Narak Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) 2026

About Narak Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali)

Narak Chaturdashi, also called Choti Diwali, comes the day before Lakshmi Puja. People take an oil bath before sunrise (Abhyanga Snan) and light a lamp for Yama in the evening.

How the date is fixed

It is kept on the day the tithi is present at sunrise. If the tithi starts and ends between two sunrises, it is kept on the day it falls.

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Story and meaning of Narak Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali)

Narakasura was a demon king who held 16,100 women captive. Lord Krishna, with Satyabhama, ended his rule and freed them all. It is said that, in his last moments, the demon asked that his death be celebrated with lights, and the day became a festival. It is also called Roop Chaudas and Kali Chaudas, and the story is about freeing people from fear and darkness.

Narak Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) puja vidhi

1. Wake before sunrise and do the Abhyanga Snan: apply sesame oil and ubtan and bathe in the time shown above.
2. Put on new clothes and light a lamp in the evening for Yama in the south.
3. Worship Lord Krishna or Goddess Kali as per your family tradition.
4. Light diyas around the house to start the Diwali celebrations.

This is a common vidhi. Families and regions follow their own variations, so ask your priest for a special puja.