The five Diwali observances
India reference calendar: five observances, not five consecutive dates. Naraka Chaturdashi and Diwali share November 8 in 2026; Kali Chaudas is November 7. Local traditions and muhurats can differ.
Naraka Chaturdashi, often called Choti Diwali, is observed on Sunday, November 8, 2026 in the India reference calendar. In this year it shares a civil date with Lakshmi Puja; Kali Chaudas is listed separately on November 7.
Meaning & tradition
The festival recalls the defeat of Narakasura in traditions associated with Krishna and Satyabhama. An early cleansing bath, lamps and household preparation are common customs. Regional meanings and names differ.
City panchangSimple puja vidhi
- 1
Check your local calendar for the Naraka Chaturdashi bath observance.
- 2
Take a comfortable bath; oil massage or ubtan is optional and should suit your skin and health.
- 3
Remember Krishna with a short prayer and offer flowers or fruit.
- 4
Prepare the home for the evening, light supervised lamps and share sweets.
Prayer
ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय
Salutations to Lord Vasudeva, a simple prayer to Krishna/Vishnu.
Aarti & prayersPuja thali & offerings
- Flowers and water
- Seasonal fruit or simple sweets
- A diya or electric lamp
Celebrate thoughtfully
Do not assume Choti Diwali must be the previous civil day: the sunrise tithi determines the bath observance.
Avoid loud fireworks and keep flames away from clothing, children and animals.
Common questions
Why are Choti Diwali and Diwali on the same date in 2026?
Different rites use different parts of the tithi: Naraka Chaturdashi's bath observance and evening Lakshmi Puja can fall on one civil date. The India reference lists both on November 8; regional observance may differ.
Is Kali Chaudas the same observance?
The names are sometimes used interchangeably, but their ritual rules differ. The reference calendar lists Kali Chaudas on November 7, 2026 and Naraka Chaturdashi on November 8.
Calendar reference: Drik Panchang · 2026