Narak Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) · Narak Chaturdashi, Choti Diwali

Culture of origin: Hindu · Cultural

Holiday sources: Hinduism

Narak Chaturdashi, also Kali Chaudas, Roop Chaudas or Choti Diwali, is the second day of the five-day Diwali festival and recalls the killing of the demon Narakasura by Krishna and Satyabhama. People rise early for the abhyanga snan, a bath after massaging the body with oil and applying ubtan paste, done before sunrise while the fourteenth lunar day prevails; houses are lit with oil lamps in the evening and fireworks are set off. In Tamil Nadu Deepavali itself is celebrated on this day.