Notes: All timings are represented in 12-hour notation in local time of Columbus, United States with DST adjustment (if applicable).
Hours which are past midnight are suffixed with next day date. In Panchang day starts and ends with sunrise.
Five days Diwali festivity starts on Dhantrayodashi and lasts on Bhaiya Dooj day. Abhyang Snan has been suggested on three days i.e. on Chaturdashi, Amavasya and Pratipada days during Diwali.
Abhyang Snan on Chaturdashi day, which is popularly known as Narak Chaturdashi, is the most significant one. It is believed that people, who do Abhyang Snan on this day, can avoid going to Narak. Til (i.e. sesame) oil should be used for Ubtan during Abhyang Snan.
Abhyang Snan on Narak Chaturdashi might be one day before or on same day of Lakshmi Puja day on English Calendar. When Chaturdashi Tithi prevails before sunrise and Amavasya Tithi prevails after sunset then Narak Chaturdashi and Lakshmi Puja fall on the same day. Abhyang Snan is always done during moonrise but before sunrise while Chaturdashi Tithi is prevailing.
Our Muhurta window for Abhyang Snan is between moonrise and sunrise while Chaturdashi Tithi prevails. We provide Abhyang Snan Muhurta exactly as it has been prescribed in religious Hindu texts. We consider all exceptions and list the best date and time for Abhyang Snan.
Narak Chaturdashi day is also known as Choti Diwali, Roop Chaturdashi and Roop Chaudas.
Often Narak Chaturdashi is considered same as Kali Chaudas. However both are two different festivals observed on the same Tithi and depending on the start and end timing of Chaturdashi Tithi might fall on two different consecutive days.