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It is that time of the year when sweets are decked up on the table, lights are hanging down the balconies and festive spirit is on an all-time high because it is Diwali!
The festivities of Diwali 2021 have begun with the onset of Dhanteras on November 2. The five day festival of Diwali brings joy to one and all.
While Dhanteras is all about bringing new things to the house, Chhoti Diwali is about prepping yourself for the big Diwali day.
Narak Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali is celebrated the next day to Dhanteras. This year it will be celebrated on November 3.
Choti Diwali is also known by different names across the country. Including Kali Chaudas, Roop Chaudas, Naraka Nivaran Chaturdashi, or Bhoot Chaturdashi.
It is celebrated on Chaturdashi (14th day) of the Krishna Paksha in the Vikram Samvat Hindu calendar month of Ashvin.
Choti Diwali 2021 Significance:
As per Hindu legends, the day is celebrated as Lord Krishna’s wife – Satyabhama beheaded Demon King Narakasur. The festival of Narak Chaturdashi is popular in Maharashtra and South India and people on this day take bath before sunrise and apply uptans and fragrances to mark the victory of good over evil.
Choti Diwali 2021 Puja Mantra & Vidhi:
One of the main aspects of Narak Chaturdashi includes Deep Daan and worshipping God of death, Yamraj. Stand in a position facing southwards, put a few black sesame seeds in water and offer them to God Yamraj. Now chant the following mantra-
यमाय नम: यमम् तर्पयामि।
According to the legends, if you worship Yamraj on this day by taking his 14 names and bowing to him, it could save you from going to ‘narak’ after death. In the sacred book of ‘Madan Parijat’, on page 256, chapter Vridha Manu, following are the names of God of death- Yamraj:
यमाय धर्मराजाय मृत्यवे चांतकाय च, वैवस्वताय कालाय सर्वभूतक्षयाय च।
औदुम्बराय दध्नाय नीलाय परमेष्ठिने, व्रकोदराय चित्राय चित्रगुप्ताय वै नम:।।
Other than this, most people make rangolis at home, also designs and footprints using rice paste. Old diyas are lit and devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi and Ram’s in the evening. Aarti and Bhajans in honor of the Gods and Goddesses are sung.
