Narak Chaturdashi 2019: Day To Enlighten The Evil With Divinity!

Narak Chaturdashi 2019 date is October 27. Every year, it is observed on the 14th day of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Kartik. This festival is celebrated one day prior to Diwali , that is why, it is also known as Chhoti Diwali. On this day, Lord Krishna killed the demon Narakasura. To know more, read on this exclusive article only on MyKundali...

Naraka Chaturdashi

Narak Chaturdashi is known by different names in different regions, namely – Kali Chaudas, Narak Chaudas, Narak Puja, or Roop Chaudas. However, the most well known name of this festival is Chhoti Diwali (small Diwali), as it falls a day before Diwali festival.

At some places, this festival is also celebrated as Hanuman Jayanti. It is remembered as the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon, Narakasura.

There are numerous facts that are related to Narak Chaturdashi and make it an important day for celebrations. Let’s take a glance at these points and get to know more reasons that would make the celebrations for this Kali Chaudas worthwhile.

Narak Chaturdashi : Significance Of The Day

The day of Narak Chaturdashi or Kali Chaudas holds a lot of significance, as per the Hindu traditions. On this day, Bhumi (Goddess of earth) killed his son Narakasur, which indicated that if children goes on a wrong path, parents should do anything to stop them.

A fast is also kept on this day, along with worshiping of Lord Kuber and Goddess Lakshmi. Some people worship Lord Yama (lord of death) also. This indicates that the day is also celebrated as Deep Daan (donating earthen pots). Diyas (earthen pots) holds significant importance on this day. The day of Narak Chaturdashi also gives a message that good always wins and evil has to face defeat.

Hence, again on this Narak Chaturdashi, keep in mind all the significant facts of this day and celebrate this festival with your family and friends. Now, let’s see the reason behind the celebration of Kali Chaudas.

Narak Chaturdashi: Legend Of Naraka Chaturdasi

As every festival in India has a legend associated with it, so does Narak Chaturdashi. All these stories associated with the festival of Narak Chaturdashi or Kali Chaudas will help the future generations to know the importance of Kali Chaudas celebrations. The two most famous legends that are related to Narak Chaturdashi are mentioned below:

Legend Of Naraka Chaturdasi: Tale Of Krishna and Narakasura

As per the legend associated with Narak Chaturdashi, there was a cruel demon named Narakasura who was the ruler of Pragjyotishpur. The demon had a fight with Lord Indra and defeated him. Sixteen thousand daughters of the Gods and the sages were imprisoned by the demon.

On hearing all these ill acts of Narakasura, Lord Krishna and Satyabhama became very angry on him. Narakasura had a curse that stated that he would be killed by a woman. Hence, Lord Krishna took Satyabhama along with him and asked her to fight with the demon while he decided to be the charioteer. At reaching the battlefield, Narakasura and Satyabhama had a big fight with each other and at last, the demon got killed by Satyabhama. After this, all the sages and the daughters of Gods got relieved.

After returning from the battlefield, Lord Krishna was given a bath with oil on this day. Hence, it is also a tradition to take bath with oil on the day of Narak Chaturdashi. It is also said that Satyabhama also declared not to mourn on this day; however, Kali Chaudas or Narak Chaturdashi should be remembered as the day of celebrations.

Legend Of Naraka Chaturdasi: Tale Of King Bali & Lord Vishnu

Another legend that marks the celebration of Narak Chaturdashi is about King Bali being killed by Vamana (incarnation of Lord Vishnu as a dwarf). There was a king named Bali, who conquered every part of universe. Hence, he became very powerful and started threatening the Devas (demigods). As a result, all the Devas reached Lord Vishnu for help and asked him to find a solution to get rid of Bali.

Once, Bali organized a Yagna (religious sacrificial event); hence, Lord Vishnu converted himself into a priest Vamana, who is called Lord Vishnu’s fifth incarnation. He asked Bali to give him a place equivalent to three steps. Bali agreed for the same. After Bali’s agreement, the dwarf increased the size and converted himself into a big size like that of a giant.

The dwarf covered the whole of sky in his first step and in second step, he covered the whole earth. But, no place was left to put his third step; hence, king Bali asked the dwarf to place his third step on his head. Lord Vishnu did the same and he was sent under the earth. Since, Bali was a generous ruler, Lord Vishnu granted him the light of knowledge. He also got a boon to come to the earth once in a year to spread this light of knowledge amongst all. Hence, this day is celebrated as Narak Chaturdashi and millions of lamps are lit to indicate the welcoming of light of knowledge.

Narak Chaturdashi 2019: Rituals Of The Day

Let’s take a look at the rituals of the day to be followed on the day of Kali Chaudas, so that it would help pleasing all the deities that are to be worshiped on this day.

As the part of rituals, the observer of the fast has to get up early in the morning. Any of the bitter fruit is broken firstly; after this, a paste made by wheat flour, turmeric powder and oil is applied, and a bath is taken. The ritual of breaking a bitter fruit symbolizes that the observer has broken Narakasura head, which literally means breaking the head of evil things, in life. The bath of oil indicates the ritual that was followed by Lord Krishna, that was done after killing Narakasura. This bath is known by the name of Abhyanga Snana. It is believed that following all these rituals on the day of Narak Chaturdashi, helps the observer of the fast to reach heaven, and thus, escaping from Narak (hell). On this Narak Chaturdashi, do follow the rituals that were followed by Lord Krishna and kill all the evils that reside inside you.

Some special Puja rituals are followed after this, when a Diya (earthen pot) is lighted that is four facet or also called the Chaumukhi Diya. Along with this, sixteen small Diyas are also lit up. Prayers are offered to the deities - Lord Ganesha, Goddess Lakshmi, and Lord Kuber.

After the completion of all these rituals, all the lamps are put in different corners of home to lighten it up with the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi. The rituals of Deep Daan is also followed on the day of Narak Chaturdashi, to please Lord Yama. Hence, on this Kali Chaudas, do not miss out to follow any of the rituals and please Goddess Lakshmi and remain bestowed by her blessings.

Narak Chaturdashi 2019: Narak Chaturdashi Celebrations

India is a blend of different customs and traditions that vary from place to place. Let’s take a look at the celebrations of Narak Chaturdashi in 2019 in various regions of India.

Celebrations In Maharashtra

People of Maharashtra take bath with a paste made of pleasant smelling powders and gram flour. After completing the bathing rituals, Diyas are lighted up around all the corners of the house. After this, the food for the day is offered, which includes vermicelli in milk or sweet puffed rice.

Celebrations In Bengal

On this day, celebrations include worshiping Goddess Kali. It is said to be the birthday of Goddess Kali. Big events are organized on this day and huge idols of Goddess Kali are set up in big grounds. Innumerable devotees gather at one place and offer prayers to the Goddess.

Hopefully, this article on Narak Chaturdashi has given much of knowledge all about the day of Kali Chaudas. Observe the fast of Narak Chaturdashi to please the Goddess of wealth.

Along with this, light up your hearts by the light of knowledge on this Narak Chaturdashi.

This year, Narak Chaturdashi will again bring the same time of festivity and fun, when you can meet your close ones and enjoy to the fullest. Enjoy the festival of Chhoti Diwali with lots of zeal and fervor.

MyKundali wishes you a happy Narak Chaturdashi..!