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Why Choti Diwali Matters: History, Rituals, and Ways to Celebrate

Introduction to Choti Diwali: The Festival of Light and Liberation

Chhoti Diwali, also known as Naraka Chaturdashi, comes from the story and traditions of this sacred day. Celebrated on the second day of the Diwali festival, it falls on the fourteenth day of the dark fortnight in the months of Ashwin or Kartik. This day holds deep meaning, with “Naraka” symbolizing hell and “Chaturdashi” marking the fourteenth day.

The rituals on this day are seen as a way to help souls find freedom from suffering, symbolizing the liberation from “Naraka” or hell. For many, it’s also a time to remember and pray for the peace of ancestors’ souls, lighting a symbolic path to guide them in the afterlife journey. The day serves as a reminder of purity, spiritual growth, and the importance of honoring our past generations.

The Mythology Behind Choti Diwali

A popular story behind Choti Diwali is the legend of Naraka Sura, a powerful demon who captured and imprisoned 16,000 princesses. According to mythology, Lord Krishna defeated Naraka Sura, freeing the captives and symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. This victory is celebrated as a day of cleansing and new beginnings, marking the defeat of darkness and negativity.

Traditional Rituals and Customs on Choti Diwali

In some parts of North India, Choti Diwali is also known as Roop Chaudas, a day when women wake up early, bathe before sunrise, and light a Diya (lamp) in the bathing area. This ritual is believed to enhance beauty and radiance, making it an enjoyable part of the festive season, especially for young girls. Women often apply ubtan, a traditional paste made from gram flour and herbs to cleanse and nourish the skin. This beauty ritual is both fun and meaningful, adding a special touch to the day’s festivities.

Regional Variations in Choti Diwali Celebrations

In states like Tamil Nadu, Goa, and Karnataka, Choti Diwali is celebrated with great enthusiasm, and for many, it is regarded as the main Diwali day. Traditionally, Marathi Hindus and South Indian Hindus start the day with an oil massage given by elders in the family, symbolizing blessings and care. This is followed by a ritual bath taken before sunrise, marking a fresh start and purification. Many families also make a visit to their favorite temple to offer prayers and seek blessings, adding a spiritual touch to the celebrations. These customs bring families together and add a sense of warmth and tradition to the festive day.

Ways to Celebrate Choti Diwali Today

Choti Diwali is a wonderful day to enjoy traditional rituals along with some festive activities. One of the highlights is preparing or buying sweets and snacks, with a variety of treats made from flour, semolina, rice, chickpea flour, dry fruits, Mawa (milk solids), and ghee (clarified butter). Classic sweets like laddus, barfis, halwa, and shrikhand, as well as stuffed delicacies like karanji and shankarpali, bring festive flavors into every home. Many shops add special Diwali-themed decorations, making these treats ideal for sharing with family, friends, and neighbors.

A great way to celebrate Choti Diwali is by exchanging sweets and gifts with loved ones, making visits to friends and relatives, or even connecting with business associates. Families often stock up on these festive goodies to welcome guests and enjoy together. To add a spiritual touch, you can also prepare some of these homemade sweets to offer during the main Diwali Lakshmi Pujan the following day.

Additionally, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere at home by lighting divas, decorating with flowers, and even making a rangoli at the entrance enhances the spirit of the day. Whether through traditional rituals or thoughtful gestures, Choti Diwali offers a chance to connect, share, and celebrate with those who matter most.

Festive Feasting and Sweets on Choti Diwali

Choti Diwali is not only about lights and rituals—it’s also a day for enjoying delicious festive treats, especially sweets. Many families prepare a variety of sweets using ingredients like flour, semolina, rice, chickpea flour, dried fruits, milk solids (Mawa or khoya), and clarified butter (ghee). Popular sweets include laddus, barfi’s, halwa, and kachoris, along with specialties like shrikhand and sandesh. There are also rolled and stuffed treats like karanji, shankarpali, maladu, susiyam, and pottukadalai. Some of these sweets are even decorated with edible silver foil (vark) for an extra festive touch.

Shops and sweet vendors display beautiful, Diwali-themed decorations and stock up on these treats, as they’re popular both for celebrations at home and as gifts for guests. Many families also make their own delicacies to offer during Lakshmi Pujan, the main day of Diwali, while Choti Diwali is a perfect day for visiting friends, relatives, and business associates to exchange sweets and gifts, spreading joy as part of the festivities.

The Spiritual Essence of Choti Diwali

Choti Diwali embodies the spiritual message of light triumphing over darkness and good prevailing over evil. It encourages reflection, allowing individuals to let go of negativity and welcome positive energy. Rituals like morning baths and lighting Diya’s symbolize purification and hope for the future.

The festival is a time for prayer and gratitude, where families honor their ancestors and seek blessings for peace and well-being. It also emphasizes kindness and compassion, as people visit loved ones, share sweets, and exchange gifts. Ultimately, Choti Diwali fosters love, unity, and hope for a brighter tomorrow.

Conclusion

Choti Diwali is a joyful celebration filled with traditions and meaning. It reminds us to focus on the good in life and to stay connected with our loved ones. Through simple rituals, prayers, and sharing sweets, we celebrate light overcoming darkness.

As we enjoy the festivities, let’s remember to spread kindness and gratitude every day. Choti Diwali teaches us to bring joy and compassion into our lives, not just today but throughout the year. May this festival inspire us to light up our lives with happiness and togetherness.