Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) 2005
Abhyanga snan before sunrise; Krishna's victory over Narakasura.
Muhurat & timings
Kashi/IST · astronomically computed- Sankalp (sunrise)06:05
- Sunset17:17
- Fasting window (tithi)2005-10-31 · 06:14 → 06:53
- Parana (tithi ends)06:53
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 2005
- Makar Sankranti — 14 January 2005
- Vasant Panchami — 13 February 2005
- Maha Shivaratri — 8 March 2005
- Holika Dahan — 25 March 2005
- Holi — 26 March 2005
- Chaitra Navratri begins — 9 April 2005
- Ram Navami — 17 April 2005
- Akshaya Tritiya — 11 May 2005
- Jagannath Rath Yatra — 8 July 2005
- Guru Purnima — 21 July 2005
- Nag Panchami — 10 August 2005
- Raksha Bandhan — 19 August 2005
- Krishna Janmashtami — 26 August 2005
- Hartalika Teej — 6 September 2005
- Ganesh Chaturthi — 7 September 2005
- Anant Chaturdashi — 17 September 2005
- Pitru Paksha begins — 18 September 2005
- Sharad Navratri begins — 4 October 2005
- Durga Ashtami — 11 October 2005
- Maha Navami — 12 October 2005
- Dussehra / Vijayadashami — 12 October 2005
- Karwa Chauth — 20 October 2005
- Dhanteras — 30 October 2005
- Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) — 1 November 2005
- Govardhan Puja — 3 November 2005
- Bhai Dooj — 3 November 2005
- Chhath Puja — 7 November 2005
- Kartik Purnima (Dev Deepawali) — 16 November 2005
- Guru Nanak Jayanti — 16 November 2005
- Hindu Festivals 2005 →