Narak chaturdashi for the year 2013 is on 2 November. The second day of Diwali is celebrated with Narak Chaturdashi, this day is to commemorate the Killing of demon Narakasura by Lord Krishna. Read on to know more about Narak chaturdashi.
Narak Chaturdashi also known as Kali Chaudas is the day to abolish all the evil in our life that hold us back, like laziness, greed, jealousy and so on. On this day we should rid our body and mind from all the evil. This day is also known as Chhoti diwali and as such people decorate their homes by lighting of diyas.
Kali Chaudas falls on the fourteenth day of the kartik month. This festival is also known as Roop Chaudas and Roop Chaturdashi.
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Rituals Observed On This Day
This day represents the abolition of evil and victory of the good. There are many different way of observing this festival depending on the regional practices. Some practice the ritualistic early morning bath called as Abhyanga snana by using Ubtan. Ubtan is used as a natural scrub prepared from different spices such as Chandan (sandalwood), manjistha, rose petals, camphor, turmeric and orange skin. These ingredients are known to have incredible ayurvedic powers. It is also believed that people who take Abhyanga snana will be pardoned from going to hell or Narak.
Some people follow this ritual, i.e wake up early morning before sunrise, break a bitter fruit, apply kumkum on the forehead, then apply scented oil all over body and then take bath. The significance behind this is, the breaking of the fruit represents the breaking of Narakasura head, the application of Kumkum represents Krishna’s victory where he smears narakasur blood on his body and then finally the bath is to wash away all the sins committed. In the evening people light up their home with diyas or lamps to impart light into lives.
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A very popular custom followed during Kali chaudas is to prepare sweet dishes form pounded semi cooked rice also known as puffed rice or poha. This is mostly followed in the Western parts of India.
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May this diwali bring light into your lives. Happy Diwali !
