Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) 1973
Abhyanga snan before sunrise; Krishna's victory over Narakasura.
Muhurat & timings
Kashi/IST · astronomically computed- Sankalp (sunrise)06:01
- Sunset17:22
- Fasting window (tithi)1973-10-24 · 08:51 → 08:34
- Parana (tithi ends)08:34
Festival days follow the classical attribution rules — udaya (sunrise), pradosha (evening), nishita (midnight), madhyahna or aparahna vyapini as each festival prescribes — computed for Kashi/Varanasi (IST). Regional observance can differ by a day in some years.
Read the Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) puja vidhi, vrat rules and kathaNaraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) — Frequently Asked Questions
When is Naraka Chaturdashi celebrated?
On the Chaturdashi of the Krishna Paksha of Kartika, in autumn — the fourteenth day of the waning fortnight, the day before Diwali. For this year's date, see the date shown above.
What is the abhyanga snan?
A ritual bath taken before sunrise on Naraka Chaturdashi, after the body is massaged with oil and a herbal ubtan. It is held to wash away the year's accumulated inauspiciousness, so one enters Diwali clean — hence the name Roop Chaudas.
Why is a lamp lit for Yama on this day?
A lamp is lit in the evening for Yama, the lord of death, often facing south, with a prayer against untimely death. It sits alongside the festival's memory of captives freed by Krishna.
How is Choti Diwali related to Diwali?
Naraka Chaturdashi is the eve of Diwali; the two evenings run together, with lamps lit on both. Choti Diwali centres on the pre-dawn bath and Narakasura's defeat, and Diwali the next night on Lakshmi Puja.
Other major festivals in 1973
- Makar Sankranti — 14 January 1973
- Vasant Panchami — 8 February 1973
- Maha Shivaratri — 3 March 1973
- Holika Dahan — 18 March 1973
- Holi — 19 March 1973
- Chaitra Navratri begins — 4 April 1973
- Ram Navami — 11 April 1973
- Akshaya Tritiya — 5 May 1973
- Jagannath Rath Yatra — 2 July 1973
- Guru Purnima — 15 July 1973
- Nag Panchami — 3 August 1973
- Raksha Bandhan — 14 August 1973
- Krishna Janmashtami — 21 August 1973
- Hartalika Teej — 30 August 1973
- Ganesh Chaturthi — 31 August 1973
- Anant Chaturdashi — 11 September 1973
- Pitru Paksha begins — 13 September 1973
- Sharad Navratri begins — 27 September 1973
- Durga Ashtami — 4 October 1973
- Maha Navami — 5 October 1973
- Dussehra / Vijayadashami — 6 October 1973
- Karwa Chauth — 15 October 1973
- Dhanteras — 23 October 1973
- Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) — 25 October 1973
- Govardhan Puja — 27 October 1973
- Bhai Dooj — 28 October 1973
- Chhath Puja — 1 November 1973
- Kartik Purnima (Dev Deepawali) — 10 November 1973
- Guru Nanak Jayanti — 10 November 1973
- Hindu Festivals 1973 →