Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) 2009
Abhyanga snan before sunrise; Krishna's victory over Narakasura.
Muhurat & timings
Kashi/IST · astronomically computed- Sankalp (sunrise)05:57
- Sunset17:29
- Fasting window (tithi)2009-10-16 · 14:31 → 12:35
- Parana (tithi ends)12:35
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 2009
- Makar Sankranti — 14 January 2009
- Vasant Panchami — 31 January 2009
- Maha Shivaratri — 23 February 2009
- Holika Dahan — 10 March 2009
- Holi — 12 March 2009
- Chaitra Navratri begins — 27 March 2009
- Ram Navami — 3 April 2009
- Akshaya Tritiya — 27 April 2009
- Jagannath Rath Yatra — 24 June 2009
- Guru Purnima — 7 July 2009
- Nag Panchami — 26 July 2009
- Raksha Bandhan — 5 August 2009
- Krishna Janmashtami — 13 August 2009
- Hartalika Teej — 23 August 2009
- Ganesh Chaturthi — 23 August 2009
- Anant Chaturdashi — 3 September 2009
- Pitru Paksha begins — 5 September 2009
- Sharad Navratri begins — 19 September 2009
- Durga Ashtami — 26 September 2009
- Maha Navami — 27 September 2009
- Dussehra / Vijayadashami — 28 September 2009
- Karwa Chauth — 7 October 2009
- Dhanteras — 15 October 2009
- Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) — 17 October 2009
- Govardhan Puja — 19 October 2009
- Bhai Dooj — 20 October 2009
- Chhath Puja — 24 October 2009
- Kartik Purnima (Dev Deepawali) — 2 November 2009
- Guru Nanak Jayanti — 2 November 2009
- Hindu Festivals 2009 →