Narak Chaturdashi 2023: Date, Puja Timing, Shubh Muhurat, Significance

Narak Chaturdashi is an important Hindu festival that is celebrated on the day before Diwali all over India. It is also called ”Choti Diwali”. It is a festival that is dedicated to the Lord of Death, who is called ”Yamraj” in Hindu mythology. It is also the day that the demon king Narakasura is killed by the trio of Krishna, Kali, and Satyabhama. A lot of religious rituals, beliefs, and festivities are associated with this special day.

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In the Hindu calendar of Vikram Samvat, Narak Chaturdashi falls in the month of Kartik. This is the 14th day, when the moon is waning, and is called the Chathurdashi day of the Krishna Paksha of that month. In the festival of Diwali, which lasts for more than 5 days, it is the second day.

Narak Chaturdashi 2023 in India

In 2023, Narak Chaturdashi falls on 11 November, Sunday. This day is called by several other names such as Kali Chaudas, Roop Chaudas, Bhoot Chaturdashi, and Naraka Nivaran Chaturdashi.

In the given table all the 5 days of Diwali, Date, Puja Muhurat, and Tithi are mentioned.

Why is Narak Chaturdashi Celebrated?

• Narak Chaturdashi is celebrated to commemorate the winning of good over evil. People believe that on Narak Chaturdashi, Goddess Kali, and lord Krishna defeated and killed the demon Narak. During the Brahma Muhurta, Lord Krishna is said to have taken an oil bath after destroying the demon.
• This is why taking an oil bath with all the proper procedures before daybreak is very lucky. An auspicious day to ward off all evil and negative energies from one’s life is Narak Chaturdashi. It is a day of fresh starts when we put an end to our sloth and lay the groundwork for a successful future.

Narak Chaturdashi in the States

In the states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Goa, Narak Chaturdashi is celebrated on the same day as Diwali. In the rest of India, Narak Chaturdashi is celebrated the following night, which is the no-moon night called Amavasya. It is called Deepavali Bhogi in some parts of South India.

Narak Chaturdashi Mythology

• The mythology of Narak Chathurdashi symbolizes the elimination of darkness or evil by the power of light or Divine goodness. It is why on this day, lamps or diyas are lit up all over India where Diwali is celebrated. Some of the stories that are associated with this festival are as follows:
• The killing of Narakasura: It is believed that the demon king Narakasura was tormenting people on earth. Unable to bear the torture anymore, the people prayed to Lord Krishna and Goddess Kali for help. While some mythological stories talk about Narakasura being killed by Lord Krishna, others talk about his killing by Goddess Kali. That is why this day is also called Kali Chaudas. This is prevalent in the states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan.
• In the states in India where Narak Chaturdashi is celebrated on the no-moon day before Diwali, the next day people light up lamps or diyas to celebrate the killing of this demon king and the banishment of evil and darkness from the earth.

Narak Chaturdashi Rituals

• Narak Chaturdashi rituals are observed in a wide variety of ways all across India. In rural areas of India, it is celebrated as if it is a harvest festival. Lord Hanuman is worshipped on this day in some parts of India with an offering of rice flakes, jaggery, ghee, and sesame seeds with a special offering of coconuts. The rice is obtained from the fresh harvest of the month. The puja is conducted using special flowers, oil, and sandalwood.
• Usually, people will wake up earlier than usual on this day, massage themselves with special herbal oils, and take a ritual bath. This is also called Abhayanga Snan which is to be done before sunrise in the presence of the moon. It is believed that the sesame oil which is used for this bath will help to protect the person from poverty and misfortune.
• Clean or new clothes are then worn. Visits are made to the family temple of their native places, especially to the mother goddess called Kula Devi. Food is also offered to the ancestors on this day in certain parts of India.
• Breakfast is enjoyed with family and friends. A lavish lunch is also enjoyed with special sweet delicacies. In the evening, fireworks are set off which is watched with a great deal of excitement by all.
• In West Bengal, this day is also called Bhoot Chaturdashi, where it is believed that the souls of departed ones visit their loved ones on earth as the veil between worlds becomes thinner on this day. Some believe that 14 forefathers visit the family on this day so 14 diyas are lit around the house’s perimeter.
• In Goa, paper effigies of Narakasura are made to symbolize evil. This is then filled with firecrackers and grass. It is after these effigies are burnt and fireworks are set off early at 4 AM that people return to their homes and take their ritual baths. A berry called Kareet is crushed under the feet to symbolize the crushing of evil. Sweet delicacies and different kinds of poha (beaten rice) is cooked and distributed among family and friends.
• In Tamil Nadu, a pooja is done for Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth, on this day. They also observe a special diet restriction or fast called ”nombu” on this day.
• Narak Chaturdashi helps people to remember that evil can be overcome with the goodness in one’s heart as well as with the blessings of the divine.

Naraka Chaturdashi 2023 FAQs

Q. Are Narak Chaturdashi and Diwali celebrated on the same day?

Ans – Kartik is the month in which Narak Chaturdashi occurs according to the Hindu calendar Vikram Samvat. When the moon is waning, the 14th day of the month of Krishna Paksha is known as Chathurdashi Day. It is the second day of Diwali, a festival that lasts for more than five days.

Q. What is the purpose behind celebrating Narak Chaturdashi?

Ans. As it is thought that Kali killed Narakasura on this day, the day is dedicated to the worship of Mahakali or Shakti in some parts of India. Kali Chaudas, also known as Naraka-Chaturdashi, is a day set aside to put an end to evil and lethargy that makes existence for humans on Earth unbearable.

Q. How is Narak Chaturdashi celebrated?

Ans – Offerings of oil, flowers, and sandalwood are made at the Narak Chaturdashi puja ceremonies. Coconuts and prasad of sesame seeds, jaggery, and rice flakes (poha) with ghee and sugar are presented to Lord Hanuman.

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