Naraka Chaturdashi/Choti Diwali

Naraka Chaturdashi is the second day of the five-day Diwali festival, after Dhanatrayodashi (Dhanteras) and before Lakshmi Puja. The word “Naraka” refers to hell or suffering, and the day is believed to free a person from sin, fear and the cycle of suffering. The most important feature is the Abhyanga Snan, an oil bath taken before sunrise, during the Arunodaya or Brahma Muhurta period. In South India, especially Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka, this day is the main day of Diwali celebration, marked by early baths, new clothes, sweets and firecrackers. In North India it is known as Choti Diwali, and in Bengal and Gujarat it is linked with Kali worship and the remembrance of ancestors.

The most popular story comes from the Puranas (Bhagavata and Vishnu Purana). Narakasura, also called Bhaumasura, was the son of Bhudevi (the Earth) and Lord Vishnu in his Varaha form. He ruled Pragjyotishpura (associated with present-day Assam). Granted a boon that he could be killed only by his mother, he grew arrogant and cruel. He defeated the devas, seized the earrings of Aditi (mother of the gods), and imprisoned thousands of women, traditionally said to number 16,100.

The gods appealed to Lord Krishna. Krishna went to battle with his wife Satyabhama, regarded as an incarnation of Bhudevi, as his charioteer. When Krishna was struck by Narakasura’s weapon and fell unconscious, Satyabhama took up the bow and defeated the demon, fulfilling the boon. Dying, Narakasura asked that his death be celebrated with lights and joy, and this became the basis of the festival. Krishna freed the captive women and restored Aditi’s earrings. The blood-red tilak on the forehead and the early morning oil bath are linked to the memory of Krishna washing off the battle.

A second tradition connects the day with Yama, the lord of death. The story of King Rantideva and Yama’s messengers is told in this context, and the practice of lighting a Yama Deepam developed to ward off untimely death. In Bengal and Gujarat, the same tithi is observed as Kali Chaudas or Bhoot Chaturdashi, when Goddess Kali is worshipped and ancestors are remembered with lamps. In Jain tradition, the day is also associated with the lead-up to Mahavira’s nirvana at Diwali.

Customs vary by region and family tradition, so the steps below are a general outline.

1.Wake before sunrise. Rise during Brahma Muhurta, when the stars are still visible or at the first light of dawn.
2.Prepare the oil bath. Warm sesame (til) oil, or coconut oil in some regions, and place a little on the head and body. Many families first place a drop of oil and kumkum on the forehead of each member, representing the blood tilak Krishna applied after defeating Narakasura.
3.Apply a ubtan (optional). In many homes a paste of gram flour, turmeric and herbs is applied for purification and radiance (the Roop Chaturdashi tradition).
4.Take the ritual bath. Bathe with the oil still on the body, remembering the holy rivers, especially the Ganga. In Tamil tradition this is called Ganga Snanam. Some people add a sprig of Apamarga (Achyranthes aspera) over the head and rub it around the body for the removal of sin.
5.Wear new or clean clothes and apply tilak.
6.Perform Yama Tarpana. Facing south, offer water mixed with sesame seeds, reciting the fourteen names of Yama, to seek freedom from fear of untimely death and to honour ancestors.
7.Worship the deities. Offer prayers to Lord Krishna, Satyabhama, Vishnu, and Lakshmi in the home shrine. In some regions, worship Kali or Hanuman instead.
8.Light the lamps. In the evening, light diyas at the entrance, in the courtyard and around the house. Many families light a 9.Yama Deepam, a lamp facing south outside the house, for protection from untimely death. Some light fourteen lamps.
10.Offer naivedyam of sweets and savouries, and share them with family and neighbours.
Burst firecrackers or burn an effigy. In Goa and parts of Karnataka, large effigies of Narakasura are burned before dawn. Elsewhere, firecrackers mark the victory of good over evil. Safe, low-noise celebration is encouraged.
Charity. Offer food, clothes or lamps to the needy and seek blessings of elders.