The second
day of the 5-day Diwali festival, called Chhoti Diwali, will be observed today,
November 3.  On this day people clean their homes and light Yama Deepak,
or oil lamps, at the main door.

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According to
Hindu calendar, Chhoti Diwali is celebrated on the 14th day of Krishna Paksha
of Karthik month

In other
parts of India, Chhoti Diwali is known differently. In the east and south, it
is called Naraka Chaturdashi, and Kali Chaudas in Gujarat and Rajasthan.

According to
the Puranas, Naraka Chaturdashi is also the birthday of Lord Hanuman, hence
Bajrangbali is worshiped on this day.  A special make-up of Lord Hanuman
is done in temples and people sing bhajans and kirtans. 

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Chhoti
Diwali: Auspicious Time

The
auspicious time to perform the ritual is from 05.40 AM to 06.03 AM. Worship for
Hanuman Jayanti can be done after 9.02 am during the whole day. The auspicious
time for lighting the Yama lamp is from 6 pm to 8 pm.

Chhoti
Diwali: Puja Vidhi

On Naraka
Chaturdashi, devotees pray to Lord Krishna, Maa Kali, Yama and Lord Hanuman to
help them purify their souls. The Abhyanga Snan is also a part of this process.
In some places, effigies of Narakasura are burnt. Rituals differ from place to
place in India. Some light 13 diyas at different places in the house. 

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Chhoti
Diwali: Significance

According to
Hindu mythology, the demon king Narakasura had captured the territories of Maa
Aditi. He also kidnapped and abused many women. There are different versions
about the death of Narakasura.  According to one of these, Lord Krishna
and Satyabhama killed him in battle. Others believe Maa Kali ended his life.
Therefore, people also observe the day as Kali Chaudas and Naraka Chaturdashi.