A little light today, a lot of light tomorrow. Happy Choti Diwali. 🪔✨
Choti Diwali 2026: date, meaning and wishes
Saturday, 7 November 2026 17 days to go
Naraka Chaturdashi, the warm-up to the big night.
What Choti Diwali means
Choti Diwali, also known as Naraka Chaturdashi or Roop Chaudas, remembers Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura. In South India this is the main Deepavali day, celebrated with an early morning oil bath and new clothes.
In the North, families light a smaller number of diyas, finish decorations, make sweets and prepare for Lakshmi Puja the next evening.
Rituals and puja
- Abhyang snan, an oil and ubtan bath before sunrise
- Lighting fourteen diyas around the home
- Preparing sweets and finishing rangoli
Choti Diwali wishes
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Frequently asked questions
When is Choti Diwali in 2026?
Choti Diwali (Naraka Chaturdashi) falls on Saturday, 7 November 2026.
Why is Choti Diwali also called Roop Chaudas?
Bathing with ubtan before sunrise on this day is believed to bring beauty and good health, which gives it the name Roop Chaudas.