Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) 2086
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)06:07
- Sunset17:15
- Fasting window (tithi)2086-11-04 · 12:29 → 15:01
- Parana (tithi ends)15:01
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 2086
- Makar Sankranti — 15 January 2086
- Vasant Panchami — 19 January 2086
- Maha Shivaratri — 12 February 2086
- Holika Dahan — 27 February 2086
- Holi — 31 March 2086
- Chaitra Navratri begins — 14 April 2086
- Ram Navami — 22 April 2086
- Akshaya Tritiya — 15 May 2086
- Jagannath Rath Yatra — 12 July 2086
- Guru Purnima — 26 July 2086
- Nag Panchami — 14 August 2086
- Raksha Bandhan — 24 August 2086
- Krishna Janmashtami — 31 August 2086
- Hartalika Teej — 11 September 2086
- Ganesh Chaturthi — 12 September 2086
- Anant Chaturdashi — 22 September 2086
- Pitru Paksha begins — 23 September 2086
- Sharad Navratri begins — 8 October 2086
- Durga Ashtami — 16 October 2086
- Maha Navami — 17 October 2086
- Dussehra / Vijayadashami — 17 October 2086
- Karwa Chauth — 25 October 2086
- Dhanteras — 3 November 2086
- Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) — 5 November 2086
- Govardhan Puja — 7 November 2086
- Bhai Dooj — 8 November 2086
- Chhath Puja — 12 November 2086
- Kartik Purnima (Dev Deepawali) — 20 November 2086
- Guru Nanak Jayanti — 20 November 2086
- Hindu Festivals 2086 →