Naraka Chaturdashi 2027

Naraka Chaturdashi falls on Sunday, 8 November in 2026 and on Thursday, 28 October in 2027. Also called Choti Diwali, Roop Chaudas and Kali Chaudas, it is the second day of Diwali, on the fourteenth day of the dark half of Kartik. It celebrates the victory of Krishna and Satyabhama over the demon Narakasura, and is marked with a pre-dawn oil bath (abhyanga snan), lamps and fireworks.

Naraka Chaturdashi 2027 date

Naraka Chaturdashi 2027 is on Thursday, 28 October 2027 (Kartik Krishna Chaturdashi), the day before Lakshmi Puja. In 2026 it falls on Sunday, 8 November, the same day as Diwali, because the Chaturdashi tithi runs into the Amavasya that morning. The abhyanga snan is taken before sunrise while the Chaturdashi tithi is in force; check a local panchang.

The story of Narakasura

The Bhagavata Purana tells of Narakasura, the son of Bhumi Devi, who ruled from Pragjyotishapura (in present-day Assam). Grown arrogant with power, he conquered the heavens, stole the earrings of Aditi, mother of the gods, and imprisoned sixteen thousand princesses. At the request of the gods, Krishna rode against him on Garuda with Satyabhama, and Narakasura was slain. Before dying, the story says, Narakasura asked that his death be celebrated with lights, so that people would remember the triumph of good over evil. The freed princesses were given honour and shelter. Read the full account in how Krishna slew Narakasura.

How Naraka Chaturdashi is observed

• Abhyanga snan: a bath before dawn after massaging the body with sesame oil and applying ubtan (a paste of gram flour, turmeric and herbs); in south India this is the main Deepavali bath.
• Breaking the bitter fruit: in Maharashtra and Goa, a bitter kaarit fruit is crushed underfoot, symbolising Narakasura’s defeat.
• Lamps: fourteen lamps are lit in and around the home; a Yama Deepam may be lit for protection.
• Kali Chaudas: in Gujarat and Bengal the night is linked to Kali and Hanuman, worshipped for protection.
• Roop Chaudas: in Rajasthan the day is devoted to self-care and beauty before Diwali.

The meaning of Naraka Chaturdashi

Naraka Chaturdashi clears away darkness before the great night of Diwali: the demon of arrogance is defeated, and body and home are cleansed for Lakshmi’s arrival. Before it comes Dhanteras; after Diwali comes Govardhan Puja. See the full calendar on the Hindu festival calendar.

Frequently asked questions