Karmandir 
Why it is celebrated
Kartik Krishna Chaturdashi is called Narak Chaturdashi, Chhoti Diwali or Roop Chaudas. It is believed that on this day Shri Krishna, with Satyabhama ji, defeated Narakasur and freed thousands of young women from his prison. People bathe before sunrise after an oil and ubtan massage, and light a lamp for Yamraj in the evening.
The story
In Pragjyotishpur (in today's Assam region) lived an asura king named Narakasur. Proud of a boon he had received, he troubled the devtas, took away Mother Aditi's earrings and held thousands of princesses captive.
Answering the devtas' prayers, Shri Krishna rode on Garud with Satyabhama ji to Pragjyotishpur. A great battle followed. The stories say Satyabhama ji is seen as a form of Bhudevi, Mother Earth, who was Narakasur's own mother, and it was in her presence that Narakasur's end came.
It is said that in his last moments Narakasur understood his wrongs. He prayed that people would remember this day by lighting lamps and celebrating.
Shri Krishna freed all the captive women and gave them honour. Mother Aditi's earrings were returned too. Since then, on this day people bathe early in the morning and light lamps in the evening to celebrate the victory of light over darkness and wrong.
Puja vidhi
- Wake before sunrise, massage the body with sesame oil and ubtan, and bathe (abhyang snan).
- Wear clean clothes and worship Shri Krishna with flowers, tulsi and sweets.
- Finish cleaning the house and draw a rangoli at the door.
- In the evening, light a lamp outside the house facing south in Yamraj's name.
- Light lamps in the house and get ready with the family for Diwali the next day.
Food
In Maharashtra, Diwali faral after the abhyang snan: chakli, karanji and laddoos; in Bengal, a dish of fourteen greens (choddo shaak).
Wishes to send
Warm wishes on Chhoti Diwali! May every corner of your home glow with the light of diyas.
WhatsAppJust as Shri Krishna drove away the darkness, may every sadness leave your life. Happy Narak Chaturdashi!
WhatsAppRoop Chaudas greetings! May your body and your heart both shine bright.
WhatsAppOne lamp in your own courtyard, and one in someone else's. Happy Chhoti Diwali!
WhatsAppUbtan in the morning, lamps in the evening and loved ones all around. Many good wishes on Narak Chaturdashi!
WhatsAppBig Diwali is tomorrow, but the light of joy starts today! Happy Chhoti Diwali.
WhatsApp
