New Delhi: Diwali begins with the Dhanteras festival, also known as Dhanatrayodashi. This year, the festival started on October 29, and today is Choti Diwali. Choti Diwali is celebrated a day before Diwali or Badi Diwali. It is also widely known as Narkachaudas or Naraka Chaturdashi. But is there a difference between Choti and Badi Diwali? Well, the answer is yes. Read on to learn the difference between the two.
What is Choti Diwali?
Choti Diwali, also known as Naraka Chaturdashi, is named after the demon Narakasura. Like Badi Diwali, this festival is important because it marks the defeat of Narakasura by Lord Krishna’s wife, Satyabhama. Narakasura was the son of Bhudevi and Lord Varaha, who is an avatar of Lord Vishnu.
However, Lord Varaha became so destructive that he harmed the universe. Due to a boon from Lord Brahma, he knew that only his mother, Bhudevi, could kill him, which made him overconfident.
Narakasura once attacked Lord Krishna, and Satyabhama, also an incarnation of Bhudevi, fought back bravely and killed him. As he died, Narakasura asked Satyabhama for a blessing. He wanted to be remembered, so people celebrate Naraka Chaturdashi by lighting lamps and taking a ritual bath called Abhyanga Snan.
Hindus celebrate this day to remove evil, negativity, laziness, and sins. It symbolises freeing oneself from harmful things that block the right path. Abhyanga Snan represents the cleansing of evil and the purification of the body, mind, and soul.
According to another legend, Goddess Kali also killed Narakasura, which is why some people call this day Kali Chaudas and perform Kali puja, especially in Eastern India.
What is Badi Diwali?
Every year, Badi Diwali is celebrated on the Amavasya date of Kartik month. On this day, Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha are worshipped at night. In many places, it is believed that on this day, Goddess Lakshmi appeared on earth, and lamps were lit to welcome her.
There is also a belief about Deepavali, Badi Diwali, or Diwali that on this day, Lord Ram returned to Ayodhya from Lanka after 14 years. Therefore, on this day, he was welcomed by lighting lamps. Then, this festival is celebrated with great pomp all over the country.
