Naraka Chaturdasi — Choti Diwali — is the second day of the festival, marking Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura and the tradition of the pre-dawn abhyanga snan (ritual oil bath). This HinduTone guide explains Naraka Chaturdasi / Choti Diwali 2026 — the story and the ritual.

Naraka Chaturdasi 2026 is on Sunday, 8 November, the same day as Lakshmi Puja (Drik Panchang); some families mark Choti Diwali on Saturday 7 November. Devotees take an early-morning abhyanga snan and light lamps in anticipation of Diwali.

The Story of Narakasura

The demon Narakasura tyrannised the heavens and imprisoned thousands. Lord Krishna, with Satyabhama, defeated and slew him, freeing the captives. Narakasura, repentant, asked that his death be remembered as a day of light and celebration rather than mourning — hence the lamps and joy of Choti Diwali.

Abhyanga Snan

The pre-dawn ritual oil bath (abhyanga snan) — with fragrant oil and ubtan, before sunrise — is central in South and West India. It symbolises washing away impurity and is considered as meritorious as bathing in the holy Ganga on this day.

How It Is Observed

  • Wake before dawn for the abhyanga snan (oil bath)
  • Light a few diyas in the evening, leading up to Diwali
  • In the South, this is the principal day of Deepavali celebration
  • Burst a few crackers/lights where permitted, and enjoy festive sweets

Share the Diwali 2026 blessing

On Naraka Chaturdasi, as commonly told, Lord Krishna's victory over Narakasura turned a night of fear into a festival of light. Before dawn we bathe, light a small diya, and let that flame remind us of the inner light no darkness can overcome. As Choti Diwali opens the door to Maa Lakshmi's grace, take a moment to share a blessing with your family and loved ones, and welcome Diwali 2026 with a clean heart and a bright home.

Advertisement

Deepa shloka: the lamp prayer

शुभं करोति कल्याणम् आरोग्यं धनसम्पदा। शत्रुबुद्धिविनाशाय दीपज्योतिर्नमोऽस्तु ते॥

Shubham karoti kalyanam arogyam dhana-sampada, shatru-buddhi-vinashaya deepa-jyotir namostu te.

Meaning: I bow to the light of the lamp, which brings what is auspicious and good, health and prosperity, and destroys ill-will. Many families recite it as they light the evening diya.

Lakshmi mantra for Diwali

ॐ श्रीं महालक्ष्म्यै नमः॥

Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah.

Meaning: Salutations to Mahalakshmi. Shreem is the seed syllable traditionally associated with Lakshmi.

Diwali 2026 messages to share

🪔 May the early-morning abhyanga snan wash away every worry from our home, and may our family shine together this Choti Diwali. Happy Naraka Chaturdasi! ✨ Share on WhatsApp

🙏 Dear Amma and Appa, your blessings are the lamp that guides us. May this Naraka Chaturdasi bring you good health, peace and many happy mornings. 🪔 Share on WhatsApp

✨ To my dear friend: like Lord Krishna's triumph over Narakasura, may every darkness in your life give way to light. Happy Choti Diwali! 🪔🌸 Share on WhatsApp

🪔 Warm Choti Diwali wishes to you and your team. May the coming season bring clarity, honest effort and good partnerships. Celebrate safely! 🙏 Share on WhatsApp

🌸 As the first lamps of Diwali are lit, may Maa Lakshmi step gently into your home and bless it with harmony, purity and grace. 🪔✨ Share on WhatsApp

Advertisement

🙏 May Lord Ganesha clear every obstacle on your path, and may this Naraka Chaturdasi be the bright beginning of a blessed Diwali 2026. 🪔 Share on WhatsApp

A short Diwali prayer

Maa Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, on this Naraka Chaturdasi I light this small lamp with folded hands. As the morning bath cleanses my body, cleanse my mind of pride, anger and fear. Grant my family good health and harmony, keep my heart grateful for what I already have, and give me the strength to walk in right effort, so that my small light may help others too.

Use the share buttons on this page to send these blessings to your family and friends.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When is Naraka Chaturdasi 2026?

Sunday, 8 November 2026 — In 2026 Narak Chaturdashi falls on the same day as Lakshmi Puja (Drik Panchang); some families mark Choti Diwali on Saturday 7 November.

What is abhyanga snan?

A pre-dawn ritual oil bath taken on Naraka Chaturdasi, believed to be highly purifying.

What does Naraka Chaturdasi celebrate?

Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura and the triumph of light over darkness.

Explore More on HinduTone

  • The 5 Days of Diwali 2026 — Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj
  • Diwali / Deepavali 2026 — Complete 5-Day Guide
  • Lakshmi-Ganesh Puja Vidhi 2026 — Step by Step + Samagri
  • Govardhan Puja & Annakut 2026 — Date, Vidhi & Story