The second day, called Naraka Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali, commemorates Krishna’s destruction of Narakasura; prayers are also offered for the souls of ancestors.
Narak Chaturdashi is an important Hindu festival that is celebrated on the day prior to Diwali all over India. It is also called ”Choti Diwali”. It is a festival that is dedicated to the Lord of Death, who is called ”Yamraj” in Hindu mythology. It is also the day that the demon king called Narakasura was killed by the trio of Krishna, Kali, and Satyabhama. A lot of religious rituals, beliefs, and festivities are associated with this special day.
In the Hindu calendar of Vikram Samvat, Narak Chaturdashi falls in the month of Kartik. This is the 14th day, when the moon is waning, and is called the Chathurdashi day of the Krishna Paksha of that month.
Why do we celebrate
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 in India 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.
Significance of 14 diyas
Throughout the nation, different regions celebrate Narak Chaturdashi in diverse ways. While it is celebrated as Tamil Deepavali in Tamil Nadu, it is known as Chhoti Diwali in northern India. In West Bengal, the day is known as Bhoot Chaturdashi/ Kali Chaudus, and it is observed by lighting 14 diyas to honour a family’s 14 forefathers.
The forefathers are said to visit their ancestors to help them and remove obstructions from their lives. In Goa, Narakasura effigies are burned to symbolise the eradication of ignorance and evil. The effigies are packed with grass and firecrackers. Abhyanga Snan has a lot of significance in Maharashtra on this day.
In West Bengal, the day is known as Bhoot Chaturdashi/ Kali Chaudus, and it is observed by lighting 14 diyas to honour a family’s 14 forefathers. The forefathers are said to visit their ancestors to help them and remove obstructions from their lives.
Celebrations
Narak Chaturdashi is celebrated differently in different parts of the country. In northern India, it is referred to as Chhoti Diwali, while in Tamil Nadu is celebrated as Tamil Deepavali. The day is celebrated as Bhoot Chaturdashi in West Bengal and is marked by lighting of 14 diyas to welcome 14 forefathers of a family. It is believed that the forefathers visit their relatives to guide them and remove obstacles from their life. In Goa, effigies of Narakasura filled with grass and firecrackers are burnt depicting elimination of evil and removal of ignorance. In Maharashtra, Abhyanga Snan is of great significance on the day. Til or sesame oil should be used for Ubtan during Abhyang Snan. People also worship Yamraj or God of death by chanting mantras and putting black sesame seeds in water after taking a bath.
How is Narak Chaturdashi Celebrated?
There are various observances and rituals associated with the festival of Narak Chaturdashi :
The devotees should take oil bath before Sunrise to attain maximum blessings.
This day is celebrated as Choti Diwali in Northern India and Tamil Deepavali in South India. In Maharashtra, devotees celebrate this day as Abhyang Snan.
Men, women and children alike wear new clothes, decorate their homes and enjoy delicious delicacies with their family and friends.
Women bedeck their entire home with beautiful earthen lamps in order to welcome abundance, prosperity and happiness in their homes.
Fireworks and crackers is also an important aspect of this festival.
How to do Narak Chaturdashi Pooja?
Narak Chaturdashi is one of the prominent festivals that is celebrated on the 2nd day Of Diwali. The process of Narak Chaturdashi Pooja is as follows:-
Take wooden chowki and place a red cloth at the place of the Pooja.
Place the picture of Lord Ganesh & Goddess Laxmi on the Chowki.
Take a plate and put a red cloth first over it and then place a few silver coins on the same.
Now, take a big plate, make swastika in the middle, put 11 diyas around and place a Diya with 4 faces in the middle of the plate.
Now add sugar in the 11 diyas, or you can add makhana, kheel or murmura as well.
Next important step is to light the 4 faced Diya first and then light other 11 diyas.
Now take roli and place tilak on Goddess Laxmi & Saraswati and Lord Ganesha with the combination of red colour and rice.
Now put a combination of roli and rice in all diyas and then perform Ganesh Laxmi Panchopchar Puja.
The next step is to light another diya and put it in the front of Goddess Laxmi’s picture.
Light agarbatti & dhoop and place flowers & sweets in front of the Goddess Laxmi’s picture.
Now barring the 7 diyas and one main 4 faced diya, take rest of the diyas and place them on the main entrance of the house.
Recite Laxmi Mantra “Shreem Swaha” for bare minimum 108 times and thank Lord Ganesh & Goddess Laxmi for their blessings.
History
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).
The names and events of the individual days of Diwali are as follows:
The first day, known as Dhanteras, The second day, called Naraka Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali, commemorates Krishna’s destruction of Narakasura; prayers are also offered for the souls of ancestors. On the third day, Lakshmi Puja, families seek blessings from Lakshmi to ensure their prosperity; light diyas, candles, and fireworks; and visit temples. It is the main day of the Diwali festival. The fourth day, known as Goverdhan Puja, Balipratipada, or Annakut, commemorating Krishna’s defeat of Indra, the king of the gods, is also the first day of Karttika and the start of the new year in the Vikrama (Hindu) calendar. Merchants perform religious ceremonies and open new account books. The fifth day, called Bhai Dooj, Bhai Tika, or Bhai Bij, celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. On that day sisters pray for the success and well-being of their brothers.
Also read : Diwali the festival of light and science and Significance of 5 days in Diwali
Reason of celebration
Diwali, also spelled Divali, one of the major religious festivals in Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism, lasting for five days from the 13th day of the dark half of the lunar month Ashvina to the second day of the light half of the lunar month Karttika. (The corresponding dates in the Gregorian calendar usually fall in late October and November.) The name is derived from the Sanskrit term dipavali, meaning “row of lights.” The festival generally symbolizes the victory of light over darkness.
Observances of Diwali differ depending on region and tradition. Among Hindus the most widespread custom is the lighting of diyas (small earthenware lamps filled with oil) on the night of the new moon to invite the presence of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth.
In Bengal the goddess Kali is worshipped. In North India the festival also celebrates the royal homecoming of Rama (along with Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman) to the city of Ayodhya after defeating Ravana, the 10-headed king of the demons, thus connecting the festival with the holiday of Dussehra. In South India the festival marks Krishna’s defeat of the demon Narakasura. Some celebrate Diwali as a commemoration of the marriage of Lakshmi and Vishnu, while others observe it as the birthday of Lakshmi.
Quotes
May this Narak Chaturdashi bring
Pot full of health, wealth and prospority.
May God always be with you and bring an end to all your strife.
May the auspicious occasion of Roop Chaturdashi bring into our lives positive vibes and impart us with strength to face the difficulties in our lives. Happy Roop Chaturdashi.
ust the way Almighty destroyed Narakasur,
I wish Almighty also destroys all the problems in your life.
Wishing a warm and blessed Naraka Chaturdashi!!!”
Wishing A Very Happy Naraka Chaturdashi to you and your family.
May this auspicious occasion mark an end to all the negativities
and threats around you.
The victory ofgood over evil
The celebration of courage too
May this Narak Chaturdashi bring Nothing but the
best for you
Here’s wishing you and your family A great Naraka Chaturdashi Filled with Health, Wealth, and Prosperity. Happy Naraka Chaturdashi.
Keep smiling and enjoy the bliss There’s nothing I ask, more than this. Wish you a Happy Naraka Chaturdashi.
With lamps, colors of happiness Let it happen, but new excitement Many wishes of Happy Naraka Chaturdashi to you.
Bless you, with Ganesh Vidya, met Saraswati Get wealth from Laxmi Happiness can come from God Love meets everyone This is my heart Happy Naraka Chaturdashi.
the festival of lights is here again, so celebrate with joy, forget the pain. may this Naraka Chaturdashi bring you luck, and you keep prospering again and again.
may the joy and cheer of this divine festival surround you forever, may the happiness that this season brings brighten your life. hope the year brings you luck and fulfills all your dreams! happy Naraka Chaturdashi.
Naraka Chaturdashi is a magical time to celebrate with the ones who matter to you. I wish the merriment of this wonderful festival makes your life joyous and bright. Have a happy and blessed Naraka Chaturdashi!”
Happy new moon Happy sunshine To you and your whole family Naraka Chaturdashi and Happy Diwali.
May this Naraka Chaturdashi bring, Pot full of health, wealth, and life, May God always be with you And bring an end to all your strife. Happy Naraka Chaturdashi.
This time let’s burn our egos in the fire too! Wishing you and your family a very happy and prosperous Naraka Chaturdashi. May you embrace the goodness in your life. Happy Naraka Chaturdashi.
Quotes on choti diwali
Celebrate Choti Diwali with great pomp. Happy Choti Diwali . Happy Choti Diwali 2022 is made from moment to moment feeling, feeling makes trust,
Let’s celebrate the festival in the true sense by spreading joy and lighting up the world of others. Have a wonderful Diwali and a great New Year!
Rejoice on this blessed occasion and spread sparkles of peace and goodwill. Have a Happy Diwali!
Get together to celebrate the spirit of the festival and shower love, care, and joy. Happy Diwali!
Relationships are made by trust, and relationships make someone special!! Wishing you a very Happy Choti Diwali. Happy Choti Diwali 2022 This lovely festival of Deepawali, bring your happiness in life immense Lakshmi ji sits at your door, accept our best wishes!!
May this Choti Diwali be as bright as ever
May it bring joy, health & wealth to you
May the festival of lights brighten up your life today and forever
Happy Choti Diwali to all!
May this Choti Diwali
Light up new dreams
Fresh hopes, undiscovered avenues
Different perspectives – everything bright and beautiful
And fill your days with pleasant surprises and moments
Happy Choti Diwali to you and your family!
May this Choti Diwali Light up new dreams Fresh hopes, undiscovered avenues Different perspectives – everything bright and beautiful And fill your days with pleasant surprises and moments Happy Choti Diwali to you and your family!
Quotes on Choti Diwali
“May the divine light of Choti Diwali illuminate your life with happiness, prosperity, and good health. Wishing you a joyous and blessed Choti Diwali!”
“As the sky is filled with sparkling fireworks on Choti Diwali, may your life be filled with joy, success, and new beginnings. Happy Choti Diwali!”
“On this auspicious day of Choti Diwali, may you conquer the darkness within and embrace the light of love, compassion, and forgiveness. Happy Choti Diwali!”
“Choti Diwali is a reminder that even the smallest of lights can dispel darkness. May your life be filled with the brightness of positivity and success. Happy Choti Diwali!”
“As you light the Diyas and exchange warm wishes on Choti Diwali, may the glow of happiness and prosperity illuminate your path. Wishing you a blessed Choti Diwali!”
“On the joyous occasion of Choti Diwali, may you be blessed with good fortune, abundance, and success in all your endeavors. Happy Choti Diwali!”
“Choti Diwali is a time to cleanse our homes and hearts, to let go of negativity, and to embrace the purity of love and kindness. Happy Choti Diwali!”
“May the festivities of Choti Diwali fill your life with joy, laughter, and moments of togetherness with your loved ones. Wishing you a memorable Choti Diwali!”
“As you celebrate the triumph of light over darkness on Choti Diwali, may you also find inner strength to overcome challenges and emerge victorious. Happy Choti Diwali!”
“On this auspicious occasion of Choti Diwali, may you be blessed with prosperity, good health, and a heart filled with gratitude. Happy Choti Diwali!”
Quotes on celebration of Choti Diwali
“As the diyas are lit and the air is filled with festive cheer, may Choti Diwali bring joy, prosperity, and success into your life. Happy Choti Diwali!”
“On the occasion of Choti Diwali, may you be blessed with the gift of love, the joy of togetherness, and the abundance of blessings. Wishing you a blessed Choti Diwali!”
“Choti Diwali is a day to reflect on the triumph of good over evil and to seek the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi for a prosperous and fulfilling life. Happy Choti Diwali!”
“May the divine light of Choti Diwali illuminate your path, guide you towards happiness, and fill your life with peace, love, and harmony. Happy Choti Diwali!”
“On this auspicious occasion of Choti Diwali, may your home be filled with laughter, your heart with joy, and your life with abundance. Happy Choti Diwali!”
“Choti Diwali is a time to cleanse the mind, body, and soul, and to embrace positivity and purity. May you find inner peace and enlightenment on this auspicious day. Happy Choti Diwali!”
“May the festivities of Choti Diwali bring forth new opportunities, success, and prosperity in your life. Wishing you a joyful and prosperous Choti Diwali!”
“On this special day of Choti Diwali, may the warmth of love and the glow of happiness fill your home and heart. Happy Choti Diwali!”
“As you celebrate Choti Diwali with your loved ones, may the bond of affection and the spirit of unity strengthen, bringing joy and harmony in your lives. Happy Choti Diwali!”
“Wishing you a Choti Diwali filled with laughter, good food, and cherished moments. May this festival bring happiness and contentment in abundance. Happy Choti Diwali!”
Quotes on lighting diya on Choti Diwali
“On the occasion of Choti Diwali, may the divine blessings of Goddess Lakshmi fill your life with wealth, prosperity, and abundance. Happy Choti Diwali!”
“As the lights of Choti Diwali illuminate your surroundings, may they also brighten your path towards success and happiness. Wishing you a blessed and joyful Choti Diwali!”
“Choti Diwali is a reminder to embrace the light within and let it shine brightly, spreading love, kindness, and positivity. Happy Choti Diwali!”
“May the festivities of Choti Diwali bring family and friends closer, and may the bonds of love and togetherness grow stronger. Happy Choti Diwali!”
“On this auspicious day of Choti Diwali, may you be blessed with good health, prosperity, and a heart filled with gratitude. Wishing you a joyful and blessed Choti Diwali!”
“As you offer prayers and perform rituals on Choti Diwali, may you find inner peace, spiritual enlightenment, and a deeper connection with the divine. Happy Choti Diwali!”
“Choti Diwali is a time to let go of negativity, forgive, and embrace new beginnings. May this festival fill your life with positivity and happiness. Happy Choti Diwali!”
“May the joyous celebrations of Choti Diwali bring a renewed sense of hope, happiness, and success in your life. Wishing you a prosperous and delightful Choti Diwali!”
“On this auspicious occasion of Choti Diwali, may the divine blessings shower upon you and your loved ones, and may you be surrounded by love, peace, and prosperity. Happy Choti Diwali!”
“As the diyas are lit and the fireworks fill the sky on Choti Diwali, may your life be filled with brightness, joy, and fulfillment. Happy Choti Diwali!”
Quotes essence of Naraka Chaturdashi
“On the auspicious day of Naraka Chaturdashi, may the triumph of good over evil inspire you to conquer your inner demons and embrace the path of righteousness. Happy Naraka Chaturdashi!”
“As the darkness of ignorance and negativity is vanquished on Naraka Chaturdashi, may the light of knowledge and wisdom illuminate your life. Wishing you a blessed and joyful Naraka Chaturdashi!”
“Naraka Chaturdashi is a reminder to dispel the darkness within and let the divine light of goodness and compassion shine through. May you find peace and happiness on this sacred day. Happy Naraka Chaturdashi!”
“May the divine energy of Naraka Chaturdashi bring positive changes in your life, wash away all negativity, and fill your heart with love, joy, and gratitude. Happy Naraka Chaturdashi!”
“On the auspicious occasion of Naraka Chaturdashi, may you be blessed with strength, courage, and resilience to face the challenges of life. May you emerge victorious in all your endeavors. Happy Naraka Chaturdashi!”
“As you light the lamps and offer prayers on Naraka Chaturdashi, may the divine blessings of Lord Krishna protect you from all harm and lead you towards a path of righteousness. Happy Naraka Chaturdashi!”
“Naraka Chaturdashi is a day to reflect upon the triumph of good over evil and to express gratitude for the blessings in our lives. May this day bring happiness, prosperity, and harmony. Happy Naraka Chaturdashi!”
“May the divine grace of Goddess Kali on Naraka Chaturdashi destroy all negative forces and shower you with her blessings of strength, protection, and prosperity. Happy Naraka Chaturdashi!”
“On this auspicious day of Naraka Chaturdashi, may you be blessed with peace, love, and abundance. May your life be filled with happiness, success, and spiritual enlightenment. Happy Naraka Chaturdashi!”
“As you celebrate Naraka Chaturdashi, may the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura inspire you to overcome obstacles and emerge as a stronger and better version of yourself. Happy Naraka Chaturdashi!”
Quotes on Naraka Chaturdashi
“On the divine occasion of Naraka Chaturdashi, may the divine light guide you towards a path of righteousness and fill your life with peace, prosperity, and happiness. Happy Naraka Chaturdashi!”
“As the darkness is vanquished and the light emerges on Naraka Chaturdashi, may you find the strength to overcome your inner battles and embrace the goodness within. Wishing you a blessed and joyful Naraka Chaturdashi!”
“Naraka Chaturdashi is a time to let go of negativity and embrace positivity. May this day bring an end to all your troubles and fill your life with joy, love, and abundance. Happy Naraka Chaturdashi!”
“On this auspicious occasion of Naraka Chaturdashi, may the divine blessings of Lord Krishna shower upon you and your loved ones, and may you be surrounded by peace, prosperity, and success. Happy Naraka Chaturdashi!”
“As you light the lamps and offer prayers on Naraka Chaturdashi, may the divine energy bring positivity, harmony, and well-being into your life. Wishing you a blessed and joyous Naraka Chaturdashi!”
“Naraka Chaturdashi is a celebration of the victory of light over darkness. May this auspicious day fill your life with brightness, positivity, and endless possibilities. Happy Naraka Chaturdashi!”
“May the divine grace of Goddess Kali on Naraka Chaturdashi destroy all evil forces and protect you from harm. May your life be filled with love, joy, and prosperity. Happy Naraka Chaturdashi!”
“On this sacred day of Naraka Chaturdashi, may you be blessed with strength, courage, and resilience to face challenges. May you emerge victorious in all your endeavors. Happy Naraka Chaturdashi!”
“As you celebrate Naraka Chaturdashi, may the divine blessings of Lord Krishna fill your life with peace, prosperity, and happiness. Wishing you a joyous and blessed Naraka Chaturdashi!”
“May the festivities of Naraka Chaturdashi bring you closer to your loved ones, strengthen your bonds, and create beautiful memories. Happy Naraka Chaturdashi!”
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