Choti Diwali 2026: Check puja time, significance, importance and other key details

Choti Diwali, also known as Narak Chaturdashi, is observed on the Chaturdashi Tithi (14th day) of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Kartik. The festival commemorates Lord Krishna's victory over the demon Narakasura and symbolises the triumph of good over evil. It is also associated with the removal of negativity and the welcoming of prosperity and positivity.

On this auspicious day, devotees follow traditional rituals, including an early morning oil bath, known as Abhyanga Snan, followed by prayers and offerings to Lord Krishna. Homes are decorated with rangolis and illuminated with diyas, while special pujas are performed to seek blessings for health, happiness and prosperity. The rituals and customs may vary across regions, but the spirit of Choti Diwali remains rooted in devotion, purification and the celebration of light over darkness.

Choti Diwali 2026 Date and Tithi

Details	Date and Time
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

Choti Diwali 2026: Significance

Choti Diwali, also called Narak Chaturdashi, is an important Hindu festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil. According to Hindu mythology, the day marks the defeat of demon king Narakasura by Lord Krishna, who rescued 16,000 women held captive by him. This victory is seen as a symbol of the destruction of evil and the restoration of righteousness.


The festival also carries the message of removing negativity and welcoming happiness and prosperity. People clean their homes, decorate entrances with colourful rangolis and light diyas to welcome Goddess Lakshmi. In some parts of the country, the day is observed as Kali Chaudas, when devotees worship Goddess Kali and seek protection from evil forces. Lighting lamps in memory of ancestors is also a tradition followed by some communities.

Choti Diwali 2026: Puja Rituals and Celebrations

Choti Diwali begins with the ritual of Abhyanga Snan, in which devotees take an early morning bath after applying oil and herbal pastes to their bodies. The ritual is traditionally believed to cleanse the body, purify the mind and remove negative energies.

As evening approaches, homes are illuminated with earthen lamps and decorated with flowers and rangolis. Devotees offer prayers to Lord Krishna and seek blessings for health, happiness and prosperity. Preparing traditional sweets, sharing festive food and spending time with family members are also an important part of the celebrations.

The customs may differ from one region to another, but the central message of Choti Diwali remains the same: to leave behind darkness and negativity and welcome light, positivity and new beginnings.