Choti Diwali Traditions: Naraka Chaturdashi, Pooja Essentials & the Significance of Metals
📚 Athizay Diwali Heritage Series - Part 2
Discover the stories behind Naraka Chaturdashi, prepare for the traditional pooja, and explore the enduring place of gold, silver, brass and copper in India's Diwali celebrations.
Choti Diwali- The Festival Before Diwali
As the Diwali season unfolds, homes begin to glow with rows of diyas, doorways are adorned with flowers and torans, and families prepare for days of worship, celebration and togetherness. Among these festive observances is Choti Diwali, commonly associated with Naraka Chaturdashi, a day connected with stories of overcoming darkness and restoring order.
For many households, the occasion includes lighting lamps, preparing the home, observing customary rituals and getting ready for the main Diwali celebrations. In some regions, an early-morning ritual bath is an important part of the observance, while other communities follow distinct traditions connected with the same lunar date.
The objects used during these preparations also tell a story. Earthen lamps, brass diyas, copper vessels, silver articles and devotional idols have long found a place in Indian household rituals. Their significance comes not only from their materials but also from the craftsmanship, memories and cultural practices associated with them.
In this part of the Athizay Diwali Heritage Series, we explore the story of Naraka Chaturdashi, the pooja essentials commonly used during Choti Diwali, the traditional metals associated with festive worship, and the role of home preparation and gifting in the wider Diwali season.
What Is Choti Diwali? Understanding Naraka Chaturdashi
Choti Diwali, often called Naraka Chaturdashi or Narak Chaturdashi, is associated with the fourteenth lunar day of the dark fortnight preceding the new moon of Diwali. The name Choti Diwali, meaning “little Diwali,” is widely used in North India, although the observance and its name vary across regions.
The day is associated with the traditional story of Narakasura, whose defeat is celebrated as the triumph of righteousness over oppressive power. In many accounts, Lord Krishna defeats Narakasura and frees those held captive by him. Some retellings also give an important role to Satyabhama.
Naraka Chaturdashi is observed differently across India. In many North Indian households, it is a day of lamps and preparations for Lakshmi Puja. In Maharashtra and parts of southern India, the pre-dawn ritual bath known as Abhyanga Snan has particular importance. In Gujarat and some neighbouring regions, the observance is associated with Kali Chaudas and Roop Chaudas. Bengal has its own traditions around Bhoot Chaturdashi.
These practices reflect the diversity of India's festive calendar. While the names, stories and rituals may differ, the wider Diwali period brings together themes of renewal, devotion, light and the preparation of homes and communities for an auspicious occasion.
When Is Choti Diwali in 2026?
In 2026, the observance of Naraka Chaturdashi and related rituals falls across 7 and 8 November, depending on the regional Panchang and the ritual used to determine the date.
Some calendars mark Choti Diwali or Kali Chaudas on Saturday, 7 November, while many Indian Panchang-based calendars place the Naraka Chaturdashi morning observance on Sunday, 8 November, the same date as the main Diwali celebrations.
Because lunar dates and ritual timings depend on location and tradition, consult a reliable local Panchang for the observance followed in your city. This is particularly important when planning an early-morning Abhyanga Snan or an evening pooja.
The Story of Narakasura: A Tradition of Overcoming Darkness
The story of Narakasura is one of the narratives associated with Naraka Chaturdashi. In a widely known account, Narakasura becomes a powerful and oppressive ruler whose actions bring suffering to others. Lord Krishna confronts and defeats him, bringing his reign of oppression to an end.
Some traditional retellings include Satyabhama as an important participant in the battle. Details differ across texts and regional storytelling traditions, so the story is not always narrated in exactly the same way.
The festival associated with this narrative invites reflection on the consequences of arrogance, the importance of justice and the restoration of balance. The defeat of Narakasura is remembered not simply as a dramatic mythological event, but as a story through which generations have explored the difference between power used to oppress and strength used to protect.
This theme connects naturally with the wider symbolism of Diwali. Lamps illuminate homes and courtyards during the darkest part of the lunar month, while families gather to observe traditions that express hope, devotion and renewal.
The meaning of the story lies in the values communities draw from it and the ways those values are remembered through worship, storytelling and festive practices.
Deities Associated with Choti Diwali: Krishna, Kali and Yama
Choti Diwali, or Naraka Chaturdashi, is associated with different devotional traditions across India. Lord Krishna is central to the widely told story of Narakasura's defeat, while some traditions connect the observance with Lord Vishnu, whose divine role is understood through different accounts of the Narakasura legend.
In parts of eastern and western India, the day is also associated with the worship of Goddess Kali, particularly through the observance of Kali Chaudas.
In some households, rituals involving lamps and prayers to Yama, the deity associated with death and dharma, are observed during the Diwali period.
The timing and form of these practices differ according to regional calendars and family customs.
These varied observances show how the same festive period can carry different devotional meanings across communities. Whether expressed through stories of divine protection, the worship of the Goddess or traditional lamp-lighting rituals, Choti Diwali reflects a rich tapestry of India's living religious and cultural heritage.
Choti Diwali Pooja Essentials: What to Prepare
Pooja preparations form an important part of the Diwali season for many households. The precise rituals followed on Choti Diwali vary by region and family, so not every household will require the same items or perform the same ceremony.
The following checklist offers a practical starting point for families preparing a traditional pooja or lighting lamps at home.
1. Diyas: Traditional Lamps for the Festival
Diyas are among the most recognisable symbols of Diwali. Earthen lamps are widely used, while brass and other metal lamps are also valued for their traditional appearance and reusability.
Depending on household practice, diyas may be placed near entrances, in courtyards, on windowsills or around a pooja space. Some families follow a specific custom of lighting a lamp associated with Yama during the Naraka Chaturdashi period, while others light lamps according to their regional traditions.
Prepare the lamps, cotton wicks and suitable oil or ghee in advance. Always place lit diyas on stable, heat-resistant surfaces and keep them away from curtains, loose fabric and other flammable materials.
2. Pooja Thali: Bringing the Essentials Together
A pooja thali provides a convenient place to arrange the items required for the ritual. It may be made from brass, copper, steel or another suitable material.
Depending on family custom, the thali may hold:
Roli or kumkum
Akshat, or whole rice grains
Flowers or flower petals
A small diya
Sweets or other customary offerings
Small bowls or containers for ritual materials
Some households also keep incense, a bell or additional vessels nearby. Arrange the items according to the pooja being performed rather than treating every item as compulsory.
3. Roli, Akshat, Flowers and Offerings
Roli or kumkum and akshat are commonly used in Hindu worship. Flowers and flower petals are also traditional offerings, while sweets and fruits may be included according to household practice.
Marigolds and other seasonal flowers can be used to decorate the pooja area. Sweets prepared for the occasion may be offered during worship or shared with family and visitors as part of the wider festive celebrations.
Keep the materials in separate bowls or on a clean tray so they are easy to access during the ritual.
4. Water Vessel or Kalash
A lota or kalash may be included in a pooja arrangement, depending on the ritual followed by the family. Copper and brass vessels are traditional choices in many forms of Hindu worship.
The vessel's contents and placement should follow the relevant household or regional custom. If a particular ritual is being observed, consult a trusted family member or the instructions traditionally followed in your home.
5. Devotional Idols and Pooja Objects
Some households maintain a dedicated pooja space with devotional idols, bells, lamps and other ritual objects. During the Diwali period, these may be cleaned and arranged as part of the preparation for worship.
Brass idols of deities such as Lakshmi and Ganesha are familiar features of many household altars, particularly for Lakshmi Puja. Their presence and use on Choti Diwali itself depend on the family's observance.
For many families, preparing these objects is also an opportunity to care for inherited pieces, remember previous generations and continue familiar household traditions.
Gold, Silver, Brass and Copper: The Place of Metals in Diwali Traditions
Metal objects occupy an enduring place in Indian festive life. They appear in devotional settings, family heirlooms, jewellery, gifts and everyday household vessels.
During Diwali, these objects often become more visible as families prepare their homes, arrange their pooja spaces and exchange gifts.
The significance of each metal is shaped by its traditional uses, cultural associations, craftsmanship and the customs of individual households.
Gold: Auspicious Occasions and Family Heirlooms
Gold is associated in many Indian traditions with auspicious occasions, prosperity and celebration. Gold jewellery may be purchased, gifted or worn during festivals and family ceremonies, while inherited ornaments can carry personal memories across generations.
The association between gold and Diwali is particularly visible during Dhanteras, when some families choose to buy gold or other precious items according to their means and customs. Such purchases are traditions followed by many households, not a requirement for celebrating the festival.
The broader cultural connection is one of marking an important occasion through objects that hold value for the family, whether financial, sentimental or ceremonial.
Silver: Coins, Jewellery and Ritual Objects
Silver appears in many forms of Indian festive life, including coins, jewellery, small bowls and selected devotional objects. Some families use silver articles during worship or choose silver coins as gifts for relatives.
Silver's place in household traditions is often connected with auspicious gifting, family customs and the preservation of special objects for repeated use. Inherited silverware can also become part of a family's festive routine, brought out for particular ceremonies or celebrations.
As with gold, the choice to buy silver is personal and depends on the household's budget and traditions.
Brass: Lamps, Idols and Traditional Craftsmanship
Brass has a particularly visible place in Indian household worship. Diyas, bells, thalis, kalash, bowls and devotional idols are commonly made from brass, a copper-and-zinc alloy valued for its appearance, durability and suitability for many traditional objects.
A brass diya can be used during festive worship and then stored for future occasions.
A brass idol may become a permanent part of a home altar, while a traditional thali can be used for a variety of household rituals.
Brass objects also connect festive life with India's metalworking traditions. Their designs may reflect regional styles, artisan techniques and decorative details passed down and adapted over time.
For households that prefer reusable pooja items, brass can be a practical choice as well as a culturally familiar one. Its value lies in the object itself, the work involved in making it and the place it occupies in the household's traditions.
Copper: Traditional Vessels and Household Worship
Copper vessels, including lotas and kalash, are used in many forms of Indian worship. Their shape and function make them familiar features of traditional pooja arrangements, although the exact vessel and its use vary by ritual.
Copper objects may be selected for their traditional appearance, material qualities and place within a household's collection of ritual items. Like brass, copper is also associated with longstanding metalworking practices and the skills of artisans who make functional and decorative vessels.
Families should follow the customary care and use guidance for their particular vessel, especially when it is intended to hold water or other offerings.
Choosing Traditional Metal Objects Thoughtfully
When selecting a metal object for worship or gifting, consider its intended purpose, material, craftsmanship, ease of care and suitability for the recipient.
A small brass diya, a copper vessel, a silver coin or a family heirloom can each carry meaning in a different way. There is no need to purchase all four metals—or any new object at all—to observe Choti Diwali meaningfully.
Traditions remain alive when objects are used and cared for thoughtfully, not simply when more items are added to the home.
Decorating the Home: Diyas, Torans and Festive Details
Preparing the home is an important part of the wider Diwali season. For many families, cleaning, arranging the pooja area, decorating the entrance and lighting lamps help mark the transition from everyday routines to the festive period.
Rangoli and the Welcoming Entrance
Rangoli designs are created in many homes using coloured powders, flowers, rice flour or other materials. Patterns may be placed near the entrance, in a courtyard or close to the pooja space.
A rangoli can be simple or elaborate. Its design often reflects local customs, available materials and the preferences of the people creating it.
Torans and Flower Garlands
Doorway torans made from flowers, leaves, fabric or decorative materials are familiar festive decorations in many Indian households. Marigold garlands and other floral arrangements add colour to the entrance and can complement the lamps and rangoli.
Families may use handcrafted torans or reusable decorative pieces that can be brought out each year. Their designs often draw on regional craft traditions and motifs associated with welcome and celebration.
Diyas and Decorative Lamps
Rows of diyas create the familiar glow of Diwali. Earthen lamps, brass diyas and decorative lanterns can be placed in suitable areas around the home, taking care to keep open flames away from flammable materials.
Some families prefer traditional lamps, while others combine them with electric lights. The arrangement need not be elaborate; even a small, thoughtfully prepared entrance can create a festive atmosphere.
Preparing a Traditional Pooja Corner
Before the pooja, families may clean their altar, arrange devotional objects and prepare the items required for the ritual. A clean cloth, fresh flowers, a suitable diya and the necessary offerings can help keep the arrangement organised.
If the household follows Lakshmi Puja on the main Diwali evening, the more specific preparations for that ceremony can be made according to the family's custom.
For practical inspiration, explore our separate guide to Diwali home decoration, including traditional diyas, torans and festive accents, once it is published.
Diwali Gifting Traditions: Sharing Goodwill and Prosperity
Gifting is an important part of the wider Diwali season. Families exchange sweets and presents, friends visit one another, and many households prepare gifts for hosts, relatives, neighbours and colleagues.
Although gifting is not exclusive to Choti Diwali, it forms part of the larger festive period in which people express affection, appreciation and goodwill.
Sweets and Dry Fruits: Familiar Festive Gifts
Boxes of mithai, dry fruits and savoury snacks are among the familiar gifts exchanged during Diwali. They are often shared when visiting relatives or friends and may be included in larger festive hampers.
The emphasis is on hospitality and sharing the celebration. Families may prepare homemade treats, choose local specialities or select packaged assortments according to their preferences and budget.
Brass Diyas and Decorative Metalware
A brass diya or a traditional metal vessel can make a useful festive gift for someone who appreciates household worship or traditional craftsmanship.
Such objects can be used during future festivals rather than being limited to a single occasion. Their appeal may lie in their design, material, practical function or connection to the recipient's traditions.
Devotional Idols and Pooja Essentials
Brass devotional idols, pooja thalis, bells and other worship objects are also chosen as gifts by some families. Before selecting an item, consider whether the recipient has a suitable place for it and whether it fits their household practices.
A small, thoughtfully selected object can be more meaningful than an elaborate gift chosen without considering the recipient.
Jewellery, Silver Articles and Personal Gifts
Jewellery, silver coins and other personal gifts may be exchanged during the Diwali period, depending on family custom and budget. Some gifts are intended as keepsakes, while others are selected for everyday use.
The significance of a gift does not depend solely on its price. Its usefulness, craftsmanship, suitability and the thought behind the choice can be equally important.
Thoughtful Gifting Across Generations
Diwali gifts can connect generations through objects that become part of a household's celebrations. A diya used year after year, a piece of jewellery passed down within a family or a handcrafted decorative object can acquire meaning through repeated use and shared memories.
For Athizay, traditional gifts offer a way to celebrate India's craft heritage while choosing objects that fit modern homes and contemporary preferences.
Explore our forthcoming Diwali gifting guide for more ideas across traditional metalware, pooja essentials, jewellery and festive home accents.
Abhyanga Snan: The Tradition of the Ritual Bath
In several regional traditions, Naraka Chaturdashi is associated with Abhyanga Snan, a ceremonial bath taken before sunrise. The observance is particularly familiar in Maharashtra and parts of southern India, although customs differ by community.
The ritual may include an oil massage followed by bathing and wearing fresh clothes. Some households prepare a traditional herbal paste or ubtan as part of the practice. In other regions, the morning is observed differently or the emphasis falls on other customary rituals.
The bath is understood within the tradition as a form of purification and preparation for the festival. Its religious and cultural significance should be understood in that context rather than interpreted as a claim that a particular ritual was designed to produce a specific medical outcome.
If you follow this custom, prepare what you need in advance and observe the practice in a way that is comfortable and suitable for your circumstances. People who are unwell or for whom a particular bathing practice may be unsuitable should adapt it as needed.
How Choti Diwali Traditions Differ Across India
The Diwali season is not observed in exactly the same way throughout India. Regional calendars, local stories, devotional traditions and family customs shape the practices followed on Naraka Chaturdashi and the surrounding days.
In many North Indian households, Choti Diwali is a day for lighting lamps and preparing for the main Diwali celebration. In Maharashtra and parts of southern India, the early-morning Abhyanga Snan is a prominent observance, and Naraka Chaturdashi is closely connected with the beginning of Deepavali festivities.
In Gujarat and parts of western India, Kali Chaudas and Roop Chaudas are associated with the period. In Bengal, Bhoot Chaturdashi has distinct customs that differ from the more familiar North Indian observance.
Even within a region, families may follow different sequences for lighting lamps, conducting pooja, preparing offerings or visiting relatives. Some observe particular rituals on Dhanteras, others on Naraka Chaturdashi, and others on the main Diwali evening.
These differences are part of India's living cultural heritage. Rather than assuming one checklist applies everywhere, it is useful to understand the customs followed by one's family and community.
Frequently Asked Questions About Choti Diwali
What is the difference between Choti Diwali and Naraka Chaturdashi?
Choti Diwali is a common name for Naraka Chaturdashi, the lunar observance associated with the story of Narakasura. The names and practices vary by region, and in some years related observances may fall on different civil dates depending on the local Panchang and the ritual used to determine the day.
What pooja items are commonly prepared for Choti Diwali?
Common items may include diyas, a pooja thali, roli or kumkum, akshat, flowers, sweets, incense and a water vessel. The exact requirements depend on the pooja and family tradition. Not every household performs the same ritual on Choti Diwali.
Why are diyas lit during Choti Diwali?
Diyas are associated with the wider Diwali tradition of welcoming light and marking an auspicious festive period. In some households, lamps are also connected with specific customs observed around Naraka Chaturdashi. The placement and timing of the lamps vary across regions and families.
What is Abhyanga Snan?
Abhyanga Snan is a traditional pre-dawn bath observed on Naraka Chaturdashi in several communities. It may include an oil massage and bathing before sunrise. Its significance and the details of the practice differ according to regional and family customs.
Why are brass and copper used for pooja items?
Brass and copper have long been used to make lamps, vessels, thalis and other household ritual objects. Their continued use reflects material qualities, craftsmanship and established traditions of worship. The choice of material depends on the intended use and the preferences of the household.
Are gold and silver necessary for Choti Diwali?
No. Gold and silver are associated with auspicious occasions and festive gifting in some traditions, but buying them is not necessary to observe Choti Diwali. Families can celebrate meaningfully using the objects they already own and the customs they follow.
Is gifting part of Choti Diwali?
Gifting is part of the wider Diwali season, when families and friends exchange sweets, dry fruits, decorative objects, jewellery and other presents. The timing and type of gifts vary. Gifting should be understood as a broader festive custom rather than a ritual required specifically on Choti Diwali.
When is Choti Diwali in 2026?
In 2026, related observances fall across 7 and 8 November depending on the regional Panchang and ritual. Some calendars mark Choti Diwali or Kali Chaudas on 7 November, while Naraka Chaturdashi's pre-dawn observance is placed on 8 November in many Indian calendars. Check a reliable local Panchang for your city's timings.
From the Athizay Heritage Desk
At Athizay, we believe that traditional objects become more meaningful when we understand the stories, customs and craftsmanship behind them.
A brass diya lit at dusk, a copper vessel prepared for worship, a family heirloom brought out for a festival or a carefully chosen gift can connect everyday life with traditions carried forward across generations. These objects are part of the ways families remember celebrations, express goodwill and make space for devotion in their homes.
Choti Diwali brings together many of these connections. Its stories speak of overcoming oppression; its lamps recall the cultural significance of light; its pooja preparations reflect household customs; and its traditional metal objects preserve the work of artisans whose skills continue to shape Indian craft.
The meaning of Diwali does not rest on how many objects we purchase or how elaborately we decorate. It also lives in the care we give our homes, the people with whom we share the occasion and the traditions we choose to preserve.
Through the Athizay Diwali Heritage Series, we explore these connections between stories, rituals, materials and everyday life—discovering how heritage continues to find meaning in contemporary homes.
Because heritage is not simply something we inherit from the past. It is something we understand, preserve and pass forward.
Continue Exploring the Athizay Diwali Heritage Series
Choti Diwali is one part of a wider festive season filled with stories of devotion, light, renewal and togetherness.
In Part 1, Dhanteras Traditions: Lord Kubera, Auspicious Buying & Brass Idols, we explored the cultural significance of Lord Kubera, traditional purchases and devotional metal objects. As the series continues, we will turn to Lakshmi Puja and the customs associated with welcoming prosperity, followed by the traditions of Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj.
Alongside these heritage articles, Athizay will also explore practical guides to Diwali home decoration and thoughtful gifting, helping readers discover traditional craftsmanship and festive ideas without losing sight of the stories behind them.
Continue the journey with Athizay as we discover the heritage, symbolism and craftsmanship that make Diwali meaningful across generations.
Athizay — Rooted in Heritage, Styled for Today.
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