The stringent emission norms cannot be met through engine design and exhaust after treatment alone. Use of oxygenated fuel like biodiesel as a alternative to diesel may be the best way to reduce emissions today. In this study, Diesel fuel and pure biodiesel (mahua oil) were tested on a single cylinder naturally-aspirated direct-injection diesel engine. The study aims to investigate the effects of the mahua oil biodiesel on existing diesel engine emissions. The effect of test fuels on engine emissions like CO, HC, $CO_2$, NOx and smoke emissions was investigated with respect to the load on engine. Smoke opacity of Diesel engine was lower in case of biodiesel of mahua oil as compare to mineral diesel. NOx emissions was little higher during the whole range of loading, which is a typical characteristic of biodiesel. However the increments are within in the narrow range. $CO_2$ emissions was bit higher which is the indication of better combustion due to presence of rich oxygen in the mixture, it results in the low values of CO and HC during the whole range of experiments. Thus considering environmental norms most of the engine emissions, it can be concluded and biodiesel derived from mahua oil could be used in a conventional diesel engine without any modification.