Festival : Naraka Chaturdashi (Kali Chaudas / Roop Chaudas)
Naraka Chaturdashi commemorates the triumph of Lord Krishna and his consort Satyabhama over the tyrannical demon king Narakasura, liberating 16,100 captive queens. In Gujarat and Bengal, this auspicious night is observed as Kali Chaudas, honoring Mother Mahakali for crushing demonic delusions and clearing evil forces.
Shubh Muhurat & Timings
According to the Vedic calendar or Panchang, the key timings for the sacred observance are:
- Tithi Begins
- Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 10:48 AM
- Tithi Ends
- Sunday, November 8, 2026, at 11:28 AM
- Nishita Kaal Puja
- Saturday Night, Nov 7, 11:39 PM to 12:31 AM (Kali Chaudas Tantra Puja)
Spiritual Significance
As expounded in the Vishnu Purana and Sanatkumara Samhita, bathing before sunrise on this day using sesame oil cleanses the body and soul from hellish karmic retributions (Naraka Nivaran). It restores inner luminosity (Roop) and eliminates the dread of negative astrological transits and witchcraft.
Impact on One's Life
Physical Rejuvenation & Radiance (Roop Siddhi)
The sacred herbal scrub (Ubtan) and sesame bath purge toxic biological wastes, leaving the skin glowing and energizing vital meridians.
Eradication of Evil Influences
Dissolves nightmares, malevolent psychic intrusions, sudden dread, and malefic Rahu-Ketu afflictions.
Liberation from Ancestral Torment
Lighting 14 lamps at sunset guides departed souls through dark realms toward light and peace.
How to Celebrate According to Scriptures
The ancient Sanatana Dharma texts outline precise scriptural rituals and actions to receive the complete grace of the day:
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1
Abhyanga Snan (Pre-Dawn Sacred Bath)
Wake up during Brahma Muhurat before sunrise. Thoroughly massage your entire body with warm sesame oil and herbal Ubtan (gram flour, sandalwood, turmeric, and rosewater). Bathe in warm water while waving the Apamarga plant around your head.
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2
Yama Tarpan & Tilak
Offer pure water mixed with sesame seeds to Lord Yama for the mitigation of sins. Apply holy tilak and wear fresh celebratory clothes.
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3
Mahakali Aradhana
Worship Mother Kali or Lord Krishna with red hibiscus flowers, camphor, cloves, and homemade sweets to destroy inner ego and vices.
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4
Fourteen Deepams (Chaudas Diya)
In the evening, illuminate 14 earthen lamps placed at the main doorway, kitchen, under the Tulsi plant, and near dark corners of the home.