Narak Chaturdashi, also known as Choti Diwali, Roop Chaudas and Kali Chaudas, is the second day of the five-day Diwali festival. Devotees observe it on the Chaturdashi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik. Moreover, it marks the victory of light over darkness and the removal of fear, sin and untimely death.
Narak Chaturdashi 2026 Date and Muhurat
In 2026, devotees will observe Narak Chaturdashi on Sunday, 8 November 2026. Interestingly, it falls on the same day as Diwali Lakshmi Puja.
| Detail | Timing (New Delhi) |
|---|---|
| Chaturdashi Tithi begins | 10:47 AM, 7 November 2026 |
| Chaturdashi Tithi ends | 11:27 AM, 8 November 2026 |
| Abhyang Snan muhurat | Approx. 5:41 AM to 6:38 AM, 8 November 2026 |
| Kali Chaudas (midnight) muhurat | Approx. 11:58 PM to 12:49 AM, night of 7 November |
Note: Timings change from city to city, so please check a local panchang for your location. Also, outside India, the date can fall a day earlier, on 7 November.
Why the Date Can Differ
Devotees must do the Abhyang Snan in the pre-dawn hours, between moonrise and sunrise, while Chaturdashi is still in effect. Since the tithi begins on the morning of 7 November and ends on the morning of 8 November, the oil bath falls on the morning of the 8th in India. In contrast, Kali Chaudas worship depends on Chaturdashi at midnight, so families observe it on the night of the 7th. Therefore, different calendars may show different dates for different rituals.
Narak Chaturdashi Rituals
- Abhyang Snan (sacred oil bath): Before sunrise, apply sesame oil and an ubtan (a paste of gram flour, turmeric and fragrant herbs) to the body, then bathe. According to tradition, it cleanses sin and brings good health and radiance.
- New clothes and tilak: After bathing, wear fresh clothes and apply a tilak.
- Worship of Lord Krishna and Yamraj: Next, offer prayers to Lord Krishna, who defeated Narakasura, and to Yamraj, the god of death, seeking protection and long life.
- Lighting diyas: Afterward, light lamps in the evening at the entrance, courtyard and around the house to drive away darkness and negativity.
- Rangoli and decoration: Finally, clean and decorate the home to prepare for Lakshmi Puja.
Yam Deepdan
Yam Deepdan is the offering of a lamp to Yamraj for the protection of the family from untimely death. Families traditionally light a diya made of flour or clay with sesame or mustard oil, and they place it outside the main door facing south, the direction associated with Yama.
Many traditions perform Yam Deepdan on the evening of Dhanteras (Trayodashi), while others also light a lamp on the evening of Narak Chaturdashi. However, customs vary by region and family, so follow the practice of your own tradition and local panchang.
Significance of Roop Chaudas
Roop Chaudas, meaning “the Chaturdashi of beauty”, highlights purification of body and mind. Tradition says the ritual bath with ubtan and oil enhances natural beauty, health and inner radiance. Therefore, it reminds us that true beauty comes from cleanliness, discipline and a pure heart. Meanwhile, in some regions, people also link this day with Kali Chaudas and worship Goddess Kali and Hanuman to remove fear and negative energy.
The Story of Narakasura
According to tradition, the demon king Narakasura troubled the three worlds and held thousands of women captive. Eventually, Lord Krishna, with the help of Satyabhama, defeated him and freed the captives. Because of this victory of good over evil, people call the day Narak Chaturdashi and celebrate it with lamps and joy.
Key Takeaways
- Narak Chaturdashi 2026: Sunday, 8 November.
- Do the Abhyang Snan before sunrise, within the muhurat.
- Light diyas in the evening and perform Yam Deepdan as per your tradition.
- Roop Chaudas celebrates purity, health and inner beauty.
- Diwali Lakshmi Puja follows on the same day, 8 November 2026.
Wishing you a bright, safe and blessed Choti Diwali!
