When did the Naraka Chaturdasi in India start?
About Naraka Chaturdasi in India Holiday
Naraka Chaturdasi is one of the holiest festivals celebrated in India. This ancient festival dates back to the Vedic times and has great social and religious significance. Naraka Chaturdasi falls on the 14th day of the dark fortnight, known as Chaturdasi before Diwali, the Festival of Lights. This festival marks the time when Lord Krishna not only killed the tyrant king Narakasura but also liberated 16,000 captive princesses and brought them back to their kingdom.
This day is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion by people all over the country. On this day, grand feasts and lavish meals are prepared in homes. People draw colorful 'Kolams' with rice powder and decorate the threshold with mango leaves and flowers. Observant Hindus take part in elaborate poojas in the temples and at home. They bath in fragrant oils to ward off evil and pray for prosperity. Special prayers are offered to Lord Krishna following stories about the slaying of Narakasura.
Naraka Chaturdasi is a joyous festival that brings together people of all religions and backgrounds to celebrate in unison. It serves as a reminder of the victory of good over evil, and encourages people to persevere in their fight against the forces of darkness.
Naraka Chaturdasi—Exploring the Indian festival of Diwali
History And Origin Of Naraka Chaturdasi
Naraka Chaturdasi marks the second day of the five-day festival known as Diwali, widely celebrated across India. It is derived from the Sanskrit words Naraka (meaning hell) and Chaturdasi (meaning fourteenth) and is also known as Chhoti Diwali. Symbolic of the victory of good over evil, Naraka Chaturdasi is celebrated by performing religious puja ceremonies in homes and temples.
Naraka Chaturdasi is related to the Hindu legend of Lord Krishna slaying one of the most powerful demons of all time—Narakasura—on the very same day. Ancient scriptures suggest Lord Krishna promised the citizens of Pragjyotisha (a kingdom in Assam) that he would rid the land of the demon’s tyranny and wickedness. When Krishna fulfilled his promise and slayed Narakasura, the people erupted in celebration of their liberation from fear.
The 14th day of the Hindu Lunar Calendar is celebrated as Naraka Chaturdasi, commemorated by Hindus from Bangladesh, Nepal, North and South India, Fiji, Guyana, Mauritius, and Trinidad and Tobago. People light diyas (small oil lamps) and celebrate this joyous occasion with fireworks, special feasts, and festive gatherings.
Significance and Meaning Of Naraka Chaturdasi
Naraka Chaturdasi is symbolic of the triumph of good over evil, and the victory of Lord Krishna’s divine glance over Narakasura. It is believed that Narakasura was responsible for abducting 16,000 princesses, which is why Naraka Chaturdasi is also known as ‘Shodashi’ meaning ‘sixteen’.
The celebration of Naraka Chaturdasi marks an auspicious start of festivities and brings with it immense spiritual and moral significance. It is believed that anyone who fasts on this day, their forefathers in their afterlife are liberated from any sins and attain eternal salvation.
Traditions and Celebrations of Naraka Chaturdasi
Naraka Chaturdasi is celebrated in different ways across different states of India. Generally, people observe fasts during the day and then break it with an elaborate feast in the evening. In Bengal, people perform ‘Bonedi Barir Uru’, a tradition of visiting rich ancestral houses during this time and offering gifts and blessings. In Bengal, Lord Krishna is worshipped at midnight as it is believed that is when he destroyed Narakasura.
In Karnataka, South India, Naraka Chaturdasi is celebrated by drawing traditional patterns called ‘Kollu’ or ‘Kolam’ which are geometric patterns made up of rice flour or sand. The aim is to welcome the spirits of the deceased, offering them a path leading up to their homes. A bonfire called ‘Kashiyathra’ is lit in the evening to keep away evil spirits and bad luck.
In Gujarat, a special sweet is prepared to celebrate Naraka Chaturdasi called ‘Karanji’. In Maharastra, it is customary to exchange dry fruits with family and friends and to spend time with family members, remembering each other’s good deeds.
Geographical Spread of Naraka Chaturdasi
Naraka Chaturdasi is celebrated in both North and South India as part of the five-day Diwali festival. While different states may have different cultural and celebratory traditions, the spiritual meaning of the day remains the same—defeating the evil forces and bringing in peace and prosperity.
In North India, Naraka Chaturdasi is celebrated on the second day of Diwali. People exchange gifts, sweets, and blessings and visit each other’s homes. The atmosphere is filled with joy as friends and families join in feasting in the evenings. Diyas and candles are lit on windows, doorways, and home entrances as a mark of festive celebration.
In South India, the celebratory mood of Naraka Chaturdasi often continues beyond the day itself. Traditional display of crackers, sweets, and gifts are exchanged during the days of Naraka Chaturdasi. It is customary for friends and family to come together in the evening and diyas are lit throughout the night, expressing stories of happiness and unity for everyone.
Modern Day Observations Of Naraka Chaturdasi
The observance of Naraka Chaturdasi in modern-day India is marked by traditional practices and rituals. People take off from work and spend time with family, while sweets and gifts are exchanged. Lighting diyas in doorways, windows, and homes is a strong sign of celebrating the day’s religious importance. People also decorate their homes with rangoli, traditional motifs, and flowers.
Though the celebration has retained the traditional aspects of its observance, technology is playing an increasingly important role in connecting families and friends and communicating the festivities of Naraka Chaturdasi. People are sharing their messages of joy and hope through exchanging cards and voicemails or over the internet.
Interesting Facts and Trivia About Naraka Chaturdasi
• Naraka Chaturdasi marks the day before Diwali, and is the final day of Diwali’s grand five-day celebration.
• Naraka Chaturdasi symbolizes defeating the most powerful demon at the time, Narakasura.
• In South India, it is customary to light diyas and candles for the entire night before Naraka Chaturdasi.
• In Assam, it is believed Lord Krishna freed 16,000 princesses from the clutches of Narakasura and since then, Naraka Chaturdasi is also known by the name ‘Shodashi’.
• In many parts of India, ‘Modak’, a traditional sweet, is offered to Lord Krishna as a sign of reverting his victory over Narakasura.
• Rice is cooked in new pots and the dish is called ‘Vidyrathi Arti’, which symbolizes a ‘victory feast’ associated with Krishna and Narakasura.
• Sweets and dishes known as ‘halwa’ are prepared on this day for loved ones, as a tradition.
• In Tamil Nadu and Bengal, Naraka Chaturdasi is celebrated by offering prayers to Lord Vishnu to mark his triumph over Narakasura.
• In south India, the day before Naraka Chaturdasi is called “Padwa”.
Holiday Wishes
• May your festival of joy, light, and love be blessed with peace and consolation
• Wishing peace, joy, and harmony for you and all your loved ones this Diwali
• A wonderful Naraka Chaturdasi to you and your family! May your family be showered with love and prosperity
• Happy Naraka Chaturdasi! Wishing you and your family a festive season filled with good health, harmony, and joy
• Wishing you a whole lot of positivity this Naraka Chaturdasi! Have a blessed celebration
Holiday Messages
• May the festival of lights bring you immense joy and inner peace
• This Naraka Chaturdasi, may all your wishes and desires be fulfilled
• Wishing you a Naraka Chaturdasi that is full of love, cheerfulness, and bliss
• Let’s celebrate the festival of lights with joy and hope for a better tomorrow
• Wishing you a prosperous and healthy Naraka Chaturdasi full of joy and harmony
Holiday Quotes
• “Happy Naraka Chaturdasi! May the festival of lights bring you joy and fulfillment”
• “On this Naraka Chaturdasi, may the divine light of Diwali bring peace and joy in your life”
• “This Naraka Chaturdasi, let’s bring in the festive cheer and bask in the glory of lights”
• “May this beautiful day fill your life with joy and peace”
• “On this Naraka Chaturdasi, may your home be filled with joy, laughter, and peace”
Other Popular Holiday Info
Apart from its spiritual significance, Naraka Chaturdasi is also a time for rekindling relationships. It is a time for reflection and resolution, forgiving and forgetting. Communities come together to celebrate the day, exchanging wishes, sharing sweets, and displaying an array of firecrackers. Naraka Chaturdasi is a day to commemorate and reaffirm traditional values and customs.
It is a time to give thanks for past blessings and receive new ones, as we look ahead to a bright and prosperous future. The joyous spirit of Naraka Chaturdasi has come to represent a reminder of the power of good and has endured over generations and centuries. It is the magical essence of Diwali that brings us together in moments of togetherness and merriment and fills our universal heart with immense joy and appreciation for the many blessings.
The powerful message of the Naraka Chaturdasi legend resonates with us to this day—to believe in ourselves and never be afraid of intimidating forces. Let us all come together and spread sheer joy and keep faith alive while celebrating the festival of lights and commemorating Naraka Chaturdasi. Wishing you all a very happy Naraka Chaturdasi!
Naraka Chaturdasi in India Also Called
Kali Chaudas or Chhoti Diwali.
FUN FACT:
In year 1425, Naraka Chaturdasi in India is celebrated on October 20 for the first time.HOLIDAY CHECK: We strive for accuracy and fairness. But if you see something that doesn't look right, please click here to contact us!