Choti Diwali is celebrated the day before the main festival of Diwali. Also known as Naraka Chaturdashi, it is celebrated on the 14th day of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Kartik (October-November).
Choti Diwali is the second day of the five-day long Diwali festival starting from Dhanteras and ending with Bhai Dooj.
While celebrations include lighting diyas, eating lots of sweets, doing pujas, wearing new clothes and, for some, even lighting firecrackers, it’s also a great time to spread the love and wish those around you.
So, on this festive occasion, here’s a collection messages and wishes you could send across to your family and loved ones and wish them happiness on this day.
How is Choti Diwali celebrated ?
Choti Diwali is also known as Roop Chaudas and Kali Chaudas. On this day, most people perform Abhyang Snan or take a bath in the holy Ganges river.
It is believed that taking a holy dip may help ward off ill-fate and the person will be saved from going to hell or Naraka. Til or sesame oil is used for ubtan or a special face mask that is applied during the holy bath. Devotees wear new clothes after taking the holy bath and enjoy a lavish breakfast with their family.
Houses are lit with oil lamps or diyas in the evening and special sweet dishes are prepared to serve relatives and friends. People in the states of Tamil Nadu, Goa and a few parts of Karnataka celebrate Naraka Chaturdashi as the main day of Diwali festivities, while in other parts of the country the main festival is celebrated the next day.
Prasad offered on Choti Diwali :
During the Choti Diwali puja, ingredients like oil, flowers, sandalwood and coconuts are offered to the deity. For Prasad and Bhog, a special sweet made with jaggery, sesame seeds and rice flakes (poha) along with ghee and sugar is prepared.
