When is Chhoti Diwali – October 30th or 31st? Check Shubh Muhurat timings here

Chhoti Diwali Date: As the festival of lights Diwali approaches, the big question arises about Chhoti Diwali. The day, commonly known as Naraka Chaturdashi, usually precedes the grand festival.

Deepawali is one of the biggest Hindu festivals celebrated with vigor and enthusiasm across India. It is celebrated annually and falls on the 15th day of the month of Kartik – the darkest night of the year, according to the Hindu lunar calendar. Celebrations of this widely celebrated festival usually take place in November or October according to the Georgian calendar.

Deepawali calendar

So, before we move on to the Diwali celebrations, here is a look at this year's Chhoti Diwali date and 5-day events in the Deepawali calendar:

October 31 – Choti Diwali (Narak Chaturdashi)

October 31 – Diwali and Lakshmi Puja

November 2 – Govardhan Puja

Chhoti Diwali timings

Chaturdashi Tithi Begins: 1:15 PM on October 30th

Chaturdashi Tithi Ends: October 31, 3:52 pm

Chhoti Diwali honors Lord Krishna's triumph against the demonic Narakasura. Notably, Dhanteras celebrations precede Chhoti Diwali and mark the beginning of Diwali celebrations. On this day, devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kuber and pray for prosperity and wealth. Purchasing new items, including gold coins, gold bars or gold jewelry, is considered auspicious on this day.

Below are the Shubh Muhurat timings of Diwali day according to Drik Panchang that one must remember:

Lakshmi Puja Muhurat – 6:52 pm to 8:41 pm

Pradosh Kaal – 6:10 pm to 8:52 pm

Vrishabha Kaal – 6:52 pm to 8:41 pm

Amavasya Tithi begins on October 31 at 6:22 am

Amavasya Tithi ends on November 1 at 8:46 am

Diwali, the most auspicious and celebrated day, follows Chhoti Diwali and marks the return of Lord Rama, Mata Sita and Lakshman to Ayodhya and commemorates the victory of good over evil. Devotees perform Lakshmi and Ganesh puja in the evening on this day and decorate their houses with earthen lamps (diyas), colorful rangoli and lights.