Naraka Chaturdashi falls on the 14th lunar day, called Chaturdashi, of Krishna Paksha.
It is generally observed as the second day of the five-day Diwali festival. In calendar systems that use different month conventions, the observance may be assigned to Ashvin or Kartika, but the numbered tithi remains the same: the fourteenth day of the dark fortnight.
The festival’s name combines Naraka, associated with hell or the demon Narakasura, and Chaturdashi, meaning the fourteenth day. Hindu narratives commonly describe Krishna and Satyabhama defeating Narakasura. The victory represents the destruction of evil, oppression, or ignorance.
Regional customs vary. Many people rise before sunrise for an oil massage and bath, wear fresh clothes, light lamps, and prepare festive foods. In Goa, effigies of Narakasura may be burned. In Tamil Nadu, the main Deepavali celebration often occurs on this day, unlike regions where the central celebration is on the following Amavasya night.