While the exact date of Choti Diwali may vary in 2024 between October 30 and October 31, the spirit of the festival remains unchanged. Embrace the joy, light, and positivity that Choti Diwali and the entire Diwali festival bring, regardless of the day you choose to celebrate. With the arrival of the Diwali season, many are gearing up to celebrate one of India’s most beloved festivals, marked by lights, sweets, and joyous gatherings.
However, this year has brought a bit of confusion regarding the exact date of Choti Diwali, also known as Naraka Chaturdashi. Traditionally celebrated on the day before Diwali, Choti Diwali is a significant festival in its own right. The question on everyone’s mind is: Will Choti Diwali fall on October 30 or 31 in 2024? Understanding the Festival of Choti Diwali Choti Diwali, which means “Small Diwali,” is observed on the 14th day of Krishna Paksha (the waning phase of the moon) in the Hindu month of Kartik.
This day commemorates the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil and the release from darkness. It is celebrated with lights, rangolis, and smaller pujas, setting the stage for the grand Diwali festivities that follow. Why the Date Confusion? The difference in the dates of October 30 and 31 stems from varying interpretations of the lunar calendar.
Hindu festivals often follow the moon phases and auspicious timings, or muhurtas, which can vary slightly based on geographical location .