Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) 2001
Abhyanga snan before sunrise; Krishna's victory over Narakasura.
Muhurat & timings
Kashi/IST · astronomically computed- Sankalp (sunrise)06:14
- Sunset17:10
- Fasting window (tithi)2001-11-13 · 16:29 → 14:10
- Parana (tithi ends)14:10
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 2001
- Makar Sankranti — 14 January 2001
- Vasant Panchami — 29 January 2001
- Maha Shivaratri — 21 February 2001
- Holika Dahan — 9 March 2001
- Holi — 10 March 2001
- Chaitra Navratri begins — 26 March 2001
- Ram Navami — 2 April 2001
- Akshaya Tritiya — 26 April 2001
- Jagannath Rath Yatra — 23 June 2001
- Guru Purnima — 5 July 2001
- Nag Panchami — 25 July 2001
- Raksha Bandhan — 4 August 2001
- Krishna Janmashtami — 12 August 2001
- Hartalika Teej — 21 August 2001
- Ganesh Chaturthi — 22 August 2001
- Anant Chaturdashi — 1 September 2001
- Pitru Paksha begins — 3 October 2001
- Sharad Navratri begins — 17 October 2001
- Durga Ashtami — 24 October 2001
- Maha Navami — 25 October 2001
- Dussehra / Vijayadashami — 26 October 2001
- Karwa Chauth — 4 November 2001
- Dhanteras — 12 November 2001
- Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) — 14 November 2001
- Govardhan Puja — 16 November 2001
- Bhai Dooj — 17 November 2001
- Chhath Puja — 21 November 2001
- Kartik Purnima (Dev Deepawali) — 30 November 2001
- Guru Nanak Jayanti — 30 November 2001
- Hindu Festivals 2001 →