Choti Diwali 2017: Date, Muhurat Timings, Significance, Puja and Prasad

Highlights

Choti Diwali falls on the day before Diwali
Choti Diwali is also known as Roop Chaudas and Kali Chaudas
Choti Diwali or Naraka Chaturdashi falls on Chaturdashi (fourteenth day)

Diwali is on 19th October 2017 and before the big day, we also celebrate Choti Diwali which is being observed today (18th October, 2017). Choti Diwali marks the second day of the five-day long festival of lights followed by Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj. Choti Diwali or Naraka Chaturdashi falls on Chaturdashi (fourteenth day) of the Krishna Paksha in the Vikram Samvat Hindu Calendar month of Kartik. People start the Chaturdashi day with Abhyang snan followed by other religious rituals. Let's have a look at some of the traditions and rituals.

Choti Diwali 2017: Significance and History of the Festival

Choti Diwali falls on the day before Diwali and most people celebrate it as Naraka Chaturdashi. According to Hindu mythology, on this day, a powerful demon or asura known as Narakasura was killed by Goddess Kali, Lord Krishna and goddess Satyabhama (the second wife of Lord Krishna and also the avatar of Lord Vishnu and goddess Lakshmi). It is believed that Narakasura used to ill-treat women and was known for his notorious activities.

_{Choti Diwali falls on the day before Diwali and most people celebrate it as Naraka Chaturdashi}

How is Choti Diwali Celebrated?

Choti Diwali is also known as Roop Chaudas and Kali Chaudas. On this day, most people perform Abhyang Snan or take a bath in the holy Ganges river. It is believed that taking a holy dip may help ward off ill-fate and the person will be saved from going to hell or Naraka. Til or sesame oil is used for ubtan or a special face mask that is applied during the holy bath. Devotees wear new clothes after taking the holy bath and enjoy a lavish breakfast with their family. Houses are lit with oil lamps or diyas in the evening and special sweet dishes are prepared to serve relatives and friends. People in the states of Tamil Nadu, Goa and a few parts of Karnataka celebrate Naraka Chaturdashi as the main day of Diwali festivities, while in other parts of the country the main festival is celebrated the next day.

Choti Diwali 2017: Prasad Offered

During the Choti Diwali puja, ingredients like oil, flowers, sandalwood and coconuts are offered to the deity. For Prasad and Bhog, a special sweet made with jaggery, sesame seeds and rice flakes (poha) along with ghee and sugar is prepared.