Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) 2038
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)06:02
- Sunset17:21
- Fasting window (tithi)2038-10-26 · 16:54 → 13:18
- Parana (tithi ends)13:18
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 2038
- Makar Sankranti — 14 January 2038
- Vasant Panchami — 9 February 2038
- Maha Shivaratri — 4 March 2038
- Holika Dahan — 20 March 2038
- Holi — 21 March 2038
- Chaitra Navratri begins — 5 April 2038
- Ram Navami — 13 April 2038
- Akshaya Tritiya — 7 May 2038
- Jagannath Rath Yatra — 4 July 2038
- Guru Purnima — 16 July 2038
- Nag Panchami — 5 August 2038
- Raksha Bandhan — 14 August 2038
- Krishna Janmashtami — 22 August 2038
- Hartalika Teej — 2 September 2038
- Ganesh Chaturthi — 2 September 2038
- Anant Chaturdashi — 12 September 2038
- Pitru Paksha begins — 14 September 2038
- Sharad Navratri begins — 29 September 2038
- Durga Ashtami — 5 October 2038
- Maha Navami — 6 October 2038
- Dussehra / Vijayadashami — 7 October 2038
- Karwa Chauth — 16 October 2038
- Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) — 27 October 2038
- Govardhan Puja — 28 October 2038
- Bhai Dooj — 29 October 2038
- Chhath Puja — 2 November 2038
- Kartik Purnima (Dev Deepawali) — 11 November 2038
- Guru Nanak Jayanti — 11 November 2038
- Hindu Festivals 2038 →