Jaipur : The festival of Chhoti Diwali is celebrated on the Chaturdashi date of Krishna Paksha of Kartik month. Chhoti Diwali is also called Narak Chaudas, Roop Chaudas and Narak Chaturdashi. This festival is celebrated the next day of Dhanteras and a day before Diwali. The second day of the 5-day festival of Diwali is celebrated as Chhoti Diwali. Chhoti Diwali also has its own specialty. On this day, Yama Dev, who is considered to be the god of death, is worshipped. It is believed that doing this on the day of Chhoti Diwali or Narak Chaturdashi prevents untimely death of anyone in the family. By worshiping Lord Yama on this day, one gets relief from the fear of untimely death and hell. On this day, in the evening, a lamp in the name of Yama Dev is lit in the south direction, which is called Yama Deepak. This year the festival of Chhoti Diwali will be celebrated today i.e. on 30th October.
Auspicious time for Chhoti Diwali 2024 puja
According to the Panchang, Chaturdashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha of Kartik month will start from 1:04 pm on 30 October 2024 and will end the next day at 3:11 pm on 31 October. The auspicious time for worship on Chhoti Diwali will be from 4:36 pm to 6:15 pm on 30th October.
Why is Chhoti Diwali called Narak Chaturdashi?
There are some mythological stories associated with calling Chhoti Diwali as Narak Chaturdashi. The most famous story among these is related to Lord Shri Krishna. According to the legend, it is believed that on this day Lord Krishna had killed the demon named Narakasura. Narakasura had made all three worlds unhappy with his atrocities. He used to kidnap daughters and women of kings. He had attacked the celestial world and taken the gods captive.
On the Chaturdashi date of Krishna Paksha of Kartik month, Lord Shri Krishna killed Narakasura and freed the gods and about 16 thousand women from his captivity. People expressed their happiness by lighting lamps to celebrate the killing of Narakasura and the liberation of thousands of people from his captivity. It is believed that since then the festival of Chhoti Diwali is celebrated and because of the killing of Narakasura, Chhoti Diwali is known as Narak Chaturdashi.
Choti Diwali Puja Method
Chhoti Diwali is also known as Roop Chaudas. It is believed that by applying sesame oil and taking bath in the morning on this day, one gets beauty and beauty by the grace of Lord Krishna. On this day, along with Lord Krishna and Yamdev, Lord Hanuman is also worshipped. Worship of Hanumanji on this day is considered to have special significance. On this day, after bathing, one should worship Lord Hanuman by lighting incense and lamp and worshiping him as per the rituals.
On this day, do Hanuman Chalisa and Hanuman ji’s Aarti, after which offer food to Hanuman ji. Light a lamp in the house in the evening. It is believed that doing this brings happiness and prosperity to the house. On this day, in the evening, a four-faced flour lamp in the name of Yama is lit at the main entrance of the house, which is known as Yama Deepak. This lamp should be lit at the main entrance facing south.
Importance of Chhoti Diwali
Chhoti Diwali, also known as Narak Chaturdashi, is an important festival in Hinduism. On this day, people celebrate the victory of good over evil. According to beliefs, on this day Lord Shri Krishna killed the demon named Narakasura and freed all three worlds from his atrocities. Chhoti Diwali has importance for many other reasons. It is also considered the day of attaining beauty, age and strength. On this day, the festival of Hanuman Jayanti is also celebrated in many places. People clean their houses, shops, businesses etc. and decorate them with flowers and lights. By lighting the lamp, the evil in the form of darkness is removed and prosperity is wished for everyone.
