Naraka Chaturdashi – The Day Krishna Killed the Demon Narakasura

Naraka Chaturdashi, also known as Choti Diwali, is the second day of the five-day Diwali festival and holds immense mythological and spiritual importance in Hindu tradition. Celebrated a day before the main Diwali night, this day symbolizes the victory of good over evil and light over darkness—marked by the slaying of the demon king Narakasura by Lord Krishna.

This vibrant festival is especially popular in South India and parts of Western India, where it's celebrated with oil baths, early morning prayers, lighting of lamps, bursting of crackers, and feasting on sweets.

📜 The Legend of Narakasura

The most prominent story associated with Naraka Chaturdashi is found in Bhagavata Purana and other ancient Hindu texts. Narakasura, a powerful demon king and son of Bhudevi (Mother Earth), was initially a righteous ruler. However, over time, he became arrogant and tyrannical, intoxicated by power and strength granted by a boon that made him nearly invincible.

He enslaved thousands of women, defeated gods, and even stole the earrings of Aditi, the mother of the devas. Unable to tolerate this atrocity, the devas turned to Lord Krishna for help.

With Goddess Satyabhama, his consort and an incarnation of Bhudevi, Krishna set out to end Narakasura’s reign. After a fierce battle, Krishna struck Narakasura down with the help of Satyabhama, fulfilling the prophecy that only a woman could kill him. Before dying, Narakasura repented and requested that his death be remembered and celebrated with lights, joy, and sweets—marking the origin of Naraka Chaturdashi.

🪔 Rituals and Traditions

The rituals of Naraka Chaturdashi are both symbolic and purifying. Here are the key practices observed across regions:

1. Abhyanga Snan (Spiritual Oil Bath)

Celebrants wake up before sunrise and take a holy bath with scented oils, ubtan (herbal paste), and warm water. This is not just a hygienic ritual—it’s believed to purify the body, remove sin, and eliminate ego. The bath represents the cleansing of Narakasura’s darkness from within us.

2. Lighting Diyas and Crackers

Like Diwali, Naraka Chaturdashi involves lighting oil lamps and bursting firecrackers, symbolizing the destruction of evil and welcoming divine light. It is a joyous celebration in many households.

3. Puja and Offerings

Special pujas are conducted for Krishna and Satyabhama, thanking them for restoring dharma. Offerings include flowers, sweets like laddoos and karanjis, and lighting incense to please the deities.

4. Feasting and Sharing

After the morning rituals, families indulge in lavish meals and sweets, sharing food with neighbors and offering it to the needy—a practice symbolizing abundance, community, and gratitude.

🌍 Regional Significance

  • In South India, Naraka Chaturdashi is often the main day of Deepavali. The oil bath (Abhyanga Snan) is considered the most sacred act of the day.

  • In Maharashtra and Goa, families clean their homes, wear new clothes, and eat a special breakfast called "Diwali Faral"—a spread of homemade snacks and sweets.

  • In Eastern India, this day is sometimes associated with Kali Puja, where devotees seek protection from dark forces and liberation from evil.

🧘‍♂️ Symbolic Meaning

While the myth focuses on Krishna slaying a demon, the deeper message lies in overcoming our inner demons—lust, greed, arrogance, and ignorance. The early morning bath is a symbolic act of spiritual rebirth, washing away the darkness from our hearts.

Just as Krishna destroyed Narakasura, each of us is called to destroy the negativity within ourselves and emerge into the light of wisdom, kindness, and righteousness.

🔥 Naraka Chaturdashi vs Diwali Night

Many confuse Naraka Chaturdashi with the main night of Diwali, but the essence of this day is cleansing and inner awakening, while the main Diwali night is focused on Lakshmi Puja and welcoming prosperity.

Together, these days form a powerful spiritual arc: first eliminating negativity (Naraka Chaturdashi), then inviting divine blessings (Diwali night).

🏡 Modern Reflections

Today, many people celebrate Naraka Chaturdashi with a blend of ancient rituals and modern convenience:

  • Eco-friendly crackers

  • Herbal oils and soaps

  • Simple, mindful rituals for families living away from home

Social media campaigns also promote the day’s spiritual essence: cleansing negativity, embracing discipline, and honoring divine love.

✨ Conclusion

Naraka Chaturdashi is a beautiful celebration of light’s triumph over darkness, reminding us to cleanse our minds and lives just as Krishna cleansed the world of Narakasura’s tyranny. It urges us to:

  • Wake up early and practice self-care

  • Remove ego and pride

  • Serve others

  • Celebrate life with joy and awareness

As we light the diyas and burst the crackers, let us also light our inner lamps and burn away the darkness of anger, greed, and fear.

Wishing you a joyful and meaningful Naraka Chaturdashi!