Choti Diwali 2026: November 7 or 8? Shubh Muhurat, Abhyang Snan Time and Significance

Choti Diwali, also known as Naraka Chaturdashi or Roop Chaudas, is an important Hindu festival celebrated a day before the main Diwali festivities. In 2026, the festival falls during the Diwali period in November. Also known as Narak Chaturdashi, the day is associated with the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura, the removal of negativity and the triumph of good over evil.

One of the most significant rituals of Choti Diwali is Abhyang Snan, a traditional pre-sunrise bath performed with oil and herbal preparations. Devotees also light diyas, worship Lord Krishna and Yama, and prepare their homes for the grand Lakshmi-Ganesh Puja on Diwali.

Here is everything you need to know about Choti Diwali 2026, including its date, Chaturdashi Tithi, Abhyang Snan timings, shubh muhurat, rituals and religious significance.


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Choti Diwali 2026 Date and Tithi

Festival date: November 8, 2026

• Day: Sunday
• Festival: Naraka Chaturdashi / Choti Diwali
• Paksha: Krishna Paksha
• Tithi: Chaturdashi
• Abhyang Snan Muhurat (New Delhi): 5:41 AM to 6:38 AM
• Chaturdashi Tithi Begins: November 7, 10:47 AM
• Chaturdashi Tithi Ends: November 8, 11:27 AM

According to the New Delhi Panchang, Choti Diwali will be observed on November 8, 2026. Although Chaturdashi Tithi begins on November 7, the festival's principal Abhyang Snan ritual falls on November 8, when the prescribed pre-sunrise period coincides with Chaturdashi.

Also Read: Diwali 2026 Panchang: Tithi, Nakshatra, Lakshmi Puja Muhurat, Rahu Kaal and Shubh Timings

Choti Diwali 2026 Abhyang Snan Time and Shubh Muhurat

Abhyang Snan is one of the most important rituals of Naraka Chaturdashi. It involves applying oil to the body before taking a sacred bath, traditionally during the early morning hours before sunrise.

For devotees in New Delhi, the Abhyang Snan Muhurat is as follows:

Ritual	Date and Time
Abhyang Snan	November 8, 5:41 AM–6:38 AM
Chaturdashi Tithi Begins	November 7, 10:47 AM
Chaturdashi Tithi Ends	November 8, 11:27 AM

The Abhyang Snan window is calculated using the period between moonrise and sunrise while Chaturdashi Tithi is prevailing. Traditionally, sesame oil is used for the ritual bath.

Note: These timings are specific to New Delhi. Sunrise, moonrise and auspicious bathing periods vary by location, so devotees should check their local Panchang before beginning the ritual.

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Why Is Abhyang Snan Performed on Choti Diwali?

Abhyang Snan holds special religious importance in Hindu traditions. It is believed that taking a sacred bath with sesame oil on Naraka Chaturdashi helps cleanse the body and mind and protects devotees from negative influences.

According to traditional beliefs, those who perform Abhyang Snan during the prescribed period receive spiritual purification and blessings. The ritual is also associated with the removal of past sins and the symbolic destruction of negativity.

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Significance of Choti Diwali: The Story of Lord Krishna and Narakasura

Choti Diwali celebrates the victory of good over evil and is closely associated with the story of Lord Krishna defeating the demon king Narakasura.

According to Hindu mythology, Narakasura was a powerful demon who terrorised the three worlds and imprisoned thousands of women. His growing cruelty created fear among the gods and people. To end his oppression, Lord Krishna fought Narakasura, accompanied by his wife Satyabhama.

Also Read: November 2026 Hindu Festival Calendar: Diwali, Chhath Puja, Dev Diwali and Other Important Dates

Choti Diwali 2026 Puja Vidhi and Rituals

Devotees observe several religious traditions on Choti Diwali to seek blessings, purification and prosperity. Some of the important rituals include:

1. Abhyang Snan: Wake up before sunrise and apply sesame oil to the body. Take a ritual bath during the prescribed muhurat to symbolise purification and the removal of negativity.

2. Worship Lord Krishna: Offer prayers to Lord Krishna, who is believed to have defeated Narakasura. Devotees seek protection from negative energies and blessings for happiness.

3. Yama Deepam: Light a diya in the evening in honour of Lord Yama, the god of death. This tradition is associated with prayers for the well-being and longevity of family members.

4. Light Diyas: Decorate the entrance, balconies and courtyards with earthen lamps. Lighting diyas symbolises the victory of light over darkness.

5. Clean and Decorate Homes: Families clean their homes, prepare rangoli designs and decorate entrances with flowers and lights as part of the Diwali celebrations.

6. Offer Prayers: Some households also worship Lord Hanuman and Goddess Kali according to their regional traditions.

Why Is Choti Diwali Also Called Roop Chaudas?

Choti Diwali is also known as Roop Chaudas or Roop Chaturdashi in several parts of India. The day is associated with physical and spiritual cleansing.

According to traditional beliefs, taking an early morning bath with oil and herbal ubtan helps improve one's appearance and promotes beauty. Women and men may follow traditional skincare and bathing rituals on this occasion.

The practice is also connected with the belief that inner purity is as important as external beauty. Therefore, Roop Chaudas is considered an auspicious occasion to focus on personal well-being, cleanliness and positive thoughts.

Choti Diwali 2026: How Is It Different from Main Diwali?

Although Choti Diwali and Diwali are closely connected, both occasions have different religious significance.

Choti Diwali	Main Diwali
November 8, 2026	November 8, 2026
Also called Naraka Chaturdashi	Also called Deepawali
Celebrates Lord Krishna's victory over Narakasura	Celebrates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya in popular North Indian tradition
Abhyang Snan and Yama Deepam are important rituals	Lakshmi-Ganesh Puja is the main ritual
Symbolises the destruction of evil	Symbolises prosperity, happiness and the victory of light

In 2026, both festivals fall on November 8. The morning is significant for Naraka Chaturdashi rituals, while the evening is dedicated to Diwali celebrations and Lakshmi-Ganesh worship.