Why Do We Celebrate Narak Chaturdashi & Choti Diwali

India is a land of festivals, where each celebration holds not only religious significance but also imparts a message to guide life in a positive direction. Narak Chaturdashi, observed a day before Diwali and popularly known as Roop Chaudas or Chhoti Diwali, is considered an extremely auspicious and sacred festival. This divine festival of the Sanatana tradition leads the soul from darkness to light.

Narak Chaturdashi 2025: Date and Time

According to the Vedic Panchang, Narak Chaturdashi in 2025 will be celebrated on October 19. The auspicious muhurat will begin at 1:51 PM and conclude the next day at 3:44 PM. Lamps are lit during the evening on Narak Chaturdashi, so religious scholars recommend celebrating it on October 19 itself.

Significance of Roop Chaudas

It is said that the demon Narakasura had spread terror across the three worlds with his tyranny, arrogance, and injustice. All beings, including gods and demons, were distressed by his oppression. On the day of Chaturdashi, Lord Krishna, embodying righteousness, slayed Narakasura and liberated 16,000 captive maidens. Hence, every year, the Chaturdashi of Kartik month is celebrated as Roop Chaudas.

Traditional Rituals

Several traditional practices are performed on Roop Chaudas, which should be observed on this auspicious occasion:

• Abhyang Snan (Oil/Ubtan Bath): Before sunrise, it is customary to bathe using ubtan (a traditional paste) and oil. This practice rejuvenates the body and enhances beauty.
• Deepdan (Lighting Lamps): Light lamps at the main entrance, prayer area, kitchen, and near the Tulsi plant. Lamps dispel both inner and outer darkness and symbolize prosperity and happiness.
• House Cleaning and Rangoli: Clean the house and decorate it with rangoli and fresh, fragrant flowers at the entrance.
• Food and Prasadam: Prepare special dishes and share them with neighbors. This is considered a virtuous act during Diwali, fostering social harmony and love.
• Aarti and Worship: Devote yourself to remembering the deities with devotion, chanting mantras, and performing aarti. Conduct the puja and light lamps with full dedication.

Places to Light Lamps

Deepdan holds special significance on Roop Chaudas. Scriptures and folk beliefs highlight specific places where lighting lamps brings special merits:

• Main Entrance: Light a lamp at the main entrance to welcome Goddess Lakshmi and invite prosperity into the home.
• Prayer Area/Home Temple: Place a lamp in front of the deities to symbolize devotion and spiritual connection.
• Near the Kitchen: Lighting a lamp in the kitchen invokes the blessings of Goddess Annapurna, ensuring abundance.
• Near Tulsi: The Tulsi plant is considered sacred; lighting a lamp here maintains purity and spirituality.
• Courtyard, Terrace, and Corners of the House: Light lamps in courtyards, terraces, shops, workplaces, and corners of the home to ensure positivity and illumination throughout.

The Message of Narak Chaturdashi

Narak Chaturdashi inspires us to dispel the darkness within our minds. Just as we light lamps to brighten our homes, we must ignite the lamp of truth, righteousness, and virtue to illuminate our lives. This day teaches us that, like Lord Krishna who vanquished Narakasura to free the world from fear, we must destroy the ego and sins within us, symbolized as Narakasura, to experience true happiness, peace, and divinity in life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Chhoti Diwali 2025

Q: When is Narak Chaturdashi 2025?

A: Narak Chaturdashi will be celebrated on October 19, 2025.

Q: Are Chhoti Diwali and Diwali celebrated on the same day?

A: According to the Vedic Panchang, Narak Chaturdashi falls in the Kartik month. It is the second day of the five-day Diwali festival, while Diwali is celebrated on the third day. Thus, Chhoti Diwali and Diwali are observed on different days.

Q: What is the purpose of celebrating Narak Chaturdashi?

A: It is believed that Lord Krishna slayed the demon Narakasura on this day, which is why it is celebrated as Narak Chaturdashi in India.