Chhoti Diwali 2026: Narak Chaturdashi Celebrated on November 7, Know Puja Muhurat, Yam Deep Daan and Rituals

Chhoti Diwali 2026: Chhoti Diwali, also known as Narak Chaturdashi, is being observed on Saturday, November 7, 2026, according to the festival schedule reported by Aaj Tak. The occasion holds special importance in Hindu traditions and is celebrated just before the main Diwali festivities.

The festival is associated with Lord Krishna's victory over the demon Narakasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. Devotees also observe traditional rituals such as Abhyanga Snan, Yam Deep Daan and prayers for the well-being of their families.

Chhoti Diwali is commonly called Roop Chaudas in several parts of India. People traditionally wake up early, take a ceremonial bath, clean their homes and light earthen lamps.

Here is a detailed look at the festival's significance, traditional worship practices and the story behind Narakasura's defeat.

Chhoti Diwali 2026 Date: Why Are November 7 and 8 Both Important?

This year, Narak Chaturdashi falls across two calendar days, creating confusion about the festival date.

According to Aaj Tak's November 7 report, Chhoti Diwali is being celebrated today. However, the traditional rituals are divided between November 7 and November 8.

The Chaturdashi Tithi begins on November 7 and concludes on November 8. As a result, Yam Deep Daan is observed on Saturday evening, while Abhyanga Snan is performed before sunrise on Sunday.

Chhoti Diwali 2026: Puja Muhurat and Important Timings

These are published reference timings, primarily for New Delhi. Panchang calculations and local sunrise times can cause minor differences between cities.

Yam Deep Daan 2026: How to Perform the Ritual

Yam Deep Daan is among the most significant traditions associated with Narak Chaturdashi. Devotees light an earthen lamp dedicated to Yamraj, the Hindu deity associated with death and justice.

According to religious beliefs, this ritual is performed while praying for the family's longevity, good health and protection from untimely death.

The traditional procedure involves taking a clay lamp, filling it with mustard or sesame oil and placing four cotton wicks inside. Some families place a few grains of uncooked rice beneath the lamp.

The lamp is traditionally positioned near the main entrance, facing south, which is associated with Yamraj in Hindu belief.

Devotees then offer prayers for the safety and well-being of their loved ones.

For 2026, the reported auspicious period for this ritual is the evening of November 7.

Abhyanga Snan 2026: Why Is the Sacred Bath Performed?

Abhyanga Snan is another important Narak Chaturdashi tradition.

The ritual involves applying sesame oil to the body before bathing, usually during the early morning hours before sunrise.

In some regions, people also use traditional herbal ubtan before taking a bath.

According to Hindu beliefs, this practice symbolizes purification, renewal and the removal of negativity.

The festival is called Roop Chaudas in several regions because of its association with cleanliness, beauty and personal well-being.

This year, Abhyanga Snan is scheduled for the morning of November 8, between approximately 5:41 AM and 6:38 AM in the published Delhi-based timings.

Chhoti Diwali Puja Vidhi: Traditional Worship Procedure

The observance of Chhoti Diwali varies across regions and family traditions. However, several practices are commonly followed.

Devotees begin by cleaning their homes and preparing the worship area. Those observing Abhyanga Snan traditionally apply oil and bathe before sunrise.

After bathing, they wear clean clothes and offer prayers to Lord Krishna. Flowers, incense, lamps and traditional food offerings may be used during worship.

In the evening, families decorate their homes with diyas and illuminate entrances, courtyards and other suitable places.

Yam Deep Daan is performed according to the customary evening timing.

In certain regions, Goddess Kali and Lord Hanuman are also worshipped on this occasion.

These practices are based on religious traditions and may differ between communities.

Narakasura Vadh Katha: Why Did Lord Krishna Defeat Narakasura?

The story of Narakasura is closely connected with the celebration of Narak Chaturdashi.

According to Hindu mythology, Narakasura was a powerful demon king who became increasingly arrogant and began troubling people and celestial beings.

Traditional accounts describe him as a ruler whose actions caused widespread suffering.

Lord Krishna eventually confronted Narakasura to end his oppression.

In widely followed versions of the story, Satyabhama also plays an important role in the battle.

Narakasura was defeated, and the people who had suffered under his rule were freed from his control.

The victory became associated with the destruction of evil and the restoration of righteousness.

Narak Chaturdashi commemorates this mythological victory and symbolizes the importance of overcoming arrogance, injustice and negativity.

Why Is Chhoti Diwali Also Called Kali Chaudas and Roop Chaudas?

Chhoti Diwali is celebrated under different names across India.

In many northern regions, the festival is known as Narak Chaturdashi or Narak Chaudas because of its connection with Narakasura.

The name Roop Chaudas highlights the traditional importance of bathing, cleanliness and personal purification.

In parts of western India, Kali Chaudas is associated with worship of Goddess Kali and prayers for protection against negative influences.

Although the names and rituals differ, the celebrations share themes of light, spiritual renewal and the victory of good over evil.

Is Chhoti Diwali on November 7 or November 8 in 2026?

Both dates have significance this year.

The confusion arises because the Chaturdashi lunar date extends from the morning of November 7 into the morning of November 8.

Religious observances performed during the evening are therefore associated with November 7, while those requiring the Chaturdashi period before sunrise are associated with November 8.

Consequently, Yam Deep Daan falls on November 7, while Abhyanga Snan falls on November 8.

Chhoti Diwali 2026 is being observed through important rituals spread across November 7 and 8. Devotees will perform Yam Deep Daan on Saturday evening, while the traditional Abhyanga Snan takes place early Sunday morning.

The festival celebrates Lord Krishna's mythological victory over Narakasura and represents the triumph of goodness over evil.

Families observing the occasion should follow their local Panchang and established traditions for the most appropriate worship timings.