Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) 2044
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)05:58
- Sunset17:27
- Fasting window (tithi)06:25 → 2044-10-20 · 05:35
- Parana (tithi ends)05:352044-10-20
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 2044
- Makar Sankranti — 15 January 2044
- Vasant Panchami — 4 February 2044
- Maha Shivaratri — 27 February 2044
- Holika Dahan — 13 March 2044
- Holi — 14 March 2044
- Chaitra Navratri begins — 30 March 2044
- Ram Navami — 6 April 2044
- Akshaya Tritiya — 30 April 2044
- Jagannath Rath Yatra — 27 June 2044
- Guru Purnima — 10 July 2044
- Nag Panchami — 29 July 2044
- Raksha Bandhan — 8 August 2044
- Krishna Janmashtami — 16 August 2044
- Hartalika Teej — 25 August 2044
- Ganesh Chaturthi — 26 August 2044
- Anant Chaturdashi — 6 September 2044
- Pitru Paksha begins — 8 September 2044
- Sharad Navratri begins — 22 September 2044
- Durga Ashtami — 29 September 2044
- Maha Navami — 30 September 2044
- Dussehra / Vijayadashami — 1 October 2044
- Karwa Chauth — 10 October 2044
- Dhanteras — 18 October 2044
- Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) — 20 October 2044
- Govardhan Puja — 21 October 2044
- Bhai Dooj — 22 October 2044
- Chhath Puja — 27 October 2044
- Kartik Purnima (Dev Deepawali) — 5 November 2044
- Guru Nanak Jayanti — 5 November 2044
- Hindu Festivals 2044 →