Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) 2010
Abhyanga snan before sunrise; Krishna's victory over Narakasura.
Muhurat & timings
Kashi/IST · astronomically computed- Sankalp (sunrise)06:08
- Sunset17:15
- Fasting window (tithi)2010-11-04 · 15:58 → 13:02
- Parana (tithi ends)13:02
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 2010
- Makar Sankranti — 14 January 2010
- Vasant Panchami — 20 January 2010
- Maha Shivaratri — 12 February 2010
- Holika Dahan — 28 February 2010
- Holi — 1 March 2010
- Chaitra Navratri begins — 16 March 2010
- Ram Navami — 24 March 2010
- Akshaya Tritiya — 16 May 2010
- Jagannath Rath Yatra — 13 July 2010
- Guru Purnima — 25 July 2010
- Nag Panchami — 14 August 2010
- Raksha Bandhan — 24 August 2010
- Krishna Janmashtami — 1 September 2010
- Hartalika Teej — 10 September 2010
- Ganesh Chaturthi — 11 September 2010
- Anant Chaturdashi — 22 September 2010
- Pitru Paksha begins — 24 September 2010
- Sharad Navratri begins — 8 October 2010
- Durga Ashtami — 15 October 2010
- Maha Navami — 16 October 2010
- Dussehra / Vijayadashami — 17 October 2010
- Karwa Chauth — 26 October 2010
- Dhanteras — 3 November 2010
- Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) — 5 November 2010
- Govardhan Puja — 7 November 2010
- Bhai Dooj — 8 November 2010
- Chhath Puja — 11 November 2010
- Kartik Purnima (Dev Deepawali) — 21 November 2010
- Guru Nanak Jayanti — 21 November 2010
- Hindu Festivals 2010 →