Narak Chaturdashi 2026: Quick Answer
Narak Chaturdashi 2026 is observed with the abhyang snan (oil bath) on Sunday, 8 November 2026, from 5:41 AM to 6:38 AM in New Delhi. The Chaturdashi tithi runs from 10:47 AM on 7 November to 11:27 AM on 8 November. Kali Chaudas and Hanuman Puja fall on the night of Saturday, 7 November, which is when most families light the 14 "Choti Diwali" lamps. Because Amavasya begins at 11:27 AM on 8 November, the Narak Chaturdashi bath and the main Diwali Lakshmi Puja fall on the same day this year.
| Detail | Timing (New Delhi) |
|---|---|
| Chaturdashi begins | 10:47 AM, Sat 7 Nov |
| Chaturdashi ends | 11:27 AM, Sun 8 Nov |
| Kali Chaudas, Hanuman Puja | Night of 7 Nov |
| Choti Diwali lamps (14 diyas) | Evening of 7 Nov |
| Abhyang snan muhurat | 5:41 AM – 6:38 AM, 8 Nov |
| Moonrise | 5:41 AM, 8 Nov |
| Lakshmi Puja (same day) | 5:54 PM – 7:50 PM, 8 Nov |
Why Is Narak Chaturdashi Celebrated?
According to the Bhagavata and other Puranas, the demon Narakasura, son of Bhudevi, became arrogant with power, imprisoned 16,100 women and terrorised heaven and earth. Lord Krishna, with Satyabhama (believed to be an incarnation of Bhudevi), killed Narakasura on Chaturdashi. Before dying, Narakasura asked that his death be celebrated with lights. The freed women were given honour and status. Hence the day celebrates freedom from evil and darkness — and, symbolically, from the "hell" (narak) of our own vices.
Abhyang Snan: The Ritual Bath
The most important ritual is bathing before sunrise, when the moon is visible and Chaturdashi prevails. It is believed to free one from fear of hell and bring beauty and health — hence the name Roop Chaudas.
How to do it:
1. Wake before dawn on 8 November.
2. Massage the body with sesame oil.
3. Apply ubtan — besan (gram flour), haldi, sandalwood, a little curd or milk, and sesame oil.
4. During the bath, many traditions rotate an apamarg (chirchita) twig or leaves around the head three times.
5. Bathe with warm water between 5:41 and 6:38 AM (Delhi).
6. Wear clean or new clothes and offer water to the Sun.
Yama Tarpan
After the bath, facing south, offer water mixed with sesame seeds three times to Yamaraja, taking his names such as Yamaya, Dharmarajaya, Mrityave, Antakaya, Vaivasvataya, Kalaya, Sarvabhutakshayaya with "namah". This is done for protection from untimely death.
Kali Chaudas and Hanuman Puja (7 November)
In Gujarat and parts of western India, the night of Chaturdashi is Kali Chaudas, for worshipping Maa Kali for protection from negative energies. Many North Indian families also perform Hanuman Puja, offering sindoor, jasmine oil and laddoo, and reciting the Hanuman Chalisa.
Choti Diwali Lamps
On the evening of 7 November, light 14 diyas — at the main door, kitchen, water source, tulsi and corners of the house. A lamp facing south for ancestors and Yama is also common.
Summary
In 2026, observe Kali Chaudas, Hanuman Puja and the 14 Choti Diwali lamps on 7 November evening, and take the abhyang snan on 8 November between 5:41 and 6:38 AM (Delhi). The same evening is the main Diwali Lakshmi Puja (5:54–7:50 PM). See the 5 days of Diwali 2026.
