Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) 2031
Abhyanga snan before sunrise; Krishna's victory over Narakasura.
Today's Panchang
Kashi reference · computed live- Tithi
- Ashtami
- till 18:59
- Nakshatra
- Bharani
- till 20:18
- Yoga
- Ganda
- Karana
- Balava
- Sunrise
- 05:27
- Sunset
- 18:40
- Moon sign
- Aries
- Sun sign
- Cancer
Muhurat & timings
Kashi/IST · astronomically computed- Sankalp (sunrise)06:13
- Sunset17:11
- Fasting window (tithi)05:37 → 2031-11-14 · 04:26
- Parana (tithi ends)04:262031-11-14
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 2031
- Makar Sankranti — 14 January 2031
- Vasant Panchami — 27 January 2031
- Maha Shivaratri — 20 February 2031
- Holika Dahan — 8 March 2031
- Holi — 10 March 2031
- Chaitra Navratri begins — 24 March 2031
- Ram Navami — 1 April 2031
- Akshaya Tritiya — 24 April 2031
- Jagannath Rath Yatra — 22 June 2031
- Guru Purnima — 4 July 2031
- Nag Panchami — 24 July 2031
- Raksha Bandhan — 3 August 2031
- Krishna Janmashtami — 8 September 2031
- Hartalika Teej — 19 September 2031
- Ganesh Chaturthi — 20 September 2031
- Anant Chaturdashi — 29 September 2031
- Pitru Paksha begins — 1 October 2031
- Sharad Navratri begins — 17 October 2031
- Durga Ashtami — 23 October 2031
- Maha Navami — 24 October 2031
- Dussehra / Vijayadashami — 25 October 2031
- Karwa Chauth — 2 November 2031
- Dhanteras — 12 November 2031
- Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) — 14 November 2031
- Govardhan Puja — 15 November 2031
- Bhai Dooj — 16 November 2031
- Chhath Puja — 20 November 2031
- Kartik Purnima (Dev Deepawali) — 28 November 2031
- Guru Nanak Jayanti — 28 November 2031
- Hindu Festivals 2031 →