Choti Diwali, also known as Narak Chaturdashi, Roop Chaudas, or Kali Chaudas, is the second day of the five-day Diwali festival. Celebrated a day before the main Diwali, this festival holds deep cultural and spiritual significance. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil, purification, and preparation for the main festival of lights.
In 2025, Choti Diwali will be celebrated with devotion, light decorations, rituals, and family gatherings, bringing joy and prosperity to homes across India.
1. Overview of Choti Diwali
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Festival Name | Choti Diwali / Narak Chaturdashi / Roop Chaudas / Kali Chaudas |
| Occasion | Pre-Diwali festival celebrating victory of Lord Krishna over Narakasura |
| Significance | Cleansing, purification, welcoming prosperity and good fortune |
| Day in Diwali Cycle | Second day (after Dhanteras, before main Diwali) |
| Popular Regions | All over India with regional variations in rituals |
Choti Diwali is considered a preparatory festival, setting the tone for the main Diwali. Homes are cleaned, decorated, and spiritual rituals are performed to remove negativity and invite positivity.
2. Date & Timing of Choti Diwali 2025
| Event | Date | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Choti Diwali (Narak Chaturdashi) | 19–20 October 2025 | Chaturdashi Tithi begins 01:51 PM on 19 Oct, ends 03:44 PM on 20 Oct |
| Abhyang Snan (ritual oil bath) | 20 October 2025 | 04:23 AM – 05:35 AM |
Note: Local timings may vary depending on your city. Always check your local panchang for accuracy.
3. Mythology & Historical Significance
Choti Diwali is linked to several legends and historical beliefs:
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Lord Krishna and Narakasura: Narakasura, a demon, was defeated by Lord Krishna with the help of Goddess Satyabhama. This symbolizes triumph of good over evil.
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Yama Puja: In many regions, people worship Yama, the god of death, seeking longevity and protection.
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Goddess Kali Worship: In Eastern India, Choti Diwali is dedicated to Goddess Kali, celebrating power and divine energy.
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Roop Chaudas: Celebrated in Gujarat, it is associated with enhancing beauty, health, and personal well-being.
This blend of mythology and tradition makes Choti Diwali a multi-dimensional festival with both spiritual and cultural significance.
4. Preparations for Choti Diwali
| Activity | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Home Cleaning | Removes physical and spiritual impurities |
| Decoration with Rangoli | Welcomes positive energy and prosperity |
| Buying Diyas & Candles | Symbolizes light over darkness |
| Preparing Sweets & Savories | Strengthens bonds of love and celebration |
| Setting Up Pooja Area | Facilitates smooth rituals and prayers |
Families start preparing a day or two in advance, ensuring the house is spotless, and necessary items for puja are ready.
5. Rituals & How to Celebrate
5.1 Early Morning Rituals
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Take Abhyang Snan (ritual oil bath) before sunrise.
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Wear fresh or new clothes and apply tilak or sandal paste.
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Optional: Chant mantras or prayers to invoke positive energy.
5.2 Home Decoration & Lighting
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Clean and decorate the home with rangoli, diyas, and flowers.
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Place small clay lamps (diyas) at entrances, balconies, and windows.
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Create an inviting atmosphere with soft lights and floral arrangements.
5.3 Afternoon & Evening Pooja
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Offer prayers to Lord Krishna, Goddess Kali, or Yama Raja, depending on regional practice.
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Light diyas and candles in the evening to symbolize the victory of light over darkness.
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Exchange sweets and treats with family and friends.
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In some regions, small firecrackers or sparklers are lit responsibly.
5.4 Mindful Practices
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Reflect on personal habits or negative tendencies to remove them symbolically.
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Engage in eco-friendly celebrations to reduce environmental impact.
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Ensure safety for children and pets during lighting of lamps and fireworks.
6. Regional Variations
| Region | Local Name | Special Customs |
|---|---|---|
| South India | Naraka Chaturdashi | Ritual oil bath with herbal ubtan |
| West Bengal | Kali Chaudas / Bhoot Chaturdashi | Worship of Goddess Kali and ancestors |
| Gujarat / Western India | Roop Chaudas | Focus on beauty, health, and Yam Puja for longevity |
| North India | Narak Chaturdashi | Lighting diyas, bursting small firecrackers |
7. Choti Diwali Sweets & Special Foods
| Sweets / Foods | Description |
|---|---|
| Laddoo | Traditional sweet made from flour, sugar, and ghee |
| Kaju Katli | Cashew-based confectionery |
| Chakli / Murukku | Savory snacks in Southern India |
| Dry Fruits | Almonds, cashews, and raisins for offering and gifting |
| Special Thalis | Prepared for puja and family feasts |
Sharing sweets and meals strengthens family bonds and symbolizes joy and prosperity.
8. Decoration & Lighting Ideas
| Decoration Type | Idea |
|---|---|
| Rangoli | Colorful designs at entrance using powders, flowers, or diyas |
| Diyas | Arrange diyas in patterns around the house or near windows |
| Flowers | Use marigold, jasmine, or roses to decorate pooja area |
| Fairy Lights | LED strings on balconies and walls for ambient glow |
| Torans | Decorative hangings at the main entrance |
Decorating the home creates a festive environment and invites positive energy.
9. Choti Diwali Wishes & Greetings
Here are ready-to-share wishes for friends and family:
| Type | Wishes |
|---|---|
| Short & Sweet | “Happy Choti Diwali 2025! May your home be filled with joy and light.” |
| Blessings | “May the glow of diyas on Choti Diwali remove darkness and bring prosperity.” |
| Joyful | “Wishing you a Choti Diwali full of happiness, peace, and endless blessings.” |
| Traditional | “On this auspicious day of Narak Chaturdashi, may Lord Krishna bless you with courage, health, and success.” |
| Family & Friends | “Happy Choti Diwali! Share love, light, and sweets with your loved ones.” |
Tip: Personalize messages with recipient names for added warmth.
10. Health & Safety Tips
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Avoid excessive firecrackers to protect lungs and environment.
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Use LED lights or clay lamps for safe decoration.
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Keep diyas and candles away from flammable materials.
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Supervise children during celebrations.
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Maintain cleanliness to prevent accidents during oil baths and pooja.
11. Eco-Friendly Choti Diwali Practices
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Prefer clay diyas over plastic lamps.
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Use natural rangoli colors from turmeric, rice powder, or flowers.
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Limit water usage during decoration and cleaning.
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Reuse decorative items where possible.
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Celebrate with sustainable gifts like dry fruits or handmade items.
12. Conclusion
Choti Diwali 2025, celebrated on 19–20 October, is a day of light, purification, and preparation for the main Diwali festival. By performing rituals, decorating homes, exchanging sweets and greetings, and reflecting inward, we invite joy, prosperity, and positivity into our lives.
Celebrate responsibly, share happiness, and let your inner light shine brightly this Choti Diwali.
Happy Choti Diwali 2025!
