Narak Chaturdashi 2025 – The Festival of Light, Purity, and Victory over Evil

Narak Chaturdashi, also known as Naraka Chaturdashi, Choti Diwali, or Roop Chaudas, is one of the most significant days in the five-day Diwali festival. It is celebrated a day before Diwali and symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. On this day, Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura, freeing the world from darkness and fear.

People across India perform special rituals, light diyas, and pray for liberation from sins and negativity. The festival is also known by regional names such as Bhoot Chaturdashi in West Bengal and Narak Nivaran Chaturdashi in Maharashtra and Gujarat.

Narak Chaturdashi 2025

In 2025, Narak Chaturdashi will be celebrated with great devotion and joy. It will fall a day before Diwali, marking the second day of the five-day Diwali celebrations.

When is Narak Chaturdashi 2025?

As per the Hindu calendar, Narak Chaturdashi 2025 will be observed on 19th October 2025 (Monday). People often ask, “Narak Chaturdashi kab hai?” or “Narak Nivaran Chaturdashi 2025 mein kab hai?” — this year, it’s on the Chaturdashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik.

Narak Chaturdashi Time and Muhurat

According to the Panchang, the Chaturdashi Tithi begins at 6:13 PM on October 19, 2025, and ends at 4:56 PM on October 20, 2025. The best time for Abhyang Snan (holy bath) on Narak Nivaran Chaturdashi 2025 is between 4:50 AM to 6:20 AM. Performing this ritual during the Brahma Muhurat is considered highly auspicious.

Narak Chaturdashi Story

The story of Narak Chaturdashi revolves around the demon king Narakasura, who ruled Pragjyotishpur (present-day Assam). Narakasura was known for his cruelty, arrogance, and misuse of power. He imprisoned thousands of innocent women and spread darkness across the world. Unable to bear his atrocities, the gods sought help from Lord Krishna. The Lord, accompanied by Satyabhama, his consort, fought a fierce battle and killed Narakasura on the Chaturdashi day. As per the legend, Narakasura requested that his death day be celebrated as a day of joy and cleansing — marking the beginning of light, purity, and victory.

Why Did Krishna Kill Narakasura?

According to the Narak Chaturdashi story, Narakasura had obtained immense power from Lord Brahma but used it for evil. He stole the celestial earrings of Aditi, the mother of gods, and captured women from various kingdoms. To restore dharma and justice, Lord Krishna killed Narakasura. This victory symbolizes the destruction of ego, ignorance, and darkness from human life — the essence of Narak Chaturdashi.

Why is Narak Chaturdashi Celebrated?

Narak Chaturdashi or Narak Nivaran Chaturdashi is celebrated to commemorate Lord Krishna’s victory over Narakasura. It also reminds people to cleanse their homes, bodies, and souls of impurities before welcoming the festival of Diwali. Spiritually, the festival signifies inner purification — removing negative emotions like anger, greed, and jealousy — and embracing positivity, love, and light.

Narak Chaturdashi Puja Rituals

The rituals of Narak Chaturdashi 2025 begin early in the morning with Abhyang Snan, performed using sesame oil and ubtan. It is believed that this sacred bath protects one from untimely death and purifies the soul.

Other rituals include:

• Lighting diyas at every corner of the house.

• Offering prayers to Lord Krishna, Yama (the god of death), and Hanuman.

• Preparing sweets and festive delicacies.

• Performing Deep Daan (lamp offering) after sunset to invite prosperity.

Importance of Four-Faced Oil Lamp (Chaumukh Deepak)

Lighting the Chaumukh Deepak or four-faced lamp on Narak Nivaran Chaturdashi night is an essential ritual. Each face of the lamp symbolizes one direction — North, South, East, and West — spreading divine light across the home.

It is said that this practice removes negative energy and brings peace, happiness, and protection from evil forces.

Places to Light Lamps

• Main entrance – to welcome Goddess Lakshmi.

• Tulsi plant – for family prosperity.

• Kitchen – for abundance and food security.

• Bathroom and well area – to ward off negativity.

• Near household deity or mandir – for divine blessings.

Lighting lamps on Bhoot Chaturdashi 2025 or Narak Chaturdashi night signifies victory of light over darkness.

Important Message of Narak Chaturdashi

The festival conveys a timeless message — that inner light and purity must prevail over darkness and ego. It reminds us to introspect, remove inner negativities, and embrace goodness, truth, and humility. Narak Chaturdashi teaches that just like Lord Krishna destroyed Narakasura, we too can conquer our inner demons with awareness and faith.