Naraka Chaturdashi 2026: November 8 or 9? Check Abhyanga Snan Muhurat and Krishna's Victory Over Narakasura

Naraka Chaturdashi will be observed on Sunday, November 8, 2026, in New Delhi and several other Indian cities. The festival falls on Krishna Chaturdashi, the fourteenth day of the dark fortnight of the Hindu lunar month.

The day is also known as Choti Diwali, Narak Chaudas and Roop Chaturdashi. In 2026, Naraka Chaturdashi and Diwali Lakshmi Puja fall on the same date in India.

Event	Date and Time
Naraka Chaturdashi 2026	Sunday, November 8
Krishna Chaturdashi Tithi Begins	November 7, 10:47 AM
Krishna Chaturdashi Tithi Ends	November 8, 11:27 AM
Abhyanga Snan Muhurat, New Delhi	5:41 AM – 6:38 AM
Abhyanga Snan Duration	57 minutes
Diwali Lakshmi Puja	Sunday evening, November 8

Why Do Naraka Chaturdashi and Diwali Fall on the Same Day in 2026?

Naraka Chaturdashi is generally observed on the day before Diwali. However, the festival's date is determined by the Chaturdashi tithi and the pre-dawn Abhyanga Snan observance.


In 2026, Krishna Chaturdashi begins on November 7 and continues until the morning of November 8. The pre-dawn bath falls on November 8, while Amavasya, the new moon tithi associated with Diwali, also begins that day.

As a result, the morning observance of Naraka Chaturdashi and the evening Lakshmi Puja of Diwali fall on the same Sunday in India.

What Is Abhyanga Snan? Significance of the Ritual Bath

Abhyanga Snan is a traditional oil bath performed before sunrise on Naraka Chaturdashi. It is one of the most important observances of the festival.

The ritual involves applying oil to the body, followed by a bath during the prescribed pre-dawn muhurat. Sesame oil is traditionally used, and some households apply an ubtan made from ingredients such as gram flour, turmeric and herbs.

The bath is associated with purification, renewal and the removal of negativity. According to Hindu tradition, observing Abhyanga Snan on Naraka Chaturdashi is believed to protect devotees from Naraka, or hell.

In many South Indian households, the ritual is also known as Ganga Snanam.

Also Read: What Do the 5 Days of Diwali Signify? The Beautiful Meaning Behind Every Celebration

The Story of Lord Krishna Defeating Narakasura

The story of Naraka Chaturdashi is associated with Lord Krishna's victory over Narakasura, a powerful demon king who ruled Pragjyotishapura.

According to Hindu mythology, Narakasura was the son of Bhudevi, the Earth goddess. As his power grew, he became arrogant and oppressive. He captured thousands of women, seized the earrings of Aditi, the mother of the devas, and troubled the celestial beings.

Unable to bear his tyranny, the devas sought Lord Krishna's help.

Krishna and Satyabhama Go to War Against Narakasura

Lord Krishna set out to defeat Narakasura, accompanied by his wife Satyabhama. In several traditional accounts, Satyabhama plays a significant role in the demon's defeat.

Krishna fought Narakasura and ultimately killed him on the day of Chaturdashi. In a widely known version of the story, Satyabhama delivers the final blow.

With Narakasura's defeat, the captives were freed, and the people were relieved from his oppression. The victory came to represent the triumph of righteousness over evil and the restoration of peace.

Why Is Naraka Chaturdashi Celebrated?

Naraka Chaturdashi commemorates the defeat of Narakasura and the liberation of those he had imprisoned.

The festival is associated with:

• The victory of good over evil
• Freedom from oppression
• The removal of negativity
• Purification and renewal through Abhyanga Snan
• The beginning of Diwali celebrations

In traditional accounts, Narakasura's final wish was that his death be remembered with celebration and lights. This is associated with the observance of the festival through early-morning baths, lamps and festive preparations.

Naraka Chaturdashi Rituals: How the Festival Is Observed

The rituals of Naraka Chaturdashi vary across regions and households. The main observances include the pre-dawn oil bath, prayers, lighting lamps and remembering Krishna's victory over Narakasura.

1. Wake Up Before Sunrise for Abhyanga Snan

Devotees wake up early and take the traditional oil bath during the prescribed muhurat.

Sesame oil is applied to the body, followed by a bath using warm water. Some households use ubtan as part of the ritual.

2. Wear Clean or New Clothes

After the bath, devotees wear clean or new clothes and prepare for the day's prayers and festivities.

In many households, the morning is followed by the preparation of traditional sweets and festive food.

3. Light Diyas

Lamps are lit in homes, courtyards and near entrances as part of the festival's observance.

The lighting of diyas symbolises the removal of darkness and the victory of good over evil.

4. Worship Lord Krishna

Devotees offer prayers to Lord Krishna and remember his victory over Narakasura.

Some households also worship Hanuman, Mahakali or other deities according to their family traditions.

5. Observe Regional Customs

In Maharashtra and Goa, some families crush a small bitter fruit known as karit underfoot, symbolising the defeat of Narakasura.

In Gujarat, the night is associated with Kali Chaudas. In parts of North India, the day is known as Roop Chaudas, with the Abhyanga Snan and ubtan ritual receiving particular importance.

Naraka Chaturdashi 2026: Regional Names and Celebrations

Naraka Chaturdashi is observed under different names across India, with regional customs reflecting local traditions.

Region	Festival Name or Custom
North India	Choti Diwali, Narak Chaudas and Roop Chaturdashi
Maharashtra	Abhyanga Snan and the traditional karit ritual
Goa	Narakasura effigies are burned before dawn
Gujarat	Kali Chaudas, observed on the Chaturdashi night
Tamil Nadu	Deepavali celebrations begin with the pre-dawn oil bath
Karnataka	Naraka Chaturdashi bath and Deepavali celebrations
West Bengal	Bhoot Chaturdashi, associated with fourteen lamps and fourteen greens

In several South Indian states, Naraka Chaturdashi is the main day of Deepavali celebrations, while in North India it is commonly known as Choti Diwali.

Read Next: Dhanteras 2026 Date: November 6 or 7? Check the Puja Muhurat, Gold Buying Time and Auspicious Rituals

You Might Also Like: Govardhan Puja 2026: November 9 or 10? Check the Correct Date, Annakut Muhurat and Krishna's Govardhan Hill Story

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When is Naraka Chaturdashi in 2026?
   Naraka Chaturdashi 2026 will be observed on Sunday, November 8, in India. The festival falls on Krishna Chaturdashi and is also known as Choti Diwali.
2. What is the Abhyanga Snan muhurat for Naraka Chaturdashi 2026?
   The Abhyanga Snan muhurat in New Delhi is from 5:41 AM to 6:38 AM on November 8, 2026. The timing varies by city according to local sunrise and moonrise.
3. Why is Abhyanga Snan performed on Naraka Chaturdashi?
   Abhyanga Snan is a traditional pre-dawn oil bath associated with purification and renewal. According to Hindu belief, observing the bath on Naraka Chaturdashi is believed to protect devotees from Naraka, or hell.
4. Who killed Narakasura?
   Lord Krishna defeated Narakasura. In several traditional accounts, Krishna's wife Satyabhama also played a significant role in the battle and delivered the final blow.
5. Why is Naraka Chaturdashi called Choti Diwali?
   Naraka Chaturdashi is commonly known as Choti Diwali because it is traditionally observed a day before the main Diwali celebration. In 2026, however, both Naraka Chaturdashi and Diwali Lakshmi Puja fall on November 8 in India.