Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) 2028
Abhyanga snan before sunrise; Krishna's victory over Narakasura.
Today's Panchang
Kashi reference · computed live- Tithi
- Saptami
- till 20:47
- Nakshatra
- Ashwini
- till 21:21
- Yoga
- Shula
- Karana
- Vishti
- Sunrise
- 05:26
- Sunset
- 18:41
- Moon sign
- Aries
- Sun sign
- Cancer
Muhurat & timings
Kashi/IST · astronomically computed- Sankalp (sunrise)05:57
- Sunset17:29
- Fasting window (tithi)2028-10-16 · 15:44 → 12:04
- Parana (tithi ends)12:04
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 2028
- Makar Sankranti — 15 January 2028
- Vasant Panchami — 1 February 2028
- Maha Shivaratri — 23 February 2028
- Holika Dahan — 10 March 2028
- Holi — 11 March 2028
- Chaitra Navratri begins — 27 March 2028
- Ram Navami — 3 April 2028
- Akshaya Tritiya — 27 April 2028
- Jagannath Rath Yatra — 24 June 2028
- Guru Purnima — 6 July 2028
- Nag Panchami — 26 July 2028
- Raksha Bandhan — 5 August 2028
- Krishna Janmashtami — 13 August 2028
- Hartalika Teej — 22 August 2028
- Ganesh Chaturthi — 23 August 2028
- Anant Chaturdashi — 2 September 2028
- Pitru Paksha begins — 4 September 2028
- Sharad Navratri begins — 19 September 2028
- Durga Ashtami — 26 September 2028
- Maha Navami — 27 September 2028
- Dussehra / Vijayadashami — 27 September 2028
- Karwa Chauth — 7 October 2028
- Dhanteras — 15 October 2028
- Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) — 17 October 2028
- Govardhan Puja — 18 October 2028
- Bhai Dooj — 19 October 2028
- Chhath Puja — 23 October 2028
- Kartik Purnima (Dev Deepawali) — 2 November 2028
- Guru Nanak Jayanti — 2 November 2028
- Hindu Festivals 2028 →