Naraka Chaturdashi or Chhoti Diwali is celebrated on the following day of Dhanteras and before the day of Deepavali. Naraka refers to the demon king Narakasura and Chaturdashi means the fourteenth day. This festival takes place on the fourteenth day of Krishna Paksha in the Aswini/Aswayuja month of the Hindu calendar.
Chhoti Diwali 2024: Date
Chhoti Diwali 2024 will be observed on 3rd November, a day before Deepavali which falls on 4th November.
Naraka Chaturdashi 2024: Shubh Muhurat
For the Narak Chaturdashi celebrations, the auspicious Shubh Muhurat starts around 09.02 am on 3rd November and ends by 06:03 am of next day.
For the ritual bathing called Abhyanga Snan, the time is 05:40 am to 06.03 am. It is believed that this holy bath cleanses one’s soul and saves them from the hell after death.
Chhoti Diwali: Puja Vidhi
On Naraka Chaturdashi, devotees pray to the god Krishna, Yama, Kali, and Hanuman. Devotees perform the Abhyanga Snan and for this people use sesame oil on their heads and body.
In some places, an effigy of Narakasura is burnt in the morning. The rituals will differ among different cultures in the various parts of India.
Also, Check:
Diwali 2024: Shubh Muhurat, History, and Significance
Naraka Chaturdashi: History and Significance
According to the Hindu epics, Narakasura captured the territories, abducted and mistreated many women. Hence, Krishna and Satyabhama fought against Narakasura in the battle and slew him. In the northeastern parts of India, people believe that it was the goddess Kali who killed Narakasura. So, this day is also observed as Kali Chaudas.
Hindus celebrate this day as a victory of good over evil and as a reminder to follow the spiritual path.
