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Significance of Naraka Chaturdashi

Why is naraka chaturdashi celebrated?

Naraka Chaturdashi is an auspicious day that falls on the second day of Diwali, after Dhanteras. The day celebrates the victory of good over evil as on this day the evil demon Narakasura was defeated and killed by Lord Krishna, his wife Satyabhama and Goddess Kali. It is also known as Choti Diwali. This year, Naraka Chaturdashi is going to be celebrated on 29th October, 2016.

It is also believed that on this day, Lord Krishna instilled hope in people when he was small and the town of Gokul was facing a drought. The villagers sought to pray to Lord Indra but Krishna convinced the people to pray to the mountain Govardhan instead, whose resources were very helpful to the people. This infuriated and offended Lord Indra who raised a heavy rainfall and storm in the village and people were scared.

They prayed to Lord Indra to save them but because of his pride, he told them to turn to Lord Krishna and the mountain whom they had preferred over Lord Indra. Looking at this, Lord Krishna went to the mountain and lifted it with his little finger. The villagers went to seek shelter under the mountain and were saved. Humbled, Lord Indra accepted defeat and called off the heavy rainfall and apologized for his vanity.

Goddess Kali is also one of the deities to whom pujas are offered on this day which is why the day is also known as Kali Choudas. Oil, sandalwood and flowers are important elements of this puja. Coconuts are also offered to Lord Hanuman and prasad is offered in the form of sesame seeds, jaggery, poha, ghee and sugar. In Tamil Nadu and other southern parts of India, it is considered auspicious to wake up early in the morning and have oil baths before performing puja and seeking blessings.

To know more about Diwali and the pujas to be performed during Diwali, click here.

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