Short Term Diwali 2024: Narak Chaturdashi is celebrated a day before Diwali. It is also known as Chhoti Diwali. On this day, people worship Yamraj, the god of age. Worshiping Yamraj is said to bring blessings of beauty and longevity. Lord Krishna is also worshiped on this day as He killed Narakasura on this day. This time, there is a lot of confusion regarding the date of Nakar Chaturdashi i.e. Chhoti Diwali. Some people call October 30 Chhoti Diwali and some people call October 31 Chhoti Diwali.
Narak Chaturdashi Date
This year’s Narak Chaturdashi will start on October 30 at 1:15 pm. It will end at 3:52 pm the next day, October 31st. During Narak Chaturdashi festival, people donate lamps in the evening. Therefore, Narak Chaturdashi will be celebrated only on 30th October.
Why is Narak Chaturdashi celebrated?
According to mythological beliefs, on this day, Shri Krishna saves the universe from His wrath by killing Narakasura. Shri Krishna with the help of Satyabhama killed Narakasura and freed the gods and saints from his fear. To celebrate this day, people light up lights in their homes and the tradition of celebrating the festival begins. It is said that people started celebrating Narak Chaturdash and Jyoti Diwali from then on. It is believed that people started worshiping Satyabhama considering her to be the form of Narayani.
Jyoti Diwali Puja
On the day of Narak Chaturdashi or Chhoti Diwali, apply sesame oil and take bath early in the morning. On this day, there is a tradition of worshiping Lord Krishna, Hanuman Ji, Yamraj and Makali. On the day of Narak Chaturdashi, worship should be performed facing the northeast direction. During the puja, Panchdev, Shri Ganesh, Durga, Shiva, Vishnu and Suryadev are installed at a post. Afterwards, Panchadev was bathed in Ganges water. Then apply tilak with Raleigh or Sandalwood.
Offer incense, lamps and flowers to them and chant their abhana mantra. Janeu, Kalava, clothes and naivedya should be offered to all the gods. After that, chant mantras and praise all the gods. Worship should end with the performance of Aarti. After the worship, there is also the tradition of lighting the Yama lantern on this day. Make a four-sided lamp out of flour and light it on the doorstep outside the house. Apart from this, lighting a lamp during the Pradosh of Chhoti Diwali removes poverty and sadness from the home.
Auspicious time for Narak Chaturdash 2024
Narak Chaturdashi will have two auspicious pooja times. The first Muhurta is from 05:15 to 06:32 am. Thereafter, the puja will be held from 05:35 to 06:50 pm. Donations and baths also have special significance on Jyoti Diwali. On this day, the best time to take a bath is from 5.20 to 6.32 in the morning. Abhijeet Muhurta’s working hours are from 11:40 am to 12:30 pm and you can do charity work during this time.
Hell Rules Chaturdash
On this day, a large single-sided mustard oil lamp is lit at the main entrance of the house. Do read Hanuman Chalisa on this day. Avoid onions and garlic in food on the day of Nalak Chaturdash. Avoid staying up late. Don’t let someone in need come to your door empty-handed. Please be sure to donate according to your ability.
