Kali Chaudas 2023: Understanding The Significance and Rituals

Have you ever heard of Kali Chaudas or Naraka Chaturdashi? Why do you think this festival holds so much importance in Hindu culture? Have you ever thought about it? We all celebrate this festival, but what could be the hidden facts and stories behind this festival? People in India, particularly in the western states of Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra, celebrate this festival. Also, if you wish to know when is Kali Chaudas 2023 and Kali puja time, read below to get all the puja details. 

Kali Chaudas Starting date: Nov 11, 2023 at 01:57 PM 

Kali Chaudas Ending date: Nov 12, 2023, at 02:44 PM

Kali Chaudas Puja Muhurat/ Timing: 11:39 PM to 12:32 AM 

What is Kali Chaudas? 

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 associates with Kali, the goddess of power and destruction in Hindu mythology. “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. On this day, they wake up early, take a ritual bath, and apply oil to their bodies to cleanse and purify themselves. The same evening, people decorate their homes and entry gates with diyas and lights and create beautiful patterns with powder colours known as rangoli.

Significance of Kali Chaudas Puja

Hello there! Are you excited about Kali Chaudas Puja 2023? Have you ever celebrated this festival before? How do you usually prepare for it? Let’s talk about the significance of this beautiful festival with you.

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 engage in the celebration of Kali Chaudas, devotees symbolise their participation in the triumph of good over evil. People apply a paste of vermilion and oil on the forehead to signify protection from evil forces. The illumination of homes with diyas (oil lamps) represents the victory of light over darkness and the welcoming of Goddess Lakshmi during Diwali. 

Kali Chaudas serves as a reminder 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. Through their active participation in rituals and festivities, individuals seek blessings for prosperity, happiness, and protection from negative influences.

Also Read: Mahalaya Amavasya 2023: Blessings From Maa Durga And Ancestors!

Rituals During Kali Chaudas or Naraka Chaturdashi

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

1. Abhyang Snan (Holy Bath)

Before sunrise, people take an oil bath or apply a mixture of 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 forehead of the idol or image as a mark of respect and devotion. They make offerings of 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 mythological story from Hinduism.

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 using 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 honour 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.

Also Read: Hariyali Teej 2023: Secret to a Happy Married Life

The Story Behind Celebrating Kali Chaudas or Naraka Chaturdashi 

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 be aware that every festival comes with specific traditions, rituals, and customs. Knowing the story helps us understand the origin of these practices, making the celebrations more meaningful and authentic. 

Naraka Chaturdashi has its origin closely associated with the legend of Lord Krishna and the demon Narakasura. He was a powerful demon king who had gained immense power and had become a tyrant. Several kingdoms and imprisoned many innocent people were conquered by him. Narakasura was known for his cruelty and was a menace to both humans and gods.

Feeling helpless, the gods asked for the help of Lord Krishna, who was an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Lord Krishna, along with 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 symbolises 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. To celebrate the victory and the liberation of the prisoners, people lit oil lamps and burst firecrackers. This tradition continues to this day and is an integral part of the Naraka Chaturdashi celebrations. 

In addition to that, the larger festival of Diwali is also associated with Naraka Chaturdashi, which follows a day after. People believe that Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana on the day of Diwali. Naraka Chaturdashi serves as an announcement to the grand celebrations of Diwali.

Conclusion 

So, that was all about the Kali Chaudas festival and the importance of this puja vidhi. We hope we were able to make you understand the significance of this puja or festival. Also, read about the story tale behind this puja and why this hindu festival holds so much importance. Do not forget to visit our InstaAstro website to learn more fascinating stories about Gods and Goddesses. You will also get to read about different festivals celebrated in Hindu culture. 

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