Hindu · 8 November 2026
Narak Chaturdashi (Chhoti Diwali)
नरक चतुर्दशी (छोटी दिवाली)
Chhoti Diwali: Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura.
Why it is celebrated
On Kartik Krishna Chaturdashi, the day before Diwali, people bathe before dawn and light lamps to drive away darkness and evil.
The story behind it
The demon Narakasura, son of Bhudevi, conquered the three worlds and imprisoned 16,000 princesses. Krishna, with his wife Satyabhama, fought and killed him at dawn on this day and freed the women. Dying, Narakasura asked that his death be celebrated with lights. In Bengal the day is Kali Chaudas, and in the South the main Deepavali morning.
How to celebrate
- Take an oil bath (abhyanga snan) before sunrise
- Light 14 lamps in the evening
- Burst a firecracker or break a bitter fruit as Narakasura’s symbol (South)
- Apply ubtan and wear new clothes
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