Choti Diwali, also known as Narak Chaturdashi or Kali Chaudas, is celebrated on the 14th day of the dark fortnight (Krushna Paksha) of the Hindu month of Ashwin.
“Choti” means small or minor, and it is observed with great enthusiasm in various parts of India. This usually falls a day before the main Diwali festival, which is celebrated on the 15th day of the same month. The significance of Choti Diwali is associated with different mythological stories and cultural practices.
One popular legend is the story of Narakasur, the demon king. According to some versions of the myth, Choti Diwali is celebrated as the day when Lord Krushna defeated Narakasur.
Narakasur was a demon king who wreaked havoc on both heaven and earth. The story goes that Lord Krushna (avtar of Lord Vishnu), along with his wife Satyabhama, fought and defeated Narakasur on the day of Diwali.
Legend has it that Narakasura had a boon that made him almost invincible, except for a weakness – a curse that he would be destroyed by his mother. Lord Krushna exploited this vulnerability, and Satyabhama played a crucial role in Narakasur’s demise.
The victory over the demon is commemorated with the lighting of lamps and fireworks, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness.
Another story linked to Choti Diwali is related to Lord Hanuman. It is believed that Hanuman defeated the demon Ahiravana, the brother of Ravan and a powerful sorcerer, took Lord Ram (an avtar of Lord Vishnu) and his brother Lakshman captive.
Ahiravana had a boon that he could only be killed in a specific way, and the task of rescuing Ram and Lakshman fell upon Hanuman. Hanuman, being a devotee of Lord Ram, sought the guidance of Lord Varaha (an avatar of Lord Vishnu in the form of a boar) to find a way to defeat Ahiravana.
Hanuman discovered that Ahiravana was hiding in the Patala (netherworld), and to kill him, Hanuman had to extinguish five lamps burning in different directions simultaneously. With his incredible strength and devotion, Hanuman successfully accomplished this task, rescuing Ram and Lakshman.
This event is often associated with Choti Diwali in some regions, and the day is celebrated to honor Hanuman’s courage and devotion. The triumph of Hanuman over Ahiravana symbolizes the victory of good over evil and the power of unwavering devotion.
This event is considered significant in certain regions, and devotees celebrate Choti Diwali as a reminder of Hanuman’s bravery and devotion.
Apart from these mythological stories, Choti Diwali is also a day for performing rituals to ward off evil spirits. People often clean and decorate their homes, light oil lamps or diyas, and engage in various cultural festivities.
In essence, Choti Diwali serves as a prelude to the grand celebration of Diwali, marking the victory of good over evil and the triumph of light over darkness. It’s a day filled with joy, reflection, and the anticipation of the main Diwali festivities that follow.
