Chhoti Diwali 2026: Please note: It is important to understand the distinction between the dates for Chhoti Diwali and Naraka Chaturdashi in 2026. The *Kartik Krishna Chaturdashi* *tithi* (lunar day) begins on November 7 and concludes on November 8. According to North Indian tradition, based on the *Pradosh Kaal* (the twilight period), *Yam Deepdan* (lighting a lamp for Yama) and Chhoti Diwali are observed on November 7, while the *Abhyanga Snan* (ritual bath) for Naraka Chaturdashi will take place on the morning of November 8.

Some *Panchangs* (almanacs) indicate Chhoti Diwali on November 8 as well; therefore, it is essential to clarify the differences between these two traditions when discussing the timing for rituals.

Date and *Tithi* for Chhoti Diwali 2026
According to the *Panchang*, the *Chaturdashi tithi* of the *Krishna Paksha* (waning phase of the moon) in the month of *Kartik* begins at 10:48 AM on Saturday, November 7, and continues until 11:28 AM on Sunday, November 8. Since the *Pradosh Kaal* falls on the evening of November 7 during this *Chaturdashi tithi*, *Yam Deepdan* is performed on this day according to North Indian tradition. Meanwhile, the *Abhyanga Snan* for Naraka Chaturdashi will be performed on the morning of November 8.

Auspicious Time for Lighting the *Yam Deepak*
There is a tradition of lighting a lamp dedicated to Yamraj (the Lord of Death) on Chhoti Diwali. In Bhopal, sunset on November 7 will occur between 5:38 PM and 5:39 PM. Consequently, the *Pradosh Kaal* will span from 5:39 PM to 8:13 PM; *Yam Deepdan* can be performed during this window. The tradition involves lighting a four-wick lamp (*chaumukha deepak*) filled with mustard oil and placing it outside the house, facing south.

Lighting the *Yam Deepak* Dispels the Fear of Untimely Death.
According to religious beliefs, lighting a lamp in the name of Yamraj on Chhoti Diwali removes the fear of untimely death from the family. This practice is known as *Yam Deepdan* or *Yam Deepam*. It is believed that lighting a lamp with devotion on this day invokes the blessings of Yamraj (the God of Death) and fulfills the wish for a long life for family members. This is a traditional religious belief.

**Abhyang Snan (Ritual Bath) Timing for Narak Chaturdashi 2026**
On Narak Chaturdashi, there is a tradition of taking an *Abhyang Snan* (a ritual bath) before sunrise. This day is also known as 'Roop Chaudas'. In Bhopal, the time for this ritual bath on November 8 is from 5:32 AM to 6:30 AM. It is customary to massage the body with sesame oil before bathing. According to religious belief, this practice bestows beauty and radiance upon an individual.

**Auspicious Timing (Muhurat) for Kali Chaudas 2026 Puja**
On Kali Chaudas, it is customary to worship Goddess Kali. This festival is celebrated particularly in Gujarat and parts of Western India. For Bhopal, the *Nishita Muhurat* (the auspicious time at night) for the worship of Goddess Kali is from 11:46 PM on November 7 to 12:36 AM on November 8. It is believed that worshipping Goddess Kali on this day provides protection against negative forces.

**Timing for Hanuman Puja on Chhoti Diwali**
Worshipping Lord Hanuman on Chhoti Diwali is also considered highly significant. In certain religious traditions, Lord Hanuman is worshipped at night on this day. In Bhopal, the *Pradosh Kaal* (an auspicious evening period) for Hanuman Puja on November 7 spans from 5:37 PM to 8:10 PM. During this time, devotees may offer *sindoor* (vermilion), jasmine oil, and flowers to Lord Hanuman.

**Religious Significance of Chhoti Diwali**
Chhoti Diwali is also known as Narak Chaturdashi. According to mythology, it was on this day that Lord Krishna slew the demon Narakasura and liberated 16,000 maidens from his captivity. It is believed that the tradition of lighting lamps began in celebration of this event. On this day, it is of special significance to light a lamp for Yamraj, perform a ritual bath (abhyang snan) in the morning, and worship Lord Hanuman. This festival conveys the message of the victory of good over evil and the dispelling of darkness from one's life.

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