Narak Chaturdashi - Where heritage gleams, and shadows wane

"Narak Chaturdashi", also known as "Chhoti Diwali", is one of the important days among five days of Diwali festivities. As per the Hindu calendar, it lies on the fourteenth day, i.e. Chaturdashi tithi, of the Krishna Paksha, in the month of Kartik. According to the Gregorian Calendar, it falls in the month of either October or November.

This year, we are commemorating the divine occasion of "Narak Chaturdashi" on the '31st of October ‘24.'

As per Drik Panchang, the "tithi" for "Narak Chaturdashi" in 24 is as follows:

Narak Chaturdashi on Thursday, 31st of October ‘24

• Narak Chaturdashi on Thursday, 31st of October ‘24

• Narak Chaturdashi on Thursday, 31st of October ‘24

This festival is also known by "Roop Chaudas", "Bhoot Chaturdashi", "Narak Nivaran Chaturdashi" at different places.

This day falls one day before the main Diwali festival and holds significant cultural and religious importance in Hindu traditions.

Importance of "Narak Chaturdashi/ Chhoti Diwali"

Apart from being one of the important days among five days long Diwali festivities, this occasion of "Narak Chaturdashi"/ "Chhoti Diwali" is prevalent in Hinduism due to following reasons:

This day is devoted to Lord Yama, the God of Death.

Also on this day, the trio of Krishna, Kali & Satyabhama had killed the demon Narakasura.

The festive occasion of "Narak Chaturdashi" gets its name from the same.

Legend behind "Narak Chaturdashi/ Chhoti Diwali"

There exists a very interesting legend behind killing of demon Narakasura which is as follows:

Once, Bhudevi & Lord Varaha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, had a son namely Narakasura. Despite being the son of Lord Vishnu himself, he was very greedy and unfair. After years of penance, he had also gained a boon from Lord Brahma not to be killed by anyone except his mother Bhudevi. He started destruction everywhere knowing that his mother would never kill him.

One day, he met Lord Krishna. He tried to make the demon understand & leave bothering others. But he didn't understand anything, indeed he attacked Lord Krishna himself. When Krishna's wife, Satyabhama (who was an incarnation of Bhudevi), got to know about this, she interrupted in between. Then, a fight arose between Satyabhama & Narakasura. At the end, the demon was killed by Bhudevi's incarnation.

Before counting his last breath, Narakasura requested a boon from Satyabhama. As she had maternal affection for him (due to being his mother as Bhudevi earlier), she agreed to this. Narakasura requested her to make him immortal in the minds of people forever.

Since then, "Narak Chaturdashi" is celebrated by people by lighting Diyas & lamps to commemorate Narakasura's death.

There's also another story about Narakasura which mentions that:

Once, Lord Krishna rescued 16,000 girls abducted by the demon Narakasura. To shield them from societal judgment, Krishna married them, ensuring their dignity. This heroic act adds another layer to the celebration of "Narak Chaturdashi" in honor of Krishna's triumph over the demon and his compassion toward the rescued maidens.

Rituals & Observances followed on "Narak Chaturdashi/ Chhoti Diwali"

On "Narak Chaturdashi", devotees worship Goddess Kali to banish negative forces, evil spirits, and eliminate their impact from their lives and homes.

Additionally, diyas and lamps are lit on this day as well to decorate the homes. The glowing lamps are said to represent the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.

At night, Mata Lakshmi & Lord Kubera, the God of wealth, are worshipped.

Lord Hanuman is also revered by many on this festival using flowers, oil and sandalwood. A special 'Prasad' offered to the Lord on this occasion is crafted from rice flakes, sesame seeds, jaggery, and coconut, combining these ingredients in a symbolic and delectable offering.

A special 'Prasad' offered to the Lord on this occasion is crafted from rice flakes, sesame seeds, jaggery, and coconut, combining these ingredients in a symbolic and delectable offering.

Partaking in Abhyang Snan on Narak Chaturdashi is believed to shield individuals from descending into the depths of Narak (hell). The ritual involves using sesame oil for Ubtan during the cleansing bath.

The timing of Abhyang Snan on Narak Chaturdashi aligns with the lunar calendar. When Chaturdashi Tithi spans before sunrise and Amavasya Tithi extends beyond sunset, Narak Chaturdashi coincides with Lakshmi Puja. Abhyang Snan, a purifying bath, occurs during the window between moonrise and sunrise, ensuring it aligns with the prevailing Chaturdashi Tithi.

As per Drik Panchang,

• Abhyang Snan Muhurat - 05.25am + on Oct 30 to 06:34

• Duration - 01 Hour 09 Mins

• Moonrise at Abhyang Snan - 5.25 am+ on Oct 30

Abhyang Snan during Moonrise and Chaturdashi

Devotees embark on journeys to their ancestral family temples, paying homage to Kula Devi, the revered mother goddess. In certain regions of India, it is customary to offer food to honor and remember one's forefathers on this auspicious day.

In addition to the religious aspects, Narak Chaturdashi is a time for social gatherings and festivities. Communities organize cultural events, processions, and fairs to mark the occasion. Fireworks light up the night sky, creating a joyous and vibrant atmosphere.

As Narak Chaturdashi paves the way for Diwali, it sets the stage for the grand celebrations that follow. The triumph of good over evil, the symbolism of light, and the sense of togetherness make Narak Chaturdashi a significant and joyous festival in the Hindu calendar.