Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) 2026: date, timings and what to know
Naraka Chaturdashi, also called Choti Diwali and Kali Chaudas, is on 7 and 8 November 2026: lamps on the evening of 7 November and the oil bath (abhyang snan) before sunrise on 8 November, the day of Diwali.
Naraka Chaturdashi falls on Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi in Kartik, the day before the Diwali Amavasya. It celebrates Krishna and Satyabhama defeating the demon Narakasura, and is also known as Choti Diwali, Roop Chaudas and, in Gujarat and Bengal, Kali Chaudas.
In 2026 the Chaturdashi tithi runs from about 10:48 AM on Saturday 7 November to about 11:28 AM on Sunday 8 November (Delhi). That is why two dates are in use: the evening of 7 November, when Chaturdashi is in force at sunset (Choti Diwali lamps, Yama Deepam and Kali Chaudas puja), and the early morning of 8 November, when Chaturdashi is still in force at sunrise (the abhyang snan). Diwali Lakshmi Puja is on the evening of 8 November.
Quick answers
When is Choti Diwali 2026?
The evening of Saturday 7 November 2026 for the lamps, with the abhyang snan on the morning of Sunday 8 November, the day of Diwali.
Is Choti Diwali the same as Naraka Chaturdashi?
Yes. Naraka Chaturdashi, Choti Diwali and Roop Chaudas are the same Chaturdashi tithi. Kali Chaudas is the night observance of the same day in Gujarat and Bengal.
Why are there two dates?
The Chaturdashi tithi spans both the evening of 7 November and the sunrise of 8 November. Evening rites follow the first and the morning bath follows the second.
Event times are computed from NASA JPL DE421 (tropical zodiac). Astrology is offered for reflection and entertainment. Editorial standards.