Naraka Chaturdashi
The night before Diwali — Krishna's defeat of Narakasura.
Gregorian date
7 November 2026
Saturday
Tithi
Krishna Chaturdashi
Kartika (October – November)
Duration
single-day
Also known as
Choti Diwali · Roop Chaudas
Significance
Commemorates Krishna's slaying of the demon Narakasura. In some regions called Choti Diwali. Pre-dawn oil bath (abhyanga snan) is the signature ritual.
What happens on the day
- •Pre-dawn oil bath
- •Light a few diyas in the evening
- •Yama deepam
About the month of Kartikaकार्तिक
The most festival-rich month. Karva Chauth, Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdashi, Diwali, Govardhan Puja, Bhai Dooj, Chhath, Tulsi Vivah, and Kartik Purnima all fall here.
More festivals in Kartika
Kati Bihu
17 October 2026 · Sun enters Libra → Scorpio cusp (solar)
The austere Bihu — small lamps in paddy fields, prayers for the harvest.
Karva Chauth
30 October 2026 · Krishna Chaturthi
Married women fast from sunrise to moonrise for husbands' longevity.
Kerala Piravi
1 November 2026 · Fixed Gregorian (November 1)
Kerala's birthday — the day the state was formed in 1956.
Dhanteras
6 November 2026 · Krishna Trayodashi
The Diwali week begins — gold and metal purchases peak today.