Chhoti Diwali 2023: Date, Shubh Muhurat, Puja Vidhi, and Significance

DIWALI 2023: The onset of the festive season witnesses a flurry of activities, from adorning homes with radiant lights, vibrant colours, and decorative lanterns to engaging in Diwali shopping for loved ones. Diwali, often referred to as the Festival of Lights, ushers in an aura of prosperity and happiness. This year, the date to mark in your calendars is November 12. The celebrations encompass a rich tapestry of customs and rituals, including Lakshmi Puja, Choti Diwali Puja, Dhanteras, and Govatra Dwadashi.

Chhoti Diwali, also known as Naraka Chaturdashi, aligns with the fourteenth day of the Krishna Paksha in the Hindu calendar month of Ashwin. Across different regions of the country, it assumes various names like Kali Chaudas, Narak Chaudas, Roop Chaudas, Naraka Nivaran Chaturdashi, and Bhoot Chaturdashi.

Chhoti Diwali 2023: Date

Chhoti Diwali falls on the fourteenth day of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) of the lunar month. This year, it will be marked on November 11.

Chhoti Diwali 2023: Puja Vidhi

1. When performing worship on Narak Chaturdashi, one should face northeast.

2. On Naraka Chaturdashi, Lord Krishna, Maa Kali, Yama, and Hanuman are worshipped.

3. Sesame seeds, jaggery, rice flakes, ghee, and sugar make up the divine prasad offered to the gods and goddesses.

4. Chant the Aavahan mantras of the deities and offer them oil, flowers, sandalwood, and coconuts.

5. Abhyang Snan, a sacred bath, holds immense significance on this day as it is believed to be a way to avoid Narak Darshan and seek divine blessings.

6. Light the Yama Diya on this day after worship. This Diya is placed outside the home.

7. Devotees also pay homage to Yamaraj, the God of Death, by reciting mantras and immersing black sesame seeds in water after taking a bath.

Chhoti Diwali 2023: Shubh Muhurat

As per Drik Panchang, the Shubh Muhurat for Chhoti Diwali celebration begins around 1:57 p.m. on November 11 and ends at 2:44 p.m. on November 12. The Muhurat for Hanuman Puja and Kali Chaudas is scheduled between 11:57 p.m. on November 11 and 12:48 p.m. on November 12.

Chhoti Diwali 2023: Significance

As per Hindu mythology, this day commemorates the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. It symbolises the triumph of good over evil.