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Festival Profile

Narak Chaturdashi

Day of burning the demon Narakasura, celebrated before Diwali with an oil bath.

All festivals

Narak Chaturdashi, also called Chhoti Diwali, celebrates the destruction of the demon Narakasura by Lord Krishna, marked by an early-morning oil bath.

Stories behind the festival

The fall of Narakasura

Dwapara Yuga
The demon Narakasura had imprisoned many women and terrorised the world. Lord Krishna and Satyabhama defeated him on this day, freeing the world and returning the captive women, marking the triumph of good.
Narakasura legend

Why we celebrate

Narak Chaturdashi, also called Chhoti Diwali, celebrates the destruction of the demon Narakasura by Lord Krishna, marked by an early-morning oil bath.
Regional Diwali tradition

When

Narak Chaturdashi falls on the fourteenth day (Chaturdashi) of the dark fortnight of Kartik, the day before Diwali.

Since when it is followed

The Narakasura legend belongs to the Dwapara Yuga, the era of Krishna.
Regional tradition

Who celebrates / for whom

Celebrated by Hindus across India.

Origin

The origin is the legend of Krishna and Satyabhama defeating the demon Narakasura, liberating the world from his tyranny.
Narakasura legend (Dwapara Yuga)

Key deities

Lord Krishna and Goddess Satyabhama.

How to celebrate

Take an early-morning oil bath before sunrise, light a lamp, and perform the puja.

Rituals & offerings

The pre-dawn oil bath, lighting of lamps, and the worship of Krishna.

Key facts

Narak Chaturdashi is known as Chhoti Diwali, the day before the main Diwali.
Regional tradition