Yama Deepam 2026 is being observed today, Friday, November 6, 2026, on Dhanteras. The most important Yama Deepam ritual is lighting an oil lamp outside the house during the evening Sandhya period and offering prayers to Lord Yama, the Hindu deity associated with death and dharma.
According to Drik Panchang, the Yama Deepam 2026 puja muhurat in New Delhi is 5:33 PM to 6:51 PM IST. The ritual is also known as Yam Deep Daan, Yam Deepam, Yama Deepa Danam or Yama Deepdaan.
Devotees traditionally light the Yama Deepam diya facing south and pray for protection from untimely death, accidents and misfortune. These benefits are matters of religious belief rather than scientifically established outcomes.
Yama Deepam is closely associated with Dhanteras, the first major observance of the Diwali festival period. Kali Chaudas follows on November 7, while Diwali and Lakshmi Puja take place on November 8, 2026.
Yama Deepam 2026 date and time: Quick answer
| Particulars | Yama Deepam 2026 details |
| Festival | Yama Deepam |
| Also Known As | Yam Deep Daan, Yam Deepam, Yama Deepa Danam |
| Yama Deepam Date | Friday, November 6, 2026 |
| Hindu Tithi | Kartik Krishna Trayodashi |
| Festival Occasion | Dhanteras / Dhantrayodashi |
| Yama Deepam Puja Time | 5:33 PM to 6:51 PM |
| Muhurat Duration | 1 hour 18 minutes |
| Trayodashi Begins | November 6, 2026, at 10:30 AM |
| Trayodashi Ends | November 7, 2026, at 10:47 AM |
| Worshipped Deity | Lord Yama / Yamraj |
| Diya Direction | South |
| Preferred Time | Evening Sandhya |
| Traditional Oil | Mustard oil or sesame oil |
| Main Purpose | Prayer for family protection and longevity |
| Kali Chaudas 2026 | November 7, 2026 |
| Diwali 2026 | November 8, 2026 |
Note: The exact Yama Deepam puja muhurat above applies to New Delhi. Sunset and evening worship timings differ by location.
Check your local lunar day and sunset through AstroTime’s Today’s Panchang.
Yama Deepam 2026 Puja Time in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Other Cities
The correct Yama Deepam time depends on the evening Sandhya period at your location.
For example, sunset occurs earlier in Kolkata than in Mumbai. Therefore, using Delhi’s Yama Deepam time for every Indian city may lead to incorrect local timing.
City-wise Yama Deepam 2026 timings
| City | Yama Deepam date | Evening timing | Timing reference |
| New Delhi | November 6 | 5:33 PM – 6:51 PM | Yama Deepam Sayan Sandhya |
| Mumbai | November 6 | 6:03 PM – 7:19 PM | Yama Deepdaan evening Sandhya |
| Pune | November 6 | 6:00 PM – 7:15 PM | Yama Deepdaan evening Sandhya |
| Hyderabad | November 6 | 5:43 PM – 6:58 PM | Yama Deepam evening window |
| Bengaluru | November 6 | Sunset: 5:52 PM | Local sunset reference |
All timings are in Indian Standard Time (IST).
For Bengaluru, the broader Pradosh period is approximately 5:52 PM to 8:20 PM. This should not be confused with a separately calculated Yama Deepam Sayan Sandhya muhurat. Families following a precise Sandhya window should use their local Panchang.
What is the best time to light Yama Deepam?
The preferred Yama Deepam diya lighting time is during evening Sandhya on Dhanteras, usually around sunset.
In New Delhi, this is between 5:33 PM and 6:51 PM on November 6, 2026.
Before performing the puja, check:
- The local sunset time.
- Whether Krishna Trayodashi is prevailing.
- The Yama Deepam evening Sandhya muhurat.
- Your family’s traditional puja procedure.
AstroTime’s Tithi calculator and guide can help readers understand the lunar day. You can also explore Choghadiya timings for other traditional auspicious periods.
What Is Yama Deepam? Meaning and Religious Significance
Yama Deepam is a Hindu lamp-offering ritual dedicated to Lord Yama, who is traditionally regarded as the deity governing death, justice and the consequences of human actions.
The term can be understood through two words:
- Yama: Lord Yama or Yamraj.
- Deepam: A lamp or light.
Together, Yama Deepam refers to the offering of a lamp to Lord Yama.
During Diwali celebrations, families light numerous diyas for Goddess Lakshmi, prosperity and auspiciousness. However, the Yama Deepam diya has a distinct religious purpose.
It is offered as a prayer for protection from Akal Mrityu, meaning untimely death.
The practice of Yama Deepdaan on Trayodashi is described in Hindu ritual traditions, including references preserved in printed religious manuals.
Why is Yama Deepam celebrated on Dhanteras?
Dhanteras is associated with the worship of Lord Dhanvantari, Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera.
Yama Deepam is performed on the same date because of its connection with Kartik Krishna Trayodashi.
| Dhanteras Observance | Religious Purpose |
| Dhanvantari Puja | Prayers for health and well-being |
| Lakshmi Puja | Worship of Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity |
| Kubera Puja | Worship associated with wealth |
| Yama Deepam | Prayers for protection from untimely death |
| Deep Daan | Symbolic offering of light |
| Dhanteras Shopping | Traditional purchase of useful or auspicious items |
While Dhanteras is commonly associated with purchasing gold, silver and utensils, Yama Deepam focuses on the religious significance of life, mortality and family well-being.
Why Is Yama Deepam Lit in the South Direction?
The traditional direction for Yama Deepam is south because Hindu religious and Vastu traditions associate the south with Lord Yama.
The south-facing Yama Deepam diya is therefore an important part of the ritual.
During the puja, devotees position the lamp outside their home and orient it toward the south.
However, there is a common misunderstanding about the Yama Deepam direction.
Your house does not need a south-facing main entrance.
If your entrance faces north, east or west, you can still perform Yama Deepam by placing the lamp safely near the entrance and directing it toward the south.
Yama Deepam direction and placement
| Question | Traditional Practice |
| Which direction should Yama Deepam face? | South |
| Where should the diya be placed? | Outside the main entrance |
| Can it be placed in a courtyard? | Yes, according to household custom |
| Can it be placed on a balcony? | Yes, if the location is safe and permitted |
| Should Yama Deepam be placed inside the puja room? | Traditionally, the specific Yama Deepdaan lamp is placed outside |
| Does the main door need to face south? | No |
| Can an earthen diya be used? | Yes |
The south direction has specific religious associations in Hindu traditions. These associations should not be confused with scientific claims that a particular lamp direction can prevent accidents.
Yama Deepam Puja Vidhi 2026: How to Light Yama Deepam at Home
Performing Yama Deepam puja at home is relatively straightforward.
The central practice is offering a lamp to Lord Yama on Krishna Trayodashi during the evening.
Families may follow slightly different procedures depending on their regional traditions.
Yama Deepam Puja Samagri
Before beginning the Yama Deepam ritual, arrange the following items.
| Puja Material | Purpose |
| Earthen Diya | Main Yama Deepam lamp |
| Mustard Oil | Traditional lamp fuel |
| Sesame Oil | Alternative used in several traditions |
| Cotton Wicks | Lighting the diya |
| Four-Faced Diya | Used in some family traditions |
| Flowers | Optional offering |
| Akshat (Rice) | Traditional puja offering |
| Kumkum | Optional decoration |
| Water | Used for ritual offerings |
| Small Plate | Safe placement of the lamp |
| Matchbox | Lighting the diya |
Is a four-faced diya compulsory for Yama Deepam?
No. A four-faced diya, also called a Chaumukhi Diya, is customary in some households. Other traditions use a single earthen lamp or several lamps.
The method should follow the family’s established practice.
Step-by-step Yama Deepam Puja Vidhi
Step 1: Clean the worship area
Before sunset, clean the main entrance and the place where the Yama Deepam diya will be kept.
Wash your hands and feet before beginning the ritual.
Step 2: Prepare the Yama Deepam diya
Take a clean earthen lamp.
Fill it with mustard oil or sesame oil according to your tradition.
Place a cotton wick inside. If you use a Chaumukhi Diya, prepare four wicks.
Step 3: Check the correct direction
Identify the south direction.
If necessary, use a compass to locate south.
Position the diya so that it follows your family’s south-facing lamp custom.
Step 4: Wait for the evening muhurat
Perform the Yama Deepam ritual during the prescribed Sandhya period.
For Delhi, the Yama Deepam 2026 muhurat is 5:33 PM to 6:51 PM.
Step 5: Light the Yama Deepam lamp
Light the diya and place it on a stable, non-flammable surface outside the main entrance.
Keep it away from curtains, footwear, electrical wires and other combustible materials.
Step 6: Offer prayers to Lord Yama
Fold your hands and pray for the protection, health and well-being of your family.
You can recite the traditional Yama Deepam mantra.
Step 7: Complete the Deep Daan ritual
Offer flowers or Akshat if this is part of your family custom.
Some households also offer water and make a short Sankalpa.
Step 8: Leave the diya in a safe location
Some traditions allow the Yama Deepam diya to burn naturally.
However, never leave an open flame unattended. If it cannot be monitored safely, extinguish it.
The traditional practice focuses on offering the lamp with devotion rather than performing an unnecessarily elaborate ceremony.
Yama Deepam Mantra: Sanskrit, Hindi and English Meaning
The Yama Deepam mantra is traditionally recited while offering the lamp to Lord Yama on Dhanteras.
Yama Deepam Mantra in Sanskrit
मृत्युना पाशदण्डाभ्यां कालेन श्यामया सह।
त्रयोदश्यां दीपदानात् सूर्यजः प्रीयतां मम॥
Yama Deepam Mantra in English
Mrityuna Pashadandabhyam Kalena Shyamaya Saha,
Trayodashyam Deepadanat Suryajah Priyatam Mama.
Yama Deepam Mantra Meaning in Hindi
त्रयोदशी के दिन मैं सूर्यपुत्र भगवान यमराज को यह दीप अर्पित करता हूं। इस दीपदान से यमदेव प्रसन्न हों और मेरे तथा मेरे परिवार के कल्याण की कृपा करें।
Yama Deepam Mantra Meaning in English
May Lord Yama, the son of Surya, be pleased with this lamp offering made on Trayodashi. The prayer invokes Yama along with the figures and symbols of death, time, the noose and the staff.
This mantra is documented in Hindu worship traditions and is also listed among the Diwali mantras by Drik Panchang.
Simple Yama Mantra
Devotees who cannot recite the longer Sanskrit verse may use a simple devotional invocation:
ॐ यमाय नमः।
Om Yamaya Namah.
Meaning: Salutations to Lord Yama.
There is no universally compulsory repetition count for every household. Some devotees chant once while making the offering, while others repeat the prayer several times.
For readers interested in understanding their personal deity according to Jyotish traditions, AstroTime provides an Ishta Devata Calculator.
Yama Deepam Benefits: Why Do People Perform Yam Deep Daan?
The religious benefits of Yama Deepam are associated with devotion, prayer and the traditional understanding of Lord Yama.
Traditional Yama Deepam benefits
| Yama Deepam Benefit | Traditional Belief |
| Protection from Akal Mrityu | Devotees pray for freedom from untimely death |
| Family Safety | The lamp represents prayers for loved ones |
| Long Life | Worshippers seek blessings for longevity |
| Peace of Mind | The ritual provides an occasion for prayer |
| Respect for Lord Yama | The offering honours Yama as Dharmaraja |
| Spiritual Reflection | Encourages reflection on life and mortality |
| Continuation of Tradition | Allows families to observe inherited customs |
Does Yama Deepam prevent untimely death?
According to Hindu religious belief, Yama Deepdaan is performed to seek Lord Yama’s blessings and protection against Akal Mrityu.
However, there is no scientific evidence that lighting a diya prevents death, accidents or illness.
The practice is a religious observance and should accompany, rather than replace, ordinary health and safety precautions.
Yama Deepam Katha: The Story of King Hima’s Son
A popular Dhanteras story explains why devotees light lamps during Yama Deepam.
According to the traditional legend, King Hima had a son whose horoscope predicted death from a snakebite on the fourth night of his marriage.
When the prince married, his wife learned about the prediction.
Determined to protect her husband, she prepared for the night.
She collected gold and silver ornaments, placed them near the entrance of their chamber and lit numerous oil lamps.
She also kept her husband awake by telling stories and singing throughout the night.
According to the legend, Lord Yama approached in the form of a serpent.
The lights and ornaments dazzled him, while the songs kept him occupied. He eventually departed without taking the prince’s life.
The prince survived, and the story became associated with the tradition of lighting lamps for Lord Yama.
This is a popular religious folktale with several retellings. It should not be presented as a historically verified incident.
What does the Yama Deepam story teach?
The story is commonly interpreted as expressing the importance of family devotion and concern for the safety of loved ones.
For many families, lighting the Yama Deepam diya is also an opportunity to remember the value of life.
Astrology readers interested in traditional horoscope interpretations can explore AstroTime’s Free Kundli Online service.
Yama Deepam and Kali Chaudas 2026: Are They the Same?
No. Yama Deepam and Kali Chaudas are separate religious observances during the Diwali festival period.
Yama Deepam is dedicated to Lord Yama, while Kali Chaudas is associated with the worship of Goddess Kali and regional protective worship traditions.
In 2026:
- Yama Deepam falls on Friday, November 6.
- Kali Chaudas falls on Saturday, November 7.
- Diwali and Kali Puja fall on Sunday, November 8.
These dates follow the 2026 New Delhi festival calendar published by Drik Panchang.
Yama Deepam vs Kali Chaudas
| Feature | Yama Deepam | Kali Chaudas |
| Date in 2026 | November 6 | November 7 |
| Main Deity | Lord Yama | Goddess Kali |
| Lunar Day | Krishna Trayodashi | Krishna Chaturdashi |
| Main Ritual | Yama Deep Daan | Kali worship and regional protective rituals |
| Main Prayer | Protection from untimely death | Protection and removal of negative influences |
| Traditional Lamp | South-facing Yama diya | Lamps and offerings according to local custom |
| Festival Connection | Dhanteras | Diwali festival period |
Kali Maa Mantra for Kali Chaudas
Devotees who worship Goddess Kali may recite the following devotional mantra:
ॐ क्रीं कालिकायै नमः।
Om Kreem Kalikayai Namah.
Meaning: Salutations to Goddess Kalika.
This is a Kali Maa mantra, not the prescribed Yama Deep Daan mantra.
The two prayers should be understood within their respective worship traditions.
Can Yama Deepam and Kali Maa Puja be performed together?
Families may worship multiple Hindu deities during the Diwali period.
However, Yama Deepam and Kali Chaudas have different principal dates and ritual purposes in 2026.
It is advisable to follow the appropriate date for each observance according to the regional Panchang.
For additional lunar-date guidance, readers can consult AstroTime’s tomorrow’s Panchang.
Yama Deepam, Kali Chaudas and Diwali 2026: Complete Festival Calendar
The following table provides a convenient reference for the major observances associated with Yama Deepam 2026.
| Date | Day | Festival | Main Observance |
| November 5, 2026 | Thursday | Rama Ekadashi | Ekadashi fasting and Vishnu worship |
| November 6, 2026 | Friday | Dhanteras | Dhanvantari, Lakshmi and Kubera worship |
| November 6, 2026 | Friday | Yama Deepam | Lighting a lamp for Lord Yama |
| November 6, 2026 | Friday | Shukra Pradosh Vrat | Worship of Lord Shiva |
| November 7, 2026 | Saturday | Kali Chaudas | Regional worship associated with Goddess Kali |
| November 7, 2026 | Saturday | Hanuman Puja | Hanuman worship |
| November 8, 2026 | Sunday | Narak Chaturdashi | Regional rituals and traditional oil baths |
| November 8, 2026 | Sunday | Diwali | Main Deepavali celebration |
| November 8, 2026 | Sunday | Lakshmi Puja | Worship of Goddess Lakshmi |
| November 8, 2026 | Sunday | Kali Puja | Goddess Kali worship |
| November 10, 2026 | Tuesday | Govardhan Puja | Govardhan worship |
| November 11, 2026 | Wednesday | Bhai Dooj | Sibling-related rituals |
Festival dates can differ according to regional customs and the lunar-day rule used for a particular observance.
Readers can also explore AstroTime’s Vaar or weekday guide to understand how weekdays are represented in the Hindu Panchang.
Yama Deepam Diya Rules: What to Do and What to Avoid
The following practices are commonly associated with Yam Deep Daan.
| Recommended Practice | What to Avoid |
| Perform the ritual during the appropriate evening period | Using another city’s muhurat without checking |
| Use a clean earthen lamp | Using damaged or unstable lamps |
| Follow the traditional south-facing placement | Placing the lamp near flammable material |
| Use mustard or sesame oil according to family custom | Assuming one oil is universally compulsory |
| Recite the Yama Deepam mantra | Treating an optional chant count as mandatory |
| Keep the diya outside the home where safely possible | Blocking apartment corridors or exits |
| Follow local religious customs | Treating regional variations as universal rules |
| Monitor the open flame | Leaving a burning lamp unattended |
Should you look back after lighting Yama Deepam?
Some families follow a custom of returning indoors without looking back after placing the Yama Deepam lamp.
However, this is not a universal requirement across Hindu traditions.
Similarly, customs involving four wicks, thirteen lamps or a wheat-flour diya may differ between regions.
Can you light Yama Deepam in an apartment?
Yes. Families living in apartments can observe the ritual.
Choose a permitted location outside the apartment or near a safe entrance area.
If open flames are prohibited or unsafe, a symbolic electric lamp may be used as a personal devotional adaptation, although it differs from the traditional oil-lamp offering.
Yama Deepam and Vedic Astrology: Is There a Connection?
Yama Deepam is primarily a religious ritual connected with Krishna Trayodashi.
Its date is determined through the Hindu lunar calendar.
To understand how the festival date is calculated, readers should know that the Hindu Panchang traditionally includes five elements:
- Tithi
- Vaar
- Nakshatra
- Yoga
- Karana
Yama Deepam is observed according to the appropriate Trayodashi evening.
The relevant Panchang calculations depend on the position of the Sun and Moon, while the local worship period also depends on sunset.
For more information, AstroTime offers the Nakshatra Calculator,Moon Phase Calculator andKarana guide.
Readers interested in personal Jyotish interpretations may also explore the Moon Sign Calculator.
Does Yama Deepam remove Pitra Dosh or Kaal Sarp Dosh?
Yama Deepam is traditionally performed to honour Lord Yama and pray for family protection.
It should not automatically be described as a prescribed remedy for Pitra Dosh or Kaal Sarp Dosh.
These concepts belong to separate systems of astrological interpretation.
AstroTime provides dedicated information through its Pitra Dosh Calculator and Kaal Sarp Dosh Calculator.
When Is Yama Deepam in 2027?
After Yama Deepam 2026 on November 6, the next annual observance will take place on Wednesday, October 27, 2027.
According to Drik Panchang, the New Delhi Yama Deepam Sayan Sandhya muhurat for 2027 is 5:40 PM to 6:57 PM.
The Trayodashi Tithi begins at 1:03 AM and ends at 10:49 PM on October 27, 2027.
| Year | Yama Deepam Date | Day |
| 2025 | October 18 | Saturday |
| 2026 | November 6 | Friday |
| 2027 | October 27 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | October 15 | Sunday |
These are New Delhi Panchang dates. Exact worship timings should be checked separately for each city.
Final Thoughts on Yama Deepam 2026
Yama Deepam 2026 is observed on Friday, November 6, during Dhanteras.
The principal ritual involves lighting a diya outside the house during evening Sandhya, traditionally facing south, and offering prayers to Lord Yama.
For devotees who follow Yam Deep Daan, the ceremony expresses a wish for family safety, long life and protection from untimely death.
The traditional Yama Deepam mantra can be recited during the lamp offering, while the exact puja time should be checked for the city where the ritual is performed.
Those observing the remaining Diwali celebrations should remember that Kali Chaudas falls on November 7 and the main Diwali celebration follows on November 8, 2026.
For local Panchang information and Jyotish-related tools, visit AstroTime. Readers can also check the Rahu Kaal timings, explore the Hora guide or read their daily horoscope.
For other festival guides and Hindu astrology articles, visit AstroTime Blogs.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When is Yama Deepam in 2026?
Yama Deepam 2026 falls on Friday, November 6, 2026, on Dhanteras. The observance takes place during Kartik Krishna Trayodashi.
2. What is the Yama Deepam time today?
For New Delhi, the Yama Deepam puja time on November 6, 2026, is 5:33 PM to 6:51 PM IST. Other cities have different evening timings.
3. What is Yama Deepam?
Yama Deepam is a Hindu religious ritual in which a lamp is offered to Lord Yama during Dhanteras. Devotees traditionally pray for protection from untimely death and for family well-being.
4. Which direction should Yama Deepam face?
The traditional Yama Deepam direction is south, which is associated with Lord Yama in Hindu religious practices.
5. Which oil is best for Yama Deepam?
Mustard oil and sesame oil are both used in Yama Deepam rituals. The preferred oil depends on regional and family customs.
6. How many diyas should be lit for Yama Deepam?
One dedicated Yama Deepam diya is common. Some families use a four-faced diya or additional lamps according to their traditions.
7. Can we light Yama Deepam inside the house?
The traditional Yam Deep Daan lamp is placed outside the home, usually near the main entrance. If this is unsafe, families can adapt the observance appropriately.
8. Is Yama Deepam celebrated on Dhanteras?
Yes. Yama Deepam is traditionally celebrated on Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi.
9. What is the Yama Deepam mantra?
The traditional mantra begins:
मृत्युना पाशदण्डाभ्यां कालेन श्यामया सह।
It is recited while offering the lamp to Lord Yama.
10. Can women perform Yama Deepam Puja?
Yes. Women and men may participate in the Yama Deepam ritual according to their family traditions.
11. What are the benefits of lighting Yama Deepam?
According to traditional belief, devotees perform Yama Deepam to seek blessings for family safety, longevity and protection from Akal Mrityu. These outcomes are religious beliefs, not medical or scientific guarantees.
12. Is Yama Deepam the same as Kali Chaudas?
No. Yama Deepam is dedicated to Lord Yama and falls on November 6 in 2026. Kali Chaudas is associated with Goddess Kali and falls on November 7.
13. Can we light Yama Deepam after sunset?
Yes. Yama Deepam is traditionally offered during evening Sandhya, around sunset. Follow your local Panchang to determine the appropriate time.
14. What happens if the Yama Deepam diya goes out?
A diya going out does not establish that anything unfortunate will happen. If the flame goes out, there is no reason to panic. Follow your family’s custom if you wish to relight it safely.
15. Is fasting compulsory for Yama Deepam?
There is no universal requirement to fast solely for Yama Deepam. Some devotees observe other religious practices associated with Dhanteras or Pradosh Vrat.
16. Can I perform Yama Deepam without a priest?
Yes. The basic Yama Deep Daan ritual can be performed at home through a lamp offering and prayer. Families may consult a priest when following a more elaborate traditional procedure.
17. When is Kali Chaudas in 2026?
Kali Chaudas will be observed on Saturday, November 7, 2026. The main Kali Puja associated with the Diwali Amavasya falls on November 8, 2026.
18. When is the next Yama Deepam after 2026?
The next Yama Deepam falls on Wednesday, October 27, 2027.