Narak Chaturdashi 2023: History and significance of the festival

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Narak Chaturdashi 2023: Narak Chaturdashi, also known as Choti Diwali, is a Hindu festival celebrated on November 2, 2023, a day before the main Diwali festival. The festival is celebrated across most of India and has its roots in Hindu mythology.

Why is Narak Chaturdashi Celebrated?

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Narak Chaturdashi is celebrated to commemorate the victory of good over evil. According to Hindu legends, the demon Narakasura was a powerful and malevolent figure who caused immense suffering to humanity. On this day, people worship Lord Krishna, who is believed to have defeated Narakasura. The festival serves as a reminder that evil never survives and that good always prevails.

Celebrations and Rituals

Narak Chaturdashi is celebrated with various rituals and traditions. People wake up early in the morning, before sunrise, and apply ubtan (a paste made of sesame oil, rose water, and Ganga water) on their bodies, followed by a holy bath or Abhyanga Snan. They also light diyas and perform aarti to seek the blessings of Lord Krishna and Goddess Lakshmi.

In some regions of India, Narak Chaturdashi is also a day to worship certain Hindu deities and acknowledge the defeat of the demon Narakasura. The festival is an opportunity to abolish laziness and evil from one's life and to seek divine guidance towards a happy and healthy life

Significance of Narak Chaturdashi in the Diwali Celebrations

Narak Chaturdashi is the second day of the five-day-long Diwali festival, which is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion across India. Each day of Diwali has its own rituals and traditions, emphasizing unity, love, and the triumph of light over darkness. The festival is a time for families to come together, exchange gifts, light lamps, and strengthen bonds.