Auspicious Time for Puja (Shubh Muhurat)

The ideal time for performing Choti Diwali puja in 2025 is from 5:47 PM to 9:00 PM. Performing rituals during this period is considered highly auspicious. Homes are often decorated with lamps, rangoli, and flowers before the puja to create a spiritual atmosphere.

Puja Procedure

1. Preparations: Wake up early, take a purifying bath, and clean the entire house and puja area. Decorate the altar with flowers, rangoli, and diyas.
2. Sprinkling Holy Water: Sprinkle Gangajal (holy water) around the house and puja area to remove negative energy and purify the space.
3. Worship of Lord Ganesha: Begin the puja by offering prayers to Lord Ganesha. Offer fruits, flowers, tilak, akshat (uncooked rice), lamps, incense sticks, and prasad. Chant Ganesha mantras to seek his blessings.
4. Worship of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Krishna: Recite mantras dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Krishna. Offering lotus flowers to Goddess Lakshmi is especially auspicious.
5. Worship of Lord Hanuman: Recite the Hanuman Chalisa to remove fear and invoke protection and well-being for the family.
6. Concluding the Puja: End the rituals with Aarti and distribute prasad among family members.

Religious Significance and Traditions

Choti Diwali marks the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Mythologically, it commemorates the day when Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura, freeing 16,100 captive princesses. The festival is also called Narak Chaturdashi.

The day is believed to:

• Bring prosperity and wealth to the household.
• Remove obstacles and negative energy from life.
• Enhance happiness, peace, and harmony within the family.

Tips and Precautions for a Blessed Puja

• Ensure the home and puja area are clean and organized.
• Use tilak and akshat in moderate amounts.
• Prepare light meals using fresh and pure ingredients.
• Maintain focus and calmness during the rituals.
• Light diyas in every room to invite positive energy.

By following these practices, Choti Diwali becomes not only a celebration of rituals but also an occasion to invite joy, prosperity, and spiritual well-being into your home.