Naraka Chaturdashi, widely recognized as Kali Chaudas, is a fundamental Hindu festival celebrated on the 14th day of Krishna Paksha during the Hindu calendar month of Kartika. This auspicious day, which coincides with the second day of the great festival Diwali, also known as Deepavali, has immense significance in the hearts of millions of Hindus. Deeply rooted in Hindu mythology, Naraka Chaturdashi commemorates the legendary victory of Lord Krishna and Satyabhama over the demon Narakasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. The festival is marked by a series of religious rituals and customs, beginning with an early morning Abhyang Snan, a ritual bath with Ubatan paste, which is believed to cleanse one from the sufferings of hell. Throughout the day, houses are adorned with oil lamps and diyas, signifying the welcome of goddess Lakshmi and the dispelling of darkness. Families come together, offer prayers and set off firecrackers to celebrate the victory of light and justice. Naraka Chaturdashi serves as a powerful reminder of the ancient values of purity, family unity, and the eternal battle between good and evil. This festive occasion not only brings joy and rejoicing but also reinforces the deep cultural and spiritual heritage of the Hindu community.
Naraka Chaturdashi 2025 will be celebrated on Monday, October 20, 2025.
Naraka Chaturdashi and Diwali on the same day Naraka Chaturdashi is the 14th day of the waning phase (Krishna Paksha) during the month of Kartik. Diwali is celebrated on Amavasya (New Moon day) of the same month, which is the day after Chaturdashi. So, technically, Diwali comes a day after Naraka Chaturdashi. However, it is often seen, such as in 2025, that both Naraka Chaturdashi and Diwali are celebrated on the same day. This is due to the discrepancy between the solar and lunar calendars. According to the lunar calendar, Chaturdashi Tithi is from October 19 at 09:48 am to October 20 at 1:14 pm, and Amavasya Tithi, which is Diwali, is from October 20 at 01:14 pm to October 21 at 04:08 pm As you can see, in the solar calendar the day of Chaturdashi and the night of Diwali coincide on October 20, hence both celebrations take place on the same date.
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Naraka Chaturdashi’s important moments
- Sunrise – October 20, 6:22 am
- Sunset – October 20, 6:03 pm
- Chaturdashi Tithi Timing: October 19, 09:48 am – October 20, 01:14 pm
- Abhyang Snan Muhurta – October 20, 06:43 am – 07:58 am
Mythological meaning: the triumph over Narakasura
The genesis of Naraka Chaturdashi is intricately woven into the fabric of Hindu mythology and revolves around the compelling legend of the defeat of the dreaded demon Narakasura by the divine intervention of Lord Krishna and his formidable consort, Satyabhama. In the annals of Hindu scriptures, Narakasura is portrayed as a tyrannical and malevolent demon who terrorized the world with his evil. According to sacred texts, it was on the day of Naraka Chaturdashi when the divine forces of Lord Krishna and Satyabhama converged to confront and defeat Narakasura, thereby freeing the world from his oppressive reign. This epic confrontation serves as a profound allegory, symbolizing the eternal battle between good and evil. Lord Krishna’s victory over Narakasura is a compelling depiction of the ultimate triumph of righteousness and virtue, a theme celebrated with immense fervor during Naraka Chaturdashi. The festival, in essence, serves as a poignant reminder of the eternal values of morality and the relentless pursuit of light in the face of darkness.
Religious observances: bathing and lighting lamps.
The beginning of Naraka Chaturdashi is marked by dawn, when devout Hindus engage in a series of early morning religious rituals that have deep spiritual significance. Rising before dawn, they participate in a sacred act known as Abhyang Snan, a ritual bath of immense importance. During this purifying bath, individuals apply ‘Ubatan’, a paste made from a mixture of oil, herbs, aromatic flowers and other beautifying ingredients. This ritual is not only a physical cleansing but is believed to also cleanse the soul. It carries the deep belief that by performing this sacred act, one can be freed from the sufferings of hell, ensuring spiritual purification. On the contrary, it is believed that not participating in this ritual takes the individual directly to hell. Following the Abhyang Snan, people apply kajal (kohl) to protect themselves from “Kali Nazar” or the malevolent influence of the evil eye. Wearing new clothes after this sacred bath is a common practice, symbolizing a new beginning and the shedding of impurities from the past.
Homes glow with the warm light of oil lamps, diyas and lamps, as they welcome Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. Special offerings, or Prasad, are lovingly made to honor the Goddess, and sincere prayers are offered, imploring her divine blessings. Family members, especially children, join in the celebrations by bursting firecrackers, adding to the jubilant and festive spirit that encapsulates Naraka Chaturdashi. This day truly exemplifies the essence of spiritual purity, protection from negative influences and celebration of divine blessings in the form of wealth and prosperity.
Worship of deities: Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Hanuman
Naraka Chaturdashi is not simply a day of celebration but a profound occasion of devotion and worship in the Hindu calendar. Along with the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Hanuman, the epitome of strength, courage and devotion, holds a special place in the hearts of devotees on this holy day. Devotees gather in temples and homes to offer their sincere prayers and devotion to Lord Hanuman. They bring fragrant flowers, aromatic oil and soothing sandalwood as offerings to the deity, expressing their deep reverence and gratitude for his unwavering protection and strength. An important part of the worship involves the preparation of a special ‘Prasad’, a sacred offering to Lord Hanuman. This Prasad is carefully made with ingredients like rice flakes, sesame seeds, jaggery and coconut. Each element of this offering symbolizes different aspects of devotion and spirituality, creating a meaningful and sacred connection between the devotee and the divine. Naraka Chaturdashi, with its dual focus on Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Hanuman, encapsulates the essence of devotion, gratitude and seeking divine blessings. It is a day where devotees express their unwavering faith in these deities and seek their guidance and protection in their spiritual journey.
Culinary delights and fresh harvest tradition
One of the distinctive and appreciated facets of Naraka Chaturdashi is the tradition of preparing delicious dishes with hand-pounded rice, commonly known as “poha” or “pova”. This tradition goes beyond mere culinary delights; symbolizes a deep connection to the harvest season and the celebration of agricultural abundance. Freshly harvested rice, meticulously hand-pounded, is the main ingredient in these culinary creations. The use of this rice signifies the bountiful harvest of the season and gratitude for nature’s bounty. It is a reminder of the essential role that agriculture and harvesting play in sustaining life. This practice is not limited to rural areas but also finds enthusiastic participation in urban settings, particularly in Western India, where the fusion of tradition and modernity is a hallmark of the culture. Families come together to prepare a variety of delicious dishes, each a testament to the region’s rich agricultural heritage. As the aroma of these freshly prepared delicacies fills the air, it encapsulates the essence of Naraka Chaturdashi: a celebration of abundance, gratitude and the deep-rooted connection between the festival and the harvest season.
Fasting and family unity
A noteworthy observance during Naraka Chaturdashi is the practice of fasting, performed by a devout section of the celebrants. This fasting ritual is characterized by unwavering dedication and involves the worship of two revered deities, Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kuber, the divine custodians of wealth and prosperity. Devotees who opt for this fast approach it with great devotion, following a strict regimen that abstains from the consumption of food. Throughout the day, your focus remains on the spiritual aspect of the festival, seeking the divine blessings of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kuber.
The breaking of the fast is a significant moment, symbolizing not only the fulfillment of the fast but also spiritual purification. Only after completing all the puja rituals with utmost reverence and devotion is the fast concluded. The Prasad, an offering of love and gratitude, becomes the first sustenance after the day of spiritual devotion, emphasizing the importance of purity and divine blessings in life. The Naraka Chaturdashi fasting tradition exemplifies the deep spiritual connection that devout followers have with deities associated with wealth and prosperity, reflecting their sincere longing for divine grace and blessings.
Regional Variations: Burning Effigies and Bhoot Chaturdashi
The celebration of Naraka Chaturdashi takes various forms in different regions, adding layers of cultural richness to the festival. In the coastal state of Goa, for example, there is a unique tradition of creating effigies representing Narakasura, which are filled with grass and firecrackers. These effigies are built with meticulous care and burned early in the morning. The fire spectacle symbolizes the triumph over evil and ignorance, and the crackling of firecrackers represents the defeat of malevolent forces. In contrast, West Bengal and Bangladesh observe a distinctive ritual known as Bhoot Chaturdashi on the day before Kali Puja. This occasion is dedicated to guiding the souls of the deceased back to their homes. To achieve this, families place diyas (oil lamps) around their homes to illuminate dark corners and ward off lurking evil spirits. This practice reflects the strong cultural belief in the presence of spirits and the collective effort to ensure their peaceful passage, making it an integral part of the Naraka Chaturdashi observance in the region.
A festival of light and unity
Naraka Chaturdashi, known as Kali Chaudas, stands as a radiant celebration that illuminates the hearts and spirits of millions of Hindus around the world. This festival is a profound reminder of the enduring values of light, unity and the conquest of good over evil. Its rich tapestry of mythology, diverse regional customs and vibrant rituals merge into a unique and joyful celebration that transcends borders. It underlines the importance of spiritual purification and strengthening family ties, bringing together loved ones to participate in the festivities. The resonance of firecrackers and the tantalizing aroma of delicious delicacies permeate the air, imbuing Naraka Chaturdashi with a spirit of delight and spiritual significance. In essence, Naraka Chaturdashi is a festival that unites communities, strengthens faith and commemorates the eternal battle between righteousness and malevolence. It encapsulates the quintessence of Hindu culture and spirituality, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those who participate in its revelry.
