Happy Choti Diwali 2018: Date, Puja Muhurat, Puja Vidhi and Significance

Diwali, the festival of lights is one of the most awaited festivals of the year is finally here. Diwali which is also known Panch Maha Parv is a five-day long festival, starting from Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdasi, Diwali, New Year to the final Bhai Dooj. And today, i.e. on November 6, 2018, Indians all over the world are celebrating Choti Diwali which is also known as Narak Chaturdashi, Roop Chaudas and Kali Chaudas. And it is celebrated with great fervour. According to the Hindu Calendar, Choti Diwali falls on Chaturdashi of the Krishna Paksha in the Vikram Samvat in the month of Kartik. 

As per Hindu mythology, on this day, Demon King Narakasur was beheaded by Lord Krishna's wife Satyabhama, Goddess Kali and Lord Krishna. As per legends, Narakasura used to treat women badly and was known for his notorious activities. Also on this day, puja of Lord Yamraj is also performed (God of death) and devotees also worship and seek blessings in order to Narak Nivarana. On this day, a berry called Kareet is crushed with feet and the same symbolises killing of Narakasuara and the same also symbolizes removal of ignorance and evil. 

People also start the day with very old ritual of Abhyang Snaan (a holy bath which is taken before sunrise.) On this day, people wake up early in the morning and perform holy bath with ubtan. In many states of India such as Goa, Karanataka and Tamil Nadu many celebrate Deepavali on Narak Chaturdashi, while others celebrate the next day which is a no moon day or Amavasya.

Choti Diwali or Naraka Chaturdashi Puja Timings and Puja Vidhi
 Abhyang Snan Muhurta starts at 05:08 AM ends on 06:44 AM. Chaturdashi Tithi starts at 11:46 PM on 5/Nov/2018 and ends on 10:27 PM on 6/Nov/2018. For the puja, items such as oil, flowers, sandalwood and coconuts are offered to the Gods and Goddesses. For Bhog and prasad, people offer a special sweetmeat is also with the help of jaggery, sesame seeds and rice flakes, ghee and sugar is also prepared. 

Celebrations of Choti Diwali 
On the occasion, the women make rangoli, lit up the home with lights and wick lamps. Apart from colorful rangolis, footprints and designs are also made out of rice paste. Many Hindu devotees Goddess Lakshmi and Ram's poojas are performed in the evening. Aarti and Bhajans in honor of the Gods and Goddesses are sung. Later, people don new dresses, wish and greet family and freinds and burn crackers and distribute sweets and Diwali delicacies.

Here's wishing every Happy Diwali!