Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) 2076
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)06:01
- Sunset17:22
- Fasting window (tithi)00:34 → 2076-10-27 · 01:42
- Parana (tithi ends)01:422076-10-27
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 2076
- Makar Sankranti — 15 January 2076
- Vasant Panchami — 9 February 2076
- Maha Shivaratri — 3 March 2076
- Holika Dahan — 20 March 2076
- Holi — 21 March 2076
- Chaitra Navratri begins — 4 April 2076
- Ram Navami — 12 April 2076
- Akshaya Tritiya — 5 May 2076
- Jagannath Rath Yatra — 3 July 2076
- Guru Purnima — 16 July 2076
- Nag Panchami — 5 August 2076
- Raksha Bandhan — 14 August 2076
- Krishna Janmashtami — 21 August 2076
- Hartalika Teej — 1 September 2076
- Ganesh Chaturthi — 2 September 2076
- Anant Chaturdashi — 12 September 2076
- Pitru Paksha begins — 13 September 2076
- Sharad Navratri begins — 29 September 2076
- Durga Ashtami — 6 October 2076
- Maha Navami — 7 October 2076
- Dussehra / Vijayadashami — 7 October 2076
- Karwa Chauth — 15 October 2076
- Dhanteras — 25 October 2076
- Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) — 27 October 2076
- Govardhan Puja — 28 October 2076
- Bhai Dooj — 29 October 2076
- Chhath Puja — 2 November 2076
- Kartik Purnima (Dev Deepawali) — 10 November 2076
- Guru Nanak Jayanti — 10 November 2076
- Hindu Festivals 2076 →