Kali Chuadas is the Hindu festival that falls on the fourteenth day of Chaturdashi of Krishna Paksha tithi of Vikram Samvat of Kartika month. On this day worshipped Lakshmi puja for five days of the Hindu festival of Diwali. Also referred to as Naraka Chaturdashi, Kali Chaudas is the day to abolish laziness and evil that create havoc in one’s life. Where as Kali Chaudas Or Naraka Chaturdashi celebrate before Diwali that is why called choti Diwali. This festival is also known as Roop Chaudas, Naraka Nivaran Chaudas, or Bhoot Chaturdashi.
What is the story of Kali Chaudas?
The word Kali Chaudas, Kali means dark or eternal, which is also reffered to as Goddess Mahakali. Who kills the demon Narkasura on this day and Chaudas refers to the fourteenth day. Thus the meaning of Kali Chaudas means the killing of the demon by Maha Kali on the fourteenth day of the waxing moon of the Kartik month. Narka Chaudas refered to Narka as the demon Narkasura and chaudashi means the fourteenth day of the lunar fortnight paksha the day he was slaughtered by Goddess Kali.
Story: the festival of Kali Chaudas or Narka Chaturdashi has many stories which were some known and unknown facts and myths related to this day.
According to the Puranas Narkasura the son of Mother Earth was granted a boon by Lord Brahma of being killed only by the hand of his mother. The vain and wicked demon started dictating the three worlds. The God and Goddesses were easy prey to his assault and atrocities. At the behest of god, Lord Vishnu incarnated himself as Lord Krishna on the day of Kali Chaudas to save them from disaster. Unfortunately, Lord Krishna fell unconscious by a power-packed arrow released by Narkasura during the war. Stayambha the wife of Lord Krishna, who was then his charioteer picked her weapon and killed Narakasura. Stayambha is said to be an embodiment of the goddess Earth. After that Lord Brahma’s boon was testified as Narkasura was killed by his mother.
- Significance of Kansa Vadh in Hindu Mythology and Symbolism
- The Significance of Diwali: Light Over Darkness, Good Over Evil
According to the other legends, Narkasura wants to marry goddess Kamakhya. But the Goddess was ready only after the fulfillment of her condition. She directed him to build down steps at the foothill of Nilachal Hill which was situated in Guwahati Assam. The task was completed before dawn. The excited demon starts working on the mammoth mission with great enthusiasm. Growing aware of his intention, goddess Kamakhya created the illusion of dawn by the crowing of the rooster. A foolish Narkasura immediately left the task unfinished in dismal and was intentionally killed by the Goddesses. This story is believed on the day of Kali Chaudas.
Puja vidhi and rituals of Kali Chaudas:
- On the day of Kali Chaudas devotees wake up early to anoint their bodies with scented oil. They have a hair bath. The application of kajal is believed towards of evil eyes.
- Abhyanga Snan before sunrise on Kali Chaudas. The day helps to get over poverty, unforeseen events, misforeseen events, misfourtune, etc.
- Lighting diya on this day, it says that brings good luck and prosperity in their life.
- The puja vidhi performed at night is followed by meals that devotees take to break their fast.
- The day is also dedicated to appeasing decreased soul who are believed to visit Earth to accept special offerings made by their family.
- Coconut, oil flowers, and Chandan and sindur are offered to Hanuman ji. A special Prashad is made out of til or sesame seeds, jaggery poha, and ghee.
- The rituals of Kali Chaudas have suggested the origin of Diwali as a harvest festival. On this day in rural areas, people cooked traditional food like semi-cooked rice extracted from the fresh harvest available at the time. This custom is prevalent both in rural and urban areas of western India.
- In some places, people burn paper made Narkasura filled with grass and crackers, which symbolizes the significance of the destruction of evil.
- A bitter berry called Kareet crushed under the feet signifies evil and removes ignorance.
Kali Chaudas imporatance!
On the night of Kali Chaudas evoke voodoo and a sense of occult. It is the most dangerous night of the year which holds great significance for exorcists and tantrik who perform evil or black magic practice. This day symbolizes the reawakening of the concept of the dark and secretive world of the unknown. Also known as Halloween Day in India. The night of Kali Chaudas Day belongs to appeasing unhappy souls.
Significance of Kali Chaudas!
The name Kali Chaudas itself holds significance. Kali refers to the darkness and Chaudas means fourteenth. On this day Lord Krishna got victory over Narakasura symbolizing the success of light over darkness and good over evil.
However actively engaged in the celebration of Kali Chaudas devotees symbolized their participation in the triumph of good over evil. People apply paste of vermilion and oil on the forehead to signify protection from evil forces. The illumination of homes with diyas which represents the victory of light over the darkness and also welcomes the goddess Lakshmi during Diwali.
This festival always serves as a reminder of the constant battle between good and evil and the importance of righteousness winning over wickedness. It brings people together and promotes a sense of unity and collective celebration. Throughout their activities participate in rituals and festivals, and individuals seek blessings for prosperity, happiness, and protection from negativity.
Conclusion
The festival of Kali Chaudas is important in Hindu scripture. The significance of this festival is to remove all the negative and bring good over evil.
