Choti Diwali 2026: When is Narak Chaturdashi? Know Auspicious Muhurat and Time to Light Yam Diya

The grand festival of lights, Diwali, is the biggest and most prominent celebration in Sanatan Dharma. This five-day festival of lights begins with Dhanteras and concludes with Bhai Dooj. Exactly the day after Dhanteras and one day prior to main Diwali, Choti Diwali is celebrated, which is also known as Narak Chaturdashi, Roop Chaturdashi, and Roop Chaudas. The festival of Choti Diwali 2026 is very special from a religious perspective, because on this day, worship of Lord Yamraj and offering of lamps (Deepdan) is performed to get rid of the fear of untimely death.

If you also want to know when Narak Chaturdashi 2026 falls, what the Choti Diwali auspicious muhurat is, and what the time to light the Yam diya is, you will find complete and authentic information in this article. Let us know all the important aspects related to Choti Diwali.

When is Choti Diwali 2026? (Narak Chaturdashi 2026 Date)

According to the Panchang, Narak Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali is celebrated on the Chaturdashi tithi of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik. Knowing the exact date and time of when the Chaturdashi tithi begins and ends in 2026 is essential so that you can perform the rituals properly.

• Chaturdashi Tithi Begins: In 2026, the Chaturdashi tithi of Kartik Krishna Paksha will begin at the determined time based on astrological calculations (according to the probable date).
• Chaturdashi Tithi Ends: Since the Chaturdashi tithi will prevail at sunrise on this day, the ritualistic bath and worship of Lord Yamraj will be performed on this very day.

According to religious beliefs, there is also a special tradition of worshipping Lord Hanuman on the day of Choti Diwali, as the birth anniversary of Lord Hanuman (according to some traditions) is also celebrated on this day. Apart from this, on this day Lord Krishna killed a demon named Narakasura and freed 16,104 maidens from his captivity, to commemorate which Narak Chaturdashi is celebrated.

Choti Diwali 2026 Auspicious Muhurat and Time to Light Yam Diya

The Choti Diwali auspicious muhurat and the time for Deepdan are the most vital parts of this festival. Two specific times are considered very important on this day—first, the early morning Brahma Muhurat bath, and second, lighting the lamp dedicated to Lord Yamraj in the evening.

1. Time to Light the Yam Diya (Yam Ka Diya Jalane Ka Samay)

On the day of Narak Chaturdashi, a lamp in the name of Yamraj is lit in the evening at the main entrance or in the southern direction of the house. This is called 'Yam ka Diya'.

• Right Time: Lighting the Yam diya during the twilight period of Pradosh Kaal and Nishith Kaal, i.e., in the evening Pradosh Vela, is considered extremely auspicious.
• Direction: The Yam lamp is always lit facing the south direction, because the southern direction is considered to be the direction of Lord Yamraj.
• Type of Lamp: On this day, a flour-made four-faced (four-wick) lamp is prepared in which mustard oil is poured and four wicks are placed.

2. Morning Abhyanga Snan Muhurat (Roop Chaturdashi Snan Muhurat)

Choti Diwali is also called Roop Chaturdashi. There is a tradition of waking up before sunrise on this day, applying oil and Ubtan (herbal paste), and taking a bath.

• Brahma Muhurat Bath Time: The time approximately 1 to 2 hours before sunrise (between 04:00 AM and 06:00 AM) is considered best for the bath.
• Significance: It is believed that a person who takes a bath on this day keeping Apamarg (Chirchita) leaves on their head before sunrise does not have to face the miseries of hell and experiences an enhancement in their beauty and radiance.

Choti Diwali Puja Vidhi (Choti Diwali Rituals)

The Choti Diwali puja vidhi is very simple yet highly effective. In the worship of this day, Lord Yamraj, Lord Sri Krishna, Mother Kali, and Lord Hanuman are venerated. The ritual of worship is completed in the following steps:

1. Brahma Muhurat Bath: Wake up early in the morning, apply sesame oil to the body, and take a bath mixing Gangajal in the water. Wear clean clothes.
2. Invocation of Yamraj: In the evening during Pradosh Kaal, bathe and wear clean clothes. After this, prepare a flour-made four-faced lamp.
3. Deepdan: Fill the lamp with mustard oil and light four wicks in it. Now place this lamp outside the main entrance of the house facing south or at a crossroad.
4. Mantra Chanting: While lighting the Yam diya, praise him and pray for freedom from the fear of untimely death and protection of the family. Chant the mantra: "Mrityuna Pashadandbhyam Kalen Cha Maya Sah, Dwadashya Suryajah Prayuktah Pradachchhad Deepadanam Suryapradoshakrit."
5. Worship of Lord Krishna and Hanuman Ji: Light a lamp in the home temple. Offer sweets to Sri Krishna and Hanuman Ji and perform their Aarti.

Religious and Historical Significance of Narak Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali

The festival of Choti Diwali is not merely a formality, but deep mythological and spiritual secrets are hidden behind it. Remembering these stories on the occasion of Narak Chaturdashi 2026 strengthens our traditions:

• Story of Narakasura's Slaying: Narakasura, the king of Pragjyotishpur, misusing his powers, had troubled the gods and sages and held 16,104 women captive. Lord Sri Krishna, with the help of his wife Satyabhama, killed this cruel demon on the day of Kartik Chaturdashi and restored respect in society for the captive women. This festival is celebrated in joy of this victory.
• Roop Chaturdashi and Beauty: The story of crushing King Bali's ego and liberating the three worlds by Lord Vaman is also associated with it. On this day, there is a prescription of Ubtan bath to attain beauty and health.
• Significance of Yam Deepdan: It is believed that offering lamps dedicated to Yamraj on this day eliminates the fear of untimely death for any family member and grants liberation from the torments of hell.

Important Things to Keep in Mind on Choti Diwali

From a religious and cultural perspective, following certain rules on this day is considered mandatory:

• Small lamps should be lit in all the corners of the house on the night of Choti Diwali to drive away negative energy and darkness from the home.
• Keep the main entrance of the house clean and make a Rangoli, as this welcomes Goddess Lakshmi.
• Stay away from anger, jealousy, and negative thoughts, and seek the blessings of the elders of the house.

Conclusion

The festival of Choti Diwali 2026 is a symbol of the victory of light over darkness and truth over untruth. Narak Chaturdashi teaches us that we must end the 'Narakasura' of ego, ignorance, and evil within ourselves. On this day, keeping the Choti Diwali auspicious muhurat in mind, bathe with full devotion and perform Deepdan at the time of lighting the Yam diya. Doing so brings happiness, peace, prosperity, and good health into the home.

Wishing you all a very Happy Choti Diwali and Narak Chaturdashi 2026 from our side!