Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali)
🗓️ Kartik Krishna Chaturdashi, at Pradosh Kaal (Oct–Nov)
The story behind Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali)
Naraka Chaturdashi, the second day of Deepawali, recalls Bhagwan Krishna and Satyabhama's defeat of the asura Narakasura and the release of the sixteen thousand captives he held. The day's defining observance is the Abhyanga Snana — an oil bath taken before sunrise, held to be equal to bathing in the Ganga — from which the day's other name, Roop Chaturdashi, comes. In Bengal the same night is Kali Chaudas, given to Maa Kali. The washing is the point: what is cleaned is not the body alone.
Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) Puja Vidhi
- 1
Abhyanga Snana
Before sunrise, apply warm sesame or coconut oil and ubtan of besan and haldi, then bathe — traditionally the first bath of the household is taken in this order of seniority.
- 2
Apamarga & Tilak
Circle apamarga leaves over the head before bathing as the tradition prescribes, and apply tilak after the bath.
- 3
Yama Tarpan
After bathing, offer tarpan of water and sesame to Yama, facing south, seeking release from untimely death.
- 4
Sandhya Deep Daan
Light deeps at dusk at the threshold, the tulsi vrinda and the corners of the house, keeping one lit through the night.
Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) Mantra
ॐ कृष्णाय वासुदेवाय हरये परमात्मने। प्रणतक्लेशनाशाय गोविन्दाय नमो नमः॥
Meaning
To Krishna, son of Vasudeva, Hari, the supreme self, destroyer of the suffering of those who bow to him — to Govinda, salutations again and again.
How to chant
Recite thrice at the time of the abhyanga snana, and once more at the evening deep daan.