- By Kashish Rai
- Mon, 13 Oct 2025 04:33 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Choti Diwali, also known as Naraka Chaturdashi or Kali Chaudas is an important Hindu festival. It is observed on the 14th day of Krishna Paksha in the Kartik Maas as per the calendar followed in North India. As the second day of the five-day Diwali festival, this day kicks off the Diwali festivities with lamp lighting, the bustling noise of the firecrackers and the exchange of sweets among near and dear ones. People celebrate this day to get rid of negative energy. People perform early morning bath, offer prayers and give offerings to gods. This year, Choti Diwali will be observed by the devotees on 19th October 2025, Sunday.
Have you ever wondered why Choti Diwali is known as Naraka Chaturdashi? We will answer this question as we share the lesser-known legend associated with this significant day below:
Why Is Choti Diwali Called Naraka Chaturdashi?
Choti Diwali is called Naraka Chaturdashi because Lord Krishna and his wife Satyabhama defeated the mighty demon Narakasura on this sacred day.
Lesser-Known Legend Associated With Naraka Chaturdashi Or Choti Diwali
Narakasura, a cruel demon king, brought fear to both the heavens and earth. Even though he was the son of Mother Earth and Lord Varah, he chose to create destruction, defeating demigods and stealing what they had. He was very cruel. He captured 16,000 women and harshly ruled from his kingdom, Prayagajyotishapura. His evil actions upset the balance of the universe, causing demigods and people to suffer. The rules of the gods were falling apart, and it looked like there was no stopping him.
Deeply troubled by his vicious acts, the demigods asked Lord Krishna for help, and he agreed. With his wife, Satyabhama, who was Bhudevi in another form, Lord Krishna began his quest to defeat Narakasura. The visited Prayagajyotishapura riding on Garuda, ready to stop the demon king's terrible rule. Narakasura, not knowing who Krishna really was, readied himself for battle, sure of his own strength. But he didn't know that he was about to lose everything.
ALSO READ: Dhanteras 2025: 7 Inauspicious Things You Should Not Purchase Even By Mistake
Choti Diwali is also known as Naraka Chaturdashi. This sacred festival is observed one day before Diwali celebrations. (Image Source: Canva)
The fight was fierce, but Lord Krishna quickly wiped out Narakasura's army. He then killed the demon king with his Sudarshana Chakra. People and gods were at last without his cruelty. Lord Krishna freed the 16,000 captured women, who wanted to marry him out of thankfulness and stay safe with him always. So, Lord Krishna took them as his wives. This win brought back peace to the universe. The laws of the gods were back, and the world was relieved.
Other Rituals And Legends Associated With Naraka Chaturdashi Or Choti Diwali
- Another legend about Narak Chaturdashi says people worship Lord Yama, the god of death on this day. In the evening, people light lamps called Yama Deepam. Lighting the Yama Deepak on Naraka Chaturdashi invites Lord Yama's blessing and saves the devotees from misfortune and untimely death.
Dhanteras 2025: 18 or 19 October, When Is Dhantrayodashi? Know Correct Date, Shubh Muhurat, More
- In Bengal and eastern India, Choti Diwali or Naraka Chaturdashi day marks Kali Puja. It is believed that Goddess Kali emerged on this day to defeat demons and keep the devotees safe. That is why people worship her on this day, seeking her blessings for protection.