Vikrant Shekhawat : Oct 30, 2024, 09:19 AM
Chhoti Diwali 2024: The festival of Diwali is celebrated with great pomp in India, and just a day before it comes "Chhoti Diwali" or "Narak Chaturdashi". This year the festival of Chhoti Diwali is being celebrated on 30 October. It is also known as "Narak Chaudas" and "Kali Chaudas". This day holds special significance for the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, Kubera, the god of wealth and Yamraj, the god of death. According to religious beliefs, by worshiping Yamraj on Chhoti Diwali and by some special measures, one can get rid of the fear of Pitra Dosh and untimely death.Auspicious time of Chhoti DiwaliAccording to the Panchang, the Chaturdashi date of Krishna Paksha of Kartik month will start from 1:15 pm on October 30 and will last till 3:52 pm on the next day, October 31. During this, the most auspicious time for worship will be from 4:36 pm to 6:15 pm on October 30. Worshiping Yamraj, Mata Lakshmi and Kuber Dev at this time gives special benefits.Method and importance of worship on Chhoti DiwaliAccording to religious traditions, worship of Yamraj holds special importance on Chhoti Diwali. Lighting a lamp in the name of Yam on this day has special significance. It is believed that by worshiping Yamraj on the day of Narak Chaturdashi, a person is not afraid of untimely death, and he also gets freedom from the tortures of hell. The lamp donation done on this day brings blessings of happiness, prosperity and protection of the family in life.What to do on Chhoti Diwali?Get up early in the morning: Worship of Lord Krishna, Hanuman Ji, Yamraj and Mata Kali has special significance on Chhoti Diwali. On this day, worship should be done facing the east.Give Deepdaan: Make a heap of grains on the left side of the main door of the house and place a mustard oil lamp. Note that the flame of the lamp should be towards the south.Light a lamp in the name of Yamraj: A big lamp is lit in the name of Yamraj by the eldest member of the house. This four-faced lamp should be taken around the house and then placed outside the house at a distance. During this time, other family members should not see the lamp.What should not be done on Chhoti Diwali?There are some tasks which are considered forbidden on the day of Narak Chaturdashi:Keep the south direction clean: The south direction of the house should not be kept dirty on this day, because this can anger the ancestors and Yamraj.Do not donate sesame oil: It is believed that by donating sesame oil, Lakshmi does not reside in the house. Therefore, avoid donating sesame oil on this day.Take special care of the broom: On the day of Narak Chaturdashi, do not kick the broom with your feet nor keep it standing, because doing so can anger Goddess Lakshmi.The festival of Chhoti Diwali is the initial form of the happiness of Diwali and it is considered necessary to celebrate it properly for happiness, prosperity, and safety of the family in life. These small measures taken on Chhoti Diwali are helpful in attracting positive energy and blessings of Gods and Goddesses in life.