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#DiwaliTraditions

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Naraka Chaturdashi: Discover the Glow Behind Diwali’s Radiant Lights

Celebrated a day before Diwali, Naraka Chaturdashi commemorates the victory of good over evil. Known by various names such as Kali Chaudas, Roop Chaudas, and Bhoot Chaturdashi, the festival holds a significant place in Hindu tradition. It marks the day when Lord Krishna and his consort Satyabhama defeated the demon Narakasura, bringing an end to his reign of terror. This day, also called "Choti Diwali," celebrates the victory of righteousness and the banishment of darkness. The Legend Behind Naraka ChaturdashiAccording to the legend, Narakasura was a powerful demon who, despite being the son of Vishnu and Bhudevi (the Earth goddess), turned to evil and began terrorizing the people. It is said that he requested a boon from his mother Bhudevi, asking that he could only be killed by her, making him nearly invincible. When his tyranny became unbearable, the people prayed to Lord Krishna for deliverance. Answering their pleas, Krishna, accompanied by his consort Satyabhama—who is believed to be an incarnation of Bhudevi—went into battle against Narakasura. In a decisive moment, Satyabhama, fulfilling the boon and acting as Bhudevi, delivered the fatal blow, bringing an end to Narakasura's reign.Before his death, Narakasura requested one final boon: that people would celebrate his defeat with lights and festivities, which is why Naraka Chaturdashi is commemorated with lamps and joy. This act of lighting lamps marks the victory of light over darkness and ushers in the Diwali festivities.Rituals and Customs Across IndiaAbhyanga Snan: The Ritual Bath   One of the most essential rituals on Naraka Chaturdashi is the "Abhyanga Snan," or oil bath. Before sunrise, people apply a specially prepared oil infused with herbs and take a bath. This cleansing ritual is believed to purify the body and soul, helping ward off evil and negative energy. In states like Maharashtra and Karnataka, Abhyanga Snan is an integral part of Diwali traditions, marking the start of a fresh, auspicious phase.Lighting of Diyas and Decorations   The mythological backdrop of Naraka Chaturdashi is centered around the banishment of darkness. As such, lighting diyas, or oil lamps, is a common tradition. People place lamps around their homes, illuminating every corner to symbolize the victory of light. In West Bengal, it’s common to light 14 diyas to honor forefathers, as Bhoot Chaturdashi is believed to be a day when ancestral spirits visit their families.Roop Chaudas: Celebrating Beauty and Renewal   In some regions, Naraka Chaturdashi is also known as Roop Chaudas, a day dedicated to enhancing one’s appearance and health. People use natural ingredients for skincare and beauty treatments, as it is believed to bring prosperity and attract positive energy. By practicing self-care and rejuvenation, devotees prepare themselves to welcome the blessings of Diwali.Regional Variations: Unique Celebrations Across IndiaGoa: Effigies of Narakasura   In Goa, Naraka Chaturdashi is celebrated with unique fervor. Locals create effigies of Narakasura, stuffed with firecrackers and grass, which are burnt before dawn. The burning symbolizes the destruction of evil and celebrates Krishna’s victory. The effigy-burning ritual is followed by fireworks and the ritual oil bath.West Bengal: Bhoot Chaturdashi   In West Bengal, Naraka Chaturdashi is known as Bhoot Chaturdashi. Families light 14 diyas around their homes, believing that the spirits of their ancestors visit on this day. The light from the diyas guides the spirits, creating a unique tradition that blends Diwali celebrations with reverence for ancestors.Karnataka and Tamil Nadu: The Day of Bhogi   In the southern states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, Naraka Chaturdashi is part of the Bhogi festival. On this day, families gather early in the morning for ritual baths, often with sesame oil, and offer prayers to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. The rituals are a symbol of purification and renewal, laying the foundation for the Diwali festivities that follow.Maharashtra: Roop Chaudas and Culinary Delights   In Maharashtra, families wake up early, perform the Abhyanga Snan, and prepare traditional delicacies. Special dishes made from poha (flattened rice) and sweets are shared among family members, adding warmth and joy to the celebration. The day is also seen as an opportunity to dress up and visit family, spreading joy and unity.Modern Observance of Naraka ChaturdashiToday, Naraka Chaturdashi is celebrated with new zeal, blending traditional values with modern customs. In urban areas, people continue the ritual of the early morning oil bath, while social gatherings and community events bring people together to celebrate the spirit of the festival. Fireworks, though minimized in recent years due to environmental concerns, remain an essential part of the festivities, lighting up the sky and adding to the spirit of victory and festivity.Naraka Chaturdashi serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring belief that good ultimately triumphs over evil. Whether through lighting lamps, performing the ritual bath, or burning effigies, each custom carries a profound message of renewal, cleansing, and celebration. As families gather, illuminate their homes, and offer prayers, they continue to honor the ancient legends that bind generations. Naraka Chaturdashi beautifully encapsulates the essence of Diwali—hope, light, and the power of good over evil.

30 Oct 2024
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Celebrating Diwali the traditional way

Diwali - the festival of lights is celebrated all over the country.In North Indian traditions of Diwali, it is celebrated to honour the victory of Lord Rama over King Ravana and his return back home after an exile of 14 years. In South Indian traditions of Diwali, it marks the victory of Lord Krishna over Narakasura. In the eastern states, especially in West Bengal, on this day the furious Goddess Kali defeated the demon Bakasura. Diwali is around the corner and one can sense the excitement of decorating the house, preparing sweets, bursting crackers and meeting friends and relatives. There is more to the festival as people have been following age-old traditions during the festival. One such tradition is the Narakchaturdashi and crushing of the Karit fruit. This tradition is prevalent in certain parts of Maharashtra. The crushing of Karit fruit is a symbol of killing Narkasur( the embodiment of evil) and removing ignorance. On this day, people wake up early and take a holy bath before sunrise. There is a folklore that anyone who wakes up late on this day travels to hell. A fast is observed on ‘Rama Ekadashi’ a day prior to Diwali, but for many, this day marks the beginning of the festival. People follow the tradition of lighting an oil lamp which burns till the last day of Diwali.The festival is dedicated to Goddess Laxmi who is also referred to as Deepalakshmi. The day is marked by praying to the Goddess and fasting. During the fast, people consume only fruits. The scientific idea behind this is to prepare the body for the feast that is to follow on the remaining days. Since ancient times, the traditions that promote socialization has also been followed. Balipratipada and Bhaubeej (Bhaidooj) are some such traditions. While one day is dedicated to the relation of husband and wife (Balipratipada or Padva), Bhaubeej strengthens the bond between brothers and sisters. This day translates to family visits and get togethers. It is that time of the festival when hearts fill up with joy on meeting loved ones. In UP. traditionally young boys enact the characters of Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, Shatrughan and Bharat. These boys are trained by the liladhari, the leader of the troupe. These are zestfully celebrated with song, dance, and merriment. In Gujarat, beautiful designs - usually depicting nature or the gods - from natural powder colors are made in verandas. These are called "rangoli" and are supposed to welcome Goddess Lakshmi to the house. In a way, they are a means of competition and pride amongst their creators. Also, small footprints are drawn with rice flour and vermilion powder all over the houses. In Rajasthan,  even the streets and marketplaces are lit up during Diwali casting a spell of enchantment, luster and joy over the city like a warm blanket. As if that is not enough, there are even competitions held for the best-decorated marketplaces, adding to the enthusiasm of the festival. Although different traditions are followed in different parts of the country, one just cannot escape the joy, enthusiasm and warmth that this festival of light radiates.

17 Oct 2017
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