Today is the second day of the five-day-long festival of Diwali which is known as Roop Chaturdashi or Naraka Chaturdashi. As it marks the night before the grand Diwali, It is called Chhoti Diwali.  The Chief Minister of Rajasthan Vasundhara Raje extended her wishes to the people on this auspicious day.

The festival is also called Kali Chaudas, where Kali means dark (eternal) and Chaudas means the 14th day. This is celebrated on the 14th day of the dark half of Aaso. In some regions of India, Kali Chaudas is the day allotted to the worship of Mahakali and is believed that on this day Kali killed the demon Narakasura. Hence the day is also referred to as Naraka-Chaturdashi. Therefore, Kali Chaudas is a day to abolish laziness and evil which create hell in our life and shine the light on life.

The day of beauty and prosperity

The day begins with an age-old ritual of Abhyang Snan, a holy bath taken before the sunrise. People wake up early in the morning to perform the holy bath with ubtan made up of sesame oil, Gulab Jal (Rosewater) and Ganga Jal. The holy bath is believed to bless the devotees with heaven after their death. The head wash and application of Kajal in the eyes is believed to keep away the kali nazar (evil eye).

On this day, the pooja is performed with oil, flowers, and sandalwood. Coconuts are also offered to Lord Hanuman and Prasada of the sesame seed, jaggery and rice flakes with ghee and sugar.

The rituals of Kali Chaudas is strongly suggestive of the origin of Diwali as a harvest festival is performed.

Read more: 16 नवंबर को नामांकन भर सकती है मुख्यमंत्री राजे, जानिए.. विधानसभा सीट का नाम?

This year’s Muhurat and celebrations timings

On this day, there is also a specific mahurat called Nisheeth kaal, where all the useless and waste stuff from the house is thrown out. This tradition symbolizes the removal of poverty and bad health.

Abhyang Snan Muhurat – 4:59 to 6:40
Duration – 1 Hour 41 Mins
Chaturdashi Tithi Begins – 23:46 on 5/Nov/2018
Chaturdashi Tithi Ends – 22:27 on 6/Nov/2018