Naraka Chaturdashi

Naraka Chaturdashi, also called Kali Chaudas or Choti Diwali, is a Hindu festival observed on the 14th day of the dark fortnight in Ashvin or Kartika, just before the main Diwali night. Celebrated across India and in parts of Bangladesh, it commemorates Krishna's victory over the demon Narakasura and is marked by early morning rituals, oil baths, lighting lamps, and family gatherings.

• Second day of the five-day Diwali festival
• Marked by early morning oil baths and rituals
• Effigies of Narakasura are burned in Goa
• Fourteen lamps are lit in Bengal for Bhoot Chaturdashi
• Celebrated with sweets, poha, and family gatherings

What it is

Naraka Chaturdashi is a significant day in the Hindu calendar, falling just before the main Diwali celebrations. It is believed to mark the defeat of the demon Narakasura by Krishna and Satyabhama, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. The festival is also known by names such as Kali Chaudas, Roop Chaudas, and Bhoot Chaturdashi in different regions, reflecting local customs and beliefs. For many, it is a time to dispel negativity, honor ancestors, and invite positive energy into the home.

Where it comes from

The origins of Naraka Chaturdashi are rooted in Hindu mythology, where the demon Narakasura was slain by Krishna and Satyabhama. This victory is seen as a metaphor for overcoming evil and ignorance. The day’s rituals, including the lighting of lamps and preparation of rice-based delicacies, hint at its connections to ancient harvest festivals. Regional variations, such as the worship of Mahakali or the honoring of ancestors, have evolved over time, blending local traditions with the broader narrative of Diwali.

How it is celebrated

Celebrations begin before sunrise, with families waking early for Abhyanga Snan—an oil massage and bath believed to purify and protect. Rituals include prayers with oil, flowers, sandalwood, and offerings like coconuts, sesame, jaggery, and poha (flattened rice) from the fresh harvest. In Goa, effigies of Narakasura are burned, symbolizing the destruction of evil, followed by fireworks and the crushing of a bitter berry underfoot. In West Bengal and Bangladesh, Bhoot Chaturdashi is observed by lighting fourteen lamps to guide ancestral spirits and ward off negativity. Throughout India, homes are cleaned and decorated, lamps are lit, and special sweets are shared with family and friends.

Joining in

Visitors during Naraka Chaturdashi can expect to see vibrant rituals in homes and temples, especially in states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Goa, and West Bengal. In Goa, the burning of Narakasura effigies is a striking spectacle, while in Bengal, the glow of fourteen lamps fills homes on Bhoot Chaturdashi. Early morning is the most active time, with families gathering for oil baths, prayers, and festive meals. While customs vary by region, the welcoming spirit and luminous atmosphere make it a memorable experience for newcomers.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Naraka Chaturdashi, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• Naraka Chaturdashi on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

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