Narak Chaturdashi
Narak Chaturdashi is an important Hindu festival that is celebrated on the day before Diwali all over India. It is also called Choti Diwali. It is a festival that is dedicated to the Lord of Death, who is called ”Yamraj” in Hindu mythology. It is also the day that the demon king Narakasura is killed by the trio of Krishna, Kali, and Satyabhama. A lot of religious rituals, beliefs, and festivities are associated with this special day.
The Story of Narakasur
Narakasur, a powerful demon king, conquered all the kingdoms of the earth and attacked Devaloka, the abode of the gods. This angered Lord Krishna and his consort Satyabhama. Narakasur was confident of his victory because he could only be killed by Bhoomi Devi, Mother Earth. When Lord Krishna and Satyabhama arrived at Narakasura’s capital Pragjyotishyapur, Lord Krishna killed all the other demons, but he was hit by Narakasur’s trident and fell unconscious. Satyabhama was shocked to see her husband unconscious and immediately shot an arrow at Narakasur, killing him. At that moment, Lord Krishna got up with a smile and revealed that Satyabhama was an incarnation of Bhoomi Devi and was destined to kill Narakasur.
Creative Response
The story of Narakasur teaches us that good always triumphs over evil. It also reminds us that even the most powerful can be defeated by those who are pure of heart and have the courage to stand up for what is right. Let us all celebrate the victory of good over evil by spreading love, compassion, and kindness all around us
History of Narak Chaturdashi
According to mythology, the demon king Narakasura was terrorizing the people of Earth. He had conquered all the kingdoms and was even harassing the gods. Lord Krishna and his consort Satyabhama decided to put an end to Narakasura’s tyranny.
They fought him in a fierce battle and eventually defeated him. Narakasura could only be killed by his mother, Bhudevi, Mother Earth. Satyabhama was an incarnation of Bhudevi, and so she was able to kill Narakasura.
On Naraka Chaturdashi, people light lamps and candles to symbolize the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. They also worship Lord Krishna and Goddess Kali, who are both associated with the destruction of evil.
Narak Chaturdashi: A festival celebrated with enthusiasm and dedication
Narak Chaturdashi is a Hindu festival celebrated a day before Diwali, the festival of lights. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm and dedication in all parts of India.
In the northern states of India, the celebrations are especially grand. People illuminate their homes and temples with lamps and candles and decorate them with flowers and rangoli. They also worship Lord Krishna and Goddess Kali, both of whom are associated with the destruction of evil.
In the southern states of India and the state of Maharashtra, Narak Chaturdashi is marked by elaborate bathing rituals. People take oil baths to cleanse themselves of all impurities. They also wear new clothes and jewellery.
Narak Chaturdashi is celebrated uniquely in the Indian state of Goa. Huge effigies of Narakasura are prepared months in advance and are paraded through the streets throughout the day. Later in the evening, the event is concluded by burning these effigies and other related revelries.
In the eastern part of the country, especially in the state of West Bengal, Narak Chaturdashi is celebrated as the birthday of Goddess Kali and is known as ‘Kali Chaudas’. Grand pandals are made for Maa Kali and special pujas are also performed.
safety guidelines
When lighting lamps and candles, be careful not to cause fire.
Keep lamps and candles out of the reach of children and pets.
Do not keep lamps and candles near flammable materials.
If you are burning the effigy of Narakasura, make sure to do so in a safe place away from flammable materials and people.
The festival of Narak Chaturdashi reminds us that good always triumphs over evil. It is also a reminder that the light of hope and goodness will always dispel the darkness of ignorance and despair.
Why we love Naraka Chaturdashi
It’s a reminder of goodness.
No matter what religion we are from, or no religion at all, it’s a very human thing to believe in the victory of good over evil. On Naraka Chaturdashi, we celebrate the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil. It is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope.
It’s a rich cultural practice.
Naraka Chaturdashi is a festival celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion in all parts of India. It is a time for families and friends to come together and celebrate. People decorate their homes with lights and flowers and prepare special dishes to share.
It’s a time to learn about Hinduism.
Naraka Chaturdashi is a Hindu festival, but it is also a time for people of all faiths to come together and learn about Hinduism. Hinduism is the world’s oldest religion, with roots and customs dating back more than 4,000 years. It is a rich and diverse religion with a wide range of beliefs and practices.
Naraka Chaturdashi: 5 Interesting Facts
- It is the second day of the five-day Diwali festival.
Naraka Chaturdashi is celebrated on the fourteenth day of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) of the Ashwin month in the Hindu calendar. It falls one day before Diwali, the festival of lights.
- It commemorates the victory of good over evil.
According to mythology, the demon king Narakasura was terrorizing the people of Earth. Lord Krishna and his consort Satyabhama defeated Narakasura on this day, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
- It is celebrated in different ways across India.
In West Bengal, Naraka Chaturdashi is known as Kali Chaudas and is celebrated with the worship of Goddess Kali. In Maharashtra, people take an early morning oil bath and apply a special ubtan (paste) to their bodies. In Goa, effigies of Narakasura are burnt to symbolize the destruction of evil.
- It is a time for families and friends to come together.
Naraka Chaturdashi is a time for families and friends to come together and celebrate. People decorate their homes with lights and flowers and prepare special dishes to share.
- It is a reminder of the importance of light and hope.
Dates of this festival in the current year
In 2023, Narak Chaturdashi is on 12th November, Sunday.