Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) 2042
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)06:12
- Sunset17:12
- Fasting window (tithi)2042-11-10 · 20:53 → 23:34
- Parana (tithi ends)23:34
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 2042
- Makar Sankranti — 14 January 2042
- Vasant Panchami — 26 January 2042
- Maha Shivaratri — 18 February 2042
- Holika Dahan — 6 March 2042
- Holi — 7 March 2042
- Chaitra Navratri begins — 22 March 2042
- Ram Navami — 29 March 2042
- Akshaya Tritiya — 22 April 2042
- Jagannath Rath Yatra — 19 June 2042
- Guru Purnima — 3 July 2042
- Nag Panchami — 21 August 2042
- Raksha Bandhan — 31 August 2042
- Krishna Janmashtami — 6 September 2042
- Hartalika Teej — 17 September 2042
- Ganesh Chaturthi — 18 September 2042
- Anant Chaturdashi — 28 September 2042
- Pitru Paksha begins — 30 September 2042
- Sharad Navratri begins — 15 October 2042
- Durga Ashtami — 22 October 2042
- Maha Navami — 23 October 2042
- Dussehra / Vijayadashami — 24 October 2042
- Karwa Chauth — 31 October 2042
- Dhanteras — 10 November 2042
- Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) — 12 November 2042
- Govardhan Puja — 13 November 2042
- Bhai Dooj — 14 November 2042
- Chhath Puja — 19 November 2042
- Kartik Purnima (Dev Deepawali) — 27 November 2042
- Guru Nanak Jayanti — 27 November 2042
- Hindu Festivals 2042 →