Naraka chaturdashi
Diwali is a festival stretching over many days, and a few days are more widely celebrated than others. The second such day is Naraka chaturdashi (following Dhana trayodashi or dhan teras).
[Naraka– name of an evil mythological character, chaturdashi– 14th day of the moon’s phases.]
Pahili Anghol / Abhyanga Snan
At dawn on Naraka chaturdashi we have the ‘pahili anghol’ literally meaning first bath, or the ‘abhyanga snan’ (abhyang loosely means spa/ oil massage, snan means bath). So it translates into a full spa bath.
We wake up at dawn on this day and before taking a bath apply natural perfumed oils on our body, followed by application of ‘utna’ or ‘ubtan’ which is a natural scrub made of sandalwood powder and other ayurvedic herbs to scrub, exfoliate and condition the skin. Then, an age old traditional body conditioner made with sandalwood paste, milk/cream, rose water and besan/gram flour and a hot bath follows. This whole ‘spa’ experience is simply heavenly and luxurious on the cold autumn/winter morning of Diwali.
After this self-pampering, we dress up in new clothes, pray to God, seek blessings of our elders.
Crushing the bitter kartula fruit under the foot. Why?
After the abhyanga snan, we walk out of our home. Right outside the doorstep, place this small green fruit called kartula on the floor and crush it with the right foot. It spills out its juice and seeds. This juice must be tasted by the crusher (basically just dip a finger in the squish and lick it!). It tastes absolutely bitter!
The little green fruit kartula symbolises the head of Narakasura. It stands for all the evil, negativity that we need to get rid of. By taking it outside and crushing it we crush the things it stands for.
However, we do this also because it signifies that everything in nature and life is a balance. To balance all the sweet, rich foods and happiness that are to follow through the Diwali festival, this bitter drop will remind us to stay balanced.
Why burst crackers on Naraka Chaturdashi?
In the early hours of the morning of Naraka Chaturdashi friends and family get together and burst a few crackers or fireworks. These bright fireworks at this time signify victory. It is said that an evil Narakasura was brought to his end at dawn on this day.
Some versions of this story say that Narakasura was beheaded by Lord Shri Krishna using the Sudarshana Chakra.
Some parts of India also celebrate this day as Kali Chaudas. Where the version of Narakasura’s death takes place at the hands of the powerful godess Kali Maa. Hence, the day is also celebrated as Kali Chaudas.
Of course, over time due to its environmental effect this practice of fireworks has been reduced significantly. Now all we do is minimal, least polluting, very few short burst crackers, maybe a few sparklers, etc. to carry forward the symbolism and tradition.
The most looked forward to breakfast feast- Faraal!
Once the customary fireworks are done, we all gear up for another big indulgence- the typically Maharashtrian Diwali festive breakfast – faraal. (Of course following this breakfast, faraal is served at all times throughout Diwali.) Everybody looks forward to the foods that are prepared specially for Diwali faraal. A large selection of homemade sweets and savouries like ladoos (Check out my Besan Ladoo recipe), chivda, chakli, shankarpala, karanji, spicy shev, barfi, mithai and so much more!
And of course a cup of kadak masala chai to go with it! Sounds perfect for the wintery morning of Diwali!
