Naraka Chaturdashi

The second day of the five-day Diwali festival is called Naraka Chaturdashi. In 2022, its date is October 24th. In the state of Karnataka, the day has been celebrated as a public holiday for several millennia.

History

Indians get up as early as possible. Men are rubbed with aromatic oils before taking a bath. Then put on clean, if possible new clothes. Clean and smart Indians have a hearty breakfast with family and friends. In the afternoon, special sweet foods appear on the table. The peak of fun is in the evening.

In Goa, Narakasura stuffed with grass and firecrackers are made of paper. Effigies embodying evil are burned before dawn, and they return home under the continuous roar of exploding firecrackers. A festive day is unthinkable without a bath with aromatic herbs and oils.

Festive delicacies are made from poha, pounded rice from the new harvest. The puja is done with oil, sandalwood flowers and bright colors. Lord Hanuman is pampered with coconuts and prasadam made from poha with ghee, sesame seeds, jaggery and sugar.

Interesting facts

Amazing Moments:

• on this day, Krishna, Satyabhama and Kali killed the evil asura Narakasura;
• Hindus believe that hell in our lives comes from laziness and evil, and this holiday is intended to eradicate them.

How to celebrate

This is the perfect time to meet up with friends, business associates and family, just don’t forget to prepare gifts! Charity and gifts are a big plus for karma. Bright and noisy fireworks complement the general joy and fun: people dine at home by the light of oil lamps. Lamps on this day can be seen on the street, on the roofs of houses and at the entrance to buildings. It is mentioned in the Vedas that on the day of Naraka Chaturdashi one must take a bath so as not to be reborn in the hellish worlds of Yamaraja.

When is Naraka Chaturdashi celebrated in 2022?