Sunday, 8 November 2026
Narak Chaturdashi 2026
In short
Narak Chaturdashi 2026 is on Sunday, 8 November 2026: Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi of Kartik, the tithi current at sunrise in New Delhi.
- Date
- Sunday, 8 November 2026
- Tithi
- Kartik Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi
- Tithi begins
- 7 Nov, 10:49
- Tithi ends
- 8 Nov, 11:29
- Place
- New Delhi
How it is observed
Narak Chaturdashi, the day before Diwali, recalls Krishna's defeat of the demon Narakasura. It is also known as Choti Diwali.
In Maharashtra, Goa and south India, people take an oil bath before dawn (abhyanga snan), and in much of the south this is the main Deepavali day. Elsewhere homes light lamps, including one for Yama; Gujarat observes the day as Kali Chaudas and Bengal as Bhoot Chaturdashi, lighting fourteen lamps.
Related festivals
- Karva ChauthThursday, 29 October 2026
- DhanterasFriday, 6 November 2026
- Kaag TiharSaturday, 7 November 2026
- Kukur TiharSunday, 8 November 2026
- DiwaliSunday, 8 November 2026
- Laxmi Puja (Tihar)Sunday, 8 November 2026
- Govardhan PujaTuesday, 10 November 2026
- Mha PujaTuesday, 10 November 2026
- Bhai DoojWednesday, 11 November 2026
- Bhai TikaWednesday, 11 November 2026
- Chhath PujaSunday, 15 November 2026
Frequently asked questions
When is Narak Chaturdashi in 2026?
Narak Chaturdashi 2026 is on Sunday, 8 November 2026.
How is the date of Narak Chaturdashi decided?
By the lunisolar calendar: it falls on Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi of Kartik, the tithi current at sunrise in New Delhi. The date is computed from the positions of the Sun and Moon, which is why it moves against the Gregorian calendar from year to year.
How is Narak Chaturdashi observed?
In Maharashtra, Goa and south India, people take an oil bath before dawn (abhyanga snan), and in much of the south this is the main Deepavali day. Elsewhere homes light lamps, including one for Yama; Gujarat observes the day as Kali Chaudas and Bengal as Bhoot Chaturdashi, lighting fourteen lamps.