Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) 2040
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)06:07
- Sunset17:16
- Fasting window (tithi)01:53 → 2040-11-04 · 01:27
- Parana (tithi ends)01:272040-11-04
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 2040
- Makar Sankranti — 15 January 2040
- Vasant Panchami — 17 February 2040
- Maha Shivaratri — 11 March 2040
- Holika Dahan — 28 March 2040
- Holi — 29 March 2040
- Chaitra Navratri begins — 12 April 2040
- Ram Navami — 20 April 2040
- Akshaya Tritiya — 14 May 2040
- Jagannath Rath Yatra — 11 July 2040
- Guru Purnima — 24 July 2040
- Nag Panchami — 13 August 2040
- Raksha Bandhan — 22 August 2040
- Krishna Janmashtami — 29 August 2040
- Hartalika Teej — 9 September 2040
- Ganesh Chaturthi — 10 September 2040
- Anant Chaturdashi — 19 September 2040
- Pitru Paksha begins — 21 September 2040
- Sharad Navratri begins — 7 October 2040
- Durga Ashtami — 13 October 2040
- Maha Navami — 14 October 2040
- Dussehra / Vijayadashami — 15 October 2040
- Karwa Chauth — 23 October 2040
- Dhanteras — 2 November 2040
- Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) — 4 November 2040
- Govardhan Puja — 5 November 2040
- Bhai Dooj — 6 November 2040
- Chhath Puja — 10 November 2040
- Kartik Purnima (Dev Deepawali) — 18 November 2040
- Guru Nanak Jayanti — 18 November 2040
- Hindu Festivals 2040 →