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Naraka chaturdashi or Choti Diwali 2017: Date, Rituals and Story

Naraka chaturdashi or Choti Diwali 2017: Date, Rituals and Story

Naraka Chaturdashi or choti diwali is the second day of the five-day-long festival of Diwali, falls on 14th day of Kartik month of the Hindu calendar. This year Narka Chaturdashi is observed on Wednesday on 18th October. It is also known as Choti Diwali, Kali Chaudas, Roop Chaudas or Naraka niwaran Chaturdashi. According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that demon Narakasura was killed by Lord Krishna, Devi Satyabhama, and Maa Kali on the day of Naraka Chaturdashi. On the occasion of Naraka Chaturdashi, Hindu people wake up early in the morning before sunrise and apply Ubattan made by til oil, herbs, and flowers on the body and take Abhyang snan (bath). People believe that who don’t follow this rituals goes to the hell after death.

STORY OF NARAK CHATURDASHI OR CHOTI DIWALI

According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that in ancient time there was a spiritual and clever king named as Ranti deva. He always helps other and busy in religious work. One day Lord Yama (god of death) came to him to take his soul. King asked Lord Yama that I never did bad work than why you came here to get me to hell. Lord Yama replied that one day he returned a hungry priest from his door that’s why I am here to take you to the hell.

The king, Ranti Deva request to the Lord Yama to get one year life more. Yama got pity on him and granted him one year life. king met with the saints and told his story, saint suggested him to keep fast at Narak Chaturdashi and offer food to the priests and say sorry for your mistake. In this way you can get relief from your past sin.
So, Narak Chaturdashi is celebrated to become free from all the sins to protect us from going to the hell.

About the author

Shilpi Gupta

Food Technologist by Profession and Blogger by Destiny. love to write articles on food technology, spirituality and social issues.