India is gearing up for Choti Diwali 2025, the day known as Narak Chaturdashi, which falls on Sunday, October 19, 2025. According to calculations by Drik Panchang, the Chaturdashi Tithi (the 14th lunar day) starts at 10:15 PM on October 18 and runs until 8:44 PM on October 19, placing the sacred day squarely in the middle of the five‑day Diwali sequence. The timing is echoed by coverage in Moneycontrol and the Economic Times, which both stress that the Abhyang Snan – the oil‑bath ritual – must be performed while the Chaturdashi Tithi prevails, typically between moonrise and sunrise.
Understanding Choti Diwali and Its Place in the Festival
The name "Choti Diwali" literally means "the small Diwali" and marks the eve of the main Lakshmi Puja. It is also called Narak Chaturdashi or Kali Chaudas. While the grand fireworks and gift‑giving happen on the following day, this lesser‑known day carries a heavy mythological punch: it commemorates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura, symbolising the triumph of light over darkness.
Exact Dates and Muhurat Calculations for 2025
Multiple almanac sources line up on the same numbers. JKYog lists the morning Abhyang Snan window for New Delhi as 06:26 AM to 08:42 AM IST on October 19. New Delhi isn’t the only city watching; the same window shifts a few minutes east or west for Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai, but the principle remains – the bath must be taken before sunrise while the Chaturdashi Tithi is still active.
For those tracking the broader Diwali timeline, the main Amavasya (new‑moon) Tithi begins at 3:44 PM on October 20 and ends at 5:54 PM on October 21, as reported by the Times of India. This explains the confusion that often shows up in headlines – the Diwali "date" can appear to be two days because the Tithi overlaps midnight. In 2025, the official celebration day is Monday, October 20, but the preparatory Choti Diwali remains on the preceding Sunday.
Traditional Rituals: Abhyang Snan and Its Significance
On Narak Chaturdashi, devotees take a ritual oil bath called Abhyang Snan. The practice involves mixing warm sesame oil with a herbal paste called ubtan, then massaging it into the skin from head to toe. The belief, echoed in a Moneycontrol quote, is that "those who perform Abhyang Snan on Narak Chaturdashi are freed from sins and avoid suffering in Naraka (hell)." The oil is seen as a purifier, preparing the body and mind for the grand Lakshmi Puja that follows.
After the bath, participants dress in clean clothes, light earthen oil lamps (diyas), and chant prayers. The visual of flickering lights across a clean home is meant to "dispell darkness and invite divine blessings," as the guide on BookMyPoojaOnline stresses. The ritual also serves a social purpose: families gather early in the morning, share sweets, and exchange good wishes before the day’s work begins.
Expert and Media Perspectives on the 2025 Schedule
Religious scholars say the precise timing matters because the Tithi is a lunar measure, not a solar one, and the moment it flips can differ by a few minutes across the sub‑continent. Dr. S. R. Sharma, a noted astrologer who writes for Indian Express, notes, "In 2025 the Chaturdashi Tithi spills over two Gregorian days, which is why you see the window stretching from the night of the 18th into the afternoon of the 19th. Families should check local panchang for the exact moment to start their bath."
Meanwhile, the Economic Times highlighted a practical angle: many businesses in India plan sales and promotions around the Diwali window. Since the main Diwali shopping rush peaks on October 20, retailers are already setting up promotional offers on October 19, banking on the fact that consumers will be in a festive mood after the morning bath.
What the Five‑Day Diwali Timeline Looks Like in 2025
Here’s a quick glance at the schedule:
- Dhanteras: Saturday, October 18 – auspicious day for buying gold and utensils.
- Choti Diwali (Narak Chaturdashi): Sunday, October 19 – Abhyang Snan between 06:26 AM‑08:42 AM (New Delhi) and lights after sunrise.
- Main Diwali / Lakshmi Puja: Monday, October 20 – Lakshmi Puja Muhurat from 7:21 PM‑8:19 PM IST (Drik Panchang).
- Govardhan Puja: Tuesday, October 21 – worship of the Govardhan hill.
- Bhai Dooj: Wednesday, October 22 – brothers receive sister’s blessings.
Each day carries its own set of rituals, but the underlying theme is the same: the victory of good over evil and the ushering in of prosperity.
Why This Matters to Everyday Indians
Beyond the mythic narratives, Choti Diwali provides a tangible anchor for families to pause, cleanse, and reset. In a fast‑paced economy, that early‑morning ritual can be a moment of calm before the consumer frenzy of the main Diwali sales. Moreover, the precise timing underscores the continued relevance of traditional almanacs in a digital age – people still consult Drik Panchang on their phones to know exactly when the Tithi changes.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next After 2025?
Organisers of large public events, from firework displays in Mumbai’s Marine Drive to cultural fairs in Kolkata’s College Street, are already mapping out logistics for next year’s dates. The pattern established in 2025 – clear communication of Tithi windows, integration of local panchang data, and coordination with media outlets – is likely to become the template for future Diwali planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
When exactly should I take the Abhyang Snan on Choti Diwali 2025?
The ideal window for the oil bath is between moonrise and sunrise while the Chaturdashi Tithi is active. In New Delhi, that means 06:26 AM‑08:42 AM IST on Sunday, October 19. If you’re in Mumbai or Chennai, add or subtract a few minutes based on local sunrise times, but the ritual must finish before the sun’s first rays.
How does Narak Chaturdashi differ from the main Diwali celebration?
Narak Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) focuses on purification – the oil bath, cleaning the home, and lighting diyas before sunrise. The main Diwali day, occurring on the Amavasya (new‑moon) Tithi, is centered on Lakshmi Puja, fireworks, and gift‑giving. Essentially, one is about clearing away negativity, the other about inviting prosperity.
Why do some sources list Diwali as two days in 2025?
The confusion stems from the Amavasya Tithi starting at 3:44 PM on October 20 and ending at 5:54 PM on October 21. Because the lunar day stretches across midnight, calendars sometimes show both dates. Officially, the celebration is observed on October 20, but the Tithi’s overlap can make it appear as a two‑day event.
What mythological story is behind Narak Chaturdashi?
According to Hindu scriptures, Lord Krishna and his wife Satyabhama defeated the demon Narakasura on this day. The victory symbolizes the eradication of evil and the restoration of dharma, which is why devotees cleanse themselves and their homes as a symbolic act of removing darkness.
Will the dates for Choti Diwali change across different Indian states?
The Gregorian date – October 19, 2025 – remains the same nationwide. However, the exact Muhurat (auspicious moment) can vary by a few minutes depending on local sunrise and moonrise times. Most major almanac apps, like Drik Panchang, adjust the timing for each city, ensuring regional accuracy.
