Naraka Chaturdashi 2025

The second day of the grand five-day Diwali festival, Naraka Chaturdashi 2025, arrives with both spiritual depth and festive spark. Falling on Monday, October 20, 2025, this day is deeply rooted in mythology and is symbolic of the triumph of good over evil—specifically the slaying of the demon Narakasura by Lord Krishna and Satyabhama.

Known by different names across India—Kali Chaudas in Gujarat and Rajasthan, Roop Chaudas in North India, and Bhoot Chaturdashi in West Bengal—this day carries regional nuances but a shared essence: the banishment of negativity and the celebration of light, beauty, and spiritual cleansing.

While it may go by many names, the soul of the day remains rooted in a meaningful tale that inspires devotion and joy in equal measure.

Key Highlights of Naraka Chaturdashi 2025

Naraka Chaturdashi might be one of the quieter days in the Diwali lineup, but don’t be fooled—it carries weight, tradition, and a deep-rooted story that resonates across generations. Here’s what you should know at a glance.

Naraka Chaturdashi Date and Timing
• Naraka Chaturdashi in 2025 falls on Monday, October 20
• Abhyang Snan Muhurat: From 5:13 AM to 6:25 AM
• Chaturdashi Tithi begins at 1:51 PM on October 19 and ends at 3:44 PM on October 20

The ritual bath during the early morning hours is considered the most spiritually cleansing part of the day.

Mythological Backdrop

Narakasura was a demon king who ruled with fear and cruelty, abducting women and creating chaos. He was eventually defeated by Krishna, with help from Satyabhama, who is believed to be the earthly incarnation of Bhudevi—his own mother. Before dying, Narakasura requested his death be remembered with celebration. That wish became what we now know as Narak Chaturdashi.

Public or Government Holiday

That depends on your state. While Naraka Chaturdashi isn’t a nationwide gazetted holiday, it’s recognized as a public holiday in many states like Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu—especially where the Diwali celebration starts from this day. Schools, colleges, and certain government offices may observe a day off, but this isn’t guaranteed across the board.

In northern states, the main holiday often falls on the next day, i.e., Diwali/Amavasya, while southern and western regions mark Naraka Chaturdashi as their primary day of celebration.

Narak Chaturdashi Bank Holiday

Now, let’s clear the air around the most-searched query: Is Naraka Chaturdashi a bank holiday?

The answer depends entirely on where you are in India. Naraka Chaturdashi, also referred to as Choti Diwali in many regions, is not a nationwide bank holiday, but certain states do declare it as a bank holiday under the Negotiable Instruments Act.

Here’s how it typically works:

• Bank Holiday Status: Regional
• States Where Banks May Be Closed:
  → Maharashtra
  → Goa
  → Gujarat
  → Tamil Nadu
  → Karnataka
  → Andhra Pradesh (in some years)
  → Telangana

These states often observe it as part of the extended Diwali celebration, especially when Lakshmi Puja and Naraka Chaturdashi fall on different days.

Banks, however, remain open in most northern and eastern states like Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal unless it overlaps with another gazetted festival.

Pro Tip: Always check the state-wise RBI Bank Holiday list or your local bank’s holiday calendar for confirmation in your region.

Importance and Significance of Narak Chaturdashi

Naraka Chaturdashi isn’t just a pre-Diwali ritual—it’s a celebration packed with spiritual depth, cultural symbolism, and powerful traditions.

Here’s why this day holds such importance across India:

Triumph of Good Over Evil
At the heart of Naraka Chaturdashi lies the mythological victory of Lord Krishna and Satyabhama over the demon Narakasura. This legendary battle is a reminder that evil, no matter how powerful, eventually meets its end. Lighting lamps on this day symbolizes the end of darkness, both literal and metaphorical.

Rituals of Cleansing and Purification
A unique feature of Naraka Chaturdashi is the Abhyanga Snan—a sacred oil bath taken before sunrise. The idea is to cleanse the body and soul, letting go of laziness, negativity, and bad karma. It’s believed that those who perform this ritual escape the torment of ‘Narak’ (hell) in the afterlife.

Devotion to Mahakali and Lakshmi
In some states, like Gujarat and West Bengal, this day is associated with Kali Puja, while in others, Lakshmi Puja preparation starts. The divine feminine energy is honored in both forms—Kali as the destroyer of evil and Lakshmi as the bringer of wealth and peace.

Regional Names, Shared Essence
Depending on where you’re from, you might know this day as
⇒ Choti Diwali (North India)
⇒ Kali Chaudas (Gujarat and Rajasthan)
⇒ Roop Chaudas (Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra)
⇒ Bhoot Chaturdashi (West Bengal)

Despite the different names and regional flavors, the essence remains the same—purification, protection, and the celebration of inner light.

A Day for Ancestral Worship
In Bengal and parts of eastern India, 14 diyas are lit to welcome ancestral spirits, believed to visit homes on Bhoot Chaturdashi. It’s a day to honor our lineage, showing gratitude and seeking blessings from those who came before us.

History of Narak Chaturdashi

To really understand Narak Chaturdashi, you’ve got to step into the pages of ancient mythology. This isn’t just a pre-Diwali event—it’s a powerful tale of good versus evil, divine justice, and cosmic balance.

The Demon Narakasura
The festival is named after Narakasura, a ruthless demon king who ruled with fear. Born to Bhudevi (Mother Earth) and Vishnu’s Varaha avatar, Narakasura grew arrogant with power. He conquered kingdoms, tortured deities, and even abducted 16,000 princesses, holding them captive.

Blessed by Lord Brahma, Narakasura could only be killed by a woman, which made him nearly invincible—or so he thought.

The Divine Battle
Enter Lord Krishna and his fierce consort Satyabhama. In one version of the legend, Satyabhama (considered to be an incarnation of Bhudevi herself) took the reins of Krishna’s chariot and struck down Narakasura in battle, fulfilling the prophecy.

In other tellings, Goddess Kali is believed to have vanquished the demon, tying the festival to her worship in some regions.

More Than Just a Myth
Beyond the story, the day represents the cleansing of one’s inner demons—anger, ego, and greed—and a fresh start filled with light, clarity, and gratitude.

Whether you believe in the literal tale or see it as a symbolic parable, the message remains timeless: evil fades, and light prevails.

Are There Different Types of Naraka Chaturdashi?

Well, not exactly in the way you might think that Naraka Chaturdashi is generally one festival observed on a single day, but it wears different faces across India depending on the regional lens.

So while the core celebration remains the same—marking the victory over Narakasura and the ritual of Abhyanga Snan—there are variations in names, deities, and associated customs. Here’s how it’s expressed differently:

Kali Chaudas (Gujarat, Rajasthan)
Also observed on the same day, Kali Chaudas focuses more on warding off evil spirits, negativity, and black magic. Devotees worship Mahakali and even perform special rituals for protection and energy cleansing.

Roop Chaudas (Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra)
In these regions, the day is associated with roop (beauty) and self-purification. People take a special oil bath before sunrise (Abhyanga Snan), apply homemade ubtan, and worship for inner and outer beauty. It’s kind of a spiritual self-care day.

Bhoot Chaturdashi (West Bengal, Bangladesh)
This version is more ancestral and spiritual. It’s believed that 14 generations of ancestors visit the household on this night. To guide them and keep evil spirits away, 14 diyas are lit in various corners of the home.

Deepavali Bhogi (Tamil Nadu)
Here, Naraka Chaturdashi is often synonymous with Diwali itself, and the main celebration takes place on this day, not Amavasya like in most other regions. Ritual oil baths, sweets, and fireworks mark the festivity.

Naraka Chaturdashi Rituals & Traditions

If Diwali is the grand finale, Naraka Chaturdashi is the powerful warm-up. Packed with symbolism, cleansing rituals, and family traditions, this day sets the tone for spiritual renewal and festive celebration.

Let’s break down what typically happens across homes in India on this significant day:

Abhyanga Snan: The Sacred Oil Bath
This one’s non-negotiable.

⇒ Timing matters: It’s done before sunrise, while Chaturdashi Tithi and moonrise both prevail.
⇒ What’s used: Til (sesame) oil is massaged into the body, followed by a natural scrub or ubtan made of turmeric, besan, sandalwood, and herbs.
⇒ Why it’s done: It’s said to cleanse the body, ward off negative energy, and protect one from the torments of Narak (hell).

Missing this bath, according to belief, could invite bad luck or spiritual heaviness. Think of it as a reset button for the soul.

Lighting the Diyas|
Just like Diwali, this evening is about light winning over darkness.
⇒ People decorate entrances and windows with oil lamps.
⇒ 14 diyas in some regions (especially Bengal and Odisha) are used to honor ancestors and chase away evil forces.
⇒ Homes glow with warmth and radiance, symbolizing purification and joy.

Worship and Puja Rituals
Worship varies slightly by region but includes
⇒ Offerings to Lord Krishna and Satyabhama, often in gratitude for destroying Narakasura.
⇒ Special prayers to Goddess Kali or Mahakali in Gujarat, Rajasthan, and parts of Maharashtra.
⇒ In many South Indian homes, Lakshmi Puja is done on this day, with prayers for wealth, health, and happiness.

Some households also honor Kula Devi, their family’s guardian deity, with offerings and a visit to the ancestral temple.

Food, Sweets, and Prasad
No Hindu festival skips the food—and Naraka Chaturdashi is no exception.
⇒ Freshly harvested rice is used to make poha-based delicacies.
⇒ Sweets like laddoos, karanjis, and chakli fill the kitchen.
⇒ Special prasad includes sesame seeds, jaggery, coconut, and ghee-laced preparations.

Fasting (Optional)
While not mandatory, some people observe a partial or full-day fast, especially when it’s combined with Kali Puja or Lakshmi worship. Fasting is often broken after completing rituals in the evening.

Crushing of the Bitter Berry (Kareet)
In Goa and Maharashtra, a small bitter fruit (kareet) is crushed underfoot to symbolize the destruction of Narakasura and the removal of evil or ignorance from life.

Fireworks and Family Time
After all the spiritual cleansing and devotion, the night ends with laughter, firecrackers, and gathering around meals. It’s a perfect balance of reverence and joy.

How to Celebrate Narak Chaturdashi

Whether you’re steeped in tradition or celebrating it for the first time, Naraka Chaturdashi is all about shedding the darkness and stepping into the light. Here’s how it’s commonly and joyfully celebrated across India:

Wake Up Before Sunrise
⇒ This is for Abhyanga Snan, the holy oil bath ritual.
⇒ Sesame oil massage, followed by a warm bath with herbal ubtan (body scrub), is said to cleanse sins and energize the body.
⇒ It’s a spiritual reboot before the festive chaos begins.

Dress Fresh, Think Festive
After the bath, it’s time to slip into new or freshly washed traditional clothes.
⇒ For women: bright sarees, bangles, and sindoor.
⇒ For men: clean kurtas or dhotis, sometimes even a new dhoti if it’s a more traditional household.

Light Up the House
As evening approaches, homes sparkle.
⇒ Oil diyas are lit and placed near doors, balconies, and courtyards.
⇒ In Bengal and Odisha, 14 diyas are specifically lit to guide ancestors and ward off evil.
⇒ In Goa, effigies of Narakasura are burned in the morning itself to signify the victory of good over evil.

Perform the Puja
The exact puja rituals depend on the region and family customs, but most include
⇒ Offerings of flowers, sandalwood, coconut, and jaggery.
⇒ Worship of Lord Krishna, Satyabhama, Goddess Kali, or Lord Hanuman, depending on the region.
⇒ Aarti with oil lamps and incense, often followed by distributing Prasad.

Enjoy a Festive Meal
⇒ Breakfast or lunch includes poha dishes, sweets, and other regional festive foods.
⇒ Popular items: coconut ladoos, chakli, karanji, thekua, or hand-pounded rice dishes.

Famous Places That Celebrate Narak Chaturdashi

Naraka Chaturdashi might not come with grand parades like some other festivals, but make no mistake—it’s deeply celebrated, especially in places with a rich Diwali tradition. Here’s where the vibe is loud, proud, and lit—literally.

Goa
Let’s start with the showstopper.
• Goa celebrates Naraka Chaturdashi like a mini Dussehra.
• Locals create giant effigies of Narakasura, fill them with firecrackers, and burn them before dawn.
• Streets echo with music, drumming, and cheers.
• This isn’t just ritual—it’s community theater meets spiritual symbolism.

Maharashtra
From Mumbai to Pune, the early morning Abhyanga Snan is sacred.
• People wake up in the wee hours, apply ubtan, and follow it with a ceremonial bath.
• You’ll see homes lit up by oil lamps and hear the crackle of crackers by evening.
• Sweet shops are bustling, and gifting is a big deal here.

Gujarat
Here, the day is more popularly known as Kali Chaudas.
• It’s considered spiritually powerful, and in some traditions, people offer prayers to Mahakali or their Kula Devi.
• The vibe is devotional and protective, with rituals meant to cleanse homes and souls of negativity.

Tamil Nadu
In many parts of Tamil Nadu, Naraka Chaturdashi = Deepavali.
• It’s the main Diwali day here.
• The morning starts early with oil baths, puja, and firecrackers, followed by lavish meals and family visits.
• Some households perform Lakshmi Puja on this day instead of Amavasya.

West Bengal & Bangladesh

Here, it’s all about Bhoot Chaturdashi.
• It’s believed the 14 ancestors visit their loved ones.
• Families light 14 diyas around the house to guide them and ward off evil.
• You’ll find homes glowing, especially in rural Bengal, where these beliefs are deeply rooted.

Karnataka & Andhra Pradesh
• Celebrated in line with regional Diwali customs, Naraka Chaturdashi often sees early morning Hanuman Puja, Abhyanga Snan, and traditional feasting.
• Crackers are usually burst on this day rather than Amavasya.

Nepal (optional mention for reference)
While not celebrated as “Naraka Chaturdashi” in Nepal, the second day of Tihar (their Diwali) includes early bathing rituals and dog worship (Kukur Tihar), aligning with similar purification traditions.

Upcoming Naraka Chaturdashi Dates

Though Naraka Chaturdashi is observed across India, it’s not a national public holiday. It is, however, prominently celebrated in specific states—both officially and culturally. Below is a simple year-wise list showing where the festival is actively celebrated, especially with regional holidays and traditional rituals.

Naraka Chaturdashi Celebrations by Year 

Year	Date	Chaturdashi Tithi	Abhyang Snan Muhurat
2024	Friday, Oct 31	Begins: Oct 30, 1:15 PM Ends: Oct 31, 3:52 PM	5:20 AM to 6:32 AM
2025	Monday, Oct 20	Begins: Oct 19, 1:51 PM Ends: Oct 20, 3:44 PM	5:13 AM to 6:25 AM
2026	Saturday, Nov 8	Begins: Nov 7, 10:47 AM Ends: Nov 8, 11:27 AM	5:36 AM to 6:38 AM
2027	Tuesday, Oct 28	Begins: Oct 27, 10:49 PM Ends: Oct 28, 8:47 PM	5:01 AM to 6:30 AM
2028	Friday, Oct 17	Begins: Oct 16, 3:45 PM Ends: Oct 17, 12:04 PM	5:16 AM to 6:23 AM
2029	Wednesday, Nov 5	Begins: Nov 4, 5:29 PM Ends: Nov 5, 1:44 PM	5:24 AM to 6:36 AM
2030	Sunday, Oct 26	Begins: Oct 25, 7:09 AM Ends: Oct 26, 4:40 AM	5:42 AM to 6:29 AM

Note: The Abhyang Snan Muhurat is based on the moonrise-to-sunrise window while the Chaturdashi Tithi is still active—which is why it slightly varies each year.

Final Takeaway

Naraka Chaturdashi isn’t just the day before Diwali; it’s a spiritually rich, culturally diverse celebration that marks the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Whether you’re lighting diyas in Bengal, crushing a kareet in Goa, or starting your morning with an abhyanga snan in Maharashtra, the day’s core message remains the same: cleanse the self, celebrate light, and conquer inner darkness.

Even if it’s not a uniform government holiday across India, the emotion and energy are deeply felt in homes everywhere. It’s one of those festivals that remind us of how vibrant, meaningful, and beautifully diverse Indian traditions really are.

Download Personal Loan App

Get a loan instantly! Best Personal Loan App for your needs!!

Looking for an instant loan? Buddy Loan helps you get an instant loan from the best-verified lenders. Download the Buddy Loan App from the Play Store or App Store and apply for a loan now!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Naraka Chaturdashi a government holiday?
In some states like Maharashtra and Goa, yes—it’s recognized as a public holiday.

Are Diwali and Naraka Chaturdashi on the same day?
Not always; Narak Chaturdashi usually falls a day before Diwali (Lakshmi Puja).

What is the importance of Naraka Chaturdashi?
It symbolizes the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura and the triumph of good over evil.

How is Naraka Chaturdashi celebrated?
With early morning oil baths (abhyanga snan), pujas, lighting diyas, and festive meals.

Is Naraka Chaturdashi a gazetted holiday?
No, it is not listed as a gazetted holiday at the national level.

Is Naraka Chaturdashi a restricted holiday?
Yes, in many central and state government holiday lists, it is marked as a restricted holiday.

When is Naraka Chaturdashi in 2025?
It will be observed on Monday, October 20, 2025.

What is the purpose of Narak Chaturdashi?
To spiritually cleanse oneself and commemorate the defeat of evil.

What is the spiritual meaning of Naraka Chaturdashi?
It represents self-purification, protection from negativity, and inner awakening.

Is Naraka Chaturdashi good or bad?
It’s considered highly auspicious and is all about driving away bad energy.

What to do on Naraka Chaturdashi?
Perform abhyanga snan, worship with devotion, light diyas, and share festive joy with loved ones.