Choti Diwali: Know how India celebrates the festival

Naraka Chaturdashi, widely known as Choti Diwali falls on the 14th day of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Ashvin or Kartika.

Celebrated on the second day of Diwali, this festival is rooted in the legend of Lord Krishna and Satyabhama’s victory over the demon Narakasura. After the battle, Krishna took a ritual oil bath at dawn, symbolising purification from the fight against evil. Today, this oil bath, known as Abhyanga Snan, marks an important ritual in celebration of the festival.

Choti Diwali is celebrated with unique rituals across India’s diverse regional cultures. In Goa, Naraka Chaturdashi is marked by burning the paper effigies of Narakasura. These effigies are set aflame in the early morning, accompanied by bursting firecrackers. Afterward, families return home for a traditional oil bath and light lamps and women perform aarti for the men of the house. Often, ‘kareet’ a bitter berry, is crushed under the feet to symbolise the demon’s defeat.

In West Bengal, Naraka Chaturdashi is known as Bhoot Chaturdashi, observed on the eve of Kali Puja. It’s believed that the spirits of ancestors descend to visit their families. People light 14 diyas around the house, especially in dark corners, to guide these spirits and ward off negative energies.

In Tamil Nadu, Diwali is celebrated on the day of Naraka Chaturdashi. Unlike most parts of India, which celebrate Diwali on the following Amavasya night, Tamil households begin festivities on this day. Families rise before dawn for an oil bath, perform pooja, and offer prayers. In some households, people also observe a traditional fast called ‘nombu’.

Naraka Chaturdashi is followed by Diwali, celebrating Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. Next is Govardhan Puja, a tribute to Krishna’s protection of Mathura villagers by lifting the Govardhan Parvat. Diwali festivities conclude with Bhai Dooj marked by the celebration of sibling bonds.