Naraka Chaturdashi 2025: Know the Date, Timings, and Significance

Picture this: there's one day in the year when an entire nation becomes obsessed with an ancient battle story.

Not just any story—we're talking about the ultimate clash between a demon who had everything and a hero who changed everything. A festival where every lit lamp tells the tale of how light defeated darkness, where every ritual whispers secrets of victory that are thousands of years old.

Is it something out of a fantasy novel? Well, it's very real, and it happens every year. It a festival that's part ancient mythology, part spiritual detox, part family reunion, and completely unlike anything else you've ever heard of.

Let’s see when is it falling this year and the story behind its celebration.

Narak Chaturdashi 2025: Date and Muhurat

Narak Chaturdasi Date 2025: Monday, October 20, 2025

Abhyang Snan Mahurat 2025: 5:13 AM to 6:25 AM IST on Oct 20, 2025

Here’s a story for you to hear, on how Choti Diwali gained the name after Naraka, the devil and darkness.

Significance of Roop Chaudas or Kali Chaudas

It is said that the demon Naraksura had spread fear across the three worlds with his cruelty and wrongdoing. All beings suffered under his rule.

On the day of Chaturdashi, Lord Krishna, along with his wife Satyabhama, killed Naraksura and freed 16,000 women he had captured. This is why every year, the Chaturdashi of the Kartik month is celebrated as Narak Chaturdashi.

This sacred day celebrates the victory of good over evil, light over darkness. As the second day of the five-day Diwali festival, it helps devotees cleanse themselves of sins and negativity before the main Lakshmi Puja.

The most important ritual of this day is the Abhyang Snan, a holy oil bath taken before sunrise that removes sins and purifies the soul. The festival is dedicated to Lord Yama, the god of death, and devotees perform rituals to seek his protection from untimely death and hell. The day is also called Roop Chaturdashi, where "Roop" means beauty.

Now let’s explore the rituals of Narak Chaturdashi, which are performed to purify the soul, seek protection, and invite prosperity.

Rituals of Narak Chaturdashi

The day of Narak Chaturdashi begins before dawn with sacred rituals performed for cleansing, protection, and prosperity. Here are the key traditions followed by devotees:

1. Abhyang Snan (Holy Bath):

Before sunrise, devotees apply a mixture of sesame oil, sandalwood paste, and herbal ubtan to their bodies. This purifying bath is believed to wash away past sins and remove negative energies. It is said that those who perform the Abhyang Snan on this day are freed from the torments of hell.

2. Lighting of Diyas:

As evening descends, homes are lit with rows of clay lamps (diyas) to dispel darkness and invite divine blessings. Lighting diyas also honors Lord Krishna and celebrates the light of truth prevailing over falsehood.

3. Yama Tarpan and Deepdaan:

Devotees offer water and sesame seeds to Lord Yama while chanting prayers for protection and peace. Performing Deepdaan — offering lamps at crossroads or near sacred trees — is considered highly meritorious and believed to bring safety and well-being to the family.

4. Worship of Lord Krishna and Satyabhama:

Devotees perform a puja dedicated to Lord Krishna and Satyabhama, expressing gratitude for restoring dharma and defeating Naraksura. Offerings of sweets, flowers, and betel leaves are made during the evening rituals.

5. Roop Chaturdashi Ritual:

Many also perform beauty rituals on this day by applying fragrant oils, wearing new clothes, and adorning themselves with ornaments — symbolizing the celebration of divine beauty and inner purity.

The ritual of lighting lamps or diyas is an important part of Roop Chaudas. Let’s cover certain locations that are considered auspicious for this practice.

Places to Light Lamps

Deepdan or lighting diyas holds special significance on Roop Chaudas. Scriptures and folk beliefs highlight specific places where lighting lamps brings special merits:

Main Entrance

Light a lamp at the main entrance to welcome Goddess Lakshmi and invite prosperity into the home.

Prayer Area/Home Temple

Place a lamp in front of the deities to symbolize devotion and spiritual connection.

Near the Kitchen

Lighting a lamp in the kitchen invokes the blessings of Goddess Annapurna, ensuring abundance.

Near Tulsi Plant

The Tulsi plant is considered sacred; lighting a lamp here maintains purity and spirituality.

Courtyard, Terrace, and Corners of the House

Light lamps in courtyards, terraces, shops, workplaces, and corners of the home to ensure positivity and illumination throughout.

Unlock divine guidance this Narak Chaturdashi. Talk to an astrologer on Astroyogi today.

The Bottom Line

Narak Chaturdashi offers a profound opportunity for spiritual purification and divine protection. Each ritual carries deep meaning: the oil bath cleanses karma, the herbal ubtan purifies your being, the Yama Deepak protects your destiny, and the lamps illuminate your soul.

The story of Krishna's victory over Naraksura reminds us that divine grace and righteousness always prevail over darkness. Just as Krishna liberated thousands, this festival offers liberation from negative patterns and spiritual ignorance.

May this Narak Chaturdashi bring you spiritual cleansing, divine protection, and lasting prosperity. May the light you kindle dispel all darkness and illuminate your path toward dharma and happiness.