Choti Diwali 2023: Date, Pooja Timing, Shubh Muhurat, Puja Vidhi And Significance Of The Festival

Diwali, also known as Deepawali is approaching, and people are already filled with excitement. This five-day festival is a symbol of the triumph of good over evil, happiness over sorrow, and wisdom over ignorance. It is a significant Hindu celebration that spans five days, commencing with Dhanteras and concluding with Bhai Dooj. According to legend, this day commemorates Lord Ram's return to Ayodhya with Mata Sita and his brother Lakshman, marking the end of his 14-year exile and his victory over the King of Lanka, Ravana. In India, Narak Chaturdashi, also known as Choti Diwali, is observed one day before the main Diwali celebration. As the festival approaches, here's everything you need to know about the date, timing, puja vidhi, rituals, and other details related to the festival of lights.

Choti Diwali 2023 Date And Pooja Timing

Diwali falls in mid-October and mid-November on Kartik Amavasya, according to the Hindu calendar. We got in touch with Astrologer Radhakant Vats to know about the date and pooja timing for the auspicious festival. This year it will be celebrated on the fifteenth day of Kartik, which is the holiest month in the Hindu lunar calendar which is November 12, 2023. Therefore, Choti Diwali will be celebrated on November 11, 2023 starting at 1:52 PM and ending on November 12, 2023 at 2:44 PM.

Choti Diwali 2023 Shubh Muhurat

To engage in the rituals and ceremonies during Choti Diwali, knowing the auspicious timing, known as ‘shubh muhurat,’ (Dhanteras shubh muhurat) is of utmost significance. In the year 2023, the propitious window for performing the pooja will commence at 5:30 PM on November 11, 2023, and conclude at 8:07 PM.

Choti Diwali 2023 Puja Rituals

Goddess Lakshmi is not venerated during Chhoti Diwali, as this day is dedicated to the worship of Lord Krishna, Maa Kali, and Yamraj. It is recommended to commence the day by waking up early, partaking in a purifying bath, and then reciting the sacred mantras dedicated to Lord Krishna and Mother Kali. Express your devotion by singing their praises and reciting Chalisa in their honour, all while preparing and presenting a delectable offering of Panchameva kheer to Shri Krishna and Maa Kali. Following this, conduct the aarti to honour both deities and share the sanctified food as Prasad with those in attendance.

In the evening, illuminate an oil lamp and present it as an offering to Yamraj, strategically positioning five lamps in the five corners of your home. It is recommended to utilise sesame oil for kindling these lamps, avoiding the use of mustard oil or ghee. By adhering to these rituals, the Chhoti Diwali puja shall culminate harmoniously and with due reverence.

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Significance Of Choti Diwali

Famously referred to as Choti Diwali, Narak Chaturdashi is an annual celebration that falls on the Chaturdashi tithi of Kartik Krishna Paksha, occurring a day after Dhanteras. This occasion commemorates the defeat of the demon Narakasura by Lord Krishna, who had imprisoned more than 16 thousand women. These women were rescued by Lord Krishna, and in gratitude, they chose him as their protector and life partner, accepting him as their beloved. In response, Lord Krishna got married to all of them. The triumph of Lord Krishna over Narakasura and the liberation of these women are commemorated on Narak Chaturdashi.

As the festivities' date approaches, families unite, houses are decorated with glowing lamps, and devotions are presented to different gods, signifying that the essence of Diwali persists as a symbol of optimism and harmony. We extend our best wishes to you and your family for a prosperous Diwali this year.

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