Narak Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) 2026

Puja Vidhi

Who Celebrates This Festival?

• Families Celebrating Diwali: Households across India observe this day on the eve of Diwali to mark the victory of good over evil, with the holy bath and the lighting of lamps.
• Devotees Seeking Freedom from Sin: Men and women take the early morning oil bath and offer prayers to Lord Krishna and Yama to be free from the fear of hell (Naraka Mukti).
• Women and Girls: Women and girls also keep this day (known as Roop Chaudas in many places) to look and feel radiant and healthy through the holy bath and beauty rituals.

When Should This Be Performed?

• Abhyang Snan: Taken before sunrise, in the early hours of the morning in Brahma Muhurta (the pre-dawn period) or at dawn, after applying sesame oil and a paste (Ubtan) on the body. Check the Abhyang Snan time for your city on this page.
• Morning Puja: Done after the bath, in the morning, to Lord Krishna and Lord Vishnu.
• Yama Deepak: A lamp lit in the evening after sunset, at Pradosh Kaal (the period after sunset), facing the south in honour of Yama (families differ on whether this is done on this day or the day before).
• Diwali Lamps: Rows of lamps are lit at home in the evening.

About the Festival

Narak Chaturdashi, also called Choti Diwali, is a much-loved festival celebrated across India, in which devotees bathe early in the morning and light lamps to remember the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. It takes place on the Chaturdashi (fourteenth day) of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik.

The Katha (Story of Lord Krishna and Narakasura)

Once upon a time, there lived a demon king named Narakasura, the ruler of Pragjyotishpur. Blessed with great power, he grew arrogant and cruel. He defeated the gods, took the earrings of Aditi, the mother of the gods, and held sixteen thousand princesses captive in his palace.

The gods, distressed by his tyranny, went to Lord Krishna for help. Krishna, riding Garuda with his wife Satyabhama beside him, set out to confront the demon. Narakasura had received a boon that he could be killed only by his own mother, who was Bhudevi, the Earth, born in this birth as Satyabhama. In the fierce battle that followed, Krishna was struck and fainted for a moment. Satyabhama took up the bow and slew Narakasura. Before he died, the demon asked that his death be remembered with joy and light, not sorrow: "Let people celebrate my end with lamps and festivities, so the world remembers that evil can never win."

Krishna freed the sixteen thousand captive princesses and returned Aditi's earrings, and the people rejoiced, bathing early in the morning and lighting lamps in celebration. Since that day, devotees have observed Narak Chaturdashi with a holy bath at dawn, prayers, and a festival of lights, believing that it removes sins and brings health and prosperity.

Samagri List (Items Needed)

Gather these items before starting the morning puja:

• Bathing Items: Sesame (Til) oil, Ubtan (a paste of gram flour, turmeric, and milk), and a few leaves of Apamarga (Chirchita)
• Image / Idol: Picture or idol of Lord Krishna, Lord Vishnu, or Goddess Kali
• Tilak & Sacred Powder: Roli, Kumkum, Haldi, and Akshat (unbroken rice grains)
• Lamps & Lights: Clay Diyas with oil or Ghee and cotton wicks, including one large Diya for Yama
• Food Offerings (Naivedya): Sweets, fruits, and flattened rice (Poha)
• Devotional Accessories: Flowers, incense, and Kalava (sacred thread)

Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Guide)

Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully to perform the ritual correctly:

Step 1: Morning Preparation and Sankalp

1. Wake up early during Brahma Muhurta, before sunrise.
2. Take a small amount of water in your right palm and take a Sankalp (solemn vow): "O Lord Krishna, today I take this holy bath and observe this day with devotion. Remove my sins and bless me with health and happiness."
3. Keep the morning light and pure, taking only a simple meal after the puja (this is not a strict fast).

Step 2: The Holy Abhyang Snan (Before Sunrise)

1. Massage the body with sesame oil and apply the Ubtan.
2. Bathe with warm water, adding a few leaves of Apamarga to the water, and move the leaves over the body three times (families differ on this custom).
3. Wear clean new or washed clothes after the bath.

Step 3: Performing the Morning Rituals

1. Lighting the Lamp: Light a Ghee Diya in front of the picture of Lord Krishna.
2. Applying Tilak: Apply Roli, Kumkum, and Akshat to the deity.
3. Offering Flowers & Threads: Offer fresh flowers and tie a piece of Kalava (red thread) to the altar.
4. Offering Naivedya: Place sweets, fruits, and Poha before the deity.

Step 4: Reciting the Story

1. Hold a few grains of rice and a few flower petals in your right hand.
2. Sit respectfully in front of the altar and recite or listen to the story of Lord Krishna and Narakasura with deep focus and devotion.
3. After the story, sprinkle the held grains near the deity's feet.

Step 5: Aarti and Lighting the Lamps (Evening)

1. Perform the Krishna Aarti using the lit Ghee lamp while singing devotional hymns.
2. After sunset, light a large Diya with oil facing the south (Yama Deepak) at the door or courtyard, praying for protection from untimely death.
3. Light a row of Diyas around the home, at the entrance, and in the courtyard.

Step 6: Seeking Blessings and Sharing Prasad

1. Touch the feet of the elders in your family to seek their blessings (Charan Sparsh).
2. Distribute the sweets and prasad among your family members and neighbours.
3. Close the day with a simple sattvic meal and prepare for the Lakshmi Puja of the next day.