Is Chhoti Diwali today or tomorrow? Know the exact time of Narak Chaturdashi and why the lamp of Yama is lit

Narak Chaturdashi 2025 date and time : Just a day before the sparkle of Diwali, when every house gets ready to bathe in lights, ‘Chhoti Diwali’ is celebrated. It is also known as Narak Chaturdashi and Roop Chaudas. This day is not just for decoration but also for purification of body and mind. This year the festival is even more special because Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga is being formed throughout the day – an auspicious yoga in which every work started is successful.

But when to celebrate festivals? today or tomorrow?

According to the Panchang, Chaturdashi Tithi i.e. Chaudas will start from 1:51 pm today (October 19) and will continue till 3:44 pm tomorrow (October 20).

Now the confusion is that when to celebrate it?

• Lighting the lamp of Yama: Since the lamp of Yama is lit in the evening during Pradosh Kaal, and this time will be available only today (19 October), hence today is the best day to worship Yama and light the lamp.
• Abhyanga Snan: At the same time, the most important ritual of this day, ‘Abhyanga Snan’ (bath by applying water) is always done in the morning before sunrise, and its auspicious time is tomorrow i.e. morning of 20th October.

Therefore, the worship of Yama will take place today and the beauty enhancing bath will take place tomorrow.

Auspicious time to enhance appearance (Abhyanga bath)

There is a tradition of taking bath by applying ubtan on Narak Chaturdashi, which has got the name of ‘Roop Chaudas’. It is believed that this not only enhances beauty but also maintains good health.

• Correct day and time: It will be most auspicious to take this bath on Monday, October 20 between 5:13 am to 6:25 am.

Why is it called ‘Narak’ Chaturdashi?

This name may sound a bit strange, but there is a big story behind it. According to mythology, on this day Lord Shri Krishna killed an evil demon named Narakasura and freed 16,000 women from his captivity. To celebrate that victory, this day was called Narak Chaturdashi.

What is the importance of this day?

• Yama’s lamp: On this day in the evening, a four-sided lamp of mustard oil is lit outside the house, towards the south. It is called ‘Yama’s lamp’. It is believed that by doing this the danger of untimely death from the family is averted.
• Ritual of 14 lamps: On this day, there is a tradition of lighting a total of 14 lamps in the house, one of which is of Yam and the remaining 13 are of Ghee, which bring happiness and prosperity in the house.
• Worship of Lord Krishna: Worshiping Lord Krishna on this day removes all the troubles of life and brings peace in the house.