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A powerful demon called Bhoumasur or Narkasur formerly ruled a place named Pragjyotishpur. He began harassing both Deities and the people. He imprisoned sixteen thousand young princesses with an intention of marrying them after winning their kingdoms in battles. He created chaos everywhere. When Shrīkrushṇa heard about this, He attacked the demon, slayed him and set the princesses free. This day is known as Narak Chaturdashi.
The dying Narkasur asked Shrīkrushṇa for a boon, "On this day (tithi) the one who takes an auspicious bath (mangalsnan) will not suffer in hell." Shrīkrushṇa granted him the boon.
Consequently, the fourteenth (Chaturdashī) day of the dark fortnight of Āshwin also came to be known as Narak Chaturdashi and on that day people started bathing before sunrise. On this day when Shrīkrushṇa returned home at dawn, after slaying Narkasur, adorning a spot (tilak) of Narkasur's blood on His forehead, Nanda gave Him an auspicious bath. The women expressed their joy by moving lit lamps around His face (ovalani).'
Narak Chaturdashi is a Hindu festival that is celebrated a day prior to Diwali, i.e. on Choti Diwali. It celebrates Lord Krishna's victory over demon Narakasura. This festival is also known as Kali Chaudas or Roop Chaudas.
In some Indian regions and cultures, it is believed that it was Goddess Kali who killed the Rakshasa Narakasura. Thus it is celebrated as Kali Chaudas.
Lord Krishna and Goddess Kali ended the evil deeds of Narakasura by killing him. This festival commemorates their victory. It is believed that Lord Krishna after killing the demon, during the time of Brahma Muhurta, took oil bath. This is why it is considered highly auspicious to take an oil bath before sunrise with complete rituals.
Narak Chaturdashi is an auspicious day to ward off all evil and negative energies from one's life. It is a day of new beginnings when we get rid of our laziness and set the foundation of a bright and prosperous future.
Narak Chaturdashi is observed on the 14th day or Chaturdashi tithi of the Hindu month of Kartik Krishna Paksha
There are various observances and rituals associated with the festival of Narak Chaturdashi:
The mythology of Narak Chathurdashi symbolises the elimination of darkness or evil by the power of the light or the Divine goodness. It is why on this day, lamps or diyas are lit up all over India where Diwali is celebrated. Some of the stories that are associated with this festival are as follows:
The killing of Narakasura: It is believed that the demon king Narakasura was tormenting people on earth. Unable to bear the torture anymore, the people prayed to Lord Krishna and Goddess Kali for help. While some mythological stories talk about Narakasura being killed by Lord Krishna, others talk about his killing by Goddess Kali. That is why this day is also called Kali Chaudas. This is prevalent in the states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan.
In the states where Narak Chaturdashi is celebrated on the no-moon day prior to Diwali, the next day people light up lamps or diyas to celebrate the killing of this demon king and the banishment of evil and darkness from the earth.
Narak Chaturdashi rituals are observed in a wide variety of ways all across India. In rural areas of India, it is celebrated as if it is a harvest festival. Lord Hanuman is worshipped on this day in some parts of India with an offering of rice flakes, jaggery, ghee, and sesame seeds with a special offering of coconuts. The rice is obtained from the fresh harvest of the month. The puja is conducted using special flowers, oil, and sandalwood.
Usually, people will wake up earlier than usual on this day, massage themselves with special herbal oils, and take a ritual bath. This is also called Abhayanga Snan which is to be done before sunrise in the presence of the moon. It is believed that the sesame oil which is used for this bath will help to protect the person from poverty and misfortune.
Clean or new clothes are then worn. Visits are made to the family temple of their native places, especially to the mother goddess called Kula Devi. Food is also offered to the ancestors on this day in certain parts of India.
Breakfast is enjoyed with family and friends. A lavish lunch is also enjoyed with special sweet delicacies. In the evening, fireworks are set off which is watched with a great deal of excitement by all.
In West Bengal, this day is also called Bhoot Chaturdashi, where it is believed that the souls of departed ones visit their loved ones on earth as the veil between worlds becomes thinner on this day. Some believe that 14 forefathers visit the family on this day so 14 diyas are lit around the perimeter of the house.
In Goa, paper effigies of Narakasura are made in order to symbolize evil. This is then filled with firecrackers and grass. It is after these effigies are burnt and fireworks are set off early in the morning at 4 am that people return to their homes and take their ritual baths. A berry called Kareet is crushed under the feet to symbolize the crushing of evil. Sweet delicacies and different kinds of poha (beaten rice) is cooked and distributed among family and friends.
In Tamil Nadu, a pooja is done for Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth, on this day. They also observe a special diet restriction or fast called ''nombu'' on this day.
Narak Chaturdashi helps people to remember that evil can be overcome with the goodness in one's heart as well as with the blessings of the divine.
Devotees of West Bengal perform Durga Puja to appease Goddess Kali on this special day. Generally, Bengalis call Narak Chaturdashi the 'Bhoot Chaturdashi'. They believe that ghosts or evil forces can roam freely around the Earth during these times, so they lit up 14 diyas outside their home entrance to get rid of them. On the occasion of Bhoot Chaturdashi, people also have different types of green saags.
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