Choti Diwali 2026 Date Confirmed: November 7 or 8? Check Narak Chaturdashi Puja and Abhyang Snan Timings

Choti Diwali 2026 Date and Shubh Muhurat: With the festival of lights approaching, many devotees are uncertain whether Choti Diwali will be celebrated on November 7 or November 8 this year. The confusion has arisen because the Chaturdashi Tithi of Kartik Krishna Paksha extends across two calendar days. However, according to the New Delhi Hindu Panchang, Choti Diwali, also known as Narak Chaturdashi, will be observed on Sunday, November 8, 2026.

Interestingly, Choti Diwali and the main Diwali festival will fall on the same date this year. While the traditional Abhyang Snan ritual will be performed early in the morning, Lakshmi Puja will take place during the evening.

The festival holds special religious significance and is associated with Lord Krishna's victory over the demon Narakasura. Devotees celebrate the occasion through prayers, ceremonial bathing, lighting earthen lamps and performing traditional rituals.

Choti Diwali 2026: November 7 or November 8?

According to the Hindu calendar, Narak Chaturdashi is observed during the Chaturdashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik.

In 2026, the lunar date begins on Saturday, November 7, and continues until Sunday morning, November 8.

Since the traditional Abhyang Snan ceremony is performed before sunrise while Chaturdashi Tithi is prevailing, November 8 has been selected as the principal observance date.

Here are the important dates and timings:

These timings are based on the New Delhi Panchang. Local sunrise and moonrise differences may affect the auspicious periods in other cities.

Choti Diwali 2026 Abhyang Snan Muhurat

One of the most important traditions associated with Narak Chaturdashi is Abhyang Snan, a ceremonial bath performed before sunrise.

For November 8, 2026, the auspicious bathing period in New Delhi is scheduled between 5:41 AM and 6:38 AM.

During this ritual, devotees traditionally apply sesame oil to their bodies before bathing. Some families also use ubtan, a herbal preparation commonly made with ingredients such as gram flour, turmeric and other natural substances.

In Hindu religious traditions, Abhyang Snan is associated with purification, spiritual well-being and the removal of negative influences.

Devotees are advised to consult their local Panchang for the appropriate bathing time because the Muhurat depends on geographical location.

Why Is Choti Diwali Also Called Narak Chaturdashi?

Choti Diwali is known by several names across different parts of India, including Narak Chaturdashi, Narak Chaudas, Roop Chaudas and Kali Chaudas.

The festival is connected with the legendary victory of Lord Krishna over Narakasura.

According to Hindu mythology, Narakasura was a powerful demon king who caused suffering through his actions. The story describes how Lord Krishna, accompanied by Satyabhama, defeated Narakasura and freed those held captive.

The victory is traditionally interpreted as the triumph of righteousness over injustice and darkness.

Following this event, people are believed to have celebrated by lighting lamps and expressing happiness.

The tradition continues today through the lighting of diyas, prayers and festive gatherings.

Choti Diwali 2026 Puja Vidhi: How to Perform the Rituals at Home

Devotees who wish to observe Narak Chaturdashi according to common Hindu customs can follow these traditional practices:

1. Wake up early in the morning, preferably before sunrise, and prepare for Abhyang Snan.

2. Apply sesame oil and, if customary, a gentle herbal ubtan before taking a bath.

3. Wear clean clothes and prepare the household prayer area.

4. Offer prayers to Lord Krishna with flowers, incense, lamps and suitable offerings.

5. Light earthen diyas at the entrance of the house during the evening.

6. Follow the tradition of Yama Deep Daan, where a lamp is placed facing the southern direction in honour of Lord Yama.

7. Spend time with family members and participate in festive prayers.

The exact rituals may differ according to regional practices and family traditions.

What Is the Significance of Yama Deep Daan?

Yama Deep Daan is another important tradition observed during Narak Chaturdashi.

In Hindu beliefs, Lord Yama is associated with death and justice. Devotees traditionally light a lamp in his honour and pray for the safety and well-being of family members.

The lamp is commonly placed in a safe location facing south, a direction traditionally associated with Lord Yama.

This ritual symbolises prayers for protection and longevity. Such benefits are matters of religious faith rather than scientifically established outcomes.

Why Are Some People Celebrating on November 7?

The difference between November 7 and November 8 is primarily connected with the timing of the lunar Tithi and the type of ritual being performed.

Chaturdashi begins during the morning of November 7, making that night relevant for certain Kali Chaudas worship traditions.

However, the pre-sunrise Abhyang Snan ceremony falls on November 8, while Chaturdashi Tithi remains in effect.

As a result, some communities may conduct particular religious ceremonies on November 7, while the main Narak Chaturdashi observance takes place on November 8.

This distinction explains why different festival calendars may display different dates for certain rituals.

Choti Diwali and Diwali on the Same Day in 2026

An interesting feature of the 2026 festival calendar is that Narak Chaturdashi and the principal Diwali celebration coincide on November 8.

Devotees can perform the traditional Narak Chaturdashi bathing ceremony in the morning and participate in Lakshmi-Ganesh Puja during the evening.

Families are also expected to decorate their homes, prepare traditional sweets, light diyas and celebrate with relatives.

The festival represents an important occasion for strengthening family relationships and preserving cultural traditions.

Final Thoughts

For devotees wondering whether Choti Diwali falls on November 7 or November 8 in 2026, the New Delhi Panchang identifies Sunday, November 8, as the main Narak Chaturdashi observance date.

The Chaturdashi Tithi begins at 10:47 AM on November 7 and concludes at 11:27 AM on November 8. The Abhyang Snan Muhurat is scheduled from 5:41 AM to 6:38 AM on November 8.

Those planning religious ceremonies should confirm the appropriate timings according to their city and family traditions.