Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) 2006
Abhyanga snan before sunrise; Krishna's victory over Narakasura.
Muhurat & timings
Kashi/IST · astronomically computed- Sankalp (sunrise)05:58
- Sunset17:26
- Fasting window (tithi)05:54 → 2006-10-21 · 08:29
- Parana (tithi ends)08:292006-10-21
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 2006
- Makar Sankranti — 14 January 2006
- Vasant Panchami — 2 February 2006
- Maha Shivaratri — 26 February 2006
- Holika Dahan — 14 March 2006
- Holi — 15 March 2006
- Chaitra Navratri begins — 30 March 2006
- Ram Navami — 6 April 2006
- Akshaya Tritiya — 30 April 2006
- Jagannath Rath Yatra — 27 June 2006
- Guru Purnima — 11 July 2006
- Nag Panchami — 30 July 2006
- Raksha Bandhan — 9 August 2006
- Krishna Janmashtami — 15 August 2006
- Hartalika Teej — 27 August 2006
- Ganesh Chaturthi — 27 August 2006
- Anant Chaturdashi — 6 September 2006
- Pitru Paksha begins — 8 September 2006
- Sharad Navratri begins — 23 September 2006
- Durga Ashtami — 30 September 2006
- Maha Navami — 1 October 2006
- Dussehra / Vijayadashami — 2 October 2006
- Karwa Chauth — 10 October 2006
- Dhanteras — 19 October 2006
- Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) — 21 October 2006
- Govardhan Puja — 23 October 2006
- Bhai Dooj — 24 October 2006
- Chhath Puja — 28 October 2006
- Kartik Purnima (Dev Deepawali) — 5 November 2006
- Guru Nanak Jayanti — 5 November 2006
- Hindu Festivals 2006 →