Naraka Chaturdashi illuminates the Hindu calendar every late October or early November, marking the second day of the five-day Diwali festival. This vibrant observance celebrates the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. Join millions in India and around the world to honor purity, light, and the triumph of good over evil.
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Expected Naraka Chaturdashi Deals
Naraka Chaturdashi, as a deeply religious and cultural observance, focuses less on commercial deals and more on traditional practices and community gatherings. Families typically invest in new clothes, sweets, and decorative items for their homes. While major retailers may not offer specific “Naraka Chaturdashi” promotions, many will have broader Diwali sales that encompass this day. Look for discounts on traditional Indian attire from brands like Fabindia and Manyavar, special sweet boxes from local confectioneries and online stores like Haldiram’s, and home decor items from Pepperfry or Home Centre. Temples and community centers often host special pujas and cultural events. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as November 8 approaches.
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Naraka Chaturdashi Hero
Lord Krishna
History of Naraka Chaturdashi
Naraka Chaturdashi is a religious festival with a deep meaning. According to Hindu literature, Narakasura — a demon — was killed on this day by Krishna, Satyabhama, and Kali, all divine entities according to the belief. Krishna, one of the most widely revered and most popular of all Hindu divinities, is worshipped as a supreme god. Satyabhama, the fiery wife of Krishna, also helped kill the demon king with whom this day is associated. Kali, which in Sanskrit means “She Who Is Black” or ‘She Who Is Death,” is the goddess of time, doomsday, and death.
In some regions of India, the day is allotted to the worship of Mahakali or Shakti as they believe that Narakasura was killed by Kali on this day. Hence also referred to as Naraka-Chaturdashi, Kali Chaudas is a day to abolish laziness and evil which creates hell in human life on Earth. The underlying theme of this simple victory story of good over evil is also the importance of cooperation and collaboration for perfect partnership in a relationship.
On Naraka Chaturdashi’s morning, Abhyang Snan — a holy bath — is taken before the sunrise. Application of kajal in the eyes is believed to keep away the nazar or evil eye. ‘Pooja’ is performed with oil, flowers, and sandalwood. Various dishes are prepared using the rice taken from the fresh harvest available at that time. Prasads — meaning favor or grace — are also made using jaggery, sugar, ghee, and rice flakes. Houses are lit with lamps in the evening.
In some regions like Goa, paper-made effigies of Narakasura filled with firecrackers are made and they are burnt early in the morning. A bitter berry is crushed under the feet signifying the killing of Narakasura by Krishna. It symbolizes evil and the removal of ignorance.
On this day, there are a few messages many people celebrating send to their family and friends. This includes variations of well-wishes of prosperity, happiness, joy, peace, and success. Many also pray for divine guidance towards a happy and healthy life. Naraka Chaturdashi is a reminder that in the end, evil never survives.
Naraka Chaturdashi timeline
India becomes an independent nation, making it a Hindu-majority country separated from Muslim-majority Pakistan
During the medieval period, the rise of devotion to the major Hindu deities was formed, particularly Vishnu, Shiva, and Devi.
From this period experts can recognize many elements in present-day Hinduism, such as bhakti (devotion) and temple worship.
There may be continuities between the Indus Valley civilization, located through present-day Pakistan, and later Hinduism as suggested by the apparent emphasis on ritual bathing, sacrifice, and goddess worship.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Naraka Chaturdashi
Local businesses can honor Naraka Chaturdashi by decorating their premises with traditional diyas and rangoli, creating a festive atmosphere. Restaurants might offer special Diwali Thalis or traditional sweets like ladoos and barfis. Retailers, especially those selling ethnic wear or home decor, can run promotions on items suitable for the festival, encouraging customers to prepare for the celebrations.
Naraka Chaturdashi FAQs
When is Naraka Chaturdashi?
Naraka Chaturdashi 2026 falls on Sunday, November 8. It marks the second day of the five-day Diwali festival, celebrated with rituals symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
What is the significance of Naraka Chaturdashi?
Naraka Chaturdashi commemorates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura, who had imprisoned 16,000 goddesses. The day symbolizes the removal of negativity and the cleansing of the soul, celebrated with traditional oil baths and prayers.
How is Naraka Chaturdashi celebrated?
Celebrations in 2026 will involve waking up early for a ritualistic oil bath, applying ‘ubtan’ (a fragrant paste), and performing ‘pooja’ (worship) to Lord Krishna and Yama, the god of death. Evening festivities include lighting diyas and firecrackers.
Is Naraka Chaturdashi the same as Choti Diwali?
Yes, Naraka Chaturdashi is widely known as Choti Diwali, meaning ‘small Diwali.’ It is the day preceding the main Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) and is considered a prelude to the grander celebrations, focusing on purification and initial festivities.
How To Celebrate Naraka Chaturdashi
Exchange gifts or sweets
Naraka Chaturdashi is all about wishing people joy and happiness. Gift your loved ones something or even cook some sweet dishes to celebrate the day. Patishapta, for example, is a type of “pitha” which is a scrumptious Bengali sweet dish common in India and Bangladesh prepared primarily during the rice harvesting festivals. These are sweet pancakes which contain a delicious filling of caramelized coconut.
Wear new or fresh clothes
On this day Hindus get up earlier than usual. The men will rub their bodies in perfumed oils before bathing. Afterward, clean clothes are worn and some people wear new ones. A large breakfast is enjoyed with relatives and friends. Even if you are not Indian, you can help celebrate the day with your Indian friends by doing these small but sentimental things.
Wish peace and happiness!
This day marks the triumph of good over evil. This is a sentiment that is quite universal. Even if you’re not Hindu or Indian, wishing well for others on this day is surely going to be appreciated by your friends or acquaintances who celebrate this holiday religiously.
5 Interesting Facts About Naraka Chaturdashi
Narak Chaudas
The second day of the 5-day long Deepavali festivity is celebrated worldwide by Hindus as Naraka Chaturdashi or Naraka Nivaran Chaturdashi. The celebration falls exactly on the 14th day of Krushna Paksha of the Ashvin Maas/Month.
Narakasur demon
As per written in the Hindu legends, evil Narakasur, son of Mother Earth, forcefully ruled several kingdoms brought under his reign. His atrocities were growing with each passing day, leaving the weak to his mercy.
Good always wins
Narakasur was blessed by Lord Brahma, due to which he could be killed by none, but a woman. So, when Lord Vishnu incarnated as Lord Krishna, he devised a plan to ensure Narakasur in a battle. Lord Krishna rode the mount Garuda as ‘saarthi’, while his wife Satyabhama attacked and killed Narakasur - according to some.
Kolkata
The festivity is celebrated nationwide in a varied manner. Across West Bengal, this day is known as Kali Chaudas; Kali which denotes darkness and chaudas which signifies 14th. In some parts of Kolkata, the stay of Durga Idols is prolonged until today and then is immersed during the night.
Maharashtra
Families across Maharashtra, particularly Mumbai and Pune, wake up early before sunrise and begin the day with ‘abhyanga snan’ with 'ubtan'. It is a specially prepared ubtan using chandan, ambe haldi, multani mitti, khus, rose, besan, and more.
Why We Love Naraka Chaturdashi
It’s a reminder of goodness
No matter what religion you are from, or no religion at all, it’s a very human thing to believe in the victory of good over evil. On this day, we remember this sentiment and wish everyone peace and prosperity.
It’s a rich cultural practice
India is known for its rich cultural and religious history and we can only imagine all the nice smells and colors lighting up many families' homes. On this day, take some time out to celebrate with your Hindu friends or relatives.
It’s a time to learn about Hinduism
Hinduism is the world’s oldest religion, according to many scholars, with roots and customs dating back more than 4,000 years. With around 900 million followers, it is the third-largest religion behind Christianity and Islam. Take the time to learn about its fascinating history and beliefs.
Naraka Chaturdashi dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | October 20 | Monday |
| 2026 | November 8 | Sunday |
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