Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) 2074
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
- Sunset17:28
- Fasting window (tithi)2074-10-18 · 22:39 → 19:57
- Parana (tithi ends)19:57
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 2074
- Makar Sankranti — 14 January 2074
- Vasant Panchami — 1 February 2074
- Maha Shivaratri — 24 February 2074
- Holika Dahan — 12 March 2074
- Holi — 14 March 2074
- Chaitra Navratri begins — 28 March 2074
- Ram Navami — 6 April 2074
- Akshaya Tritiya — 29 April 2074
- Jagannath Rath Yatra — 26 June 2074
- Guru Purnima — 8 July 2074
- Nag Panchami — 29 July 2074
- Raksha Bandhan — 7 August 2074
- Krishna Janmashtami — 14 August 2074
- Hartalika Teej — 25 August 2074
- Ganesh Chaturthi — 26 August 2074
- Anant Chaturdashi — 4 September 2074
- Pitru Paksha begins — 6 September 2074
- Sharad Navratri begins — 21 September 2074
- Durga Ashtami — 28 September 2074
- Maha Navami — 29 September 2074
- Dussehra / Vijayadashami — 29 September 2074
- Karwa Chauth — 8 October 2074
- Dhanteras — 18 October 2074
- Govardhan Puja — 21 October 2074
- Bhai Dooj — 22 October 2074
- Chhath Puja — 25 October 2074
- Kartik Purnima (Dev Deepawali) — 3 November 2074
- Guru Nanak Jayanti — 3 November 2074
- Hindu Festivals 2074 →