Narak Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) 2026 - Vidhi

Narak Chaturdashi falls on the Chaturdashi (fourteenth day) of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik, one day before the Diwali Amavasya. In the Gregorian calendar this usually falls in October or November. The Abhyang Snan is performed before sunrise during a specific muhurat, and the Yama deepak is lit in the evening. Confirm the exact date and Abhyang Snan muhurat for your city on the Vandnaa Panchang.

The demon Narakasura, son of the earth, grew so powerful that he tormented the gods and imprisoned sixteen thousand women. Granted a boon that he could be slain only by his own mother, he was destroyed by Lord Krishna along with his wife Satyabhama (an incarnation of the earth goddess) on this very Chaturdashi. Before dying, Narakasura repented and asked that his death be remembered with light and joy - which is why people light lamps and celebrate this day.

The Abhyang Snan (oil bath) is the central ritual of the day, believed to wash away sins and grant the beauty and grace symbolised by 'Roop Chaudas'. 1. Wake before sunrise during the auspicious muhurat. 2. Apply warm sesame or mustard oil to the body and a paste of ubtan (chickpea flour, turmeric and herbs). 3. Place a few Apamarga (chirchita) leaves on the head, as tradition advises. 4. Bathe thoroughly with clean water, mentally letting go of impurity and negativity. 5. Wear fresh, clean clothes and begin the day's worship with a calm, renewed mind.

In the evening, devotees perform Yama deepdaan to seek protection from untimely death and to honour Yama, the lord of dharma. 1. Take a four-faced or single ghee/oil lamp. 2. Light it after sunset and place it at the main doorway or near the home's drainage, facing south (Yama's direction). 3. Offer a short prayer to Yama for the long life and protection of all family members. 4. Light additional lamps around the home as a prelude to Diwali. Some families also worship Maa Kali on this night (Kali Chaudas).

While lighting the Yama deepak, chant this prayer for protection:

Om Yamaya Namah

Mrityuna pashahastena kalena bhaaryaya saha, Trayodashyaam deepadaanat suryajah preeyataam mama.

For Krishna's grace and inner cleansing, chant Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya. Reciting the Krishna Aarti completes the day's worship beautifully.

Narak Chaturdashi is believed to cleanse body, mind and home of accumulated negativity, grant beauty, health and grace through the Abhyang Snan, and protect the family from untimely death and fear through the Yama deepdaan. Above all, it reminds devotees that, like Krishna's victory over Narakasura, even the deepest darkness within can be conquered with light, discipline and devotion.