Choti Diwali 2026: Know Its Significance, Rituals and Puja Vidhi

Diwali is a festival of lights as it marks the victory of good over evil. It celebrates Lord Ram’s return after defeating the tyrant Lankan king Ravan. After Dussehra, people from all across India celebrate this big festival with great zeal. They light up diyas in their house and exchange gifts with loved ones. However, before the big Diwali festival, there comes Choti Diwali. Today, we will tell you all about Choti Diwali 2026, including its date, puja, vidhthe i and the mythological lore behind it.

Why Choti Diwali is Celebrated?

Choto Diwali is linked to the story of Naraka Chaturdashi. It marks the triumph of Lord Krishna and his wife, Satyabhama, over Narakasura. According to legend, the demon king had held 16,000 princesses captive. To free them, Lord Krishna was accompanied by one of his queens, Satyabhama and waged a war against him. With his queen's help, Lord Krishna finally killed Narakasura and freed the captive princesses. Since then, the day is marked as Choti Diwali.

Choti Diwali Puja Muhurat

Choti Diwali Puja Vidhi

For the upcoming Choti Diwali 2026, people must perform the puja appropriately. On this day, start your puja after sunset. During this time, keep your house clean and clutter-free. After cleaning, sprinkle Ganga jal in every room to purify the house. During this festival, begin your puja with Ganesh stuti, since he is the first deity worshipped, as per the boon from his father, Lord Shiva.

After that, you can also chant mantras dedicated to Lord Krishna and Goddess Lakshmi. You can also read the Hanuman Chalisa or watch an audio-visual on YouTube. Don't forget to light a lamp for Yama in the southern direction. Conclude your puja rituals by singing the aarti of Lord Krishna and Maa Lakshmi. When you're done, distribute the prasad among your loved ones. After that, light the diyas in all corners of your house.

How to Celebrate Narak Chaturdashi

To celebrate Narak Chaturdashi, it is believed you should fill your home with positivity by lighting lamps throughout. This practice is said to keep away negative energies. Offer something to a Brahmin and make donations. There is a custom of offering on Narak Chaturdashi in the evening. This is done to invoke the demigods and seek their blessings. On the eve of Choti Diwali 2026, you must worship Lord Krishna with his chants, aarti, and offerings of yellow cloth, sweets, and fruits.

Significance of Choti Diwali

Choti Diwali 2026 marks the victory of good over evil. On this day, Lord Krishna defeated and killed the demon Narakasura and freed the princesses who were captive. It is a day to claim victory over negative qualities by embracing positivity in all aspects of life.

Devotees must celebrate this day by cleaning their household, lighting lamps, exchanging gifts, sharing sweets, and expressing gratitude with loved ones. Besides lighting oil lamps, you should also create Rangoli designs on the floor, as they represent prosperity and welcome. If you want to burst crackers, do so safely and without harming the environment.

Conclusion

This year, Choti Diwali falls on Saturday, 7th November 2026. Today, we have mentioned the significance of this festival, its mythological background, muhurat, and puja vidhi. Also known as Choti Diwali, it is celebrated before the main Diwali. The day marks the victory of good over evil, as Lord Krishna killed Narakasura. So, start your preparations and make this festive day unforgettable with your loved ones.