Kali Chaudas 2017: Replace Darkness Of Your Life With Divinity

The date for celebrating Kali Chaudas in 2017 is October 18. Celebrated on a day before main Diwali day, Narak Chaturdashi is meant to expel out darkness and kill the evil spirit residing within us. Read this article on Kali Chaudas (also known as Narak Chaturdashi) and discover the secret of unlocking the door of prosperity.

Narak Chaturdashi or Kali Chaudas falls one day prior to Diwali and holds immense meaning for all the Hindus across the globe. Out of the 5 days of Diwali celebrations, Narak Chaturdashi is celebrated on the second day.

The festival of Kali Chaudas is celebrated on Chaturdashi Tithi of the dark fortnight or Krishna Paksha of Kartika month.

From the day of Narak Chaturdashi or Kali Chaudas, preparations for next day i.e. Diwali starts in full swing. Narak Chaturdashi is the occasion to learn that no matter how strong evil is, it always gets defeated by goodness. Diyas (earthen lamps) lit on the auspicious day of Narak Chaturdashi take away all the darkness and ignorance prevailing around.

This was just an overview of Chhoti Diwali, let us now read all about it in this article on Narak Chaturdashi.

Kali Chaudas: Legends Of Narak Chaturdashi

Two mythological legends are related with Kali Chaudas. Let us read both these legends one by one:

Legend Of Narakasura

As per this legend, long ago, there was a demon named Narakasura, who was a King. With his cruelty and power, he imprisoned 16,000 daughters of the saints and gods. Not only this, he also defeated Lord Indra and snatched Kundals (earrings) from the ears of Aditi (mother of Gods). His act was unveiled to Lord Krishna, who got so enraged from Narakasura that he decided to fight with him. When Lord Krishna’s wife Satyabhama got to know everything, she decided to end Narakasura herself with the help of Lord Krishna.

As per the beliefs, Satyabhama and Lord Krishna defeated Narakasura with Sudarshan Chakra. After killing him, the Lord applied Narakasura blood on his forehead. All the celestial gods got liberated after the battle and Aditi’s earrings were given back to her by Lord Krishna.

Legend Of King Bali

The second legend takes us back to the story of King Bali, who was known for his humanity. With his good deeds, people of his kingdom were happy and contented. His power and popularity knocked the doors of heaven as well, although he was not welcomed by Aditi, the mother of gods. She realized that soon Mahabali would be dominating heaven and earth, both. To control his power and dominance, she approached Lord Vishnu for help. To stop the authority of Bali, Lord Vishnu transformed into Vamana (dwarf) and went to the King’s kingdom. When the Lord visited Mahabali’s kingdom, he saw the King busy in performing Havan (ritual).

After the rituals were over, the King asked Vamana to make a wish, on which Vamana demanded three portions of land. Also, he said that these portions of land should be equal to his footsteps. Being a courteous king, Mahabali granted the wish. Soon Vamana grew up in size and covered the earth via his very first footstep. With his second footstep, he covered heaven. Seeing this, Mahabali realized that no other piece of land was left and thus, asked Vamana to place the final footstep on the King’s head. Vamana agreed and did exactly the same. This act sent the King to Sutala or the heavenly underworld.

Kali Chaudas : Celebrations Across The Country

Narak Chaturdashi is celebrated in every Hindu home with zeal and gusto. Reason behind is quite obvious, Diwali, which is celebrated on the very next day. The real fever of Diwali celebration begins from Narak Chaturdashi itself. On the morning of this day, people wake up early and apply fragrant oil on their body. After taking bath, people dress up in new clothes and their faces are seen lit up with cheer and joy.

Women indulge in preparing sweets such as Ladoos, Shakkar Paare, almond Halwa (Badam Halwa), and a number of other delicacies too. In some parts of the country, women wash their hair on Kali Chaudas and apply Kajal (kohl) to their eyes. It is believed that doing so keeps the evil away from the celebrations and rituals of Narak Chaturdashi.

The Goddess worshiped on Narak Chaturdashi is ‘Kul Devi’, and is the destroyer of evil and negativity. A number of other rituals are also performed on Kali Chaudas like:

• Offering Naivedya (food) to Kul Devi
• Offering of food to forefathers
• Beautiful Rangolis are made in the courtyards
• Children enjoy bursting crackers

Kali Chaudas : Celebrations Across The Country

Widen your knowledge about Kali Chaudas celebrations by taking a look at the following:

Celebration In South India

In South India, people perform the act of killing of Narakasura by Lord Krishna on the day of Kali Chaudas. Just as the Lord applied the demon’s blood on his forehead, people here prepare a mixture of Kumkum (vermilion) and oil, and apply it on their forehead. This mixture is known as Ubtan and is applied before bath.

Celebration In Maharashtra

Similar tradition of preparing Ubtan is followed in Maharashtra too. Here, the mixture contains gram flour mixed with fragrant powders. Narak Chaturdashi in Maharashtra is the time to enjoy Seviyan (Vermicelli) with friends and family.

Celebration In Bengal

In Bengal, Narak Chaturdashi means celebrating the birth of Maa Kali. To honor the Goddess, devotees establish huge Pandals (temporary structures) and carry out the famous Kali Puja.

Celebration In Goa

Goa celebrates Narak Chaturdashi by creating effigies (models) of the King Narakasura. A huge procession is then taken out to streets and the effigies are finally burnt. People of all age witness this act and recall the message that evil always faces defeat by goodness and truth.

Celebration In Western India

Chhoti Diwali or Narak Chaturdashi means commencement of harvest season in western part of India. People are seen in festive mood and they prepare delicacies of Poha (semi-cooked rice).

Kali Chaudas : Abhyanga Snaan

Though many rituals are associated with Kali Chaudas celebrations, still the main custom followed is smearing of fragrant oil on the body. It is this ritual, which marks the beginning of Narak Chaturdashi festival. This ritual is quite popular on this special day and this practice is being followed since ages; thus, its preparations are also special.

A night before Narak Chaturdashi, people clean pots or vessels and decorate them using mango leaves and marigolds. Water is filled inside the pot or vessel and is kept as it is waiting for the dawn. Next morning, it is heated and this water is then used for taking holy bath.

A paste of aromatic herbs mixed with perfumed oils is applied. It is said that these oils help one’s body to become strong and doesn’t get affected by old age early.

Do you know that Bhudevi (mother of Narakasura), herself told the masses to celebrate her son’s death as a day of joy and fest? Yes, it is true and on the eve of Kali Chaudas, let us talk about this interesting tale. As per the beliefs, after the death of Narakasura, his mother Bhudevi encouraged people that killing of a demon should be celebrated with zeal. It is from this incident, Narak Chaturdashi is celebrated by one and all.

This was all about Kali Chaudas. Celebrate this auspicious day and ward off all the negativity and evil spirits from your life. On this second day of Deepavali, take a pledge to overcome all your negativity and live a clear and prosperous life.

AstroCAMP wishes all of you a very Happy Narak Chaturdashi..!