The Forgotten Day of Diwali: A Pause Before the Celebration
Everyone remembers Diwali night — the diyas, lights, sweets, and joy that fill every corner of our homes. But tucked quietly between the cleaning chaos of Dhanteras and the grand festivity of Diwali lies a day we often overlook — Chhoti Diwali, also known as Naraka Chaturdashi.
In 2025, Chhoti Diwali falls on October 20 (Monday), just a day before the main Diwali celebration. While the world rushes around preparing for the biggest night of the year, this day invites us to slow down, cleanse, and recharge — body, mind, and soul.
Traditionally, Chhoti Diwali is all about purification and rejuvenation. It’s believed that on this day, Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura, freeing the world from darkness and negativity. That’s why people take ritual baths before sunrise, light diyas, and prepare for a fresh, renewed beginning.
But in today’s fast-paced world, this message of renewal is more relevant than ever. Think of Chhoti Diwali as the self-care day Diwali forgot — a much-needed pause before the celebration storm.
Why Chhoti Diwali Is the Perfect Day for Self-Care
Traditionally, Naraka Chaturdashi was observed with rituals meant to cleanse the body and purify the home. Families would wake up early, take oil baths, light lamps, and discard unwanted clutter — a symbolic way of letting go of old energy before welcoming new light.
If you look closely, these rituals weren’t just spiritual — they were acts of self-care.
- The oil bath was a natural detox ritual.
- The lighting of diyas created calm and positivity.
- The cleaning ritual helped release mental clutter.
In modern times, the essence remains the same — only the tools have changed. Today, we replace mustard oil with aromatherapy oils, clutter-clearing with minimalist décor, and traditional scents with wellness hampers filled with candles, teas, and flowers.
Chhoti Diwali is your reminder to slow down, breathe, and prepare yourself — not just your home — for the light of Diwali.
5 Self-Care Rituals to Embrace This Chhoti Diwali 2025
1. Start the Day with an Ayurvedic or Herbal Bath
In olden days, people began Chhoti Diwali with a “Snan” ritual — an oil massage followed by a herbal bath before sunrise.
In 2025, bring that tradition back with a modern twist:
- Massage your body with warm coconut or sesame oil infused with essential oils like lavender or sandalwood.
- Add neem, rose petals, or Epsom salts to your bath for purification.
- Light a floral-scented candle or play soft music to calm your mind.
🌸 Better Gift Flowers™ Suggestion: Try our “Calm & Glow Wellness Hamper” — a soothing blend of floral candles, bath salts, and essential oils to turn your Chhoti Diwali morning into a spa ritual.
2. Declutter and Detox Your Space
A clear space equals a clear mind. Use Chhoti Diwali morning to declutter your surroundings and release stagnant energy.
- Donate old clothes or items you no longer need.
- Freshen up your space with flowers and natural fragrances.
- Wipe down surfaces and light diyas in every corner of your home.
💐 Better Gift Flowers™ Tip: Use fresh marigold or rose flower garlands to decorate your home — they not only look beautiful but also bring in positive energy and fragrance.
3. Reconnect with Yourself Through Aromatherapy
The festival season can be overwhelming — between guests, gifting, and endless cleaning, we often forget to pause and breathe.
Create a mini oasis at home:
- Diffuse lavender, rose, or lemongrass essential oils to de-stress.
- Light soy candles or incense during your meditation or journaling session.
- Spend at least 15 minutes in silence — no phone, no noise, just you.
🕯️ Better Gift Flowers™ Insight: Our “Serenity Spa Gift Box” includes floral candles and oils crafted to enhance relaxation during festive rush hours.
4. Indulge in Gentle Skincare & Wellness
Before the Diwali glow-up, pamper your skin with simple, natural care:
- Apply a multani mitti or sandalwood face mask for detox.
- Keep yourself hydrated by sipping water and herbal tea throughout the day.
- Take time for a short nap or reading break — rest is sacred during festivals.
🍃 Add flowers to your skincare — rosewater, aloe vera, or chamomile are gentle, effective, and soothing.
5. Reflect, Release & Realign
Chhoti Diwali isn’t just about outer cleaning — it’s also about emotional release.
Take a few minutes to reflect:
- What habits or thoughts do you want to leave behind?
- What light do you want to invite into your life this Diwali?
Write it down. Burn a diya as a symbol of transformation — light replacing darkness.
✨ Better Gift Flowers™ Thought: Sometimes, gifting yourself peace of mind is the most meaningful gift.
The Chhoti Diwali Self-Care Checklist (2025 Edition)
Here’s a quick checklist to make your day both productive and peaceful:
| Early morning bath | Oil massage and herbal soak for purification |
| Declutter home | Donate or recycle unwanted items |
| Add fresh flowers | Use marigolds, roses, or lilies for positivity |
| Light diyas | In every corner for peace and prosperity |
| Aromatherapy | Diffuse essential oils or light floral candles |
| Self-pampering | Face mask, warm tea, rest, and reflection |
| Write your intentions | Let go of negativity and invite new energy |
Keep it simple — the goal is renewal, not perfection.
Gifting Ideas for Chhoti Diwali: Wellness That Speaks from the Heart
If Dhanteras is for wealth and Diwali is for celebration, then Chhoti Diwali is for care. It’s the perfect time to send a gentle reminder of calm and balance to loved ones.
Top Chhoti Diwali gifting picks for 2025:
- Floral wellness hampers – flowers + candles + bath salts.
- Aromatherapy kits – essential oils, incense, and diffusers.
- Self-care baskets – skincare, teas, and spa products.
- Plant gifts – money plant or peace lily for positive energy.
- Personalized notes – to add emotion and intention to your gift.
🎁 Better Gift Flowers™ Exclusive: Our “Relax & Radiate Diwali Hamper” blends the essence of self-care and celebration — perfect for gifting serenity this festive season.
The True Spirit of Chhoti Diwali
In the middle of all the celebration prep, Chhoti Diwali reminds us that the festival of lights begins within.
Before lighting up your home, light up your heart. Before decorating your walls, declutter your thoughts. And before gifting others, take a moment to gift yourself peace, balance, and stillness.
This Diwali season, embrace Chhoti Diwali not just as a festival ritual — but as a ritual of renewal.
