Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) 2066
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)05:57
- Sunset17:29
- Fasting window (tithi)2066-10-17 · 09:51 → 08:51
- Parana (tithi ends)08:51
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 2066
- Makar Sankranti — 14 January 2066
- Vasant Panchami — 30 January 2066
- Maha Shivaratri — 22 February 2066
- Holika Dahan — 11 March 2066
- Holi — 12 March 2066
- Chaitra Navratri begins — 26 March 2066
- Ram Navami — 4 April 2066
- Akshaya Tritiya — 27 April 2066
- Jagannath Rath Yatra — 24 June 2066
- Guru Purnima — 7 July 2066
- Nag Panchami — 27 July 2066
- Raksha Bandhan — 5 August 2066
- Krishna Janmashtami — 12 August 2066
- Hartalika Teej — 24 August 2066
- Ganesh Chaturthi — 24 August 2066
- Anant Chaturdashi — 3 September 2066
- Pitru Paksha begins — 4 September 2066
- Sharad Navratri begins — 20 September 2066
- Durga Ashtami — 27 September 2066
- Maha Navami — 27 September 2066
- Dussehra / Vijayadashami — 28 September 2066
- Karwa Chauth — 6 October 2066
- Dhanteras — 16 October 2066
- Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) — 18 October 2066
- Govardhan Puja — 19 October 2066
- Bhai Dooj — 20 October 2066
- Chhath Puja — 24 October 2066
- Kartik Purnima (Dev Deepawali) — 2 November 2066
- Guru Nanak Jayanti — 2 November 2066
- Hindu Festivals 2066 →