"Narak Chaturdashi", also known as "Chhoti Diwali", is one of the important days among the five days of Diwali festivities. As per the Hindu calendar, it lies on the fourteenth day, i.e. Chaturdashi tithi, of the Krishna Paksha, in the month of Kartik. According to the Gregorian Calendar, it falls in the month of either October or November.
This year, we are commemorating the divine occasion of "Narak Chaturdashi" on the 20th of October 2025.
As per Drik Panchang, the “tithi” for "Narak Chaturdashi" in 2025 is as follows:
This festival is also known as "Roop Chaudas", "Bhoot Chaturdashi", "Narak Nivaran Chaturdashi" at different places.
This day falls one day before the main Diwali festival and holds significant cultural and religious importance in Hindu traditions.
Apart from being one of the important days among the five-day-long Diwali festivities, this occasion of "Narak Chaturdashi"/ "Chhoti Diwali" is prevalent in Hinduism due to the following reasons:
This day is devoted to Lord Yama, the God of Death.
Also on this day, the trio of Krishna, Kali & Satyabhama had killed the demon Narakasura. The festive occasion of "Narak Chaturdashi" gets its name from the same.
Is your life revolving in a never-ending loop of negative patterns?
I completely understand how suffocated it feels when you want to restart life but ain't able to figure out how. You do not need to worry anymore as Ekohumm helps you break the cycle with the top astrology services.
Realign your energy for positivity, growth, and success with Smt. Ekkta through numerology astrology. Book an astro-numero consultation today.
There exists a very interesting legend behind the killing of demon Narakasura, which is as follows:
Once, Bhudevi & Lord Varaha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, had a son, namely Narakasura. Despite being the son of Lord Vishnu himself, he was very greedy and unfair. After years of penance, he had also gained a boon from Lord Brahma not to be killed by anyone except his mother Bhudevi. He started destroying everything, knowing that his mother would never kill him.
One day, he met Lord Krishna. He tried to make the demon understand & leave bothering others. But he didn't understand anything; indeed, he attacked Lord Krishna himself. When Krishna's wife, Satyabhama (who was an incarnation of Bhudevi), got to know about this, she interrupted. Then, a fight arose between Satyabhama & Narakasura. At the end, the demon was killed by Bhudevi's incarnation.
Before counting his last breath, Narakasura requested a boon from Satyabhama. As she had maternal affection for him (due to being his mother as Bhudevi earlier), she agreed to this. Narakasura requested her to make him immortal in the minds of people forever. Since then, people commemorate Narakasura's passing by lighting lamps and diyas in their temples and homes.
There's also another story about Narakasura, which mentions that:
Once, Lord Krishna rescued 16,000 girls abducted by the demon Narakasura. To shield them from societal judgment, Krishna married them, ensuring their dignity. This heroic act adds another layer to the celebration of "Narak Chaturdashi" in honour of Krishna's triumph over the demon and his compassion toward the rescued maidens.
On "Narak Chaturdashi", devotees worship Goddess Kali to banish negative forces, evil spirits, and eliminate their impact from their lives and homes.
Additionally, diyas and lamps are lit on this day as well to decorate the homes. The glowing lamps are said to represent the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.
At night, Mata Lakshmi & Lord Kubera, the God of wealth, are worshipped.
Lord Hanuman is also revered by many on this festival using flowers, oil and sandalwood. A special 'Prasad' offered to the Lord on this occasion is crafted from rice flakes, sesame seeds, jaggery, and coconut, combining these ingredients in a symbolic and delectable offering.
"Abhyang Snan" is one of the most important rituals of "Narak Chaturdashi."
Those who partake in Abhyang Snan on the auspicious day of Narak Chaturdashi receive a shield from descending into the depths of Narak (hell). The ritual involves using sesame oil for Ubtan during the cleansing bath.
The timing of Abhyang Snan on Narak Chaturdashi aligns with the lunar calendar. When Chaturdashi Tithi spans before sunrise and Amavasya Tithi extends beyond sunset, Narak Chaturdashi coincides with Lakshmi Puja. Abhyang Snan, a purifying bath, occurs during the window between moonrise and sunrise, ensuring it aligns with the prevailing Chaturdashi Tithi.
As per Drik Panchang,
(Abhyang Snan during Moonrise and Chaturdashi)
Devotees embark on journeys to their ancestral family temples, paying homage to Kula Devi, the revered mother goddess. In certain regions of India, people offer food to the needy. This is done to honour and remember their forefathers on this auspicious day.
Is your business suffering constant losses?
I understand how tough it feels to balance life when you are suffering from financial problems. And, it feels overwhelming at times. But no more worries now on as Ekohumm is here to provide professional vedic astrology and numerology services.
Realign your professional path and unlock new opportunities by connecting with Smt. Ekktaa for birth chart reading.
Overall, Narak Chaturdashi, or Chhoti Diwali, is a reminder of the eternal victory of good over evil. This festival represents prosperity, protection, and purification as we worship the gods, light diyas, and perform Abhyang Snan. This day encourages us to embrace light, joy, and community while removing negativity from our lives.
1. When is Chhoti Diwali in 2025?
In 2025, we are observing the festival of Chhoti Diwali on the 20th of October.
2. What are the rituals of Chhoti Diwali?
On this occasion, Hindus across India light diyas and lamps in their homes and nearby temples. They also worship Maa Kali, Mata Lakshmi, and Lord Kubera on this day. Additionally, many also perform Abhyang Snan.
3. What is the Abhyang Snan Muhurat on Narak Chaturdashi 2025?
This year, Abhyang Snan Muhurat is going to last between 05:21 AM and 06:30 AM on the 20th of October 2025 for a total duration of 01 Hour 08 Mins.
4. What kind of Prasad is prepared on Narak Chaturdashi?
On this occasion, people prepare a special Prasad from rice flakes, sesame seeds, jaggery, and coconut and offer it to the Almighty.
5. Does Ekohumm offer birth chart reading?
Indeed, horoscope birth chart reading is one of the many astrological and numerological services provided by Ekohumm, under the esteemed guidance of Smt. Ekktaa & her mother Kalpna Joshi.
A period of darkness doesn’t prevail throughout. Instead, it is replaced by a bright sunrise the next day. Our lives make a compilation of these dark and brighter days, helping us learn and grow with our experiences. Vedic Astrology, spirituality, numerology and coaching enable you to hone the power of optimism and triumph the darkness with a positive stride.
Apt No. 301, 3rd Floor, Akshay Vaibhav building, next to Solaris Gym, Baner, Pune - 411045
Copyright © 2026 Ekohumm. All Rights Reserved. Powered By: DigiHost Tech Solutions Pvt. Ltd.