Kali Chaudas 2026: Date, Midnight Muhurat and Rituals for Protection from Negative Energy

Kali Chaudas 2026 falls on Saturday, 7 November, the night before Diwali. Also called Bhoot Chaturdashi or Roop Chaudas, it is the night devotees seek Maa Kali's protection against fear, the evil eye and negative energy before welcoming Lakshmi. This guide covers the Kali Chaudas date and midnight muhurat, how it differs from Narak Chaturdashi, simple protection rituals you can do at home, and how to have a protective pooja performed in your name at the Akhara's Manali Ashram.

Kali Chaudas 2026 date and muhurat

• Kali Chaudas: Saturday, 7 November 2026
• Chaturdashi tithi begins: 10:47 AM, 7 November 2026
• Chaturdashi tithi ends: 11:27 AM, 8 November 2026
• Kali Chaudas muhurat (midnight): 11:39 PM, 7 November to 12:31 AM, 8 November (about 52 minutes)
• Narak Chaturdashi Abhyang Snan: Sunday, 8 November 2026, 5:41 AM to 6:38 AM

Timings are for New Delhi (IST) and shift by a few minutes from city to city. Check a local panchang if you are worshipping at home.

Kali Chaudas, Narak Chaturdashi and Choti Diwali: what is the difference?

All three are tied to the Chaturdashi (14th day) of the dark half of Kartik, which is why the names are often mixed up. In 2026 they fall on different days:

• Kali Chaudas is observed at midnight, when Chaturdashi prevails at night. In 2026 that is the night of 7 November. It is especially popular in Gujarat and western India.
• Narak Chaturdashi is marked by the Abhyang Snan, an oil bath before sunrise, when Chaturdashi is present at dawn. In 2026 that is the morning of 8 November.
• Choti Diwali is the popular name for the evening of lamps before Diwali. Many calendars print it on 7 November.

Diwali Lakshmi Puja and Kali Puja both follow on the night of 8 November.

Why Maa Kali is worshipped on Kali Chaudas

The legend of Narak Chaturdashi tells of the demon Narakasura, defeated so that the captives he held could go free. Kali Chaudas carries the same idea inward: before the light of Diwali enters, whatever is dark, heavy or hostile must be cleared out.

That is Maa Kali's work. She is the Mother who cuts through fear and destroys negativity, and on this night devotees pray to her to remove the evil eye (nazar), ill will directed at them, and the fears they have carried through the year. Many families also worship Lord Hanuman and Kal Bhairav, both guardians against harm, on the same evening.

The Aghor view: facing fear instead of running from it

In folk belief, Kali Chaudas is the night when spirits roam, which is why it is called Bhoot Chaturdashi. The Aghor path reads it differently. Fear is the strongest bondage, and the night that seems most frightening is the best night to meet the Mother who is beyond fear.

This is why Aghor sadhaks traditionally perform shamshan sadhana on this night. These practices are only for initiated sadhaks under a guru's direct guidance and should never be attempted alone. For householders, the path is devotion, a protected home and a sincere sankalp.

At Sarveshwari Shakti International Women Aghori Akhara, protection rites are offered to Maa Kali and to the Akhara's presiding deity, Maa Pratyangira Devi, the lion-faced Mother known for turning back harm sent towards her devotees.

Simple Kali Chaudas rituals for protection at home

In the evening

• Clean the house thoroughly, especially the entrance, and remove broken items and clutter.
• Light a four-faced mustard-oil diya (Yam Deepak) facing south outside the main door to ward off untimely misfortune.
• Light diyas at the entrance, the kitchen, the water source and the puja space.

Protection from the evil eye

• Take a few whole red chillies, mustard seeds and a pinch of salt, circle them seven times over each family member, and burn them in a safe place outside the home.
• Tie a black thread blessed in the puja on children's wrists.
• Sprinkle Ganga jal mixed with a little rock salt across the doorways.

Midnight prayer to Maa Kali

1. Bathe, wear clean dark-coloured or red clothes and sit before an image of Maa Kali.
2. Light a mustard-oil diya and incense, and remember Lord Ganesh.
3. Take a sankalp asking the Mother for protection for yourself and your family.
4. Offer red hibiscus, black sesame, cloves and bhog.
5. Chant "Om Kreem Kalikayai Namah" 108 times, or recite the Hanuman Chalisa if you also worship Hanuman ji.
6. Perform aarti and sit in silence for a few minutes, letting go of the fears you want to leave behind.

Keep home rituals sattvic and simple. Tantric rites, animal offerings and crematorium practices are not for home worship.

Getting a protection pooja performed in your name

If you feel weighed down by negativity, repeated obstacles or hidden opposition, the Akhara's priests can perform a protective pooja at Manali Ashram with your name and gotra in the sankalp:

• Maa Kali (Aghore Kali) pooja to dissolve fear and negativity
• Kal Bhairav pooja for fierce protection and removal of obstacles
• Pratyangira Devi pooja to turn back harm sent towards you

For a specific concern, see negative energy removal, black magic removal or enemy problem solution, or book a personal consultation so the Akhara can guide you on the right rite. You can join any pooja live from anywhere.

Frequently asked questions

When is Kali Chaudas in 2026?

Kali Chaudas 2026 is on Saturday, 7 November. The midnight muhurat is from 11:39 PM to 12:31 AM (New Delhi time).

Are Kali Chaudas and Narak Chaturdashi the same in 2026?

Not quite. Kali Chaudas is observed on the night of 7 November, while the Narak Chaturdashi Abhyang Snan is on the morning of 8 November, from 5:41 AM to 6:38 AM.

Which god is worshipped on Kali Chaudas?

Maa Kali is the main deity of Kali Chaudas. Many devotees also worship Lord Hanuman and Kal Bhairav for protection.

What should you not do on Kali Chaudas?

Avoid quarrels, alcohol, meat and harsh words, and keep the home clean and lit. Do not attempt tantric or crematorium rituals without a guru.

Can I take part from outside India?

Yes. The Akhara performs the pooja at Manali Ashram with your name and gotra in the sankalp, and you can watch live or see the replay from anywhere.

May Maa Kali clear every shadow from your home before the light of Diwali. Jai Maa Kali.