Kali Chaudas 2024: Understanding The Significance & Rituals

Have you ever heard of Kali Chaudas or Naraka Chaturdashi? Well, this is one of the most celebrated festivals in the Eastern part of Modern India. As the name suggests, this festival is dedicated to worshipping Goddess Kali. Continue reading to know more about this festival and its muhurat timings for 2024.

Naraka Chaturdashi 2024 Date And Time

Chaturdashi Tithi Begins: 01:15 PM on Oct 30, 2024
Chaturdashi Tithi Ends: 03:52 PM on Oct 31, 2024
Puja Muhurat/ Timing: 11:39 PM to 12:31 AM, Oct 31, 2024

Understanding The Kali Chaudas Festival

Hindus celebrate the festival of Narak Chaturdashi, also known as Choti Diwali. It is celebrated on the fourteenth day of the Hindu month of Kartik, which usually falls in October or November. They observe it one day before Diwali, the festival of lights.

It is important to note that people do not commonly refer to this festival as “Kali Chaudas.” In Gujarat and Maharashtra, people refer to it as Kali Chaudas, which is associated with Kali, the Goddess of power and destruction in Hindu mythology.

Meaning Of Kali Chaudas

“Chaudas” means the fourteenth day of the lunar night. However, many people light bonfires or burn images of the demon Narakasura to ward off evil spirits. Doing this can also attract prosperity and good fortune. It is also considered an auspicious day to start new ventures and make important decisions.

This is the reason why Kali Chaudas holds a significant place in the hearts of people in Gujarat and Maharashtra. In the western regions of India, especially Gujarat and Maharashtra, people mainly observe this festival.

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Significance of Kali Chaudas Puja

The name “Kali Chaudas” itself holds significance. “Kali” refers to dark or black, and “Chaudas” means the fourteenth. On this day, Lord Krishna’s victory over Narakasura symbolizes the success of light over darkness and good over evil.

However, to actively celebrate Kali Chaudas, devotees symbolize their participation in the triumph of good over evil. Kali Chaudas reminds us of the constant battle between good and evil and the importance of righteousness winning over wickedness. It brings people together, promoting a sense of unity and collective celebration.

Kali Chaudas: Rituals

During Naraka Chaturdashi or Kali Chaudas, several rituals and offerings are followed to celebrate the occasion. Here are the rituals and practices observed during this festival:

1. Abhyang Snan (Holy Bath)

Before sunrise, people take an oil bath or apply oil and ubtan (a paste made of herbs and aromatic substances) to cleanse their bodies and purify themselves.

2. Goddess Kali Puja offerings

Devotees offer the deity red vermilion powder, often applying it on the idol or image’s forehead as a mark of respect and devotion. They also offer sweets, such as laddoos or kheer, and a variety of fruits to please Goddess Kali and seek her blessings.

3. Narakasura Vadh

Lord Krishna and Goddess Kali commemorate the defeat of the demon Narakasura. Some people read and act out this story through skits or performances. Narakasura Vadh, also known as the slaying of Narakasura, is a popular Hindu mythological story.

4. Fasting

Kali Maa fasting day typically lasts from sunrise to sunset. However, people eat “Prasad” or “Paran” to break the fast after a long day. People consider it blessed and offer it to the deity during the puja. The cook prepares the meal using vegetarian ingredients and avoids onion or garlic.

5. Crushing of Bitter Berry

During the festival of Diwali, people crush a berry symbolically to represent that they have conquered evil, and it is only done on the day of Naraka Chaturdashi. People perform the ritual of crushing a bitter berry, often made of clay or cow dung, to represent the defeat of evil forces.

6. Bhajans and Aarti

Devotees sing bhajans and devotional songs on Kali Chaudas to honor the goddess Kali and seek her blessings. This day is auspicious for worshipping Kali because she protects them from evil forces and negativity.

7. Preparation of Prasad

People prepare special dishes and sweets, like kheer (rice pudding), puris (deep-fried bread), and ladoos. These dishes are first offered to the Lord. They later distributed the prasad among family members and guests.

Click here for Labh Pancham 2024 Muhurat

Mythology Associated With Kali Chaudas

As we celebrate this festival of lights, let us also tell you the story behind Naraka Chaturdashi, or you can also say Kali Chaudas! You might know that every festival has specific traditions, rituals, and customs. Knowing the story helps us understand the origin of these practices, making the celebrations more meaningful and authentic.

The Tale Of Lord Krishna & Narakasura

Naraka Chaturdashi is closely associated with the legend of Lord Krishna and the demon Narakasura. Narakasura was a powerful demon king who gained immense power and became a tyrant. He conquered several kingdoms and imprisoned many innocent people. Narakasura was known for his cruelty and menace to humans and gods.

Feeling helpless, the Gods asked Lord Krishna, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, for help. Lord Krishna and his wife Satyabhama waged a fierce battle against Narakasura. After a long and severe fight, Lord Krishna appeared as a winner and killed the demon Narakasura on the day of Chaturdashi. Therefore, this event symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and justice over tyranny.

As a result of Narakasura’s death, the people Narakasura had imprisoned him were free, and there was a wave of joy and relief. People lit oil lamps and burst firecrackers to celebrate the prisoners’ victory and liberation. This tradition continues today and is integral to the Naraka Chaturdashi celebrations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the benefit of Narak Chaturdashi?

The benefits of this festival are to get rid of sins, attain moksha, and seek the blessings of Lord Krishna. Moreover, it helps in purifying the soul by symbolically crushing the representation of evil.

2. What is Kali Chaudas?

Hindus celebrate Kali Chaudas, also known as Naraka Chaturdashi, on the 14th day of the dark fortnight of Ashwin. This day marks the day when Lord Krishna killed the demon Narakasura.

3. What is so special about Narak Chaturdashi?

Narak Chaturdashi is special because, on this day, Lord Krishna killed Narakasura and released thousands of prisoners, including many women. Moreover, taking a bath before sunrise on this day can ward off evil spirits and negative energy.

4. What to eat in Kali Chaudas?

On this day, people usually eat foods like sesame seeds, jaggery, and rice pudding. These foods bring good luck and prosperity.

5. Why is Lord Hanuman worshipped on Kali Chaudas?

People worship Lord Hanuman on Kali Chaudas due to his immense strength and bravery. Moreover, he can also protect his devotees from all sorts of evil and negative energies.

6. Which goddess is Worshipped on Kali Chaudas?

On Kali Chaudas, people worship Goddess Kali because she is the goddess of destruction. She protects her devotees from all kinds of evil energies or impurities, ensuring they are not harmed. Therefore, people celebrate this day by lighting lamps and offering prayers to Kali to seek her blessings.

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