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On this day, there is a tradition of performing an Abhyang Snan (ritual bath), for which the early morning muhurat is considered important. Narak Chaturdashi is also known as Rup Chaudas or Chhoti Diwali. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shri Krishna killed the demon Narakasura on the Kartik Krishna Chaturdashi. Hence, the day is called Narak Chaturdashi. Lord Krishna also freed 16,000 women from the captivity of Narakasura. Date of Narak Chaturdashi As per the Panchang, the Chaturdashi Tithi of Kartik Krishna Paksha begins on 19 October at 1:51 PM and ends on 20 October at 3:44 PM. A diya is lit for Lord Yama during the Pradosh Kaal, hence Narak Chaturdashi will be observed this year on 19 October. However, the ritual bath is to be taken early in the morning, so the Abhyang Snan will be performed on 20 October, which is also Diwali day. Narak Chaturdashi Snan Muhurat On Monday, 20 October, the auspicious time for Abhyang Snan lasts for 1 hour and 12 minutes. The bath can be taken between 5:13 AM and 6:25 AM. On that day, the moonrise will be at 5:13 AM. The Brahma Muhurat will be from 4:44 AM to 5:34 AM, while the Abhijit Muhurat, which is the mots favourable time for important tasks will be from 11:43 AM to 12:28 PM. Siddhi Yog on Narak Chaturdashi Throughout the day, there will be Sarvartha Siddhi Yog, which makes all undertakings successful and is considered auspicious. The Amrit Siddhi Yog will be in effect from 5:49 PM until 6:25 AM on 20 October. Rituals for Narak Chaturdashi

• On the morning of Narak Chaturdashi, people apply ubtan (herbal paste) before taking a bath. Some of the common ubtans are sandalwood, besan, multani mitti, orange peel powder. According to belief, this ritual helps cleanse one of sins. Before the application of ubtan, the body is massaged with sesame oil.

• In the evening, diyas (earthen lamps) are lit for Lord Yama to ward off untimely death. Traditionally, 14 lamps are lit on this day - one lamp with mustard oil for Lord Yama, and the remaining 13 lamps with ghee.

• Worshipping Lord Shri Krishna on Narak Chaturdashi is said to bring his blessings.