Naraka Chaturdashi 2026: Date, Shubh Muhurat, Puja Vidhi and Important Do's and Don'ts for Choti Diwali

Naraka Chaturdashi 2026: Diwali celebrations aren’t just about decorating homes, exchanging sweets, and lighting diyas. There’s another meaningful festival that deserves equal attention: Naraka Chaturdashi!

Also known as Choti Diwali or Roop Chaudas, this auspicious occasion celebrates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura. But did you know that taking a special bath before sunrise is considered one of its most important rituals?

So, when is Naraka Chaturdashi in 2026, what is the correct Shubh Muhurat, and which traditions should you follow? Let’s find out!

Quick Glance: Naraka Chaturdashi 2026

• Date: Sunday, November 8, 2026
• Chaturdashi Tithi Begins: November 7 at 10:47 AM
• Chaturdashi Tithi Ends: November 8 at 11:27 AM
• Abhyang Snan Muhurat: 5:41 AM to 6:38 AM
• Kali Chaudas: Saturday, November 7, 2026
• Main Rituals: Abhyang Snan, Lord Krishna worship, and Yama Deepdaan.

Timings are according to Drik Panchang for New Delhi, India.

When Is Naraka Chaturdashi 2026?

According to Drik Panchang, Naraka Chaturdashi falls on Sunday, November 8, 2026.

The festival is observed during Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi of Kartik month, according to the North Indian Hindu calendar.

Interestingly, Kali Chaudas falls on November 7, while the traditional Naraka Chaturdashi Abhyang Snan takes place on November 8.

This happens because different rituals follow different prescribed periods of the lunar day.

In 2026, Naraka Chaturdashi and Diwali Lakshmi Puja fall on the same date.

What Is the Shubh Muhurat for Naraka Chaturdashi 2026?

The most important auspicious timing for Naraka Chaturdashi is the Abhyang Snan Muhurat.

In New Delhi, devotees can perform Abhyang Snan between 5:41 AM and 6:38 AM on November 8.

Traditionally, this ritual is performed after moonrise but before sunrise, while Chaturdashi Tithi is prevailing.

Devotees apply sesame oil and herbal ubtan before bathing, symbolising purification and the removal of negativity.

Why Is Naraka Chaturdashi Celebrated?

According to Hindu mythology, Narakasura was a powerful demon who troubled the gods and imprisoned thousands of women.

Lord Krishna, accompanied by Satyabhama, fought Narakasura and defeated him, freeing those held captive.

The victory represents the triumph of righteousness over arrogance, oppression, and evil.

In several traditions, the festival also honours Lord Yama, the deity associated with death and dharma.

Ultimately, Naraka Chaturdashi reminds devotees to overcome negativity and welcome light into their lives.

Naraka Chaturdashi 2026 Puja Vidhi: How to Perform the Rituals

Wondering how to observe Choti Diwali according to traditional Hindu customs? Here’s a simple guide.

1. Perform Abhyang Snan

Wake up before sunrise and apply sesame oil and traditional ubtan before bathing during the auspicious Muhurat.

2. Wear Clean Clothes

After bathing, wear fresh clothes and prepare your prayer space.

3. Worship Lord Krishna

Offer flowers, fruits, sweets, and prayers to Lord Krishna. Some families also worship their traditional family deities.

4. Perform Yama Tarpan

In traditions that observe Yama Tarpan, water is offered while remembering Lord Yama and praying for protection.

5. Light Diyas

Perform Yama Deepdaan according to your regional Panchang and family customs. In many traditions, a diya is placed outside the home in the evening.

Naraka Chaturdashi 2026: Important Do’s

• Perform Abhyang Snan: Follow the prescribed pre-sunrise Muhurat.
• Use Sesame Oil: Traditionally considered important for the ritual bath.
• Keep Your Home Clean: Prepare the house for the Diwali festivities.
• Offer Prayers: Worship Lord Krishna and honour family traditions.
• Practise Kindness: Remember the festival’s message of compassion and righteousness.

Naraka Chaturdashi 2026: Don’ts to Remember

• Don’t Miss the Abhyang Snan Muhurat: The traditional bath is performed before sunrise.
• Don’t Confuse Kali Chaudas With Naraka Chaturdashi: Their observance dates differ in 2026.
• Don’t Ignore Regional Customs: Puja rituals may differ across communities.
• Don’t Use Unsafe Diyas: Keep burning lamps away from curtains and flammable objects.
• Don’t Encourage Negativity: Avoid unnecessary arguments, anger, and disrespectful behaviour.

What Is the Spiritual Significance of Naraka Chaturdashi?

Beyond the rituals, Naraka Chaturdashi symbolises inner purification.

Just as Lord Krishna defeated Narakasura, devotees are encouraged to overcome pride, jealousy, anger, and harmful habits.

The traditional oil bath represents a fresh beginning, while lighting diyas symbolises welcoming knowledge and positivity.

Ultimately, Choti Diwali teaches a beautiful lesson: removing darkness from our lives begins with changing our own thoughts and actions.

Want to check auspicious Puja timings, traditional Diwali rituals, and personalised spiritual remedies?

Explore AstroSure’s Tithi Guide and Ask Agastyaa for personalised Vedic astrology guidance!

ALSO READ: Dhanteras 2026: What Should You Buy for Good Luck and Prosperity?

FAQs About Naraka Chaturdashi 2026

1. When is Naraka Chaturdashi in 2026?

Naraka Chaturdashi will be observed on Sunday, November 8, 2026.

2. What is the Abhyang Snan Muhurat in 2026?

In New Delhi, the auspicious bathing time is from 5:41 AM to 6:38 AM on November 8.

3. Why is Naraka Chaturdashi celebrated?

It commemorates Lord Krishna’s victory over Narakasura, symbolising the triumph of good over evil.

4. What should devotees avoid on Naraka Chaturdashi?

Devotees traditionally avoid anger, negative behaviour, and neglecting prescribed rituals.

5. Is Naraka Chaturdashi the same as Choti Diwali?

Yes. Naraka Chaturdashi is popularly known as Choti Diwali, although regional observances such as Kali Chaudas can fall on a different date.