Hindu Festivals Naraka Chaturdashi

Naraka Chaturdashi, also popularly known as Choti Diwali, Kali Chaudas, or Roop Chaudas, is celebrated a day before the grand festival of Diwali and carries deep religious and cultural significance. According to ancient Hindu mythology, this day commemorates the victory of Lord Krishna, assisted by Goddess Satyabhama and Goddess Kali, over the demon king Narakasura, who had imprisoned thousands and spread terror and darkness across the world. His defeat is seen as the triumph of righteousness, truth, and light over evil, lies, and darkness, making Naraka Chaturdashi a festival that inspires hope and positivity. On this day, people wake up early before sunrise, apply fragrant oil to their bodies, and take a holy bath, which is believed to wash away sins, cleanse impurities, and invite good health and long life. Afterward, devotees wear new clothes, clean their homes, and decorate them with colorful rangoli, fresh flowers, and rows of glowing diyas to welcome prosperity and ward off negativity. Families come together to perform special puja for peace, happiness, and well-being, and in many regions, the festival is also associated with Roop Chaudas, when people follow traditional beauty rituals for enhancing inner and outer radiance. In the evening, homes shine with diyas, sweets are shared,

Naraka Chaturdashi, also known as Choti Diwali, Roop Chaudas, or Kali Chaudas, is celebrated a day before the grand festival of Diwali and is regarded as one of the most significant occasions in the Hindu calendar. Rooted in mythology and tradition, this day commemorates the great victory of Lord Krishna, with the support of Goddess Satyabhama and Goddess Kali, over the tyrant demon king Narakasura, who had spread terror, cruelty, and darkness by capturing thousands of innocent beings. The slaying of Narakasura is remembered as a powerful symbol of the triumph of good over evil, truth over lies, and light over darkness, a theme that perfectly aligns with the essence of Diwali. On Naraka Chaturdashi, people wake up before sunrise, apply fragrant oil or herbal ubtan to their bodies, and take a ritual bath, which is believed to remove impurities, sins, and negative energies, while blessing devotees with long life, good health, and prosperity. After this sacred bath, families wear new or festive clothes, decorate their homes with colorful rangoli designs, flower garlands, and rows of glowing diyas, symbolizing the spreading of light and positivity. The puja rituals vary across regions—some worship Lord Krishna for his victory, others honor Goddess Kali, while many also perform Yama Puja, seeking protection from untimely death. Naraka Chaturdashi is also associated with Roop Chaudas, during which people follow traditional beauty and self-care rituals, believed to enhance inner and outer radiance. In the evening, homes shine brightly with diyas, sweets are exchanged with relatives, neighbors, and friends, and firecrackers are burst in many regions to mark the joyous occasion. Beyond its rituals, Naraka Chaturdashi holds a deeper message—it encourages people to drive away darkness, ignorance, and negativity from their lives while embracing light, knowledge, goodness, and positivity. Thus, this festival not only honors a mythological victory but also prepares devotees spiritually and emotionally for the grand Diwali celebrations that follow, making it a cherished occasion of joy, renewal, and togetherness.