdashi Tithi, Puja Shubh Muhurat as per Hindu Calendar and Panchang

According to the Drik Panchang, Narak Chaturdashi or Chhoti Diwali will be observed on Monday, October 20, 2025. However, the Chaturdashi Tithi, which dictates the timing of the rituals, begins at 1:51 PM on October 19 and ends at 3:44 PM on October 20.

As most rituals are performed after sunset, many devotees-especially in northern and western India will celebrate Chhoti Diwali on the evening of October 19, while others will follow the traditional calendar and observe it on October 20.

Chhoti Diwali Abhyang Snan Muhurat and Rituals

One of the most sacred traditions associated with Chhoti Diwali is the Abhyang Snan, a ritualistic oil bath believed to purify the body and soul. For Chhoti Diwali 2025, the auspicious Abhyang Snan muhurat is between 5:21 AM and 6:31 AM on October 20, with a duration of 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Narak Chaturdashi or Chhoti Diwali Katha; Story and Significance

Chhoti Diwali, or Narak Chaturdashi, is celebrated a day before the main Diwali festival. The day commemorates the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura, symbolising the triumph of good over evil. The story holds that Lord Krishna, with the help of Goddess Kali, defeated the tyrant Narakasura and freed 16,000 women held captive by him.

On this day, people light earthen lamps (diyas), decorate their homes, and burst a few firecrackers as a joyful prelude to Diwali. It is also a time when households are thoroughly cleaned and prepared to welcome Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, on the following day. In various parts of India, Chhoti Diwali is also known as Roop Chaturdashi, Roop Chaudas, and Kali Chaudas.

Devotees traditionally apply sesame oil before bathing. Bathwater may be mixed with water from a Kalash preserved during Ahoi Ashtami and a few drops of holy Ganga Jal are often sprinkled for added sanctity. Post-bath, devotees offer water to Surya Dev (the Sun God) and chant mantras for health and longevity.

Chhoti Diwali 2025 Puja Timings and Deepdan

The main evening rituals for Chhoti Diwali will begin after sunset on October 19. The auspicious time for lighting diyas and performing Deepdan is from 5:47 PM onward. On this night, it is customary to light 14 earthen lamps across the home.

One lamp is dedicated to Yama (the god of death), another to Goddess Kali, one to Lord Krishna, and the remaining are placed in various spots like the entrance, kitchen, near the Tulsi plant, and the roof. This practice is believed to ward off evil forces and invite protection.

A special Yama Deepdan is done by placing an oil lamp outside the house facing south. It is believed that offering this lamp to Yama can protect the family from untimely death and misfortune.