Choti Diwali 2026 Shubh Muhurat: Choti Diwali or Naraka Chaturdashi will be celebrated on Sunday, 8th November 2026. However, some of the rituals involved in this celebration such as Kali Chaudas and evenings will occur on Saturday 7th November.
The main reason is because the Chaturdashi Tithi is running from November 7th to the morning of 8th November. Depending on what rituals you are doing, it will depend on which day. The traditional Abhyang Snan will be done early on 8th November, and then the Diwali celebrations and Lakshmi Puja will occur in the evenings.
Choti Diwali 2026 Date & Tithi
Choti Diwali is an important time during the five day Diwali festival and is celebrated to honour the victory of good over evil with ritual bathing, prayers and earthen lamp lighting.
- Festival Name: Choti Diwali/Naraka Chaturdashi 8th November 2026 (Sunday)
- Chaturdashi Tithi: 7th November at 10:47 AM
- Chaturdashi Tithi Ends: 8th November at 11:27 AM
- Abhyang Snan: 5:41 AM-6: 38 AM
- Location: New Delhi
These times can vary slightly depending on what city you are in. Please look up your local Panchang for local muhurats.
Choti Diwali 2026 Abhyang Snan Muhurat
The Abhyang Snan is one of the most important rituals of the Naraka Chaturdashi. You apply oil to the body and have a traditional bath during the auspicious early mornings.
The Abhyang Snan will be done between 5.41am and 6.38am in New Delhi on 8th November.
Traditionally, sesame oil will be used before a sunrise bath. Many families will use a traditional ubtan.
This is a symbolic ritual to purify the body and rid the negativity. Due to the muhurat depending on when the sun rises depending on where you are, the times given for Delhi may not match your city.
Why Is Choti Diwali Celebrated On 7th Or 8th November?
The confusion with Choti Diwali 2026 is because the Chaturdashi Tithi falls on two dates.
Some calendars and traditions will celebrate Choti Diwali on the evenings of 7th November. Kali Chaudas and some midnight rituals will be done.
However, the Abhyang Snan will be done on the morning of 8th November. As the Chaturdashi is still running, many calendars will list this date as Naraka Chaturdashi.
Both dates will be included in coverage for the festival as it is two different rituals.
Choti Diwali Meaning & The Story Of Lord Krishna And Narakasura
Narakasura was defeated by Lord Krishna (and Satyabhama) on Naraka Chaturdashi according to Hindu tradition.
This is to celebrate the victory of good over evil and the return of peace. It is a celebration to remind us that we can overcome dark and negative forces.
Narak Chaturdashi is also known as Roop Chaudas and sometimes Kali Chaudas. The traditions across India will vary.
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Choti Diwali 2026 Puja Rituals
Devotees can follow their family traditions while preparing for the festival. Common observances include:
1. Abhyang Snan: Take the traditional oil bath during the pre-sunrise muhurat.
2. Wear clean clothes: You should wear fresh or traditional clothes after bathing.
3. Light diyas: Place earthen lamps at the entrance and other appropriate areas of the home.
4. Offer prayers: Worship Lord Krishna and observe other regional rituals according to family tradition.
5. Prepare for Diwali: Clean and decorate the home ahead of the main Lakshmi Puja celebrations.
Is Diwali Also On 8th November?
Yes. Diwali and Lakshmi Puja will also be celebrated on Sunday 8th November 2026.
This makes for an unusual year for those who traditionally celebrate Choti Diwali and Diwali on different dates. This is due to the lunar tithis.
