Pretha Chaturdashi falls on Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi in Kartik Month as per North Indian Hindi calendar. In 2025, Pretha Chaturdashi date is October 20. It falls on Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi in Ashwin Month as per Marathi, Gujarati, Telugu and Kannada calendars.
It is the most auspicious day during Diwali as it marks the death of demon Narakasura. It is popular as Naraka Chaturdashi.
Pretha Chaturdashi is also known as Choti Diwali and is the second day of Diwali festival. Observing Abhyanga Snana (ritual bath) on this day is highly meritorious. It makes devotees free from all his sins and keeps him away from Naraka loka after his death.
Pretha Chaturdashi is also observed as Roop Choudash or Soundarya Choudas Puja in North Indian states such as Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. In Gujarat, it is also observed as Kali Choudas.
Devotees to light Diyas or Deepa for three days – Dhanvantari Trayodashi (Dhanteras), Naraka Chaturdashi, and Deepavali Amavasya to get the benefits or merits of the vrata. Some devotees observe ‘Eka bhuktham’ (single meal fasting).