Difference in calendars regarding the date of Chhoti Diwali and Narak Chaturdashi in 2026; Yama Deepdaan will take place on the evening of 7th November, while Abhyang Snan of Narak Chaturdashi will take place on the morning of 8th November. Know the auspicious time of Kali Chaudas and Hanuman Puja.
soft spoken desk, New Delhi. This time amidst the joy of Diwali Chhoti Diwali The date has left people confused. Some are saying that Chhoti Diwali will be celebrated on 7th November while somewhere information is being given to celebrate Narak Chaturdashi and Chhoti Diwali on 8th November. After all, which is the correct date? When should the lamp in the name of Yamraj be lit and on which day will the holy Abhyanga Snan of Narak Chaturdashi take place?
Actually, this situation has arisen due to Chaturdashi Tithi of Kartik Krishna Paksha remaining for two days in the year 2026. According to Drik Panchang, Chhoti Diwali and Yam Deepdaan will be done on the evening of 7th November on the basis of Chaturdashi Tithi in Pradosh period in North Indian tradition. At the same time, Abhyang Snan of Narak Chaturdashi will take place on the morning of 8th November.
Therefore, instead of getting confused about both the dates, it is important to understand that the lamp donation of Chhoti Diwali and the bathing of Narak Chaturdashi have their own religious significance and time.
Chhoti Diwali 2026: When will Chaturdashi Tithi start and end?
According to Drik Panchang, the Chaturdashi date of Krishna Paksha of Kartik month will start on Saturday, November 7, 2026 at 10:47 am. It will end on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at 11:27 am.
Since Chaturdashi Tithi will be present on 7th November at the time of sunset i.e. during Pradosh period, hence as per North Indian tradition, Chhoti Diwali and Yam Deepdaan will be done on this day.
At the same time, there is a tradition of taking Abhyanga Snan associated with Narak Chaturdashi before sunrise on the morning of 8th November. For this, the time given is from 5.41 am to 6.38 am.
Yam Deepdaan 2026: At what time to light the lamp in the name of Yamraj?
The tradition of donating lamps for Yamraj on Chhoti Diwali holds special significance. This is called Yama Deepdaan or Yama Deepam. According to religious beliefs, by lighting a lamp in the south direction outside the house on this day, Yamraj's blessings remain on the family.
Sunset on November 7 will be at 5:31 pm. After this a lamp can be lit in the name of Yamraj.
According to tradition, on this day a four-sided lamp filled with mustard oil is lit and kept outside the house in the south direction. It is believed that this lamp donation done with devotion is a symbol of the wish for longevity and happiness and prosperity of the family members.
What is the religious belief behind lighting a lamp in the name of Yamraj?
Donating Yama lamp on Chhoti Diwali is seen as a wish to be free from the fear of untimely death. There is a religious belief that by lighting a lamp for Yamraj on the Chaturdashi of Kartik Krishna Paksha, his blessings remain on the family members.
For this reason this tradition is also called Yama Deepam. The tradition of keeping a lamp outside the house in the south direction is also linked to this religious belief.
Kali Chaudas 2026: Auspicious time to worship Goddess Kali
The festival of Kali Chaudas is also celebrated on the day of Chhoti Diwali. This festival has special significance in some areas of Gujarat and Western India. Mother Kali is worshiped on this day.
According to religious beliefs, worshiping Goddess Kali protects from negative powers and bad energy. Devotees worship the Goddess with rituals on this occasion.
According to the Panchang, the auspicious time of Nishita Puja of Kali Chaudas will start from 11:46 pm on November 7 and will continue till 12:36 pm on November 8.
Worship of Hanuman ji also has special significance on Chhoti Diwali.
The worship of Bajrangbali on the occasion of Chhoti Diwali is also said to have special significance. In some religious traditions, there is a provision for night worship of Lord Hanuman on this day.
Pradosh Kaal for the worship of Hanuman ji on 7th November will be from 5.37 pm to 8.10 pm.
During this time devotees can offer vermilion, jasmine oil and flowers to Hanumanji. There is a religious belief that worshiping Bajrangbali removes fear and crisis and infuses courage and strength in life.
Chhoti Diwali and Narak Chaturdashi: Know all the important auspicious times at a glance
| religious activities | date and time |
|---|---|
| Chaturdashi Tithi starts | November 7, 10:47 am |
| Chaturdashi date ends | November 8, 11:27 am |
| Chhoti Diwali and Yam Deepdan | November 7, after sunset |
| sunset | November 7, 5:31 pm |
| Narak Chaturdashi Abhyanga Bath | November 8, 5:41 am to 6:38 am |
| Kali Chaudas Nishita Pooja | 7th November 11:46 pm to 8th November 12:36 am |
| hanuman puja | November 7, 5:37 pm to 8:10 pm |
conclusion: This time, the confusion regarding the date of Chhoti Diwali and Narak Chaturdashi is due to Chaturdashi Tithi remaining for two days. According to Drik Panchang, Chhoti Diwali and Yam Deepdan will be performed on the evening of 7th November, while Abhyang Snan of Narak Chaturdashi will be held on the morning of 8th November. However, there may be differences in the event in different regions according to local calendar and traditions.