Chhoti Diwali dates confirmed: Yam Diya lighting and ritual bathing times

Chhoti Diwali, also known as the smaller Diwali, is marked by specific rituals and timings aligned with the lunar calendar. The Yam Diya, a lamp dedicated to Yama the deity of death, is traditionally lit during the convergence of Kartik Krishna Chaturdashi and Pradosh Vrat. This year, devotees are advised to light the Yam Diya on the evening of November 7.

The ritual of Abhyanga Snan, the ceremonial oil bath considered highly auspicious, is performed before sunrise on Kartik Krishna Chaturdashi. This bathing ritual is scheduled for the morning of November 8 this year. The practice is believed to purify the body and soul and is an integral part of Chhoti Diwali celebrations across India.

These timings follow the traditional Hindu lunar calendar and Vedic calculations that determine the precise moments for performing religious observances. Devotees planning to observe Chhoti Diwali are advised to adhere to these timings to ensure the rituals are performed during their designated auspicious windows. The festival, celebrated primarily in Maharashtra and other parts of India, holds significance in various regional traditions and is observed as a precursor to the main Diwali festival.