Naraka Chaturdashi 2026: A Comprehensive Guide
Naraka Chaturdashi, also known as Choti Diwali or Kali Chaudas, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated with great fervor across India. This comprehensive guide will provide all the details about the festival, including its date in 2026, pooja timings, procedure, items list, story, and frequently asked questions.
Naraka Chaturdashi 2026 Date Timings Pooja Procedure Tithi
Date and Pooja Timings
In 2026, Naraka Chaturdashi will be observed on Sunday, November 12. The Chaturdashi Tithi begins at 01:57 PM on November 11, 2026, and ends at 02:44 PM on November 12, 2026. It’s essential to perform the pooja within this time frame for maximum blessings.
Pooja Procedure
The pooja starts early in the morning before sunrise. Devotees take a bath (known as Abhyang Snan) with oil and Ubtan, symbolizing the cleansing of the body and soul. Afterward, they worship Lord Krishna or Lord Vishnu by lighting diyas, offering flowers, fruits, and sweets, and reciting prayers and mantras. The pooja concludes with an aarti.
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Pooja Items List
For the pooja, the following items are required:
- Oil for Abhyang Snan
- Ubtan
- Diyas
- Incense sticks
- Flowers
- Fruits
- Sweets
- Camphor for aarti
Story Behind Naraka Chaturdashi
The legend behind Naraka Chaturdashi involves the demon king Narakasura who was causing havoc in the three worlds. Lord Krishna killed Narakasura on this day, freeing the world from his tyranny. The day is celebrated to mark this victory of good over evil.
Things to Know
Naraka Chaturdashi is the second day of the five-day-long Diwali festival. This day is all about eliminating negativity and embracing positivity. It’s customary to burst firecrackers on this day, symbolizing the destruction of evil. In some regions, people also create a mock representation of Narakasura and burn it.
FAQs
1. When is Naraka Chaturdashi in 2026?
Naraka Chaturdashi will be observed on Sunday, November 12, 2026.
2. What are the pooja timings for Naraka Chaturdashi 2026?
The Chaturdashi Tithi begins at 01:57 PM on November 11, 2026, and ends at 02:44 PM on November 12, 2026.
3. How is the pooja performed on Naraka Chaturdashi?
The pooja involves taking an early morning bath, worshipping Lord Krishna or Lord Vishnu, offering flowers, fruits, and sweets, and concluding with an aarti.
4. What items are required for the pooja?
Items like oil for Abhyang Snan, Ubtan, diyas, incense sticks, flowers, fruits, sweets, and camphor are required for the pooja.
Naraka Chaturdashi is a festival of joy and celebration, marking the victory of good over evil. As we approach this auspicious day, let’s embrace the spirit of positivity, cleanliness, and righteousness that it embodies.
Important Tips for Visitors
- Check the exact festival dates on the official temple website as lunar calendar dates may shift.
- Book accommodation well in advance — rooms fill up quickly during festival season.
- Carry sufficient cash — ATMs near temple towns may run out during peak festival periods.
- Be prepared for long queues and allocate extra time for darshan during festivals.
Official Resources
Go Kshetra covers 1,600+ Hindu temples across 28 states. Content sourced from official temple websites and first-hand visits. About our editorial process

