As the festival approaches, excitement increases as everyone prepares to celebrate Diwali with great enthusiasm. This festival symbolizes the victory of good over evil, where devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi and exchange sweets and gifts.

It is worth noting that Diwali is not just a one-day celebration; It is part of a five-day festival that begins with Dhanteras, followed by Naraka Chaturdasi (Chhoti Diwali), the main Diwali day, Govardhan Puja, and ends with Bhai Dooj. The day between Dhanteras and Diwali is known as Chhoti Diwali and is also referred to as Naraka Chaturdashi and Roop Chaturdashi; here people light up their homes in anticipation of the main celebration.

Many people do not realize that there are many legends associated with Chhoti Diwali. So why is this day celebrated?

According to a mythological story, the demon king Narakasur ruled the Pragjyotishpur region in southern Nepal and defeated Lord Krishna and other gods. He imprisoned 16,000 daughters of various gods and stole the earrings of Goddess Aditi. The day before Naraka Chaturdashi, Lord Krishna defeated Narakasur, freeing all the imprisoned girls and taking back the stolen earrings. He returned home victoriously from Chhoti Diwali, which is why this day is celebrated as a symbol of the victory of good over evil.

Chhoti Diwali is also called Bali Pratipada, a name based on legend. King Bali was said to be a powerful ruler, which caused the gods to fear that he might conquer all three lokas and rule unjustly. To allay this concern, Lord Vishnu took the avatar of Vamana and approached Bali, demanding just a meter of space from his kingdom. Seeing him as a beggar, Bali agreed to fulfill any request. Amazingly, Lord Vishnu completed all three lokas in just two steps. When he asked Bali where to place his third foot, Bali instructed him to place his foot on his head. As a result, Lord Vishnu subdued Bali and took back control of the three lokas.

Chhoti Diwali 2024: Date and Time

Choti Diwali is always celebrated a day before Diwali. Panchang, Chaturdashi Tithi It will start on October 30 at 11:23 and end on October 31 at 14:53.

Chhoti Diwali 2024: Rituals

The rituals associated with Narak Chaturdashi are simple yet meaningful. Pandit Nandkishore Mudgal suggests that a four-sided lamp filled with mustard oil should be lit in the south direction of the house. It is believed that this action protects the family from untimely death and helps eliminate illness, pain and sadness in the household.