Narak Chaturdashi, also known as Kali Chaudas or Roop Chaudas, is a Hindu festival celebrated in India and Nepal. It falls on the 14th day of the Krishna Paksha, of the month of Kartik according to the Hindu calendar. The word ‘Narak’ means hell and ‘Chaturdashi’ refers to fourteen days. The word “Kali” refers to Goddess Kali, who is worshipped on this day, while “Chaudas” means the 14th day of the lunar month.
On this day people worship Lord Krishna for his victory over the demon Narakasura who was killed by him with Sudarshana chakra (discus). People celebrate this day by lighting diyas around their homes, performing puja rituals, and offering prayers to Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity and well-being.
Narak Chaturdashi is an important festival in Hinduism and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion in various parts of India. It is a day to seek blessings from Goddess Kali and pray for the well-being of oneself and loved ones.
History and Significance of The Festival
The history behind celebrating Narak Chaturdashi dates back centuries ago when Lord Krishna defeated Demon Narakasura after a fierce battle that lasted 16 days during Durga Puja celebrations at Pragjyotishpur (Assam). Narakasura was a powerful demon who had received a boon from Lord Brahma that he could not be killed by any human or animal. He became arrogant and started misusing his powers. He captured 16,000 women and kept them in his palace. The women prayed to Lord Krishna to save them from Narakasura’s captivity.
Lord Krishna, along with his wife Satyabhama, fought against Narakasura and defeated him on the 14th day of the dark fortnight of the Kartik month. This day is celebrated as Kali Chaudas or Narak Chaturdashi to commemorate the victory of good over evil and to seek blessings from Goddess Kali. Goddess Kali is considered the destroyer of evil and is worshipped on this day for her blessings and protection. People light lamps, burst firecrackers, and perform puja to seek her blessings and ward off evil spirits.
After killing him, he released all those women whom he had kept captive from different parts of India including Satyabhama – one among them being Draupadi – wife of Pandavas from the Mahabharata epic story. To commemorate this event Hindus observe fasts on this day followed by special pujans dedicated to goddesses like Durga, Laxmi, Saraswati, etc., seeking blessings for peace, prosperity & good health.
How is Narak Chaturdashi Celebrated?
People wake up early take a bath then perform pooja rituals by chanting mantras while offering flowers fruits sweets incense sticks lamps etc., to deities along with traditional oil lamps called ‘diya’ made out of cow dung cakes lit up in front yards symbolizing triumph over evil forces. Later they visit temples nearby where priests chant holy hymns accompanied by devotional songs sung in praise of lord Krishna’s glory.
In some regions, devotees even organize processions carrying idol deities through streets singing bhajan sandhya aarti thus spreading festive spirit everywhere. People prepare special dishes like ‘chiwda poha’ and ’til chikki’ on Kali Chaudas and share them with family and friends. In some parts of India, people burst firecrackers to celebrate the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. At night time families gather together to enjoy delicious feast and share stories about how Narakasura got destroyed.
Narak Chaturdashi is an important religious celebration that commemorates Lord Krishna’s victory against Demon Narakasur. It is celebrated throughout India with great enthusiasm as people light diyas around their homes, offer prayers to Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity and well-being, visit temples near them, and share stories about how Narakasura was destroyed long ago.
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