|
|
| |
| Home »Five Days of Diwali » Choti Diwali |
| |
Choti Diwali |
|
|
The Diwali eve is celebrated with as much enthusiasm as the big day of Diwali. However, the popularly called Choti Diwali has many other significant names to it. It is known as 'Naraka Chanturdasi'. While the whole Hindu community is soaked into the preparations of the celebrations of Diwali, Choti Diwali certainly adds to the joy and exuberance.
|
Legendary Story Behind Naraka Chaturdasi
As the name suggests, the story is about Narakasura, who was a demon. He had created a furore amongst the people belonging to all three worlds. Despite being born from the womb of Goddess Bhoomi, he was a demon. Lord Indra made an attempt to put an end to Narakasura's life, which went in vein. Appalled as he was, he went to Lord Krishna for help. Lord Krishna riding on his divine vehicle, a gigantic vulture, immediately set out for Narakasura's fort called Pragjyotishapura, now situated in Assam. After killing his guard, he challenged Narakasura to come and fight. Soon after Narakasura came he was killed by the great Krishna with the help of Satybhama (Lord Krishna's wife) who had accompanied him. The blood stains of Narakasura were so dark that Krishna had to take an oil bathe to get rid of them.
Rituals And Customs
The light sounds of firecrackers and lightings makes the Diwali eve look gleaming. Houses, roads, offices and other monuments are beautified to their best. Temples make special arrangements to offer prayers to Lord Krishna. The idol of the deity is given an oil bathe and is adorned with traditional clothes and jewelry. Bhajans (devotional songs) are sung in the praise of the Lord. The incense sticks, glow of the flame of diyas and the sounds of chiming bells uplifts the spirits of all and help them feel closer to the Almighty.
The night of Choti Diwali is no less scintillating the night of Diwali. The basis that forms the celebrations of both the nights is indirectly the same. Both celebrate the demolition of vice from the face of earth. Naraka Chaturdasi certainly adds to the significance of Diwali by being part of the five days festivities.
| |
| |
|
|
