Celebrating Naraka Chaturdashi in Karnataka: Customs and Traditions

Naraka Chaturdashi, also known as Choti Diwali, is celebrated with great enthusiasm in the state of Karnataka, marking the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. This festival, one of the many celebrated during the five-day period of Deepavali, symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and is a time for families to come together and bond with one another.

Early Morning Rituals

Typically, celebrations begin early in the morning. Families wake up before dawn and take a ritual bath often using oils and herbal pastes to purify themselves. This early morning ritual is an integral part of the festivities in Karnataka.

Puja and Offerings

After the ritual bath, families perform puja or worship to deities, especially Lord Krishna and Goddess Lakshmi. Sweets, fruits, and special dishes are offered during this ceremony, adding a sweet and savory touch to the worship.

Lighting Diyas and Decorating Homes

Offices and homes are traditionally decorated with earthen lamps or diyas and colorful rangoli designs at the entrance. These bright installations symbolize the triumph of light over darkness, aligning with the festival's core theme.

Feasting and Sharing Food

Families prepare a variety of traditional sweets and snacks. The air is filled with the delightful aroma of Jilebis, Holiges, Malpuri, Kaju Barfi, Mysore Pak, Thambuttu, and other flavorful delicacies. Sharing food with neighbors and relatives is a common and cherished practice during this festive season.

Fireworks and Cultural Events

In the evening, families often celebrate with fireworks and sparklers, adding to the festive atmosphere. Some communities also organize cultural events such as music and dance performances, further enhancing the joyous spirit of the occasion.

Additional Traditions in Karnataka

In Karnataka, the festival is known as Deepavali and is celebrated for a period of five days. The celebrations on Naraka Chaturdashi, the day before Diwali, are particularly grand.

On Naraka Chaturdashi, people celebrate the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura, offering sweets and sharing joy with their loved ones. On the thirteenth day of the Krishna Paksha, people clean their homes and fill them with water, marking the day as Jalapoorana trayodashi or Neeru Tumbo Habba.

A Yama Deepa Daana ceremony is also performed, where after sunset, a lamp is lit outside the house in the southern direction to seek the grace of Lord Yama, the god of death, to avoid untimely deaths.

On the Amavasya day, which is the main day of Deepavali, Lakshmi Ganesh Puja is performed, similar to other parts of the country.

The following day, the celebration continues with the welcome of demon king Bali on Bali Padyami. People decorate their homes to welcome King Bali, performing auspicious acts such as oil baths, wearing new clothes, and feasting.

The final day of the festival, Bhratri Dwitiya or Yama Dwitiya, known as Bhai Dooj, is dedicated to celebrating the relationship between a brother and a sister. Sisters place a tikka on their brothers' foreheads with kumkum and rice, and brothers give gifts to their sisters.

On Narak Chaturdashi, Amavasya, and Bali Padyami, people perform Aratis with lamps in Kannada, giving the festive period its name 'Deepavali' which literally means 'Rows of Lights'. In some remote villages of Karnataka, the day is celebrated as 'Gorehabba', where villagers play with cow dung and perform interesting rituals.

Wishing you a delightful celebration of Diwali in Karnataka! Deepavali Habbada Shubhashayagalu!