Have you ever wondered why a day before Diwali, homes in India are lit with lamps, prayers are offered, and families perform early morning rituals? This sacred day is Narak Chaturdashi, a festival that symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, purity over sin, and life over death.
Also known as Chhoti Diwali, this day commemorates Lord Krishna’s triumph over the demon Narakasura and reminds us that no matter how powerful evil seems, truth and righteousness always prevail.
In this blog, we will explore the story, rituals, and significance of Narak Chaturdashi 2025, and also answer the common query: when is Narak Chaturdashi in 2025? (Mark your calendars—it falls on Monday, 20 October 2025).
What is Narak Chaturdashi?
The word Narak Chaturdashi is derived from two Sanskrit terms:
- Naraka (नरक) → means hell, suffering, or a state of pain and negativity. In mythology, it refers both to the underworld (hell) and the demon Narakasura.
- Chaturdashi (चतुर्दशी) → literally means the 14th day of either the Shukla Paksha (waxing moon) or Krishna Paksha (waning moon) in the Hindu lunar calendar.
Thus, the festival represents liberation from the sufferings of hell and the destruction of evil. It is observed on the 14th day of Krishna Paksha (the waning moon) in the month of Kartik, just a day before the grand festival of Diwali.
In many parts of India, this day is celebrated with as much enthusiasm as Diwali itself. Families clean their homes, decorate entrances with rangoli, light lamps, and perform rituals to drive away negative energies.
Mythological Story of Narak Chaturdashi
The legend behind Narak Chaturdashi comes from the Bhagavata Purana and other scriptures.
The Demon Narakasura
Narakasura, the son of Bhudevi (Mother Earth), was a powerful asura who gained immense strength through penance. Drunk on his power, he began tormenting humans, sages, and even celestial beings. He captured 16,000 women and imprisoned them in his palace, spreading fear across the three worlds.
Lord Krishna’s Victory
Unable to tolerate Narakasura’s cruelty, the gods sought Lord Krishna’s help. Mounted on Garuda, Krishna, along with his consort Satyabhama, waged war against Narakasura. After a fierce battle, Krishna slew the demon with the Sudarshana Chakra, freeing the imprisoned women and restoring peace.
As Narakasura died, he begged Krishna for forgiveness. Krishna granted him a boon that his death would be remembered as a day of celebration, where people would rejoice, bathe, and rid themselves of negativity. That’s why this day is called Narak Chaturdashi.
Rituals of Narak Chaturdashi
The rituals of Narak Chaturdashi vary across India, but they all focus on purification, worship, and celebration.
1. Abhyang Snan (Sacred Bath)
- Devotees wake up before sunrise and apply ubtan (a mixture of sesame oil, sandalwood, and herbal powders) on their bodies.
- They then take a holy bath, believed to cleanse sins and protect from hellish suffering.
2. Lighting of Lamps
- Houses are decorated with diyas and candles to drive away darkness and evil.
- In villages, people place lamps outside their homes as a symbol of guiding lost souls.
3. Worship of Lord Krishna and Yama
- Devotees worship Lord Krishna for destroying Narakasura.
- Offerings are also made to Yama, the god of death, to seek protection from untimely death.
4. Feeding the Poor and Animals
- Charity is an essential part of the observance.
- Feeding dogs, cows, and birds is considered highly auspicious.
5. Festive Preparations for Diwali
- Families prepare sweets, light fireworks, and decorate homes in anticipation of Diwali.
Significance of Narak Chaturdashi
Narak Chaturdashi is not just a mythological observance; it carries deep spiritual and cultural significance.
- Victory of Good over Evil – The defeat of Narakasura reminds us that truth always triumphs.
- Liberation from Negativity – Rituals symbolize the cleansing of the body, mind, and soul.
- Protection from Untimely Death – Worship of Yama ensures longevity and safety.
- Family and Community Bonding – Preparing sweets, lighting lamps, and celebrating together strengthens relationships.
- Spiritual Awakening – By recognizing the temporary nature of darkness, we embrace the eternal power of light.
Regional Celebrations of Narak Chaturdashi
The beauty of Indian festivals lies in their diversity. Narak Chaturdashi is celebrated in unique ways across regions:
- North India – Known as Chhoti Diwali, families perform puja, burst crackers, and light diyas.
- Maharashtra – People perform Abhyang Snan using fragrant oils and prepare special sweets like Anarse and Karanji.
- South India – Known as Naraka Chaturdashi Deepavali, the day begins with an early oil bath, followed by wearing new clothes and bursting firecrackers.
- Gujarat – The festival is observed with great devotion, with diyas lit in honor of ancestors.
When is Narak Chaturdashi in 2025?
One of the most searched queries is: when is Narak Chaturdashi in 2025?
In 2025, Narak Chaturdashi will be celebrated on:
Monday, 20 October 2025
This date falls a day before Diwali and is considered highly auspicious for bathing rituals, prayers, and charity.
So, mark your calendars—Narak Chaturdashi 2025 is a day to cleanse your spirit, celebrate with family, and welcome the festival of lights.
Spiritual Benefits of Observing Narak Chaturdashi
- Removal of Sins – The sacred bath purifies the soul from past karmas.
- Health and Longevity – Worship of Yama protects from diseases and premature death.
- Mental Peace – Lighting diyas dispels inner darkness, reducing stress and fear.
- Positive Energy – Charity and rituals invite prosperity and harmony into the home.
- Spiritual Progress – Observance of this festival moves devotees closer to moksha (liberation).
Lessons from Narak Chaturdashi
- Ego leads to downfall – Just like Narakasura’s arrogance destroyed him.
- Compassion is supreme – Krishna liberated the imprisoned women, showing the power of mercy.
- Light drives out darkness – Symbolic of overcoming ignorance with wisdom.
- Time for renewal – The rituals mark a fresh start before Diwali, reminding us to purify ourselves both physically and spiritually.
Narak Chaturdashi 2025 is more than just a festival. It is a reminder that life’s true wealth lies in purity, courage, and compassion. By observing rituals, lighting lamps, and remembering Lord Krishna’s victory, devotees not only celebrate tradition but also embrace inner transformation.
On Monday, 20 October 2025, as diyas flicker and chants echo, may Narak Chaturdashi guide you from darkness to light, fear to courage, and bondage to liberation.
Want to explore more stories of Indian mythology and festivals? Don’t miss our other blogs on Diwali, Dhanteras, and Govardhan Puja.
FAQs
1. What is Narak Chaturdashi?
Narak Chaturdashi, also called Chhoti Diwali, is observed a day before Diwali to honor Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura.
2. When is Narak Chaturdashi in 2025?
In 2025, Narak Chaturdashi will be observed on Monday, 20 October 2025.
3. Why do people take a bath on Narak Chaturdashi?
The early morning Abhyang Snan is believed to wash away sins, protect from untimely death, and grant good health.
4. How is Narak Chaturdashi celebrated?
People light diyas, perform Krishna puja, worship Yama, prepare sweets, burst crackers, and engage in charity.
5. Is Narak Chaturdashi the same as Diwali?
No. Narak Chaturdashi falls a day before Diwali. While both involve lights and prayers, Narak Chaturdashi focuses on purification and Krishna’s victory over Narakasura.
6. Why is it called Chhoti Diwali?
It is called Chhoti Diwali because it falls one day before the main Diwali celebrations, serving as a prelude to the grand festival of lights.
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