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Narak Chaturdashi / Choti Diwali

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Published 2026-09-04 · region: pan-Hindu · Saath Wikifestival

Calendar timing

Nov (Lunar (Kartik Krishna))

  • 2026 · 2026-11-06 (scholar-2026-06-23)

Stories & history

Narakasurapan-Hindu

The day is named for the defeat of Narakasura, and the lamps lit on it are read as the release of those he held. In the traditions that keep this as the main day, the whole of Deepavali refers back to this event rather than to a return from exile, which is why the same season is explained so differently in different parts of the country.

The oil bath before lightwidely told

The characteristic act is the abhyanga snan: oil worked into the scalp and body before dawn, then a bath, then new clothes, all finished before the sun is up. In households that keep it the day is defined by that bath more than by the lamps, and the queue for the bathroom in the dark is what people remember of their childhoods.

Symbolism & meaning

Core symbolism
The fourteenth day of Kartika's dark fortnight — the defeat of Narakasura, and the oil bath taken before dawn.
Meaning
The day before the new moon, and in much of the south and west the principal day of Deepavali rather than its eve. The household rises well before dawn for the abhyanga snan — oil worked in, then a bath, then new clothes, all completed before sunrise — after which lamps are lit and sweets are shared. In the north the day is lighter, kept with a few lamps and called Chhoti Diwali, and the new moon carries the weight. In parts of Gujarat and the west the same night is Kali Chaudas with its own observance.

Procedure

  1. Preparing the night before. Oil, ubtan and new clothes are set out, and the water for the bath is prepared in advance.
  2. Abhyanga snan. Before dawn, oil is worked into the scalp and body, ubtan applied, and the bath taken — all finished before sunrise.
  3. New clothes. New clothes are worn straight after the bath, and elders are greeted for their blessing.
  4. Lamps. Lamps are lit at the threshold and around the house, in many households while it is still dark.
  5. Sweets and the meal. The season's sweets and savouries are shared, and in most households the first of them are eaten before anything else.

Materials needed

  • Sesame or coconut oil for the bath
  • Ubtan — the traditional paste of gram flour, turmeric and herbs
  • New clothes for the household
  • Oil lamps and oil or ghee
  • The sweets and savouries prepared for the season

Family participation

  • Applies the oil for the youngest of the household — Mother, or an elder woman (optional)
  • Take the abhyanga snan before dawn — Members of the household
  • Give their blessing after the bath — Elders of the household

Keep reading

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