Narak Chaturdashi · नरक चतुर्दशी
Narak Chaturdashi, the second day of Diwali, celebrates Krishna's victory over the demon Narakasura, who had imprisoned sixteen thousand women.
Dates
Dates and times are for New Delhi (Asia/Kolkata). They can differ in other places, especially outside India, and between traditions.
How the date is determined
Kartika (purnimanta) Krishna Chaturdashi prevailing at Arunodaya, before sunrise.
An early-morning oil bath before sunrise (abhyanga snan) is the main rite; lamps are lit in the evening, and in North India it is called Choti Diwali.
Regional and tradition differences
In the South this is the main Deepavali day. When Chaturdashi and Amavasya fall close together, Narak Chaturdashi and Diwali can fall on the same date.
What to recite
Sources
- Naraka Chaturdashi, Wikipedia (2026)
Change log
- : Published.