Choti Diwali 2023 (Naraka Chaturdashi): Date and Snan Time

Naraka Chaturdashi marks Lord Krishna's victory, with Satyabhama, over the demon Narakasura, who had imprisoned sixteen thousand women. In North India it is Choti Diwali, the day before Lakshmi Puja, and in Rajasthan it is also called Roop Chaudas. In Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu it is celebrated as Deepavali itself, starting with an oil bath before dawn, new clothes, sweets and crackers.

The oil bath (abhyanga snan) is taken before sunrise while Chaturdashi prevails, ideally in Arunodaya, the 96 minutes before sunrise, and after moonrise. When Chaturdashi begins in the late morning, the evening and night rites of Choti Diwali and Kali Chaudas fall on the evening before the morning bath.

Yes. Both names refer to Kartika Krishna Chaturdashi. Choti Diwali is the North Indian name for the day before the main Diwali, while Naraka Chaturdashi refers to the story of Narakasura. In South India the same morning is celebrated as Deepavali.

Kali Chaudas is the Gujarati name for the night of Kartika Krishna Chaturdashi, when Goddess Mahakali and Hanuman are worshipped to remove fear and negative influences. It is observed at night while Chaturdashi prevails.

Tradition holds that Krishna bathed with oil after defeating Narakasura, and that an oil bath before dawn on this day removes sins and protects from naraka (hell). The ubtan and oil also prepare the skin for winter, which is why Rajasthan calls the day Roop Chaudas.

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Krishna Chaturdashi runs from 1:48 pm, 11 Nov to 2:37 pm, 12 Nov (Indian Standard Time).

Each city's muhurat is calculated from its own sunrise, sunset, tithi and rising lagna (Lahiri ayanamsa). Lagna windows usually agree with printed panchangs to within a few minutes; tithi times are approximate, usually within about 30 minutes. Cities outside India show their local date and time. For a havan or a family-specific muhurat, confirm with your purohit.

Many families, especially in Gujarat and Rajasthan, choose the puja or shopping time on Naraka Chaturdashi from the Choghadiya. Amrit, Shubh and Labh are the good periods; Char also suits travel.