The fourteenth day of the dark fortnight in the month of Kartik is celebrated as Choti Diwali, widely recognized as Narak Chaturdashi. On this sacred day, households traditionally place a lit lamp near the household drainage outlet during the evening hours. This specific lamp is dedicated to Yamraj, the deity of death, with the belief that lighting it protects family members from untimely death and absolves them from the torments of the netherworld. Additionally, the festival involves a customary ritual of applying oil before taking a ritualistic bath.
Significance of Oil Bath and Rituals
According to ancient scriptures, Goddess Lakshmi resides in oil and the waters of the Ganges on the day of Chaturdashi. Because of this belief, taking a bath after an oil massage on this day is said to invoke the abundant blessings of Goddess Lakshmi. Along with the purification bath, illuminating lamps holds immense religious importance, allowing families to illuminate their homes and dispel darkness.
Auspicious Timings for Lighting Lamps in 2026
The favorable muhurat for lighting diyas on Choti Diwali falls on November 7, 2026, starting from 05:32 PM in the evening and extending until 08:09 PM at night.
How Many Diyas Should Be Lit on Choti Diwali?
While individuals can light any number of lamps according to personal devotion, tradition dictates that at least 14 diyas must be lit on this day. In addition to these fourteen lamps, a separate dedicated lamp is lit in honor of Yamraj.
Recommended Locations for Placing Diyas
- At the main entrance of the house
- In the home temple or worship area
- Facing the southern direction
- Inside the study room
- At the workplace
- Near a sacred tree
- Outside the house premises
- Inside the kitchen
- In the courtyard
- Near the sacred basil plant
- On the rooftop
- Near windows
- Close to water sources
- Near the grain storage area
Important Guidelines for Deepdan
- Always use traditional earthen lamps for lighting purposes.
- Perform the lamp offering during Pradosh Kaal, as this period is considered the most auspicious for worship and lighting diyas.
- A dedicated lamp for Yamraj must be lit on the evening of Choti Diwali and placed either outside the main door or near the drain.
