Choti Diwali 2025: Date, rituals and significance
The festive season in India begins with Choti Diwali, also known as Naraka Chaturdashi, a day that marks the victory of good over evil. It is celebrated a day before the main Diwali festival and is a time when homes are cleaned, decorated with diyas, and families come together in joy and celebration. The day is not only about lights and colours but also about purity, devotion, and preparing the home for prosperity. In 2025, many are curious about the exact date and rituals. Read here to know.
New Delhi: The festive season in India begins with Choti Diwali, also known as Naraka Chaturdashi, a day that marks the victory of good over evil. It is celebrated a day before the main Diwali festival and is a time when homes are cleaned, decorated with diyas, and families come together in joy and celebration. The day is not only about lights and colours but also about purity, devotion, and preparing the home for prosperity. In 2025, many are curious about the exact date and the rituals that make this day special.
When is Choti Diwali 2025?
In 2025, Choti Diwali falls on Monday, October 20. It is observed on the Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi of the Kartik month according to the Hindu calendar. This day commemorates the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura, symbolising the triumph of good over evil. Choti Diwali also marks the beginning of preparations for Diwali, making it a day filled with energy, devotion, and festive excitement.
Panchang details for Choti Diwali 2025
Observing Choti Diwali rituals in line with the Panchang timings ensures maximum benefits and blessings:
Chaturdashi Tithi begins: October 19, 2025, 1:51 PM
Chaturdashi Tithi ends: October 20, 2025, 3:44 PM
Auspicious timing for Abhyang Snan
A key ritual of Choti Diwali is the Abhyang Snan, a sacred oil bath performed to cleanse the body and mind and remove negative energy. The Abhyang Snan Muhurat for 2025 is:
Start: 5:12 AM
End: 6:25 AM
Duration: 1 hour 12 minutes
Taking the ritual bath during this time is believed to bring health, happiness, and protection for the year ahead.
Rituals and traditions of Choti Diwali
Abhyang Snan (oil bath): Begin the day early, taking a bath with oil, turmeric, or herbal pastes to purify the body and mind.
Clean and decorate homes: Clean every corner of the house, focusing especially on the puja area. Decorate with rangoli, flowers, and diyas to invite positive energy.
Lighting diyas: Diyas are placed inside and outside the home, symbolising the victory of light over darkness.
Puja and offerings: Prayers are offered to Lord Krishna and, in some regions, Goddess Kali, along with sweets, fruits, and flowers.
Making auspicious preparations: Many people buy small gold or silver items or utensils, considered lucky when bought on this day.
Evening firecrackers: Families burn eco-friendly firecrackers to celebrate the triumph of good over evil responsibly.
Significance of Choti Diwali
Choti Diwali is more than rituals and celebration. It reminds us that positivity, goodness, and light can overcome darkness. The day encourages cleaning not just homes but also hearts, letting go of negativity, and welcoming fresh beginnings. It sets the tone for the main Diwali festival, bringing energy, hope, and happiness to families.
On October 20, 2025, as homes glow with diyas, hearts will fill with joy, and families will celebrate togetherness. Choti Diwali is a day to honour traditions, embrace purity, and prepare for the larger celebrations ahead. It teaches that light, devotion, and love always shine brighter than darkness, making it a meaningful start to the festive season.
Written by: Tanya Singh, Astropatri.com.
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