When is Ganesh Chaturthi (गणेश चतुर्थी) in 2026?

Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 starts on September 14, marking the beginning of the 10-day grand Ganeshotsav festival in Maharashtra.

Does this calendar include Maharashtra state holidays?

Yes, we track all official public holidays in Maharashtra, including Maharashtra Day, Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti, Gudi Padwa, and Ambedkar Jayanti.

How do I know which exact day to perform a specific Puja?

Our calendar maps major festivals to the primary civil day of observance. For exact fractional Tithi bounds, please visit our Daily Panchang page.

When is Naraka Chaturdashi celebrated in 2026 in Maharashtra?

Naraka Chaturdashi (Chhoti Diwali) will be celebrated on Sunday, November 8, 2026. The Chaturdashi tithi prevails during the early morning hours, which is the prescribed time for the sacred Abhyanga Snan.

What is the exact Abhyanga Snan Muhurat for Naraka Chaturdashi 2026?

The auspicious Abhyanga Snan timing on Sunday, November 8, 2026, is from 05:05 AM to 06:40 AM. The ritual bath must strictly be completed before sunrise while the stars are still visible in the dawn sky.

Why is the Karit (कारीट) fruit crushed on Naraka Chaturdashi?

Crushing the bitter green Karit fruit under the left foot symbolizes the destruction of the demon Narakasura and the subjugation of negative tendencies like ego, anger, and arrogance. Touching a drop of the bitter juice to the tongue before tasting festive sweets reminds devotees that life is a balance of bitter and sweet moments.

What ingredients make authentic Maharashtrian Utane (उटणे)?

Traditional Diwali Utane is an Ayurvedic blend of natural herbs including Sandalwood (Chandan), Vetiver (Wala/Khas), Nagarmotha, Kachora, Turmeric (Haldi), Rose petals (Gulab pakhlya), Anantmool, and Chickpea flour (Besan). It exfoliates dead skin, improves blood circulation, and imparts a natural fragrant glow.

Is Naraka Chaturdashi an official public holiday in Maharashtra?

Yes, Naraka Chaturdashi is an official gazetted public holiday across Maharashtra. Government offices, schools, colleges, banks, and commercial institutions remain closed for the Diwali festivities.

Naraka Chaturdashi 2026 | नरक चतुर्दशी

Abhyanga Snan Utane Karit Naraka Chaturdashi 2026 Maharashtra

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About Naraka Chaturdashi(उत्सव माहिती)

Naraka Chaturdashi (celebrated with immense cultural pride in Maharashtra as Pahili Diwali - पहिली दिवाळी) is the second and most sensory-rich day of the Diwali festival. Observed on the fourteenth day (Chaturdashi) of the dark fortnight in the month of Kartik, this day commemorates Lord Krishna's decisive triumph over the demon king Narakasura, liberating humanity and sixteen thousand captive souls from tyranny.

In Maharashtra, the soul of Naraka Chaturdashi lies in the sacred pre-dawn ritual of Abhyanga Snan (अभ्यंगस्नान). Long before sunrise, families wake up to the festive chill of early winter. Mothers and sisters massage family members with warm herbal oils and scented Utane (उटणे) — an aromatic Ayurvedic scrub made from sandalwood, vetiver, rose petals, and turmeric. Before bathing, each family member steps on a small bitter green melon called Karit (कारीट), crushing it under their left foot to symbolize the destruction of inner demons, ego, and negativity.

Following the purifying bath, family members dress in resplendent new festive garments, receive traditional Aarti (Owalani) from the women of the house, and sit together for the first grand feast of homemade Diwali Faral (freshly prepared Chaklis, sweet Karanjis, Besan Ladoos, and spicy Chivda). Balconies and courtyards are illuminated with glowing paper lanterns (Akashkandil) and strings of oil lamps (Panti).

History: According to the sacred Bhagavata Purana and Harivamsa, the demon king Narakasura, ruler of Pragjyotishapura, had unleashed immense terror across the three worlds. Blessed with immense boons by Lord Brahma, he had plundered the celestial realms, snatched the earrings of mother goddess Aditi, and imprisoned sixteen thousand one hundred princesses in his fortress.

The Devas pleaded with Lord Krishna for salvation. Accompanied by his fierce queen Satyabhama, Lord Krishna rode Garuda into Narakasura's stronghold. In a momentous battle, Lord Krishna and Satyabhama vanquished Narakasura on Kartik Krishna Chaturdashi. Dying, Narakasura repented and requested that his death anniversary be celebrated with light and rejoicing rather than mourning.

Lord Krishna bathed before sunrise with medicinal oils and warm waters to cleanse the battle dust and demon blood, returning triumphantly to a festively lit city. Hence, waking up before dawn to take the medicinal Abhyanga Snan and lighting lamps has been practiced across India and Maharashtra for thousands of years.

Significance: Naraka Chaturdashi combines profound spiritual awakening with ancient Ayurvedic preventive healthcare:

Pre-Dawn Abhyanga Snan Benefits: In Ayurveda, Kartik marks the onset of the cool Hemant Ritu. The skin becomes dry, and the Vata dosha accumulates. Applying warm sesame or mustard oil and scrubbing with herbal Utane deeply moisturizes the dermal layers, stimulates blood circulation, soothes joint aches, and boosts winter immunity.
The Unique Karit Crushing Tradition (कारीट फोडणे): Unique to Maharashtra and Goa, crushing the bitter Karit fruit under the foot represents smashing our inner vices (anger, jealousy, greed, and ego). Touching a drop of its bitter juice to the tongue before tasting sweet festive food serves as a lifelong philosophical reminder that one must digest life's bitter trials with equanimity to truly relish its sweet blessings.
Family Bonding & Owalani: Sisters perform Aarti for their brothers, and wives for their husbands, offering auspicious blessings and exchanging gifts that reinforce family love and mutual respect.
Dispelling Spiritual Darkness: Lighting earthen lamps (Pantis) at dawn symbolizes banishing ignorance (Tamas) and welcoming the dawn of divine righteousness and wisdom.