Kali Chaudas is an important festival of the Diwali season, especially in Gujarat. Also known as Kali Chaudash, Narak Chaturdashi (in some regional contexts) and Bhut Chaturdashi, the festival is associated with the worship of Goddess Mahakali and Lord Hanuman. Devotees observe the day with prayers for protection, courage, the removal of negativity and the well-being of their families.
In Surat and other parts of Gujarat, Kali Chaudas is traditionally observed with special prayers, oil lamps and Hanuman worship. The festival also marks an important stage in the celebrations leading up to Diwali.
Here is everything to know about Kali Chaudas 2026, including its date, tithi, puja timings, Gujarati traditions, rituals and the difference between Kali Chaudas and Narak Chaturdashi.
Kali Chaudas 2026 Details
Kali Chaudas 2026 will be observed on Saturday, November 7, 2026.
According to the Gujarati calendar, it falls on Aso Vad Chaudas (Ashwin Krishna Chaturdashi). It is traditionally observed on the night when Chaturdashi prevails during the Nishita period.
| Festival detail | Date and information |
|---|---|
| Festival | Kali Chaudas 2026 |
| Day | Saturday |
| Date | November 7, 2026 |
| Gujarati calendar | Aso Vad Chaudas |
| Tithi | Krishna Chaturdashi |
| Main deities | Goddess Mahakali and Lord Hanuman |
| Main observance | Night-time prayers and worship |
The Chaturdashi tithi begins at approximately 10:47 AM on November 7 and ends at approximately 11:27 AM on November 8, according to the published Panchang timings for Gujarat.
Kali Chaudas 2026 Puja Muhurat in Surat
The main Kali Chaudas worship is traditionally associated with Nishita Kaal, the middle portion of the night.
For Surat, the published Kali Chaudas Nishita Puja Muhurat is:
- Puja begins: 11:58 PM, November 7, 2026
- Puja ends: 12:49 AM, November 8, 2026
- Duration: Approximately 51 minutes
Some Panchang calculations give slightly different timings. Devotees should confirm the final muhurat with their family priest or a trusted local Panchang before performing specific rituals.
Hanuman Puja Muhurat
Hanuman worship is also an important part of Kali Chaudas celebrations in Gujarat. One published Surat Panchang gives the following evening period:
- Hanuman Puja: 5:58 PM to 8:31 PM on November 7, 2026
Families following a particular temple or household tradition should follow its recommended puja schedule.
Why Is Kali Chaudas Celebrated?
The word Kali Chaudas comes from two words: ‘Kali’, associated with Goddess Mahakali, and ‘Chaudas’, meaning the fourteenth day of the lunar fortnight.
The festival falls on the Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi of the Hindu lunar month. It is associated with the victory of divine power over evil and the removal of darkness, fear and negativity. Goddess Mahakali represents strength and the destruction of negative forces. Devotees worship her seeking courage, protection and spiritual strength.
Lord Hanuman is also worshipped on this occasion because he is revered as a symbol of devotion, bravery and protection. Many devotees believe that praying to Hanuman helps overcome fear and difficulties.
Kali Chaudas Special Traditions in Gujarat and Surat
Kali Chaudas has a distinct place in Gujarat’s Diwali celebrations. Although rituals differ between families and communities, some customs are commonly followed.
1. Worship of Goddess Mahakali
Devotees offer prayers to Goddess Mahakali and seek her blessings for protection, courage and peace. Some families perform special prayers at home, while others visit temples.
2. Hanumanji Puja
Hanuman worship is particularly significant in many Gujarati households. Devotees visit Hanuman temples, offer flowers and sindoor according to temple customs, and recite the Hanuman Chalisa.
Some devotees also offer prayers for family protection and freedom from fear.
3. Lighting Diyas
Lighting oil lamps is a familiar part of the Diwali period. On Kali Chaudas, some families light diyas near the entrance of their homes, in the courtyard or at places of worship.
The lamps symbolise the removal of darkness and the arrival of positivity.
4. Traditional Cleansing Rituals
Some households follow customs intended to remove negativity before Diwali. These may include cleaning the home, lighting lamps and performing family prayers.
Practices vary across communities, so there is no single compulsory ritual followed by every Gujarati household.
5. Visiting Temples
Devotees may visit Mahakali, Hanuman and Bhairav temples to offer prayers. In Surat, residents can follow the customs of their family temple or their local place of worship.
Kali Chaudas Puja Vidhi: How to Perform Puja at Home
Families who observe Kali Chaudas at home can follow a simple prayer routine according to their family tradition.
- Clean the puja area and take a bath before beginning the worship.
- Place an image or idol of Goddess Mahakali or Lord Hanuman in the designated prayer area.
- Light a diya and incense sticks safely.
- Offer flowers, fruits and other customary offerings.
- Chant prayers dedicated to Goddess Mahakali or recite the Hanuman Chalisa.
- Pray for the safety, health and well-being of family members.
- Conclude the puja with an aarti and prasad.
Specific offerings and mantras can differ according to family customs and temple traditions. Midnight worship should be performed only by those following an established tradition and with appropriate guidance.
What Is the Significance of Hanuman Puja on Kali Chaudas?
Hanumanji is worshipped by devotees for his courage, strength, loyalty and devotion to Lord Rama.
In Gujarat, many families associate Kali Chaudas with prayers to Hanumanji for protection from negative influences and fear. Devotees visit temples, offer prayers and recite the Hanuman Chalisa.
The occasion is also a reminder of the importance of courage, faith and devotion in everyday life.
Kali Chaudas and Narak Chaturdashi: Are They the Same?
Kali Chaudas and Narak Chaturdashi are associated with the same Krishna Chaturdashi tithi, but their observance can fall on different calendar dates depending on the timing of the tithi and the regional rules followed.
For 2026, the distinction is particularly important:
| Observance | Date in 2026 |
|---|---|
| Dhanteras | Friday, November 6 |
| Kali Chaudas | Saturday, November 7 |
| Narak Chaturdashi / Roop Chaudas | Sunday, November 8 |
| Diwali and Lakshmi Puja | Sunday, November 8 |
| Govardhan Puja | Monday, November 9 |
| Gujarati New Year (Bestu Varas) | Tuesday, November 10 |
| Bhai Beej | Wednesday, November 11 |
In Gujarat, Kali Chaudas is associated particularly with night-time worship, while Narak Chaturdashi is linked with the early-morning Abhyanga Snan tradition in regions that observe it.
What Is Abhyanga Snan?
Abhyanga Snan is a traditional ritual bath taken before sunrise on Narak Chaturdashi. It generally involves applying oil to the body before bathing.
The ritual is associated with purification and the removal of negativity. In traditions that follow it, devotees take the bath early in the morning and wear clean clothes before beginning their festival activities.
For 2026, Narak Chaturdashi falls on November 8 in the calendar followed for this article. Families should check their local Panchang for the appropriate early-morning timing.
What Should You Do on Kali Chaudas?
Here are some commonly followed practices:
- Offer prayers to Goddess Mahakali and Lord Hanuman.
- Light diyas safely at home.
- Recite the Hanuman Chalisa or other prayers according to family tradition.
- Keep the home and prayer area clean.
- Spend time in prayer and seek blessings for the family.
- Help people in need and share food or donations where possible.
What Should You Avoid on Kali Chaudas?
There is no single set of restrictions followed by every community. However, some traditional and practical precautions include:
- Avoid arguments and unnecessary conflicts.
- Do not participate in unsafe or fear-based rituals.
- Avoid handling fire or oil lamps carelessly.
- Do not disturb animals or people in the name of religious customs.
- Follow your family tradition and seek guidance from a knowledgeable priest for specialised rituals.
How Is Kali Chaudas Connected to Diwali in Gujarat?
Kali Chaudas is one of the important observances in the Gujarati Diwali festival sequence. It comes after Dhanteras and before the main Diwali celebrations.
For many Gujarati families, the period is associated with prayers, home cleaning, shopping, preparation of sweets and arrangements for Lakshmi Puja.
After Diwali, the celebrations continue with Govardhan Puja and Bestu Varas, the Gujarati New Year. Bhai Beej follows, completing the major sequence of festivities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kali Chaudas 2026
1. When is Kali Chaudas in 2026?
Kali Chaudas will be observed on Saturday, November 7, 2026, in Gujarat and Surat.
2. What is the Kali Chaudas puja time in Surat?
The published Nishita Kaal puja muhurat for Surat is approximately 11:58 PM on November 7 to 12:49 AM on November 8, 2026.
3. Is Kali Chaudas a public holiday in Gujarat?
Kali Chaudas is an important religious observance, but it is not necessarily a public holiday. Government and business working hours depend on the officially declared holiday calendar.
4. Which gods are worshipped on Kali Chaudas?
Goddess Mahakali and Lord Hanuman are the principal deities associated with Kali Chaudas. Some traditions also worship Lord Bhairav.
5. Why is Kali Chaudas important in Gujarat?
It is an important part of Gujarat’s Diwali traditions. Devotees observe the day with prayers for protection, courage and the removal of negativity.
6. Is Kali Chaudas the same as Narak Chaturdashi?
Both are associated with Krishna Chaturdashi, but the observance rules can differ. In 2026, Kali Chaudas falls on November 7, while Narak Chaturdashi is observed on November 8 according to the relevant regional calendar.
7. When is Diwali 2026 in Gujarat?
Diwali and Lakshmi Puja will be celebrated on Sunday, November 8, 2026.
Conclusion
Kali Chaudas 2026 will be observed on November 7, bringing an important night of prayer and devotion to Gujarat’s Diwali celebrations. In Surat, devotees can observe the occasion through Mahakali worship, Hanumanji prayers, lighting diyas and following their family traditions.
As families prepare for Diwali, Kali Chaudas offers an opportunity to focus on courage, faith, positivity and the well-being of loved ones.
KRH News wishes everyone a blessed and peaceful Kali Chaudas 2026.
Also read, Dhanteras 2026: Date, Puja Muhurat, Gold Buying Time, Rituals and Significance
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