Almost every year, Chhoti Diwali, also known as Narak Chaturdashi, falls a day before the main Diwali festivities, which gives people an extra day to enjoy the festival vibe. However, the festival rarely falls on the same day as Diwali. This year Chhoti Diwali is being celebrated on Monday, October 20, coinciding with Lakshmi Puja or main Diwali celebrations.
While Diwali is celebrated to mark the return of Lord Rama and Sita’s return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile or vanvas, Chhoti Diwali is associated with the legend of Narakasur.
Significance of Chhoti Diwali
According to Hindu scriptures, on this day Lord Krishna slayed the demon Narakasura and took oil bath after that. Since then, taking oil bath before the sunrise on this day is considered auspicious.
Also known as Roop Chaudas or Roop Chaturdashi, Chhoti Diwali falls on Chaturdashi or the fourteenth day of the Krishna Paksha in the Hindu calendar month of Ashvin or Kartik.
According to Drikpanchang, the day when Chaturdashi tithi prevails during Brahma Muhurat is considered to be Naraka Chaturdashi. The main ritual for the day – oil bath – can be performed in the period of one hour and sixty minutes just before sunrise, also known as Brahma Muhurat.
Correct date for Chhoti Diwali
This year, Chhoti Diwali will be celebrated on October 20, the same day as Diwali.
Chhoti Diwali Puja timings
On this day, it’s advised to take an oil bath in the Brahma Muhurat
Here are the puja timings:
Abhyang Snan Muhurat – 5:13 am to 6:25 am
Duration: 1 hour 12 minutes
Chaturdashi Tithi Begins – 01:51 PM on Oct 19, 2025
Chaturdashi Tithi Ends – 03:44 PM on Oct 20, 2025
On this day, people clean their homes and light diyas, giving the final touch to their homes ahead of the main Diwali celebrations.