Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) 2081
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)06:04
- Sunset17:18
- Fasting window (tithi)2081-10-30 · 14:54 → 11:39
- Parana (tithi ends)11:39
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 2081
- Makar Sankranti — 14 January 2081
- Vasant Panchami — 14 February 2081
- Maha Shivaratri — 8 March 2081
- Holika Dahan — 24 March 2081
- Holi — 25 March 2081
- Chaitra Navratri begins — 10 April 2081
- Ram Navami — 17 April 2081
- Akshaya Tritiya — 11 May 2081
- Jagannath Rath Yatra — 8 July 2081
- Guru Purnima — 20 July 2081
- Nag Panchami — 9 August 2081
- Raksha Bandhan — 19 August 2081
- Krishna Janmashtami — 27 August 2081
- Hartalika Teej — 5 September 2081
- Ganesh Chaturthi — 6 September 2081
- Anant Chaturdashi — 16 September 2081
- Pitru Paksha begins — 19 September 2081
- Sharad Navratri begins — 3 October 2081
- Durga Ashtami — 10 October 2081
- Maha Navami — 11 October 2081
- Dussehra / Vijayadashami — 11 October 2081
- Karwa Chauth — 21 October 2081
- Dhanteras — 29 October 2081
- Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) — 31 October 2081
- Govardhan Puja — 1 November 2081
- Bhai Dooj — 2 November 2081
- Chhath Puja — 6 November 2081
- Kartik Purnima (Dev Deepawali) — 16 November 2081
- Guru Nanak Jayanti — 16 November 2081
- Hindu Festivals 2081 →