# Choti Diwali 2026: How and when to light Yam ka Deepak, timing, direction and rules > On the occasion of Naraka Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali 2026, lighting a lamp for Yamraj holds deep religious significance. Learn the auspicious timing, correct direction, and rituals for the Yam Deepak. **Type:** article · **Category:** Religion · **Published:** 2026-11-07 · **Source:** TrendKia **Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/religion/choti-diwali-2026-par-aise-jalaye-yam-ka-deepak-jane-sahi-samay-aur-niyam-57674 · **Language:** English **Tags:** Choti Diwali, Naraka Chaturdashi, Yam Deepak, Diwali 2026, Puja Rituals, Religious Beliefs If you missed offering a lamp in the name of Yamraj on the day of Dhanteras, you still have a wonderful opportunity to perform this auspicious ritual today on Choti Diwali. According to religious beliefs and traditions, lighting a lamp for Yamraj on Naraka Chaturdashi holds special significance. This is why many people light the Yam lamp during the evening hours on this particular day. In addition to this, there is a distinct tradition of lighting a lamp near the household drainage on this day, and in many regions, lamps are also offered in the name of Narakasura. Let us understand the correct timing, proper direction, and complete method of lighting the Yamraj lamp on Naraka Chaturdashi. ## Auspicious timing for lighting the Yam lamp on Choti Diwali The auspicious time for lighting the Yam lamp on Choti Diwali or Naraka Chaturdashi will remain from 05:32 PM to 08:09 PM at night. Performing the ritual within this specific time frame is considered highly fruitful. ## Significance of lighting a lamp near the drainage According to Acharya Indu Prakash, on the day of Naraka Chaturdashi, everyone must light at least one earthen lamp near the household drainage. Lighting lamps on drains on this day teaches us that our homes and surrounding areas should always remain clean and tidy, and water drainage should never be blocked. This is because the condition of household drains has a direct connection with the financial status of the household. ## Correct direction for placing the Yam lamp The lamp for Yamraj must be lit exclusively facing the south direction, as the south is considered the domain of Yamraj. Furthermore, this lamp should be placed outside the main entrance of the house. ## Method and mantra for lighting the Yam lamp On Choti Diwali, which is Naraka Chaturdashi, a special four-faced lamp is lit in the name of Yamraj. Mustard oil or sesame oil is poured into this lamp, and four wicks are placed facing the four cardinal directions. A small bed of raw rice grains, known as akshat, must be placed underneath the lamp. This lamp should be lit outside the main entrance facing the south direction. After lighting the lamp, join your hands in reverence to meditate upon Yamraj and pray for the long life of all family members and their protection from untimely death. Recite the mantra Mrityuna Pashadandabhyam Kalena Cha Maya Saha. Trayodashyam Deepadanat Suryajah Priyatam Mam while lighting the lamp. ## What this means for you Lighting the Yam lamp and following the rituals on Choti Diwali brings positive energy to the household and wards off the fear of untimely death. - **Across India:** For all households following Hindu traditions, this custom is associated with praying for family safety and protection from premature death. Lighting the lamp during the designated evening muhurat is considered essential. - **At Home:** Placing a four-faced lamp facing the south outside the main entrance fulfills the prayers for the long life and prosperity of family members. Lighting a lamp near the drain encourages cleanliness around the house, which directly influences household prosperity. ## Why this happened The tradition of offering lamps on Naraka Chaturdashi is observed based on mythological legends associated with Yamraj and Narakasura. Religious beliefs and cultural practices primarily dictate why the lamp is lit facing the south direction on this specific day. - **Religious Belief:** The south direction is regarded as the realm of Yamraj, which is why the lamp is placed in this direction to seek protection from the fear of death and safeguard the family. - **Message of Cleanliness:** The custom of lighting a lamp near the drainage conveys a practical message to maintain cleanliness around the house so that water flow remains unobstructed. - **Timing Calculations:** According to astrological calculations and the almanac, the time slot from 05:32 PM to 08:09 PM is deemed the most appropriate for performing this religious ritual. ## Questions & Answers ### 1. What is the auspicious timing for lighting the Yam lamp on Choti Diwali 2026? The auspicious time for lighting the Yam lamp on Choti Diwali is from 05:32 PM to 08:09 PM. ### 2. In which direction should the Yamraj lamp be lit? The Yamraj lamp should always be lit facing the south direction outside the main entrance of the house. ### 3. Why should a lamp be lit near the drain on Choti Diwali? Lighting a lamp near the drain teaches that surroundings must be kept clean and water drainage should remain unobstructed as it connects to financial well-being. ### 4. What kind of lamp is prepared for the Yam ritual? A four-faced lamp filled with mustard oil or sesame oil containing four wicks is prepared for Yam. ### 5. Which mantra should be recited while lighting the Yam lamp? The mantra Mrityuna Pashadandabhyam Kalena Cha Maya Saha. Trayodashyam Deepadanat Suryajah Priyatam Mam should be recited. --- _TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.. Machine-readable view; canonical HTML at the URL above._