Naraka Chaturdashi
Hindu festival
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Through Diwali, Western India and Gujarat
Meaning in Hinduism
The festival is also called Kali Chaudas, where Kali means dark (eternal) and Chaudas means fourteenth, since it is celebrated on the 14th day of the lunar month of Kārtika or Krishna Paksha. In some regions of India, Kali Chaudas is the day allotted for the worship of Mahakali or Shakti. Kali Chaudas is the day to abolish laziness and evil, which create hell in our life and to instead inspire light and positive energy. The god of death, Yama, is also worshipped on this day by lighting a lamp which is believed to protect one from the sufferings of naraka ("the unhappiness of man").
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Rituals associated
The puja is performed with oil, flowers, and sandalwood. Coconuts are also offered to Hanuman alongside a prasada of sesame seeds, jaggery and rice flakes (poha) with ghee and sugar.
The rituals of Naraka Chaturdashi are strongly suggestive of the origin of Diwali as a harvest festival. On this day, delicacies are prepared from pounded semi-cooked rice (poha/pova). This rice is taken from the fresh harvest available at that time. This custom is prevalent both in rural and urban areas, especially in Western India.
On this day, a head wash and application of kajal in the eyes is believed to keep away the kali nazar (evil eye). Some say that those who are into tantra learn their mantras on this day. Alternatively, people offer Nivet is local to where they are originally from. This goddess is called their Kula Devi, in order to cast off evil spirits. Some families also offer food to their ancestors on this day. The second day of Deepavali is known as Kali Chaudas in Rajasthan and Gujarat.
On this day, Hindus get up earlier than usual. Abhyanga i.e. massaging the whole body and head with sesome or medical oils is followed by Udvartan i.e Ubtan application before bathing.. Afterwards, clean clothes are worn. A large breakfast is eaten with relatives and friends. The evening is celebrated with fireworks. Special sweet dishes are served as part of the midday meal. Houses are lit with oil lamps during the evening.
In Goa, paper-made effigies of Narakasura, filled with grass and firecrackers symbolising evil, are made. These effigies are burnt early in the morning, firecrackers are burst, and people return home to take a scented oil bath. Lamps are lit in a line. The women of the house perform aarti for the men, gifts are exchanged, a bitter berry (kareet) is crushed under the feet in token of killing Narakasura, symbolising the removal of evil and ignorance. Different varieties of poha and sweets are made and eaten with family and friends.
In the Indian state of West Bengal and Bangladesh, the day before the Kali Puja is observed as Bhoot Chaturdashi. It is believed on the eve of this dark night, the souls of the deceased come down to earth to visit their dear ones. It is also believed that the 14 forefathers of a family visit their living relatives, and so 14 diyas are placed all around the house to guide them homewards and especially to chase away the evil ones. Every dark corner and nook are illuminated with light. Abhyanga Snan (oil bath) on Narak Chaturdashi day holds a special significance in a person's life. It is always done during the presence of moon but before sunrise while Chaturdashi Tithi is prevailing. This bath is done after Abhyanga i.e. massaging the whole body and head with sesome or medical oils followed by Udvartan i.e Ubtan application. ubtan helps protect the persons from poverty, unforeseen events, misfortune, etc.
In Tamil Nadu, Deepavali is traditionally celebrated on Naraka Chathurdasi day, while the rest of India celebrates it on the new moon night (Amavasya), which is the next day. In some parts of South India, this is also called Deepavali Bhogi. People get up earlier and celebrate with oil baths, aarti, pooja, and festivals. Firecrackers are usually lit on Deepavali. Some Tamil homes observe nombu and do Lakshmi Puja on this day. In Karnataka, Maharashtra the festival of Deepavali starts from this day i.e., Naraka Chathurdashi with early morning traditional oil bath, aarti followed by bursting firecrackers and extends till Bali Padyami, which is the main day of Deepavali celebration, when cows are decorated and worshipped.