Choti Diwali 2026 Date: Choti Diwali 2026 has sparked confusion over its correct date, with some festival calendars mentioning November 7 and others listing November 8. According to Drik Panchang, Narak
Chaturdashi, popularly known as Choti Diwali, will be observed on Sunday, November 8, 2026. However, certain night-time rituals associated with Chaturdashi, including Kali Chaudas, will be observed on Saturday night, November 7.
The confusion arises because the Krishna Chaturdashi Tithi begins on November 7 and continues until the morning of November 8. The traditional Abhyang Snan, or pre-dawn oil bath associated with Narak Chaturdashi, is performed while Chaturdashi prevails before sunrise. This places the main Choti Diwali morning observance on November 8.
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According to the New Delhi Panchang, Abhyang Snan Muhurat will begin at 5:41 AM and continue until 6:38 AM on November 8. Meanwhile, Kali Chaudas observances fall on the intervening Saturday night, adding to the confusion over the festival date.
Here is a detailed look at the correct date of Choti Diwali 2026, Chaturdashi Tithi timings, Abhyang Snan Muhurat and other important puja timings.
Choti Diwali 2026: November 7 Or 8?
Choti Diwali, also known as Narak Chaturdashi, Roop Chaudas and Roop Chaturdashi, will be celebrated on Sunday, November 8, 2026.
The date is determined by the timing of Krishna Chaturdashi Tithi and the traditional rules governing the pre-dawn Abhyang Snan.
According to Drik Panchang, Chaturdashi Tithi will begin at 10:47 AM on Saturday, November 7, and end at 11:27 AM on Sunday, November 8.
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Since Chaturdashi will be prevailing during the pre-dawn period on November 8, devotees will perform the traditional Abhyang Snan on Sunday morning.
However, some regional observances associated with Chaturdashi night, particularly Kali Chaudas, will take place on November 7. This is why both dates appear in festival calendars.
Choti Diwali 2026: Important Date And Timings
Here are the important dates and timings for Narak Chaturdashi 2026, based on the New Delhi Panchang.
- Choti Diwali (Narak Chaturdashi): Sunday, November 8, 2026
- Chaturdashi Tithi Begins: 10:47 AM on November 7, 2026
- Chaturdashi Tithi Ends: 11:27 AM on November 8, 2026
- Abhyang Snan Muhurat: 5:41 AM to 6:38 AM on November 8
- Kali Chaudas Puja Muhurat: 11:39 PM on November 7 to 12:31 AM on November 8
Choti Diwali 2026: Abhyang Snan Muhurat And Significance
Abhyang Snan is one of the most important rituals associated with Choti Diwali. It involves taking a traditional oil bath before sunrise on Narak Chaturdashi.
According to Hindu traditions, the ritual is performed during the pre-dawn period while Chaturdashi Tithi is prevailing. Sesame oil and traditional ubtan are commonly used as part of the bathing ritual.
The practice is associated with purification, the removal of negativity and the symbolic victory of good over evil.
In 2026, the Abhyang Snan Muhurat in New Delhi will be observed from 5:41 AM to 6:38 AM on Sunday, November 8.
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The ritual is particularly significant because Narak Chaturdashi commemorates the defeat of the demon Narakasura by Lord Krishna. Devotees observe the occasion by taking the ritual bath, offering prayers and lighting diyas.
Why Is Kali Chaudas Observed on November 7?
Kali Chaudas is an important Chaturdashi observance, particularly in Gujarat and parts of western India. It is associated with the night of Krishna Chaturdashi and is observed through prayers and traditional rituals.
Chaturdashi Tithi begins at 10:47 AM on November 7 and continues until 11:27 AM on November 8.
As a result, the night-time observances associated with Kali Chaudas fall on Saturday night, November 7.
According to Drik Panchang, the Kali Chaudas Puja Muhurat will run from 11:39 PM on November 7 to 12:31 AM on November 8.
It is important to distinguish Kali Chaudas from the pre-dawn Abhyang Snan associated with Narak Chaturdashi. Although both are connected with Chaturdashi Tithi, their ritual timings and regional observance traditions can differ.
Badi Diwali 2026: Lakshmi Puja Date And Timings
The main Diwali festival, also known as Badi Diwali or Deepawali, will also be celebrated on Sunday, November 8, 2026.
The festival falls on Amavasya, the new moon day, and is associated with the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity.
According to the Panchang, Amavasya begins after Chaturdashi ends on the morning of November 8. Since Amavasya prevails during the evening, devotees will perform Lakshmi Puja on Sunday.
The Lakshmi Puja Muhurat timings mentioned for the two cities are:
- New Delhi: 5:54 PM to 7:50 PM
- Mumbai: 6:27 PM to 8:27 PM
Devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, light earthen lamps, decorate their homes with rangoli and flowers, and seek blessings for prosperity and happiness.
Why Do Choti Diwali And Badi Diwali Fall on the Same Day in 2026?
Choti Diwali and Badi Diwali are traditionally associated with separate days of the five-day Diwali celebrations. However, their observance dates depend on the lunar tithis and the timings prescribed for specific rituals.
This year, the Chaturdashi continues until 11:27 AM on November 8, while Amavasya begins immediately afterwards.
This creates a situation in which the morning ritual of Narak Chaturdashi and the evening Lakshmi Puja of the main Diwali festival fall on the same Gregorian calendar date.
Therefore, Sunday, November 8, will feature the morning observance of Choti Diwali and the evening celebration of Badi Diwali.
The two festivals retain their individual religious significance, even though devotees will observe both on the same date.
Choti Diwali 2026 will be observed on Sunday, November 8, according to Drik Panchang. While Kali Chaudas night-time rituals fall on November 7, the traditional Abhyang Snan will take place on November 8 between 5:41 AM and 6:38 AM in New Delhi.
