Narak Chaturdashi 2025: Date, Shubh Muhurat, Roop Chaudas Snan Time, and Significance

Narak Chaturdashi, also known as Chhoti Diwali or Roop Chaudas, is an important festival celebrated a day before Diwali. According to Hindu tradition, festivals observed at night are celebrated as per the night time of that lunar date (tithi), while those observed during the day follow the sunrise-based tithi. The Chaturdashi of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik is known as Narak Chaturdashi. The main worship is done at night, while the ritual bath or Abhyang Snan (Roop Chaudas Snan) is performed early in the morning during the same Chaturdashi tithi.

When is Narak Chaturdashi in 2025 — 19 or 20 October?

In 2025, Narak Chaturdashi (Roop Chaudas) is being observed on 19 October 2025 (Sunday). However, the Abhyang Snan — the holy bath taken before sunrise — will take place on 20 October 2025 (Monday), because the Chaturdashi tithi begins on 19 October afternoon.

Therefore, both 19 and 20 October will hold significance — 19 October for the main Narak Chaturdashi puja (night rituals) and 20 October for the pre-dawn Roop Chaudas Snan. Diwali and Lakshmi Puja will follow on the night of 20 October 2025.

Tithi and Muhurat

Chaturdashi Tithi Begins: 19 October 2025, 01:51 PM

Chaturdashi Tithi Ends: 20 October 2025, 03:44 PM

(Note: Local timings may vary by 2–5 minutes depending on your region.)

Narak Chaturdashi (Chhoti Diwali)

Narak Chaturdashi will primarily be celebrated on Sunday, 19 October 2025, as the auspicious puja muhurat falls on this night. On this day, devotees also observe Hanuman Jayanti, perform Deep Daan, and Kali Puja.

According to legend, on this day Lord Krishna killed the demon Narakasura and freed 16,000 imprisoned women, restoring peace to the Devloka. To celebrate this victory of good over evil, people light diyas and celebrate with joy. Lord Krishna, Hanuman, and Yama (the God of Death) are worshipped on this day.

Narak Chaturdashi Shubh Muhurat (19 October 2025)

Vijay Muhurat: 2:07 PM to 2:53 PM

Godhuli Muhurat: 5:58 PM to 6:23 PM

Roop Chaudas (Abhyang Snan) Muhurat (20 October 2025)

The sacred bath (Abhyang Snan) of Narak Chaturdashi is performed before sunrise when the Chaturdashi tithi coincides with dawn. Hence, in 2025 it will be performed on Monday, 20 October, before sunrise.

Abhyang Snan Shubh Muhurat : 5:13 AM to 6:25 AM

(Duration: Around 1 hour 12 minutes)

Other Shubh Yogas

Amrit Siddhi Yoga: From 19 October, 5:49 PM to 20 October, 6:29 AM. This yoga is considered auspicious for Abhyang Snan.

Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga: From 19 October, 5:49 PM to 20 October, 6:29 AM. This yoga is considered highly auspicious for pooja, purchases, and beginning new ventures.

Significance of Abhyang Snan

Taking an early morning Abhyang Snan on this day is believed to enhance beauty, health, and prosperity. This ritual bath is why the day is also called Roop Chaudas. Before sunrise, people apply herbal ubtan (paste) and bathe using water infused with bitter leaves such as neem or chichri. If this isn’t possible, one can apply sandalwood paste and after it dries, take a bath with sesame oil. After the bath, devotees offer water (arghya) to the Sun God.

Disclaimer: The content provided here is based on beliefs and information only. Always consult a concerned expert.