Diwali 2026 · Day 2
Choti Diwali and Narak Chaturdashi 2026: dates and snan time
Choti Diwali falls across two dates in 2026. Here is when to light the evening lamps, when to take the Abhyang Snan, and why.
Choti Diwali and Narak Chaturdashi 2026 dates
Timings are for New Delhi (IST). The Abhyang Snan is traditionally taken after the Chaturdashi moon rises and before sunrise.
Why there are two dates this year
Chaturdashi tithi begins late in the morning of 7 November and ends at 11:27 AM on 8 November. Rituals of the evening and night (lamps, Kali Chaudas) follow the tithi present on the evening of 7 November. The pre-dawn oil bath needs Chaturdashi at sunrise, which happens on 8 November. Since Amavasya also begins on 8 November before evening, Lakshmi Puja falls that night as well, so 8 November carries two festivals.
The story of Narakasura
Narakasura was a demon king who troubled the gods and imprisoned thousands of women. Lord Krishna, with Satyabhama, defeated him on Chaturdashi. Before dying Narakasura asked that the day be celebrated with lights, which is why it is also called Naraka Chaturdashi and, in South India, the main Deepavali day. Another name, Roop Chaudas, comes from the custom of bathing with ubtan for beauty and health.
How to do Abhyang Snan
- Wake up before sunrise and apply sesame oil to the body.
- Apply ubtan (gram flour, turmeric and a little oil or milk) and then bathe.
- In Maharashtra and the South, a bitter fruit (karit) is crushed under the foot as a symbol of Narakasura's defeat.
- Wear clean or new clothes and offer water to the Sun.
Choti Diwali evening
On the evening of 7 November families light a few diyas at the door and a lamp facing south for Yama (some light 14 diyas). It is also a day for final cleaning and preparing sweets for the main night. In Gujarat the night is Kali Chaudas, when Hanuman and Kali are worshipped for protection.
Frequently asked questions
When is Choti Diwali in 2026?
Choti Diwali lamps are lit on the evening of Saturday, 7 November 2026, when Chaturdashi tithi is running (10:47 AM on 7 Nov to 11:27 AM on 8 Nov).
When is Narak Chaturdashi Abhyang Snan in 2026?
The oil bath is taken before sunrise on Sunday, 8 November 2026, while Chaturdashi is still present. Sunrise in New Delhi is at 6:38 AM, so the bath is done in the early morning before that.
Are Choti Diwali and Diwali on the same day in 2026?
Partly. The Narak Chaturdashi morning bath and the main Lakshmi Puja both fall on 8 November, but the Choti Diwali evening lamps are usually lit on 7 November.
When is Kali Chaudas 2026?
Kali Chaudas, observed mainly in Gujarat, is on the night of 7 November 2026, when Chaturdashi prevails at midnight.
Next in Diwali 2026
Last updated: 2 October 2026