Narak Chaturdashi 2024: Muhrat, Importance, Rituals, Story and More!
About Narak Chaturdashi
Narak Chaturdashi, also known as “Choti Diwali,” is an important festival celebrated across India. It honours Yamraj, the God of Death. This day marks the victory of Bhagwan Krishna, along with Goddess Kali and Satyabhama, over the demon king Narakasura. It is also referred to by other names like Roop Chaudas, Bhoot Chaturdashi, and Narak Nivaran Chaturdashi. While Kali Chaudas and Narak Chaturdashi occur on the same day, they are different celebrations. Now, let’s explore the significance, rituals, celebrations, and timings of Narak Chaturdashi 2024.
Narak Chaturdashi 2024 Muhrat
Narak Chaturdashi on Thursday, October 31, 2024
Abhyang Snan Muhurat – 05:20 AM to 06:31 AM
Duration – 01 Hour 10 Mins
Krishna Dashami Moonrise at Abhyang Snan – 05:20 AM
Abhyang Snan during Moonrise and Chaturdashi
Chaturdashi Tithi Begins – 01:15 PM on Oct 30, 2024
Chaturdashi Tithi Ends – 03:52 PM on Oct 31, 2024
What is the Importance of Narak Chaturdashi?
On Narak Chaturdashi, people worship Devi Kali to remove negative forces and evil spirits from their lives. This worship helps remove ghosts and negativity from homes. Many Hindus also take a special bath called Abhyanga Snan on this day to cleanse themselves of sins. It’s believed that those who take this bath can avoid going to Narak. The day also honours the victory of Lord Krishna and Satyabhama over the demon Narakasura.
Narak Chaturdashi is part of the Diwali festivities and is celebrated with great enthusiasm across India. In Northern India, people dress nicely, perform Puja for Devi Kali, and light fireworks at night. In the eastern part of the country, it’s called “Bhoot Chaturdashi.” In Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, it’s known as “Kali Chaudas.” On this day, people often place a pot covered with red cloth at a crossroads.
Abhyanga Snan Muhurta and its Significance
The most important ritual on Naraka Chaturdashi is waking up early, before the sun rises, and applying ‘Ubatan’ made from oil, herbs, flowers, and other beauty ingredients. After applying this paste, people take a bath, which is known as ‘Abhyang Snan.’ It is believed that doing this ritual on Naraka Chaturdashi can protect a person from going to Hell and suffering. Not performing this ritual is thought to lead to a trip to Hell.
On this day, people also believe that washing their hair and applying kajal can protect them from the evil eye, known as ‘Kali Nazar.’ Additionally, it’s a tradition to wear new clothes after taking the holy bath.
Some people choose to fast on Naraka Chaturdashi. During this fast, they wholeheartedly worship Devi Lakshmi and Bhagwan Kuber. They break their fast only after completing all the puja rituals.
Naraka Chaturdashi coincides with ‘Hanuman Jayanti,’ so a special puja is offered to Lord Hanuman on this day. Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated twice a year. One to honour him on his birth and the other for his victory over evil. People worship him with flowers, oil, and sandalwood. They prepare a special ‘Prasad’ using rice flakes, sesame seeds, jaggery, and coconut, which they offer to the Lord. On Naraka Chaturdashi, various delicious dishes are made using hand-pounded rice, which comes from a fresh harvest. This tradition is especially prominent in both urban and rural areas of Western India.
So, in different places, people celebrate and worship deities in different ways. India is the best example of Unity in Diversity. On the same day, the same festival is celebrated in different ways but with the same theme and context, the victory of good over evil.
Narak Chaturdashi Story
The festival of Narak Chaturdashi is named after the demon Naraksura. Naraksura was the son of Bhudevi and Lord Varaha, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. Despite his lineage, Naraksura was greedy and unjust. He received a boon from Lord Brahma that he could only be killed by his mother, Bhudevi.
After attacking Lord Krishna, it was Sathyabhama, Krishna’s wife and thought to be an incarnation of Bhudevi, who ultimately killed Naraksura. Before his death, Naraksura asked Sathyabhama for a boon to be remembered forever, which is why Narak Chaturdashi is celebrated by lighting lamps to honour him.
Another story tells how Lord Krishna killed Naraksura after he kidnapped 16,000 girls. To protect them from social stigma, Krishna married all of them, ensuring they would be honoured as his wives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is Narak Chaturdashi celebrated?
A: Naraka Chaturdashi honours Yamraj, the God of Death.
Q: Which god is worshipped on Naraka Chaturdashi?
A: It honours Yamraj, the God of Death.
