Choti Diwali (also called Naraka Chaturdashi, Roop Chaudas, Kali Chaudas, or Hanuman Jayanti in different regions) falls on Saturday, November 7, 2026 - the second day of the five-day Diwali festival.

Multiple regional traditions coincide on this day. This NRI guide covers puja vidhi + regional variations across USA, UK, Australia, Canada + UAE.

Choti Diwali 2026 Timings

  • Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026 (Kartik Krishna Chaturdashi)
  • Chaturdashi Tithi Begins: ~1:45 PM IST on Nov 6
  • Chaturdashi Tithi Ends: ~4:45 PM IST on Nov 7
  • Abhyanga Snana Muhurat: Pre-dawn (~4:30-6:00 AM local)
  • Kali Chaudas Puja: Midnight (Bengali tradition)

Significance - Multiple Traditions

1. Naraka Chaturdashi (Pan-Hindu)

Lord Krishna along with Satyabhama killed the demon Narakasura who had tormented gods + humans. Krishna's return home was celebrated with lights - beginning of Diwali fires. Story culminates on Diwali the next day (Amavasya).

2. Roop Chaudas (Beauty Day)

Traditional day for Abhyanga Snana - ritual oil bath before dawn. Applying medicinal oil + herbs before bath said to bring beauty + youthfulness + prosperity.

3. Kali Chaudas (Bengali)

Devi Kali worshipped at midnight. Especially observed in Bengal, Odisha, Assam. Bengali households perform elaborate Kali puja with dark red offerings + intense devotional atmosphere.

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4. Hanuman Jayanti (South India)

In parts of South India (Telangana, Andhra), this day marks Hanuman's birth anniversary. Vaishnavas + Rama devotees observe with special Hanuman puja.

5. Naraka Chaudas / Bhut Chaturdashi

Some Bengali + Assamese traditions perform Bhut Chaturdashi - light 14 diyas for ancestors + protective spirits. Sacred ritual honouring deceased family members.

Abhyanga Snana - Pre-Dawn Oil Bath Ritual

The Abhyanga Snana is a beloved tradition, especially in Maharashtra + Karnataka + Andhra:

Materials

  • Sesame oil or coconut oil (traditionally massaged)
  • Herbal utane / ubtan (turmeric + gram flour + herbs)
  • New clothes for after-bath
  • Perfume / attar

Ritual Steps

  1. Wake before dawn (~4:30-5:30 AM)
  2. Apply warm oil head-to-toe massage (5-10 min)
  3. Apply herbal utane / ubtan paste (5 min)
  4. Take bath - warm water with utane wash-off
  5. Wear new clean clothes
  6. Light small diya in bathroom afterward
  7. Some families use rose water sprinkle
  8. Break fast (if observed) with sweet like ladoo/kheer

NRI Note: Full pre-dawn ritual is common in India; NRIs often adapt to convenient early morning slot.

Regional Variations 2026

North India (UP, Bihar, Punjab, Rajasthan)

  • Small home puja
  • Choti Diwali - preparation day for main Diwali
  • Family time + last-minute Diwali prep

Maharashtra + Gujarat

  • Abhyanga Snana pre-dawn
  • Rangoli decoration begins
  • Traditional Marathi + Gujarati sweets prep

Karnataka + Andhra + Telangana

  • Abhyanga Snana + special herbal oil bath
  • Naraka Chaturdashi puja
  • Some regions: Hanuman Jayanti

Bengal + Odisha + Assam

  • Kali Chaudas - Devi Kali worship at midnight
  • Bhut Chaturdashi - 14 diyas for ancestors
  • Bengali family kali puja

Tamil Nadu + Kerala

  • Deepavali celebrated on this day itself (not Nov 8)
  • Family gathering + oil bath + fireworks
  • Bhoomi puja for new business/property

Simple Choti Diwali Puja Vidhi

  1. Take Abhyanga Snana bath pre-dawn
  2. Set up small altar
  3. Photo of Krishna + Satyabhama (representing victory over Narakasura)
  4. Or Devi Kali (for Bengali tradition)
  5. Or Hanuman (for South Indian tradition)
  6. Light diya + agarbatti
  7. Offer haldi + kumkum + akshat + flowers
  8. Simple mantra chanting per family tradition
  9. Family prayer for protection + prosperity
  10. Small sweet offering (halwa, kheer, ladoo)
  11. Aarti

14 Diyas for Bhut Chaturdashi (Bengali)

Bengali + Assamese tradition lights 14 small diyas - one for each of 14 ancestors + protective spirits:

  • Placement: 14 diyas around home + garden
  • Small mantra for ancestors' peace
  • Distribute prasadam + light offerings

Mantras for Choti Diwali

Krishna Mantra

"Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya"

Kali Mantra (Bengali tradition)

"Om Krim Kalikaye Namah"

Hanuman Mantra (South Indian tradition)

"Om Hanumate Namah"

What NRIs Do on Choti Diwali

  1. Abhyanga Snana ritual (if tradition)
  2. Small altar decor continues
  3. Final Diwali prep: sweets ordering, decorations
  4. Rangoli begins at entrance
  5. Community events - some temples hold Choti Diwali programs
  6. Family gathering in preparation for main Diwali
  7. Bhoomi puja if celebrating Tamil/Malayalam Deepavali

USA/UK/Australia NRI Temple Events

  • Most Hindu temples hold combined Choti Diwali + Diwali programs
  • ISKCON: Krishna-focused celebration with Bhagavatam recitation
  • Kalibari temples (Bengali) - Midnight Kali puja
  • South Indian temples - Hanuman aarti evening
  • Community centres - preparation for Diwali next day

FAQ

When is Choti Diwali 2026?

Saturday, November 7, 2026 (Kartik Krishna Chaturdashi).

Is Choti Diwali same as Naraka Chaturdashi?

Yes - same day, different regional names. Also called Roop Chaudas, Kali Chaudas, Hanuman Jayanti, Bhut Chaturdashi depending on region.

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What is Abhyanga Snana?

Traditional pre-dawn oil bath ritual on Choti Diwali. Warm oil head-to-toe massage, herbal utane paste, bath - said to bring beauty + prosperity.

Is fasting required on Choti Diwali?

Not required. Some traditions observe partial fast until puja completion + break with sweet.

Are Tamil families different?

Yes - Tamil Nadu + Kerala celebrate Deepavali on Choti Diwali day (Nov 7), not Amavasya. Family gathering, fireworks, oil bath on Nov 7 morning.

Disclaimer: Regional traditions vary. Honour family lineage practices.