Naraka Chaturdashi, also known as Choti Diwali or Naraka Nivaran Chaturdashi, is a Hindu festival celebrated on the second day of the five-day long Diwali festival. It falls on the fourteenth day of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of the Hindu lunar month of Ashwin. This year, Naraka Chaturdashi will be celebrated on 3rd November. The festival holds great significance in Hindu culture as it symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness.
The Legend of Naraka Chaturdashi:
The origin of Naraka Chaturdashi can be traced back to ancient Hindu mythology. According to the legend, there was a demon king named Narakasura who had acquired immense power and had become a threat to the gods. He had captured many kingdoms and imprisoned thousands of women. The gods, led by Lord Indra, sought help from Lord Krishna to defeat the demon king. In a fierce battle, Lord Krishna fought against Narakasura and finally defeated him, thus freeing the imprisoned women and restoring peace and harmony to the world.
As a symbol of victory over evil, Lord Krishna declared that the day of Narakasura’s defeat would be celebrated as Naraka Chaturdashi. The festival is marked by lighting lamps and bursting firecrackers to commemorate the triumph of good over evil. It is believed that on this day, the goddess Kali also defeated the demon Raktabija and saved the world from his evil deeds.
Celebrating Naraka Chaturdashi:
Naraka Chaturdashi is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor across India. People wake up before dawn and take an oil bath to cleanse themselves. They then perform puja (prayer) to seek blessings from the gods for health, prosperity, and happiness. Traditional sweets and savories are prepared and exchanged with family and friends. In the evening, homes and streets are decorated with colorful rangoli designs and illuminated with diyas (earthen lamps) to ward off darkness and evil spirits.
One of the main rituals of Naraka Chaturdashi is the lighting of firecrackers. The loud noises and bright lights of the firecrackers are believed to drive away evil forces and bring joy and prosperity into people’s lives. Many people also visit temples to offer prayers and seek blessings from the gods. The festival is a time for families to come together, share meals, and exchange gifts as a symbol of love and unity.
FAQs:
Q: What is the significance of Naraka Chaturdashi?
A: Naraka Chaturdashi is celebrated to commemorate the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. It is a time to seek blessings from the gods for health, prosperity, and happiness.
Q: How is Naraka Chaturdashi celebrated?
A: Naraka Chaturdashi is celebrated by taking an oil bath, performing puja, lighting lamps, bursting firecrackers, preparing traditional sweets and savories, decorating homes with rangoli designs, and visiting temples to offer prayers.
Q: What is the legend behind Naraka Chaturdashi?
A: The legend of Naraka Chaturdashi dates back to ancient Hindu mythology, where Lord Krishna defeated the demon king Narakasura and declared the day of his defeat as a festival to celebrate the triumph of good over evil.
Q: How is Naraka Chaturdashi different from Diwali?
A: Naraka Chaturdashi is celebrated on the second day of the five-day long Diwali festival. While Diwali is a festival of lights and prosperity, Naraka Chaturdashi specifically symbolizes the triumph of good over evil.
In conclusion, Naraka Chaturdashi is a festival that holds great significance in Hindu culture as it celebrates the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. It is a time for families to come together, seek blessings from the gods, and spread joy and happiness. The festival reminds us to always choose the path of righteousness and to stand against evil forces. Let us all celebrate Naraka Chaturdashi with love, unity, and positivity.