Unlocking Traditions: Chhoti Diwali 2023 Guide to Puja Samagri, Rituals, and Auspicious Timings

Nov 10, 2023 – 05:44 PM IST

Chhoti Diwali, also recognized as Naraka Chaturdashi, marks the prelude to the grand festival of lights, Diwali. Falling on November 12, 2023, this day is known by various names such as Bhoot Chaturdashi, Kali Chaudas, Narak Chaudas, Roop Chaudas, and Naraka Nivaran Chaturdashi.

The Dawn of Chhoti Diwali

Traditionally observed a day before Diwali, this year, owing to the lunar calendar’s fluctuations, Narak Chaturdashi aligns with Diwali on Sunday, November 12, 2023. The Chaturdashi Tithi spans from 13:57 PM on November 11 to 14:44 PM on November 12.

Auspicious Timings

• Abhyang Snan Muhurat – Morning: 05:28 – 06:41 AM (November 12, 2023)
• Deepdan Timing – Evening: 05:29 – 08:07 PM (Performed during Pradosh Kaal)

Puja Samagri and Rituals

On Chhoti Diwali, reverence is extended to Lord Krishna, Maa Kali, Yama, and Hanuman. Worshippers believe that by honoring these deities, they can seek redemption and personal improvement. Puja samagri includes offerings of oil, flowers, coconut, sandalwood, and prasad comprising rice flakes, sesame seeds, jaggery, ghee, and sugar.

Abhyang Snan: A Cleansing Ritual

A crucial part of Narak Chaturdashi is the Abhyang Snan or oil bath. Taking place in the morning, it is believed to aid in escaping Narak Darshan. Anointing the body with oil and a specially prepared herbal paste, known as ubtan, symbolizes the purification of impurities.

Devotional Practices

Devotees observe the day by taking pre-dawn baths, utilizing chirchita plant leaves, and offering prayers to Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna. This blend of rituals reflects a spiritual journey towards self-improvement and absolution.

Significance of Chhoti Diwali

Chhoti Diwali holds profound significance, emphasizing the cleansing of the soul and the pursuit of righteousness. It is a day to reflect, seek forgiveness, and embark on a path towards spiritual growth.

In conclusion, Chhoti Diwali 2023 brings with it not only the joyous celebrations but also an opportunity for introspection and spiritual rejuvenation. As we immerse ourselves in the rituals and puja samagri, may this auspicious occasion illuminate our lives with positivity and inner radiance.

Happy Chhoti Diwali to all! 🪔✨

Exploring Themes: Puja Samagri, Rituals, and Shubh Muhurat of Chhoti Diwali 2023

When is Choti Diwali 2023?

Discover all about this auspicious occasion, from the propitious puja muhurat to the time-honored rituals. Choti Diwali, a prelude to Diwali, is consistently observed a day before the grand festival. According to the Panchang, the Chaturdashi Tithi is slated to commence at 01:57 PM on November 11, 2023, and conclude at 02:44 PM on November 12, 2023.

When is Shubh Muhurat for Chhoti Diwali?

According to Drik Panchang, the auspicious Muhurat for celebrating Chhoti Diwali initiates at 1:57 p.m. on November 11 and concludes at 2:44 p.m. on November 12. For the observance of Hanuman Puja and Kali Chaudas, the propitious time spans from 11:57 p.m. on November 11 to 12:48 p.m. on November 12.

When is Chhoti Diwali celebrated?

Chhoti Diwali is commemorated on the fourteenth day of the dark fortnight of the lunar month (Krishna Paksha). In the year 2023, the celebration falls on November 11. An important tip for Narak Chaturdashi worship is to face northeast during the rituals.

When is Naraka Chaturdashi in 2023?

In 2023, Chhoti Diwali or Naraka Chaturdashi is set to be celebrated on Saturday, November 11. According to Drik Panchang, the auspicious timings for Naraka Chaturdashi are as follows:

• Chaturdashi Tithi Starts: 1:57 pm on November 11, 2023.
• Chaturdashi Tithi Ends: 2:44 pm on November 12, 2023.

Significance of Shubh Muhurat on Chhoti Diwali

In the celebration of Chhoti Diwali this year, the Shubh Muhurat commences at approximately 09:02 am on November 3 and concludes by 06:03 am the next day. Specifically, for the purifying ritual of Abhyanga Snan or ritual bathing, the opportune time spans from 05:40 am to 06:03 am. This sacred bath is believed to hold the power to cleanse the soul, offering protection from the afterlife torments.

How to Perform Chhoti Diwali Puja?

Rituals of Chhoti Diwali or Naraka Chaturdashi 2023:

1. Oil bath in the morning during Brahma Muhurat.
2. Wearing of new clothes.
3. Lighting earthen candles.
4. Decorating houses.
5. Worshipping Lord Krishna and Goddess Satyabhama.
6. Offering sweets like Halwa, Kheer, and dry fruits to the deities.
7. Making beautiful and colored rangolis.