Choti Diwali 2026: Check Shubh Muhurat Timing, Puja Vidhi, Significance, Dos And Don'ts For Naraka Chaturdashi

The celebration of Choti Diwali, which is also popularly called Kali Chaudas or Naraka Naraka, will be celebrated across India on November 7, 2026, marking the second day of the Diwali festival. Choti Diwali holds great significance as it celebrates Lord Krishna's victory over demon Narakasura. The festival is celebrated in the month of Kartik and generally falls on the Chaturdashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha. The evening of Choti Diwali is sacred for spiritual transformation.

Choti Diwali 2026 Shubh Muhurat Timings:

On Choti Diwali, the main tithi is of Chaturdashi, while best time for Puja is considered during Pradosh Kaal which is evening twilight.

Chaturdashi Tithi Begins: The Chaturdashi Tithi begins at 10:47 AM on November 7, 2026, and will continue till 11.27 AM of November 8, 2026.

Pradosh Kaal (Evening Puja) Muhurat: 5:45 PM - 8:00 PM

Abhijit Muhurat: 11:45 AM - 12:35 PM

Nishita Kaal (Midnight) Muhurat: 11:30 PM - 12:20 AM.

Yam Deep Daan: Evening of November 7, 2026.

Abhyang Snan: Morning of November 8, 2026.

Abhyang Snan Muhurat: 5:41 AM to 6:38 AM.

Choti Diwali 2026 Significance:

Kali Chaudas is the day to abolish laziness and evil, which create hell in our life and to instead inspire light and positive energy. The god of death, Yama, is also worshipped on this day by lighting a lamp which is believed to protect one from the sufferings of naraka ("the unhappiness of man"). The rituals of Naraka Chaturdashi are strongly suggestive of the origin of Diwali as a harvest festival.On this day, delicacies are prepared from pounded semi-cooked rice (poha/pova). This rice is taken from the fresh harvest available at that time. This custom is prevalent both in rural and urban areas, especially in Western India, as per Wikipedia.

Choti Diwali 2026 Puja Vidhi:

AstroPuja's expert astrologers give step-by-step guide for Puja Vidhi rituals on Choti Diwali:

Preparation Before Sunset:

1. Do a cleansing and purification procedure.

- Take a ritual bath (preferably with sesame oil as per tradition)

- Clean your home thoroughly, especially the puja area

- Remove clutter and broken items from your space

Set Up Puja Space:

- Create a clean altar facing East or North

- Place an idol or picture of Lord Krishna and Goddess Kali

- Arrange diyas (oil lamps), incense, flowers, and puja items

Choti Diwali Puja Rituals:

Step 1: Start with invocation for at least 5 minutes. This includes lighting an incense stick and purifing the puja area, performing Ganesh puja for removing obstacle and invoking your Kul Devta and Guru.

Step 2: The next step is to carry Kalash Sthapana. This means filling a kalash with water, placing mango leaves around its borders, and a coconut on top. Then offer flowers and recite the Varuna mantras.

Step 3: Main Deity Worship which includes chanting "Om Krishnaya NamaH" 108 times. In case if you are observing Kali Chaudas, then for goddess Kali, chant "Om Kreem Kalikayai Namah" 108 times. While doing so, continue to offer flowers, kumkum, turmeric, and sweets.

Step 4: Ensure to light at least 14 diyas using mustard or sesame oil and place them in different directions of the house.

Step 5: You can also carry Hanuman Puja for additional protection. Recite Hanuman Chalisa and offer sindoor and oil.

Step 6: For the protection ritual, wave camphor in all rooms to cleanse energy. Also, sprinke sacred water (from kalash) in every corner. And lastly place kumkum tilak on all family members for protection.

Step 7: Continue to perform aarti with camphir along with your family. Sing devotional bhajans and offer prayers for your, family, relatives, friends and loved ones.

Step 8: The last step is to distribute blessed food among family members. You can also share prasad with neighbors or anyone.

Choti Diwali 2026: Dos And Don'ts

Here are some of the dos and donts to ensure on Choti Diwali, as per Nakshtra Tak website:

Dos:

• Take a sesame oil massage and ubtan bath before sunrise during Arunodaya.
• After the bath, face south and perform Yama Tarpan or offer a prayer to Lord Yama.
• Remember and worship Lord Krishna, who defeated demon Narakasura.
• Place a south-facing, four-faced Yama diya at the entrance during the evening Pradosh Kaal.
• Light diyas in dark corners, the kitchen, near water sources and at the Tulsi plant.
• Illuminate your home with earthen lamps ahead of Lakshmi Puja.
• Donate food, clothes or other essentials to people in need.
• Remember your ancestors and offer prayers for their blessings.
• Celebrate the festival with family, love, positivity and devotion.

Donts:

• Avoid sleeping past sunrise, as the morning is traditionally considered auspicious for Abhyang Snan.
• Do not step over, move or deliberately extinguish the Yama diya.
• Avoid placing the Yama lamp in a direction other than south, according to the stated tradition.
• Do not throw used diyas directly into the garbage.
• Once the diyas have cooled, dispose of them respectfully in soil or wash and reuse them.
• Never place curtains, clothes or flammable materials near burning diyas.
• Never leave children unattended while lighting diyas or bursting firecrackers.
• Avoid excessive firecracker use and activities that cause pollution or injuries.
• Do not get influenced by fear-based rituals associated with Kali Chaudas or Bhoot Chaturdashi.
• Remember that Choti Diwali is a festival of devotion, light, the victory of good over evil and remembrance of ancestors.