Naraka Chaturdashi

Naraka Chaturdashi (also known as "Kali Chaudas", "Roop Chaudas", "Choti Diwali" , "Naraka Nivaran Chaturdashi" or "Bhoot Chaturdashi") is a Hindu festival, which falls on Chaturdashi (14th day) of the Krishna Paksha in the Shalivahan Shaka Hindu calendar month of Ashwin. It is the second day of the five-day-long festival of Deepavali/Diwali. The Hindu literature narrates that the asura (demon) Narakasura was killed on this day by Krishna, Satyabhama and Kali. The day is celebrated by early morning religious rituals and festivities follow on.
Meaning in Hinduism.
The festival is also called as "Kali Chaudas", where "Kali" means dark (eternal) and "Chaudas" means fourteenth, this is celebrated on the 14th day of the dark half of [[Aaso month)]. In some regions of India, Kali Chaudas is the day allotted to the worship of [[Mahakali]] or [[Shakti]] and is believed that on this day [[Kali]] killed the [[asura]] (demon) [[Narakasura]]. Hence also referred to as Naraka-Chaturdashi, Kali Chaudas is day to abolish laziness and evil which create hell in our life and shine light on life. Narak Chaturdashi, celebrated just one day before Diwali, is also known as small Diwali.
Rituals associated.
The [[Puja (Hinduism)|puja]] is performed with oil, flowers, and sandalwood. Coconuts are also offered to [[Lord Hanuman]] and [[Prasada]] of sesame seed, [[jaggery]] and [[Flattened rice|rice flakes]] (poha) with ghee and sugar.
The rituals of Kali Choudas is strongly suggestive of the origin of [[Diwali]] as a harvest festival is performed. On this day delicacies are prepared from pounded semi-cooked rice (called Poha or Pova). This rice is taken from the fresh harvest available at that time. This custom is prevalent both in rural and urban areas especially in Western India.
[[File:Krishna Cleaves the Demon Narakasura with his Discus.jpg|thumb|left|[[Krishna]] decapitates the demon [[Narakasura]] with his [[Sudarshana Chakra|discus]]]]
On this day, a head wash and application of kajal in the eyes is believed to keep away the kali nazar (evil eye). Some say that those who are into tantra, learn their 'mantras' on this day. Alternatively, people offer Nivet is local to where they are originally from. This goddess is called their [[Kuladevata|Kula Devi]], in order to cast off evil spirits. Some families also offer food to their forefathers on this day. The second day of [[Deepavali]] is known as Kali Choudas in [[Rajasthan]] and [[Gujarat]] .
On this day Hindus get up earlier than usual. The men will rub their bodies in perfumed oils before bathing. Afterwards, clean clothes are worn; some people wear new ones. A large breakfast is enjoyed with relatives and friends. In the evening, a mix of bright and loud fireworks are set off in an atmosphere of joyful fun and noise. Special sweet dishes are served as part of the midday meal. House are lit with oil lamps during the evening.
In [[Goa]], paper-made effigies of [[Narakasura]], filled with grass and firecrackers symbolising evil, are made. These effigies are burnt at around four o'clock in the morning and then firecrackers are burst, and people return home to take a scented oil bath. Lamps are lit in a line. The women of the house perform [[aarti]] of the men, gifts are exchanged, a bitter berry called "kareet" is crushed under the feet in token of killing Narakasura, symbolising evil and removal of ignorance. Different varieties of [[Poha (rice)|Poha]] and sweets are made and eaten with family and friends.
In the state of [[West Bengal]] the day before the Kali Puja is observed as Bhoot Chaturdashi. The veil between the two worlds is thin and it is believed on the eve of this dark night the souls of the deceased come down to earth to visit their dear ones. It is also believed that the 14 forefathers of a family visit their living relatives and so 14 [[Diyas]] are placed all around the house, to guide them homewards and especially to chase away the evil ones. Every dark corner and nook is illuminated with light.
Abhyanga Snan on Narak Chaturdashi day holds a special significance in a person's life. Abhyanga Snan is always done during the presence of moon but before sunrise while Chaturdashi Tithi is prevailing. This snan is done using ubtan of sesame(til) oil. Snan done with this ubtan helps protect the persons from poverty, unforeseen events, misfortune, etc.
In [[Goa]], [[Karnataka]] and [[Tamil Nadu]], Deepavali is traditionally celebrated on Naraka Chathurdasi day while the rest of India celebrates it on the no moon night (Amavasya), which is the next day. In some parts of south India this is also called as Deepavali Bhogi. People get up earlier and celebrate with oil baths, pooja, and festivals. Firecrackers are usually lit on Deepavali. Some Tamil homes observe "nombu" and do [[Lakshmi Puja]] on this day. In Karnataka the festival of Deepavali starts from this day i.e. Naraka Chathurdashi and extends till Bali Padyami.
External links.
[[Category:Diwali]]
[[Category:Religious festivals in India]]
[[Category:October observances]]
[[Category:November observances]]
[[Category:Hindu holy days]]
[[Category:Hindu festivals]]
[[Category:Hindu festivals in India]]
[[Category:Religious festivals in Nepal]]