Narak Chaturdashi: The Triumph of Light Over Darkness
Narak Chaturdashi, also known as Kali Chaudas, Roop Chaudas, or Choti Diwali, is a Hindu festival celebrated on the 14th day of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) in the Hindu calendar month of Ashvin or Kartika. It’s a significant day that falls on the second day of the five-day-long Diwali festival, celebrated widely across India.
The Legend Behind Narak Chaturdashi
The festival commemorates the legend of Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon king Narakasura, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. According to the lore, at the moment of his death, Narakasura realized his misdeeds and requested Lord Krishna to commemorate his death as a celebration of the removal of all wrongs, leading to the tradition of celebrating Narak Chaturdashi.
The Celebrations
On Narak Chaturdashi, people indulge in ritualistic early morning baths, believed to cleanse the soul and body, followed by prayers and the lighting of lamps. The day also sees the exchange of sweet delicacies among families and friends, fostering a sense of community and shared joy. Additionally, in some regions, effigies of Narakasura are burnt, symbolizing the eradication of evil.
Significance and Modern Relevance
The festival urges individuals to introspect, identify, and eliminate negative tendencies, much like the symbolic eradication of the demon Narakasura. It’s a day for self-reflection and making strides towards personal betterment. The festivities, enveloped in joy and communal harmony, also underscore the importance of good prevailing over evil, a message that resonates deeply even in contemporary times.
Narak Chaturdashi 2023
In 2023, Narak Chaturdashi is set to be observed on November 12, aligning with the traditions of the Hindu calendar. As always, it promises to be a day of spiritual significance, joyous celebrations, and the timeless message of positivity prevailing over negativity.
The enthralling blend of myth, spirituality, and festivity makes Narak Chaturdashi a cherished tradition, fostering a spirit of community, self-improvement, and the enduring message of hope and goodness.
What is Chhoti Diwali or Narak Chaturdashi
Narak Chaturdashi, also known as Chhoti Diwali, is a significant festival celebrated on the second day of the five-day-long Diwali celebrations, specifically on the 14th day of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) in the Hindu month of Kartika. This festival falls a day after Dhanteras and a day before the main Diwali festival. The celebration of Narak Chaturdashi is rooted in the legend of Lord Krishna and his wife Satyabhama defeating the demon king Narakasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
On Narak Chaturdashi, people engage in various rituals and customs as a precursor to the main Diwali festival. One of the key traditions is the early morning bath, also known as Abhyang Snan, believed to cleanse the body and soul. The day also involves lighting lamps, exchanging sweet delicacies among families and friends, and in some regions, burning effigies of Narakasura. The festivities on Chhoti Diwali are on a smaller scale compared to the main Diwali day, yet they hold great importance as they set the stage for the grand celebration of Diwali that follows.
The date of Narak Chaturdashi varies each year as per the Hindu lunar calendar. In 2021, for instance, it was celebrated on November 3, aligning with the traditions and astrological calculations of the Hindu calendar. The festival is known by various other names such as Kali Chaudas, Roop Chaudas, and Hanuman Puja, and is celebrated with different customs across various parts of India, reflecting the diverse cultural fabric of the country.
Narak Chaturdashi story/ what is the story behind Narak Chaturdashi
The story behind Narak Chaturdashi is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and centres around the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon king Narakasura. According to the legend, Narakasura was a powerful demon who had caused immense suffering and had taken control over all the kingdoms on earth. His actions led to widespread darkness and misery among the people. He even attacked Devaloka (the abode of the gods), which raised the ire of Lord Krishna and his consort Satyabhama.
To restore peace and righteousness, Lord Krishna, with the aid of Satyabhama, defeated Narakasura in a battle, thereby symbolizing the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. The moment of Narakasura’s death brought a realization about his misdeeds, and he requested Lord Krishna to commemorate his death anniversary as a celebration, marking the removal of all wrongs. This led to the tradition of celebrating Narak Chaturdashi.
Upon his return home at dawn after slaying Narakasura, Lord Krishna was given an auspicious bath by his mother, which led to the ritual of Abhyanga Snan, or an early morning bath before sunrise on Narak Chaturdashi. This is believed to cleanse the body and soul and is a significant ritual observed on this day.
This tale not only symbolizes the victory of good over evil but also urges individuals to introspect and eliminate negative tendencies, mirroring the symbolic eradication of the demon Narakasura. By observing the customs and rituals of Narak Chaturdashi, devotees aim to uproot all evil from within and around them, ushering light and positivity into their lives. This narrative forms the foundation for the various rituals and customs observed on Narak Chaturdashi and sets a meaningful premise for the celebrations that follow
what to do on Narak Chaturdashi
On Narak Chaturdashi, various rituals and customs are observed by people to commemorate the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon king Narakasura and to cleanse and prepare themselves for the main Diwali festivities. Below are some of the common practices and rituals undertaken on Narak Chaturdashi:
Early Morning Bath (Abhyanga Snan):
Before sunrise, it’s customary to have an early morning bath. Initially, sesame oil is applied to the body, followed by a bath with ubtan paste, believed to cleanse the body and soul.
Offerings:
Post bath, offerings of sesame seeds, laddus (sweet balls), rice, ghee (clarified butter), and sugar are made, as per the method of Kali Chaudas worship.
Puja (Prayer) Ritual:
A specific puja setup is arranged with a wooden chowki (a low stool or platform) covered with a red cloth, upon which pictures of Lord Ganesh and Goddess Laxmi are placed for worship.
Lighting of Lamps:
Lamps are lit to ward off darkness and evil, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness, which is the central theme of Narak Chaturdashi.
Exchange of Sweets:
Sharing and exchanging sweets with family and friends is a common practice to foster communal harmony and share joy.
Burning Effigies (in some regions):
In certain regions, the effigies of Narakasura are burnt to symbolize the destruction of evil.
Chanting Mantras:
Mantras are chanted, and prayers are offered to seek blessings and protection from evil forces.
These rituals are deeply rooted in the cultural and spiritual traditions of the festival, aiming to promote purity, goodness, and communal harmony as individuals prepare for the grand celebration of Diwali that follows Narak Chaturdashi.
Why Narak Chaturdashi is celebrated
Narak Chaturdashi is a significant Hindu festival celebrated to commemorate the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon king Narakasura. Here’s a detailed insight into why this festival is celebrated:
Victory Over Evil:
The core reason for celebrating Narak Chaturdashi is to mark the triumph of Lord Krishna over Narakasura, who was causing immense distress and darkness across kingdoms. The defeat of the demon king symbolizes the victory of good over evil and light over darkness, emphasizing the eternal battle between righteousness and malevolent forces.
Spiritual Cleansing:
According to Hindu beliefs, Narak Chaturdashi is considered auspicious for warding off hexes, curses, black magic, and bad luck. Devotees often worship Goddess Kali on this day to seek protection from negative forces and to cleanse their lives of evil influences.
Preparation for Diwali:
Narak Chaturdashi is celebrated as ‘Chhoti Diwali’ and is a precursor to the grand festivities of Diwali. It sets the spiritual and festive tone for the following days, ensuring that individuals are purified and prepared to welcome the blessings and prosperity associated with Diwali.
Cultural Significance:
The festival holds a special place in the cultural and religious fabric of Hinduism, being part of a series of five significant festivals celebrated during the Diwali period. It not only commemorates a historical event from Hindu mythology but also reinforces the importance of righteousness, moral values, and community bonding.
Regional Variations:
Narak Chaturdashi is celebrated with slight variations across different parts of India, reflecting the diverse cultural interpretations and practices associated with this festival. It is also known by other names such as Kali Chaudas, Roop Chaudas, and Chhoti Diwali, each with its own regional significance and customs.
Through these multifaceted celebrations and rituals, Narak Chaturdashi serves as a reminder of the inherent good within individuals and the collective endeavor to uphold dharma (righteousness) in the face of adversity.
Importance of Narak Chaturdashi
Narak Chaturdashi, also known as Choti Diwali, is celebrated to honor the victory of good over evil, embodied by Lord Krishna’s defeat of the demon king Narakasura. Here are key aspects of its importance:
- Worship of Lord Yama: It’s believed that by worshipping Lord Yama, the Lord of death, one can be relieved from his wrath, forgiven for sins, and attain happiness and material comforts.
- Ritual Practices: Devotees offer flowers, oil, sandalwood, and coconuts to deities, and partake in Abhyang Snan, a ritualistic bath with ubtan or sesame oil to purify themselves.
- Harvest Festival: The festival also marks a harvest period, celebrated across India with various traditions, portraying the diverse cultural ethos of the country.
- Worship of Goddess Kali: To ward off evil, Goddess Kali is worshipped on this day, aiding in the removal of negative forces and evil spirits from devotees’ lives.
Through these practices, Narak Chaturdashi serves as a precursor to Diwali, setting a spiritual foundation for the grand celebration that follows.
Bhoot Chaturdashi date 2023 / Diwali 2023 Narak Chaturdashi date
Bhoot Chaturdashi, also known as Narak Chaturdashi, is observed on the 14th lunar day (Chaturdashi) of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) in the Hindu month of Kartik. In 2023, this festival is slated to fall on 12th November, Sunday. The Chaturdashi Tithi, which is the exact period during which the festival is observed, begins at 01:57 PM on 11th November and ends at 02:44 PM on 12th November 2023.
This day holds significance as it’s believed to mark the victory of good over evil with the slaying of the demon Narakasura by Lord Krishna, making it a precursor to the grand celebrations of Diwali. Additionally, it’s a time for spiritual cleansing and preparation, where individuals partake in various rituals and customs, including a ceremonial bath known as Abhyang Snan, which is believed to purify the body and soul. The timing for Abhyang Snan on Narak Chaturdashi in 2023 is from 5:27 AM to 6:42 AM on 12th November.
Why it is called Narak Chaturdash
The festival of Narak Chaturdashi derives its name from the demon king Narakasura, whose death is celebrated on this day. According to the legend, Narakasura was a mighty demon who caused immense distress and darkness, which led to Lord Krishna, alongside Goddess Kali and Satyabhama, defeating him and restoring peace and righteousness. Narakasura, realizing his misdeeds at the time of death, requested Lord Krishna to commemorate his death anniversary as a celebration, marking the removal of all wrongs.
The significance of this day also extends to the ritual of Abhyang Snan, a purifying bath taken to avoid going to ‘Narak’ (hell), which symbolizes cleansing and the eradication of ignorance and darkness from one’s life. Lighting diyas on Narak Chaturdashi holds religious and mythological significance as well, as the bright light of the diyas is believed to overshadow the darkness, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness, which is why it is also referred to as Chhoti Diwali.
what is done on Narak Chaturdashi
On Narak Chaturdashi, various rituals and practices are observed as part of the celebration, mainly aimed at warding off evil and preparing for the grand festival of Diwali. Here are some of the practices carried out on this day:
Abhyang Snan:
A ritualistic bath known as Abhyang Snan is taken before sunrise. Sesame oil is first applied to the body, followed by an application of ubtan paste (a mixture of various beneficial ingredients), and then a bath is taken. This ritual is believed to purify the body and soul, ensuring one is cleansed of all sins.
Offerings and Devotional Songs:
Devotees offer sesame seeds, laddus (sweet balls), rice, ghee, and sugar, especially to Goddess Kali. Devotional songs dedicated to Goddess Kali are sung throughout the day, particularly during the Muhurta period (an auspicious time). Some also wash their hair and apply kajal (eyeliner) to their eyes as part of the ritual.
Worship of Yamraj:
In some regions, Lord Yamraj, the God of Death, is worshipped on this day to seek protection from untimely death and other adverse situations. This practice symbolizes the reverence towards life and the divine protection granted to the devotees.
Preparation for Diwali:
Narak Chaturdashi, also known as Chhoti Diwali, is celebrated just a day before the grand festival of Diwali. It sets the stage for Diwali celebrations, ensuring that individuals and homes are purified and ready to welcome the blessings and prosperity associated with Diwali.
These practices are deeply ingrained in the cultural and religious fabric of the communities observing them, reflecting a blend of spirituality, reverence, and communal harmony.
How to do Narak Chaturdashi puja
Narak Chaturdashi, also known as Kali Chaudas or Choti Diwali, is celebrated on the second day of the five-day-long festival of Deepavali. The Puja Vidhi (rituals) for Narak Chaturdashi can vary slightly among different regions but here’s a synthesized guideline based on multiple sources:
Preparation:
- Wake up early in the morning, before dawn or moonrise.
- Apply Ubtan (a mixture of sesame oil, herbs, flowers, wheat flour, and turmeric powder) on the body, and take a holy bath or Abhyang Snan, representing the rite performed by Lord Krishna after slaying Narakasura.
- Prepare a wooden chowki (a raised platform) and cover it with a red cloth for the Puja. Place images of Lord Ganesh and Goddess Laxmi on the chowki.
Puja Rituals:
- Offer oil, flowers, and sandalwood during the Puja.
- Distribute Prasad made from a mix of sesame seed, rice flakes, ghee, and sugar.
- Light 13 wheat flour oil lamps outside the house, facing the flame to the South as a part of the rituals to worship Yama/Yamraj/Yamdev, the deity of death, to seek protection from untimely or sudden death.
- In some regions like West Bengal, Assam, and Orissa, devotees perform Kali Puja on Narak Chaturdashi, offering red hibiscus garlands and other Naivedyam to Goddess Kali, and some keep a day-long fast until the Puja at midnight.
Additional Rituals and Celebrations:
- In West Bengal, it is believed that 14 deceased ancestors visit their loved ones on earth on this day, so 14 Diyas (lamps) are lit outside the house in their honor1.
- Family and friends gather for the Puja, and sweets along with snacks like chaklis are distributed as Prasad, following which people visit each other’s homes, light lamps inside and outside their homes, and enjoy fireworks in the evening.
Special Mantras and Worship:
- There are special mantras chanted and offerings like lemon garlands made to Goddess Kali, with many devotees wearing black clothes and visiting Kali temples to offer flowers and coconuts. Meditating and praying throughout the night are considered beneficial for spiritual attainment.
Deep Daan and Worshipping of Yamraj:
- The main aspect of Narak Chaturdashi includes Deep Daan (offering of lamps) and worshipping of Yamraj, the God of Death.
These rituals and celebrations are performed to commemorate the victory of good over evil and to prepare for the grander celebrations of Diwali on the following day.
Narak Chaturdashi diya direction
On Narak Chaturdashi, the practice of lighting Diyas (oil lamps) is a significant part of the celebration. However, there seems to be varying instructions regarding the direction in which the Diya should be placed:
- burning lamp or Diya should be placed in the south direction at night outside the main entrance after being lit with mustard oil on a pile of rice. Following this, water and flowers are offered to the goddess and worshipped with a pure heart.
- Narak Chaturdashi, it’s a tradition to light 5 Diyas and keep them outside the house in the south direction, facing towards a garbage or drain.
- However, another source mentions lighting a lamp filled with sesame oil for Yama Devta (the god of death) in the south direction at the main entrance of the house on Narak Chaturdashi.
placing Diyas in the south direction but with a notable exception cautioned by one source. The differing instructions may represent variations in regional or familial traditions. It’s advisable to follow the traditions as practised in one’s community or family or consult with knowledgeable individuals or religious leaders for personalized guidance.
Narak Chaturdashi Diya Time
The specific time to light the Diya on Narak Chaturdashi seems to be associated with the period known as “Brahma Muhurat,” which is approximately one hour and sixty minutes just before sunrise. However, the exact timing may vary from year to year based on the lunar calendar and the prevailing Chaturdashi Tithi. For instance, in 2022, the timing for Abhyanga Snan (holy bath before daybreak, which is typically when the Diya is lit) was from 05:24 AM to 06:40 AM, and in 2023, the timing is from 05:28 AM to 06:41 AM.
| Year | Abhyanga Snan Time (approx.) | Chaturdashi Tithi Begins | Chaturdashi Tithi Ends |
| 2022 | 05:24 AM to 06:40 AM | Oct 23, 2022 at 06:03 PM | Oct 24, 2022 at 05:27 PM |
| 2023 | 05:28 AM to 06:41 AM | Nov 11, 2023 at 01:57 PM | Nov 12, 2023 at 02:44 PM |
The tradition of lighting a Diya or lamp on this day signifies dispelling darkness and ignorance and invites the blessings of the deities worshipped. The timing, particularly during Brahma Muhurat, is considered auspicious for performing this ritual, and it sets the spiritual ambience for the day’s celebrations leading up to the grand festival of Diwali.
Narak Chaturdashi Abhyang Snan
Abhyang Snan, which translates to a holy bath, is a significant ritual performed on Narak Chaturdashi during the Diwali festival. It is believed that individuals who partake in Abhyang Snan on this day can avoid going to Narak (hell). Here’s a brief description of the Abhyang Snan ritual along with the timings for this ritual in various years:
Significance:
- Abhyang Snan on Narak Chaturdashi is considered the most significant among the three days it is performed during Diwali, which also includes Amavasya and Pratipada days.
- It symbolizes cleansing oneself of sins and impurities, both physically and spiritually.
The ritual is performed during moonrise but before sunrise while the Chaturdashi Tithi is prevailing.
Procedure:
- Individuals wake up early, before dawn, and apply a mixture of sesame oil, herbs, and other ingredients to their bodies.
- Following the oil application, a bath is taken, which is believed to purify the soul and body.
Timings:
- The timing for Abhyang Snan varies each year according to the lunar calendar but it is typically performed during the Brahma Muhurat, which is a period before sunrise.
- In 2021, the Abhyang Snan Muhurat on Narak Chaturdashi was from 05:40 AM to 06:03 AM.
- In 2022, the Muhurat was from 05:06 AM to 06:27 AM.
- In 2023, the Muhurat is from 05:13 AM to 06:55 AM.
Date:
- Narak Chaturdashi falls on the 14th lunar day (Chaturdashi) of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) in the Hindu month of Kartik, which usually corresponds to late October or early November in the Gregorian calendar.
This ritual, performed on the day before the main Diwali festival, sets a spiritual ambience and prepares individuals and families for the grander celebrations to follow.
Narak Chaturdashi Deep Daan
Narak Chaturdashi, also known as Deep Daan or Yam Deep Daan, is celebrated on the Chaturdashi Tithi of Kartik Maas Krishna Paksha, the day before Diwali. It honours Lord Yama, the God of Death, and is also commonly referred to as Chhoti Diwali. On this day, individuals face southwards, put black sesame seeds in water, and worship Lord Yama. The day is significant for the ritual of Deep Daan, which involves donating earthen pots, and it’s a joyful, fun-filled event accompanied by the bursting of firecrackers and delightful delicacies.
The festival is also known by several other names like Kali Chaudas, Narak Chaudas, Roop Chaudas, and Bhoot Chaturdashi. It commemorates the killing of the demon Narakasura by Lord Krishna and Satyabhama. The day starts with early morning religious rituals followed by festivities. In some regions, it’s a day for worshipping Mahakali or Shakti to abolish laziness and evil from life. Lighting a lamp in honour of Lord Yama is believed to provide protection from the sufferings of hell. Rituals performed include a puja with oil, flowers, and sandalwood, and offerings to Hanuman of coconuts and Prasada of sesame seeds, jaggery, and rice flakes with ghee and sugar. People also enjoy a large breakfast with relatives and friends, and the evening is celebrated with fireworks and special sweet dishes. Houses are lit with oil lamps during the evening, contributing to a lively and entertaining atmosphere.
This day is filled with a blend of religious reverence and joyous celebration, embodying the essence of victory of good over evil, a core theme of the Diwali festival. The practices might vary regionally, yet the essence of honouring the divine and fostering community togetherness remains central to Narak Chaturdashi Deep Daan.
Narak Chaturdashi Amavasya
Narak Chaturdashi and Amavasya (new moon day) are consecutive days celebrated during the Diwali festival, with Narak Chaturdashi preceding Amavasya. Narak Chaturdashi, also known as Chhoti Diwali, commemorates the day when Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. On the other hand, Amavasya, specifically Kartik Amavasya, is the day when the main Diwali festivities occur, including Lakshmi Puja, to invite prosperity and well-being.
On occasion, Narak Chaturdashi and Amavasya may fall on the same day, depending on the lunar calendar. This occurs when the Chaturdashi Tithi (fourteenth lunar day) prevails before sunrise and Amavasya Tithi (new moon day) prevails after sunset on the same day. For instance, in 2021, both Narak Chaturdashi and Kartik Amavasya were observed on November 4th, with Abhyang Snan Muhurat (auspicious timing for the ritual bath) for Narak Chaturdashi from 06:06:05 to 06:34:53, and the Amavasya Tithi beginning at 06:06:05 on November 4th and ending at 02:47:01 on November 5th.
FAQ
The juxtaposition of these days amplifies the spiritual significance of the Diwali festival, merging the themes of vanquishing evil and invoking blessings of prosperity and well-being.
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