Narak Chaturdashi 2026 Date, Story, Significance and Celebration across India

Narak Chaturdashi 2026 or Narak Chaudas is celebrated one day before Diwali. This day marks the triumph of light over darkness. Choti Diwali is a day that carries deep spiritual significance rooted in ancient tradition. 

According to the legends, on this day our Lord Krishna killed the demon Narakasura and released the world from evil. 

Okay, now tell me what is the most common thing that we do on Choti Diwali 2026?

Cleansing, right?? 

We clean our homes on Narak Chaturdashi and also leave all the evil thoughts from our minds and souls. Also, we decorate our homes with lamps and lights. We indulge in traditional rituals to get prepared for the big day, Diwali.!!

Additionally, we should take a step toward a positive start for everything; it is more than a festive day. This amazing festival is a reminder to clean our surroundings by removing negativity and welcoming positivism. Do you know Narak Chaturdashi 2026 Date? It’s November 8th.

We are going to cover everything about Narak Chaudas, so stay and read..

Narak Chaturdashi Story

Do you know the Narak Chaturdashi story?

Okay, I am sharing it through a Narkasur story.

In Dwapar Yug, there was a demon, Narakasur, who was ruling several kingdoms at that time. It is due to a boon that he had received from Lord Brahma. The boon was that he will only die by his mother’s hands, Bhoomi Devi (Mother Earth). 

Lord Vishnu blessed his mother with a boon. According to that, only she can wish for the death of her son otherwise he can’t die.

Narakasur became arrogant as he knew that its a double blessing because his mother would not wish for his death. He did not respect Gods and women; the Demon defeated Indra and kidnapped 16,000 women. The demon imprisoned all of them in his palace. He also stole Varuna’s chhatra, the earring of devmata Aditi, and Maniparvat of devatas, it is located at Mount Meru.

Later on, God Indra informed Lord Krishna about all the terrific acts of Narkasur. Then, Lord Krishna with his wife Satyabhama rode on Garun (His vehicle) and went to Pragjyotishpur, the capital of Narkasur. After that, a huge battle started between Krishna and Narkasur. Lord Krishna pretended catalepsy to aggravate Satyabhama, and in anger, she took charge of the battle in her hand. As per the result, she killed Narakasur with noxious arrows. 

Lord Krishna did this because only Narakasur’s mother can kill him as per the boon. He wanted Satyabhama to take that vital action. She was the avatar of Bhoomi Devi. It was written in her destiny that she will punish Narakasur.

Another Special thing about Choti Diwali

Moreover, Lord Krishna recovered Aditi’s stolen earrings. As a reward to Satyabhama’s devotion to her husband, Aditi blessed her with eternal youth and beauty. 16,000 women were imprisoned by Narkasur, Lord Krishna saved all of them. Krishna married all 16000 women and gave them the identity of his wife to restore their honourable place in society.

How do we celebrate Narak Chaturdashi 2026 across India?

Do you know? Narak Chaturdashi is called by different names all over India.

In Northern States

Let’s talk about the northern states of India first as I am from the north..

It is called Chhoti Diwali or Narak Chaturdashi. We start doing diwali preparations on this day. As we clean the house and make it ready for the arrival of Goddess Lakshmi. Also we start decorations in our house inside out and make it a better place. We do worship in the evening and we light Diyas at the ditch or the restroom.

In Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu

In Southern India, it is called Tamil Diwali, and in Maharashtra; people do the Abhyanga Snan as a ritual. They get up before sunrise and take an Oil-bath. The Preparations for this ritual started on the night of Dhanteras festival. The water pots are dressed, venerated with marigolds and mango leaves, and filled with water. On next morning, they are heated and this hot water is used for Abhyanga Snan. After that, the aromatic paste of herbs in scented oils is applied. Then, people get dressed up in new clothes and the festival is celebrated with traditional sweets, lights, and fireworks.

In Gujarat

This festival is also known as Kali Chaudas in Gujarat state. it is considered a powerful dark-night, and people avoid visiting dark places on this day. In Gujarat, Vadas are made on Kali chaudas, and then a ritual is followed by the locals. To protect the families from evil things and remove all the problems, these vadas are placed on the alleyway crossroads. After doing that, a circle is made using water. Also, they light diyas at their home during all five-days of Diwali.

In West Bengal

In West Bengal, it is very popular and celebrated as Bhoot Chaturdashi. As per the locals, on this night souls of the deceased come to the earth to meet their loved ones. At some places, 14 diyas are lightened up as a symbol to remove all the evil things from our lives.

Choti Diwali is a day filled with joy, celebration, rituals, and traditions. We honour Lord Krishna and embrace the rituals of this day. Also, we wish for a life filled with light, prosperity, and positivity. 

Significance of Choti Diwali 2026

Naraka Chaturdashi 2026 or Choti Diwali is a beautiful day when we follow several rituals. It serves as a reminder that God will definitely remove demons from our lives. We celebrate it and pray to the Lord to bless us with a positive mindset and brightness all around. It is considered best to light up a few diyas on the night of Narak Chaudas. 

We should encourage ourselves to celebrate it as the most important festival of Diwali celebrations. It holds so many good vibes that we should opt into our existence.  All of us light some diyas and follow all the rituals and celebrate it to the fullest. Choti Diwali is a Festival of Purification and Spiritual Awakening.

Let us all embrace positivity and spiritual growth to get ready for the endless blessings of God. 

FAQs: 

Q: When do we celebrate Narak Chaturdashi?

A: Choti Diwali falls on the 14th day of the lunar month. This day is the Chaturdashi Tithi in the Krishna Paksha of the Kartik month. It is the day after Dhanteras and one day before Diwali.

Q: What must we do on Narak Chaturdashi?

A: We should worship gods, light our house, and pray for a good life free from all evil things. Narak Chaturdashi occurs on the 14th day of the Kartik month as per Hindu calendar.

Q: Who was Narakasur?

A: Narakasur was a dangerous demon who had been blessed with a boon of eternity from Lord Brahma. 

Q: What are the other names of Narak Chaturdashi?

A: Narak Chaturdashi is called with different names in every state. The other names of this festival are Kali Chaudas, Bhoot Chaturdashi, Roop Chaturdashi, and Tamil Diwali, etc.