Narak Chaturdashi 2024: Date, Time, and Celebrations

Narak Chaturdashi, also known as Choti Diwali, is an essential part of the five-day-long Diwali festival. Celebrated a day before Diwali, it symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and is filled with various traditional practices and stories. On this day, homes are illuminated, rituals are performed, and ancient stories are retold to pass on the wisdom and cultural values embedded in this special occasion.

What is Narak Chaturdashi?

Narak Chaturdashi, also known as Kali Chaudas or Roop Chaudas, falls on the 14th day of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Ashwin. In 2024, it will be celebrated on Thursday, October 31, and marks the second day of Diwali festivities. This festival has deep-rooted religious significance and is primarily associated with the slaying of the demon Narakasura by Lord Krishna and his wife, Satyabhama.

Abhyang Snan Muhurat:

Date: Thursday, October 31, 2024

Abhyang Snan Muhurat: 05:20 AM to 06:32 AM

Duration: 01 hour 13 minutes

Krishna Dashami Moonrise at Abhyang Snan: 05:20 AM

The Story Behind Narak Chaturdashi

The primary legend associated with Narak Chaturdashi revolves around Narakasura, a powerful demon king who was feared by gods and humans alike. According to Hindu mythology, Narakasura was the son of Bhudevi (Mother Earth), who eventually became a menace due to his growing arrogance and desire to conquer the heavens.

Narakasura wreaked havoc on the earth and heavens, abducting women and terrorizing the people. His actions grew unbearable, and the gods turned to Lord Krishna for help. In a fierce battle, Krishna, with the assistance of his wife Satyabhama, defeated Narakasura and liberated the women he had imprisoned. The slaying of Narakasura is celebrated as Narak Chaturdashi, symbolizing the victory of good over evil and the restoration of dharma (righteousness).

As per another legend, it is believed that Yama, the god of death, freed souls from suffering on this day. Hence, people perform rituals to seek protection from untimely death and to cleanse themselves of sin.

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Rituals of Narak Chaturdashi

The rituals performed on Narak Chaturdashi are believed to purify the body and soul, ward off evil, and bring prosperity. Some of the key rituals include:

1. Abhyang Snan

Abhyang Snan, or a sacred bath, is one of the most important rituals of Narak Chaturdashi. It is believed that bathing before sunrise washes away all sins, just as Lord Krishna washed away the atrocities of Narakasura. The bath is considered to cleanse the soul and body and protect against any negative energy.

On Thursday, October 31, 2024, the Abhyang Snan Muhurat is from 05:20 AM to 06:32 AM, with a total duration of 1 hour and 13 minutes. It is crucial to perform the bath during this auspicious time to maximize its benefits.

Traditionally, the body is massaged with ubtan, a mixture of herbal powders, oil, and sandalwood paste, believed to enhance beauty and glow. After the bath, new clothes are worn, and prayers are offered to deities, especially Lord Krishna and Yamraj, the god of death.

2. Lighting Lamps

On the evening of Narak Chaturdashi, homes are decorated with oil lamps, or diyas, to ward off darkness and negativity. Lighting lamps is symbolic of victory over ignorance and evil, bringing in positive energy. People also light diyas at the entrance of their homes to invite prosperity and happiness.

3. Offering Prayers to Yama

On this day, people also offer prayers to Yamraj, the god of death, seeking protection from untimely death. This is done through a special ritual called Yama Tarpan, which involves offering water and prayers to ancestors and asking Yamraj to protect the family from any untimely demise.

It is believed that performing this ritual can bring peace to the souls of departed ancestors and protect the living from suffering.

4. Special Food Preparations

Narak Chaturdashi is also a day to indulge in festive food. Sweets and savory snacks such as laddoos, chaklis, and karanji are prepared and offered to gods and guests. Many homes prepare a traditional meal called Poha and offer it as a symbol of simplicity and prosperity.

5. Celebration of Roop Chaudas

Narak Chaturdashi is also observed as Roop Chaudas, a day dedicated to enhancing one’s physical appearance and beauty. Women, especially, take part in beauty rituals, including the application of herbal oils and pastes, to rejuvenate their skin and appearance. This practice is rooted in the belief that external beauty, when paired with internal purity, can help one attain a fulfilled and prosperous life.

Significance of Narak Chaturdashi

Narak Chaturdashi holds profound spiritual and cultural significance in Hindu tradition. Some of the key reasons it is celebrated are:

1. Victory of Good Over Evil

Narak Chaturdashi is a day that marks the triumph of good over evil, as seen in the story of Lord Krishna’s defeat of Narakasura. It serves as a reminder that evil, no matter how powerful, will eventually be vanquished by righteousness and truth.

2. Cleansing of Sins

The ritual of Abhyang Snan is believed to cleanse the soul of all sins. Just as Lord Krishna delivered the world from Narakasura’s tyranny, devotees seek liberation from their past wrongdoings through the holy bath.

3. Protection from Negative Forces

Lighting lamps and performing prayers to Yamraj on Narak Chaturdashi is seen as a way to protect oneself from negative energies and premature death. The lamps symbolize the dispelling of ignorance and darkness, bringing light and knowledge into the home.

4. Spiritual Upliftment

Apart from the external rituals, Narak Chaturdashi is also a time to reflect on one’s inner self, let go of anger, jealousy, and negative emotions, and embrace kindness, compassion, and love. It is a day to cultivate both external and internal beauty, leading to spiritual upliftment.

Conclusion

Narak Chaturdashi, celebrated just before the grand festival of Diwali, is a festival that carries a deep sense of spiritual renewal and divine intervention. It teaches us that the path of righteousness may face obstacles, but goodness will always prevail. The sacred rituals, including the Abhyang Snan, lighting of lamps, and offering prayers, help us cleanse not only our physical selves but also our souls. As we perform these rituals on October 31, 2024, during the auspicious Abhyang Snan Muhurat, we can purify ourselves and invite health, happiness, and prosperity into our lives.

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