As the joyous festival of Diwali approaches, the excitement for the festivities begins with Chhoti Diwali, also known as Narak Chaturdashi. This day holds immense significance as it marks the victory of good over evil. In 2024, Chhoti Diwali will be celebrated with great enthusiasm across India, adding to the festive aura that surrounds this season.

But when exactly is Chhoti Diwali in 2024? What are the puja timings, and how do you perform the rituals? Let’s dive into the details to understand the significance of this day and how to celebrate it according to Vedic traditions.

What is Chhoti Diwali?

Chhoti Diwali, or Narak Chaturdashi, is celebrated one day before the main Diwali festival. This day commemorates the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura, symbolizing the removal of evil and darkness from our lives. It is believed that on this day, people light lamps and diyas to ward off negative energies and purify their surroundings. The festival signifies the importance of cleansing both the mind and home to welcome prosperity and peace.

Just like the main Diwali, Chhoti Diwali is also celebrated with lighting lamps, bursting crackers, and performing special pujas. The rituals followed on this day vary slightly, but they all aim to bring light, positivity, and wealth into one’s life.

When is Chhoti Diwali 2024?

In 2024, Chhoti Diwali will be celebrated on October 30th, 2024, which is a Wednesday. This day falls on the 14th day (Chaturdashi) of the Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Kartika. Chhoti Diwali is a crucial part of the Diwali celebration, preparing people for the main day of Lakshmi Puja.

Pawan Kaushik, the Astrologer in India can provide personalized insights into auspicious times for the celebrations and pujas based on individual astrological charts.

Chhoti Diwali 2024: Puja Time

On Chhoti Diwali, one of the key rituals performed is the Abhyanga Snan, a sacred bath taken before sunrise. This ritual is believed to purify the body and soul, removing past sins and bringing positive energy for the year ahead.

The ideal time for performing the Abhyanga Snan in 2024 is between 04:30 AM and 06:00 AM on October 30th. This is followed by the lighting of diyas and performing Narak Chaturdashi puja. The diyas are kept lit throughout the evening to drive away darkness and invite the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi.

For accurate and auspicious puja timings, it is always best to consult a reliable astrologer. You can reach out to Pawan Kaushik, the Best Astrologer in India, for personalized puja timings based on your birth chart and location.

Chhoti Diwali Puja Vidhi

The puja vidhi or the rituals of Chhoti Diwali are relatively simple but highly effective in bringing positive vibrations into your home. Here is a step-by-step guide to performing the puja on Chhoti Diwali 2024:
  • Early Morning Bath (Abhyanga Snan): As mentioned, the day begins with an early morning ritual bath, preferably before sunrise. Mix sesame oil with water and apply it on your body before bathing. This is believed to purify the mind and body and remove past karma.
  • Lighting of Diyas: After the bath, light diyas in and around your home. It is said that by lighting these lamps, you destroy the darkness that surrounds your home and soul, inviting positive energy. Place the lamps in the east and southeast corners of the house to enhance prosperity, as per Vastu principles.
  • Offer Prayers to Lord Krishna: Narak Chaturdashi is deeply connected to Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura. Offer flowers, sweets, and prayers to an idol or image of Lord Krishna to seek his blessings.
  • Prepare Traditional Sweets: As part of the puja vidhi, prepare traditional sweets like laddus, barfis, or kheer. Offer these sweets to the deities and later distribute them among your family and friends as prasad.
  • Lakshmi Puja: Though Lakshmi Puja is traditionally performed on the main Diwali day, you can also perform a brief puja on Chhoti Diwali. Offer flowers, light incense, and chant mantras dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi to invoke her blessings.
  • Bursting Crackers: In many parts of India, people celebrate Chhoti Diwali by bursting crackers and fireworks. This is symbolic of driving away evil forces and welcoming the light of hope and prosperity.

Chhoti Diwali and its Significance in Vastu

According to Vastu Shastra, Diwali and Chhoti Diwali are considered auspicious times to correct the energy flow in your home. One of the important Vastu tips for this occasion is to declutter your house and purify it with incense or camphor. This helps to remove stagnant energy and create a welcoming space for the divine forces to enter.

Ensure that the main entrance of your house is well-lit and decorated with rangoli and flowers. The entrance is considered the mouth of energy, and decorating it brings prosperity and happiness into your home.

For specific guidance on how to align your home according to Vastu principles during Diwali, you can consult Pawan Kaushik, Vastu Expert.

bring peace, harmony, and positive energy back into your home with personalised vastu advice by pandit pawan kaushik

The Legend of Narak Chaturdashi

The story of Narak Chaturdashi is an inspiring one. According to Hindu mythology, Narakasura was a demon who created havoc in the world. After receiving a boon from Brahma, he became almost invincible, causing immense suffering to both gods and humans. He was eventually killed by Lord Krishna, who was aided by Goddess Kali. This victory marked the triumph of good over evil, and thus, Chhoti Diwali is celebrated in honor of this significant event.

It is believed that taking a ritual bath and performing pujas on this day frees one from the fear of death and suffering in the afterlife. By lighting diyas, we not only remember the victory of Lord Krishna but also aim to drive away the darkness of ignorance and invite the light of wisdom into our lives.

Key Facts About Chhoti Diwali 2024

  • Date: Chhoti Diwali will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 30th, 2024.
  • Puja Time: The best time for the Abhyanga Snan is between 04:30 AM and 06:00 AM.
  • Main Ritual: Lighting of diyas, early morning bath, offering prayers to Lord Krishna, and decorating the home according to Vastu guidelines.
For those seeking further astrological insights into their Diwali celebrations, the Top Astrologer in India, Pawan Kaushik, can offer personalized consultations.

By following the Chhoti Diwali rituals, you can invite positivity, prosperity, and peace into your home. To book a personalized consultation with Pawan Kaushik, visit the Book an Appointment page or call +91 9990176000. You can also connect with him via WhatsApp at+91 9999097600 for any urgent inquiries.