The day before Diwali we know as Chhoti Diwali, Narak Chaturdashi is celebrated on the Chaturdashi date of Krishna Paksha of Kartik month which we also know as Chhoti Diwali. On this day, there is a tradition of worshiping Kali Mata Hanuman ji and Yamraj ji. Actually, there is a mythological story behind celebrating Chhoti Diwali which is related to Lord Shri Krishna.


According to the legend, once a demon named Bhaumasura, also known as Narakasura, created havoc in all the three worlds due to his atrocities. Due to his powers he had even conquered many gods. Because his death could only be at the hands of a woman, he had abducted thousands of girls. On this, Indradev approached Lord Krishna with a prayer for the protection of the world. Accepting the prayer of Indra Dev, Lord Shri Krishna along with his wife Satyabhama mounted on Garuda and arrived to kill the demon Narakasura. Lord Shri Krishna made Satyabhama his charioteer and with his help he killed Narakasura. After killing Narakasura, Lord Shri Krishna and Satyabhama freed 16100 girls abducted by him. When these girls returned to their homes, the society and their families refused to accept them. To give shelter to all those girls, Lord Shri Krishna accepted them all as his wives. Bhaumasura was also known as Narakasura. Lord Shri Krishna killed him on Chaturdashi date itself. Therefore this date is also called Narak Chaturdashi. This day is celebrated as Chhoti Diwali.

On Narak Chaturdashi, the main lamp is lit for long life and good health. This is called Deepdaan for Lord Yama. According to Hindu beliefs, on the day of Chhoti Diwali, everyone lights a lamp in the name of Lord Yama outside their house in the south direction. It is said that doing this brings happiness and prosperity in the house. It is believed that the person who pleases Yama and Mother Mahalakshmi on this day does not have to suffer hell after death. It is said in the scriptures that Narak Chaturdashi is very useful for people born in human form in Kaliyuga. Kaliyugi man commits many types of sins without knowing it. Therefore, it is very important that Kalyugi living beings understand and follow the rules and importance of this day. On this day, wake up before sunrise and apply oil. After taking bath, one must visit Lord Vishnu temple or Krishna temple. This removes sin and gives beauty.

On this day Lord Shri Krishna had eliminated evil. And protected women. These words of Shri Krishna give us the message that those who do evil will meet their end one day or the other. And if a helpless woman calls out to God, then God himself appears to protect her. Narak Chaturdashi gives every person a chance to atone for the sins committed by him. If a man can realize his sins in time then his life can become meaningful. The meaning of Diwali for us is to destroy the devil within us forever.