Every victory over darkness begins with a spark of divine grace. Naraka Chaturdashi reminds us of this beautiful truth through Krishna's victory over Narakasura, when He freed thousands of captive princesses and restored hope in them. The story teaches us that no matter how powerful adharma may seem, the Lord's compassion always protects the innocent.
Naraka Chaturdashi 2026 falls on Sunday, 8 November, with the tithi beginning on the evening of 7 November. Also known as Choti Diwali and Kali Chaudas, it marks the second day of the five-day Diwali festival. Some regional calendars observe it on 7 November, so check your local panchang for the correct abhyanga snan timings.
For Vaishnavas, this day holds special significance as it recalls Krishna's compassionate pastime and His eternal promise to protect those who seek His shelter.
What is Naraka Chaturdashi?
Naraka Chaturdashi falls on the fourteenth day of the dark fortnight, just before the new moon of Diwali. "Naraka" means hell and suffering, and this day is a loving invitation to be freed from darkness, fear and negativity. Different regions cherish it by different names:
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In Maharashtra, this day is celebrated as Narak Chaturdashi.
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West Bengal celebrates this event as Bhoot Chaturdashi or Kali Puja
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Gujarat celebrates this event as Kali Chaudas.
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Rajasthan celebrates this day as Roop Chaturdashi.
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Tamil Nadu celebrates this day as Deepawali.
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In Punjab and other North Indian states, the day is celebrated as Choti Diwali.
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Assam and other eastern states celebrate this event as Narak Chaturdashi.
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Goa also celebrates this as Narak Chaturdashi.
Naraka Chaturdashi Story: Krishna and Narakasura
Narakasura, also called Bhaumasura, was the son of Bhumi Devi, the Earth, and Lord Varaha. He ruled the city of Pragjyotishpura(today called Guwahati). Over time, power and bad associations hardened his heart into cruelty. He troubled the devas, took away the earrings of Aditi, the mother of the devas, and held 16,100 princesses captive in his palace.
When Indra and the devas came to Lord Krishna with tearful prayers, the Lord set out for Pragjyotishpura on Garuda with His beloved queen Satyabhama, who is considered an expansion of Bhumi Devi.
A fierce battle took place. Narakasura's army and his mighty commanders fell, and Krishna ended Narakasura's life with His Sudarshana chakra. It is said that before leaving this world, Narakasura repented and prayed that his death be remembered with festivity, so that people would light lamps and rejoice instead of mourning. This is why Naraka Chaturdashi is a day of lights.
Then Krishna, with infinite tenderness, freed the princesses. Knowing they could not return to society, the Lord accepted them with full honour, protecting their dignity. He also returned Aditi's earrings, and the devas welcomed Him joyfully.
The heart of the Naraka Chaturdashi story lies in this timeless message which says: no matter how powerful evil may seem, the Lord's love and protection for His devotees always prevail.
Rituals of Choti Diwali and Kali Chaudas
Here are the rituals of Choti Diwali or Kali Chaudas:
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Abhyanga snan (oil bath). Before sunrise, devotees gently apply sesame or mustard oil and bathe, a tradition believed to cleanse the body and keep away the "naraka" of misfortune. It is also called Roop Chaturdashi.
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New clothes and simple decorations. Afterwards, wear fresh clothes and lovingly decorate the home and altar.
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Lighting lamps. At dusk, light lamps at the entrance, in the courtyard and near the Tulasi plant to softly dispel darkness.
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Kali Chaudas observances. In some regions, people worship Goddess Kali or Hanuman on this night, seeking protection from negative influences.
How Vaishnavas Celebrate Naraka Chaturdashi
Vaishnavas celebrate Naraka Chaturdashi in the following way:
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Rise early and chant. Begin softly with japa and the Hare Krishna maha-mantra.
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Take the oil bath and wear fresh clothes. Prepare your heart for the Lord's mercy.
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Hear the Narakasura pastime. Read it lovingly from the Srimad Bhagavatam with your family, especially children.
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Offer lamps to the Lord. Offer a ghee lamp to Lord Krishna and Satyabhama, and light lamps in the evening during Kartika, the month of Damodara.
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Offer and share prasadam. Offer sweets and a vegetarian feast with love, then happily distribute it widely.
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Participate in temple festivities. Join the temple for kirtan, aarti and lamp offerings. If you cannot attend, book an online puja from home through ISKCON Bhiwandi.
Seva Ideas for Choti Diwali
Just as Krishna rescued the helpless, we too can lovingly offer compassionate service on this day:
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Sponsor meals for the needy through Annadaan, or help support the Annadaan Kitchen that feeds thousands.
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Join the Food for Life effort by supporting poor people in Bhiwandi.
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Take part in the festival through Janmashtami Seva and other Krishna festival offerings, which help the temple celebrate Krishna's pastimes throughout the year.
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Support the beautiful Radha Madhav Garden, which offers flowers and a serene space for the Lord's worship.
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Offer a lamp or puja on behalf of your family through Deity Worship seva.
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Lovingly discover other festivals such as Gaura Purnima, the appearance day of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
Significance of Naraka Chaturdashi
This festival offers us gentle yet profound lessons. Pride and cruelty may seem powerful, but they eventually meet their end. The Lord always protects the vulnerable and restores their honour. It also reminds us that 'Naraka' is not merely a place but the darkness within us, reflected in ignorance, anger and attachment. Through devotion, hearing and chanting the Lord's glories, we gradually move from darkness towards the light.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Choti Diwali 2026?
Choti Diwali, or Naraka Chaturdashi, is observed on 7–8 November 2026, with the morning oil bath on 8 November in most Panchangs. Please confirm with your local calendar.
Why is Choti Diwali celebrated?
It celebrates Lord Krishna's victory over Narakasura and the release of 16,100 princesses.
What is Kali Chaudas?
Kali Chaudas is the name for this day in Gujarat and parts of West India, associated with Goddess Kali and protection from negativity.
Is Naraka Chaturdashi the same as Choti Diwali?
Yes. Naraka Chaturdashi, Choti Diwali, Roop Chaturdashi and Kali Chaudas all refer to the same tithi, with regional variations in observance.
Who killed Narakasura?
Lord Krishna destroyed Narakasura, with Satyabhama by His side.
Naraka Chaturdashi 2026 is a day to remember, lovingly, that the Lord is always the protector of His devotees. As lamps are lit across homes, may we light the lamp of devotion within our hearts. If you missed the first day of Diwali, read our blog on Dhanteras 2026 and Lord Dhanvantari, and let this inspire you to serve through Annadaan and a donation to ISKCON Bhiwandi.
