Choti Diwali
Choti Diwali, also known as Narak Chaturdashi, is celebrated one day before the grand festival of Diwali. It symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and purity over negativity. The day holds immense spiritual importance as devotees cleanse their homes, perform Choti Diwali pooja, and light diyas to invite positivity and ward off evil energies.
While Chhoti Diwali 2026 marks the second day of the five-day Diwali festival, it is also known as Narak Chaturdashi 2026, commemorating Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura. The celebration fills homes with lamps, prayers, and festive joy — reminding everyone that good always triumphs over evil.
What is Choti Diwali?
Choti Diwali, also referred to as Chhoti Diwali or Narak Chaturdashi, is a festival of light and purification. People wake up early, apply ubtan or oil on their bodies, and take a holy bath before sunrise, which is believed to free them from sins and negativity. It’s a day of preparation for Diwali, ensuring homes and hearts are cleansed before welcoming Goddess Lakshmi.
In some regions, it’s called Roop Chaturdashi, where people worship Lord Krishna and Yama, the god of death, praying for health, wealth, and long life.
When is Choti Diwali 2026?
Chhoti Diwali 2026 will be celebrated on Sunday, November 8, 2026, on the same civil date as Diwali 2026, according to the relevant Tithi.
In 2026, Choti Diwali or Narak Chaturdashi is observed on Sunday, November 8.
The Chhoti Diwali kab hai 2026 question is common among devotees eager to plan their rituals. As per the Hindu calendar, it falls on the 14th day (Chaturdashi) of Krishna Paksha in the Kartik month.
Story of Choti Diwali
According to Hindu mythology, Narak Chaturdashi celebrates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura, who imprisoned thousands of innocent souls. After his defeat, Lord Krishna freed the captives and symbolically destroyed darkness and ignorance.
Hence, Choti Diwali 2026 or Narak Chaturdashi 2026 signifies liberation, light, and spiritual renewal. People celebrate by lighting diyas, offering prayers, and expressing gratitude to the divine for freedom and positivity in life.
Five Days of Choti Diwali Festival
The five days of Diwali festival begin with:
Dhanteras
The festival of wealth and prosperity. People buy gold, silver, and pooja items.
Diwali (Laxmi Puja)
Worship of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha.
Govardhan Puja
Honoring Lord Krishna and nature’s abundance.
Bhai Dooj
Celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters.
Importance of Choti Diwali
The importance of Choti Diwali lies in its connection to purification and protection. Bathing before sunrise on Narak Chaturdashi 2026 is believed to remove sins, while lighting diyas drives away darkness. People also chant mantras, light lamps outside their homes, and exchange greetings like “Shubh Chhoti Deepawali” to spread positivity and divine blessings.
In many regions, devotees also perform Choti Diwali pooja 2026 in the evening, offering flowers, sweets, and diyas to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Yama.
Choti Diwali Pooja Items
A complete Choti Diwali pooja requires:
Ghee diya and cotton batti
Roli, haldi, and rice
Flowers and incense sticks
Oil for Abhyang Snan
Black sesame seeds and chandan
Kheel, batashe, and sweets
Each item in the Choti Diwali pooja list 2026 carries spiritual meaning — invoking divine protection, purification, and positivity.
How to Celebrate Choti Diwali 2026
Here’s what to do on Chhoti Diwali 2026 (छोटी दिवाली पर क्या करें):
Wake up early and take an oil bath (Abhyang Snan) before sunrise.
Clean your home and decorate with rangoli and diyas.
Offer prayers to Lord Krishna, Yama, and Goddess Lakshmi.
Perform Choti Diwali pooja with diya, roli, haldi, and sweets.
Light lamps around your home and exchange greetings with loved ones.
Facts About Choti Diwali
Choti Diwali 2026 is also known as Kali Chaudas in Gujarat and West India.
Narak Chaturdashi 2026 is observed a day before Badi Diwali 2026.
Lighting diyas on Chhoti Diwali is said to protect homes from negative energies.
The day signifies inner cleansing, reflection, and gratitude.
Choti Diwali (Narak Chaturdashi) - Frequently Asked Questions
Chhoti Diwali kab hai 2026?
Chhoti Diwali 2026 will be celebrated on Sunday, November 8, 2026.
Why do we celebrate Narak Chaturdashi?
It marks Lord Krishna’s victory over Narakasura and the cleansing of negativity.
What to do on Chhoti Diwali 2026?
Perform oil bath, pooja, light diyas, and pray for peace and prosperity.
Is Choti Diwali same as Narak Chaturdashi?
Yes, both refer to the same festival celebrated a day before Diwali.