Naraka Chaturdashi is the second day of the five day long festival of Deepavali. Also known as Choti Diwali and Bhoot Chaturdashi, it is a Hindu festival, which falls on Chaturdashi (14th day) of the Krishna Paksha in the Shalivahan Shaka Hindu calendar month of Ashwin. The day is celebrated by early morning religious rituals and festivities follow on.

The Hindu literature narrates that the asura (demon) Narakasura was killed on this day by Krishna, Satyabhama and Kali, hence the name Naraka Chaturdashi.

In the state of West Bengal the day is observed as Bhoot Chaturdashi. The veil between the two worlds is thin and it is believed on the eve of this dark night the souls of the deceased come down to earth to visit their dear ones.

On Choti Diwali, It is believed that the 14 forefathers of a family visit their living relatives and so 14 Diyas are placed all around the house, to guide them home and especially to chase away the evil ones. Every dark corner and nook is illuminated with light.

Personally for me, Diwali has always been a festival where all relatives get together, exchange sweets, pray for each other’s welfare and happiness and eat a whole lot of tasty food with a load of laughter and chitter-chatter too. It’s a joyous event!