Naraka Chaturdashi 2024: Know the date, timings, and significance of Naraka Chaturdashi

The festival celebrates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.

While Abhyang Snan is recommended on three Diwali days: Chaturdashi, Amavasya, and Pratipada, Drik Panchang states that Narak Chaturdashi is the most significant day for the ritual.

With the festival just around the corner, here’s all you need to know about Naraka Chaturdashi—from date to puja muhurat timings, rituals, and more.

Naraka Chaturdashi 2024: Date and Timings

Naraka Chaturdashi occurs on the 14th day of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) in the Hindu month of Kartik.

In 2024, people will observe it on Wednesday, October 30. Drik Panchang has shared the auspicious timings for the day; find them below:

• Chaturdashi Tithi Begins: 03:45 AM on Oct 30, 2024
• Chaturdashi Tithi Ends: 06:22 AM on Oct 31, 2024
• Abhyang Snan Muhurat: 5:37 AM to 7:28 AM
• Brahma Muhurta: 05:40 AM to 06:34 AM

Naraka Chaturdashi 2024: Origin and Significance

The festival’s origin can be traced back to Hindu mythology. As per the legend, Lord Krishna, along with Goddess Kali and Satyabhama, over the demon king Narakasura.

Narakasura was a tyrant who tormented people and captured 16,100 women, and in response to the people’s prayers for relief, Lord Krishna defeated the demon king, freeing the captives.

After slaying the demon, it is said that Lord Krishna took an oil bath during the auspicious Brahma Muhurat, which is why taking Abhyang Snan, a ritual bath, is considered highly beneficial on this day.

This festival holds deep spiritual significance, symbolizing the triumph of victory over evil.

On this day, devotees perform an oil bath before sunrise, which is believed to cleanse sins and protect against misfortune.

Naraka Chaturdashi serves as a reminder that good ultimately prevails over evil, encouraging devotees to embrace positivity and spiritual growth as they prepare for the grand festival of Diwali that follows.