Festival guide

Narak Chaturdashi

नरक चतुर्दशी

Diwali-season observance commemorating Krishna's victory over Narakasura.

At a glance

How is Narak Chaturdashi dated?

Narak Chaturdashi is an annual Hindu observance whose Gregorian date can change each year. Samvat calculates each year's date from its tithi Panchang rule; choose a year for the exact date and tithi.

Also known as: Choti Diwali, Kali Chaudas, Roop Chaudas.

Yearly reference

Narak Chaturdashi dates by year

Choose a year for the exact Gregorian date, Hindu date, observance rule, and related calendar links.

Why this date?

Falls on Kartik Krishna Chaturdashi, the fourteenth tithi of the dark fortnight before Amavasya.

Learn how Hindu calendar dates are calculated

Narak Chaturdashi tithi and Panchang details

Date determined by

Lunar tithi

Category

Major festival

Nakshatra

Swati

Dietary practice

No specific restriction

Significance

Also known as Kali Chaudas or Choti Diwali in many regions.

Traditions and Regions

Traditions

Abhyanga snanLampsKrishna worship

Observed in

Pan-IndiaMaharashtraGujaratSouth India

Common questions

How is Narak Chaturdashi dated?

Narak Chaturdashi is an annual Hindu observance whose Gregorian date can change each year. Samvat calculates each year's date from its tithi Panchang rule; choose a year for the exact date and tithi.

What is the tithi for Narak Chaturdashi?

The Hindu date is calculated separately each year from the tithi, paksha, and Hindu month for Narak Chaturdashi. Choose a year above to see the details.

Can the date differ by city?

Yes. Panchang values depend on sunrise, sunset, moonrise, and timezone. Samvat's public festival page uses an India-baseline calculation; local observance can differ by city, sampradaya, or family tradition.