New Delhi: Narak Chaturdashi is a festival that is marked on the 14th day of the waning moon in the month of Kartik. It is also referred to as Narak Chaudas, Roop Chaudas, and Kali Chaudas. According to ancient Indian mythology, people worship the Lord of Death, 'Yamraj,' with great devotion and respect. It is also known as Choti Diwali since it is observed a day before Diwali. People light diyas at their houses after nightfall on this day.
Narak Chaturdashi 2022: Date and Timings
Narak Chaturdashi Date: Monday, Oct 24, 2022
Abhyang Snan Muhurat: 05:24 am to 06:40 am
Duration: 01 Hour 16 Mins
Chaturdashi Tithi Begins: Oct 23, 2022 at 06:03 pm
Chaturdashi Tithi Ends: Oct 24, 2022 at 05:27 pm
Narak Chaturdashi 2022: Puja Vidhi
Taking a bath before daybreak is regarded particularly lucky on this day. During the bath, apply sesame oil to your entire body. After that, you must circle Apamarga leaves three times over your head.
On Ahoi Ashtami, during the month of Kartik, a vessel is filled to the full on a dark lunar fortnight before Narak Chaturdashi. The water from the vessel should then be mixed with the bathing water on the day of Narak Chaturdashi. It is believed that by doing so, the water gets charged and the dread of being doomed can be overcome.
Following the bathing, prayer is offered to Lord Yamraj by joining both hands and facing southwards. This way one is absolved of all previous transgressions.
On this day, Lord Yamraj is worshipped by lighting a well-oiled diya outside the main door.
In the evening, all the gods are worshipped before lighting an oiled diya, which is then placed on both sides of the entrance area or the main door of the home or workplace. It is widely thought that by doing so, the goddess of prosperity, Lakshmi, is being invited.
On this day, there is a time period called Nisheeth Kaal during which we are instructed to throw away all of our unnecessary belongings. This custom is also known as poverty eradication. It is widely believed that on the next day of Narak Chaturdashi, which is Diwali, the goddess of rich- Lakshmi will visit our homes, bringing with her an atmosphere of prosperity and fortune in plenty.