Question 1

When is Preta Chaturdashi observed?

Accepted Answer

Preta Chaturdashi falls on the Chaturdashi tithi, or fourteenth lunar day, of Krishna Paksha in Ashvina. The tithi running at sunrise governs the observance, so the Gregorian date changes from year to year. An evening lamp is commonly associated with the day, but sunset alone does not determine which civil day is observed.

Question 2

What is Preta Chaturdashi for?

Accepted Answer

Preta Chaturdashi is associated with remembrance of the departed and with Yama, also called Yamadharmaraja, the lord connected with death and moral order. The word *preta* refers to a departed spirit, especially one understood as being in an unsettled or transitional state. The exact theology varies by lineage and region.

Question 3

How is Preta Chaturdashi observed at home?

Accepted Answer

A simple observance includes bathing, preparing a clean place, and lighting an oil lamp for Yama in the evening. The family may pray for deceased relatives and for peace and a proper onward passage for departed beings. Water or a simple food offering may be added when this belongs to the household’s ancestor practice.

Question 4

Is fasting required on Preta Chaturdashi?

Accepted Answer

A fast is not a universally established requirement for Preta Chaturdashi. The better-supported common practice is a lamp offering, remembrance of the dead, and prayer. Families that observe a related pitru rite may follow restrictions given by their family priest, but those rules should not be presented as obligatory for everyone.

Question 5

Is Preta Chaturdashi the same as Naraka Chaturdashi?

Accepted Answer

Preta Chaturdashi and Naraka Chaturdashi may occur close together or be treated as related in some calendars, but they are not automatically the same observance. Preta Chaturdashi is specifically framed around the departed and Yama, while Naraka Chaturdashi is commonly connected with Krishna’s destruction of Narakasura and Diwali-season practices.

Date	Tithi	Lunar month	Governing time
Thu, 31 Oct, 2024	KrishnaKrishna Chaturdashi	Kartika (Ashvina amanta)	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Mon, 20 Oct, 2025	KrishnaKrishna Chaturdashi	Kartika (Ashvina amanta)	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Sun, 8 Nov, 2026	KrishnaKrishna Chaturdashi	Kartika (Ashvina amanta)	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Thu, 28 Oct, 2027	KrishnaKrishna Chaturdashi	Kartika (Ashvina amanta)	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Tue, 17 Oct, 2028	KrishnaKrishna Chaturdashi	Kartika (Ashvina amanta)	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Mon, 5 Nov, 2029	KrishnaKrishna Chaturdashi	Kartika (Ashvina amanta)	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Sat, 26 Oct, 2030	KrishnaAmavasya	Kartika (Ashvina amanta)	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Thu, 13 Nov, 2031	KrishnaKrishna Chaturdashi	Kartika (Ashvina amanta)	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Tue, 2 Nov, 2032	KrishnaKrishna Chaturdashi	Kartika (Ashvina amanta)	sunrise (udaya tithi)

Preta Chaturdashi

Dates by year