नरक चतुर्दशी
Narak Chaturdashi
Choti Diwali, the day Krishna defeated Narakasura, marked by an early oil bath and lamps at dusk.
About Narak Chaturdashi
Narak Chaturdashi falls on the Chaturdashi of Kartika Krishna Paksha, the second day of Diwali. It is also called Choti Diwali and Roop Chaudas.
The key ritual is Abhyang Snan, a bath with oil and ubtan before sunrise, during Arunodaya. In the evening fourteen lamps are lit around the house.
How to celebrate
Wake before sunrise and take the Abhyang Snan with sesame oil and ubtan.
Wear new or clean clothes and visit a temple.
Light fourteen lamps around the home in the evening.
In many homes, Hanuman puja is also done on this day.
The story
The demon Narakasura had imprisoned sixteen thousand women and terrorised the three worlds. Lord Krishna, with Satyabhama, killed him on this Chaturdashi, and people lit lamps to celebrate their freedom.
Questions
When is Narak Chaturdashi in 2026?
Narak Chaturdashi 2026 is on Sunday, 8 November 2026. Krishna Chaturdashi tithi begins at 10:48 AM on Saturday 7 November and ends at 11:28 AM on Sunday 8 November IST.
What is the Abhyang Snan time on Narak Chaturdashi 2026?
In New Delhi, the bath is taken from 5:02 AM to sunrise at 6:38 AM IST. Pick your city in the timings card to see local times.
Is Narak Chaturdashi the same as Choti Diwali?
Yes. In North India it is called Choti Diwali. In some years the Abhyang Snan falls on the morning of Diwali itself, when Chaturdashi is present at dawn.
What is Abhyang Snan?
A ritual oil bath taken before sunrise, during the Arunodaya period, with sesame oil and a herbal paste called ubtan.
Around Narak Chaturdashi
Coming up
- Karva ChauthThu 29 Oct
- Ahoi AshtamiSun 1 Nov
- Rama EkadashiThu 5 Nov
- DhanterasFri 6 Nov
- DiwaliSun 8 Nov
- Govardhan PujaTue 10 Nov
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