Choti Diwali 2026 is drawing many searches in India.
The festival is also called Naraka Chaturdashi, Kali Chaudas or Roop Chaudas. It is celebrated in the Kartik month.
This year, many people are confused about the date. Some say November 7, and others say November 8.
The reason is that the Chaturdashi tithi is split across two days.
AajTak reported this, using Drik Panchang timings.
According to the report, the tithi starts at 10:49 am on Saturday, November 7. It ends at 11:29 am on Sunday, November 8.
Key points
- The Chaturdashi tithi runs from November 7 to November 8, 2026.
- The Yama lamp is lit on the evening of November 7.
- The oil bath, called Abhyang Snan, is on the morning of November 8.
- Several states will keep liquor shops closed on November 8.
So which day should you follow?
Astrologer Pandit Arunesh Kumar Sharma explained the timing.
The Yama lamp is lit during Pradosh vrat, so it falls on the evening of November 7.
The oil bath must be taken before sunrise. So it falls on the morning of November 8.
Goodreturns, however, says the festival will be celebrated across India on November 7.
So the two reports differ on the main day.
What should you do on each day?
On the evening of November 7, people light a four-wick lamp facing south at the main door.
The lamp uses mustard or sesame oil, with whole rice placed underneath.
Families pray for long life, good health and protection from untimely death.
On the morning of November 8, people massage sesame oil on the body before sunrise.
After the bath, they offer water to Yama. They remember his 14 names while doing so.
Why are liquor shops closed on November 8?
Mint reported that November 8 is a dry day in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Haryana and Madhya Pradesh.
Tripura and some other states are also listed.
Liquor shops, bars and restaurants have been asked not to serve alcohol that day.
Some hotels are exempt under special licences.
Liquor shops will open as usual on Dhanteras, Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj.
Mint also says breaking dry day rules can attract penalties.
Sources
- AajTak: Chhoti Diwali 2026: आज या कल, छोटी दिवाली कब? जानें तिथि और यम दीपक, अभ्यंग स्नान का मुहूर्त
- Mint: Diwali 2026: When will liquor shops remain close during the festive week? Check dry day dates in Delhi, UP, Maharashtra
- Goodreturns: Choti Diwali 2026: Check Shubh Muhurat Timing, Puja Vidhi, Significance, Dos And Don'ts For Naraka Chaturdashi
