Date, timing and tithi of the festival
A festival called Roop Chaudas is connected to Diwali. One day before Diwali, people celebrate Roop Chaudas. It is thought to be a Soundarya Siddhi Diwas, which implies that on this day, a girl or woman can practise Sadhana to improve their attractiveness and attraction. The festival of Roop Chaudas will be celebrated on November 12, Sunday.
Timing
Abhyang Snan Muhurta/Timings: 5:28 AM to 6:44 AM Duration = 1 Hour 16 Mins
Tithi
Chaturdashi Tithi Starts = 1:57 PM on 11-November-2023
Chaturdashi Tithi Ends = 2:44 PM on 12-November-2023
Overview
The words “Roop” and “Chaturdashi” in the Hindu lunar calendar stand for “beauty” and “the fourteenth day of the Kartik month,” respectively. In different sections of the country, Roop Chaudas is also known as Kali Chaturdashi and Narak Chaturdashi. The worship of the goddess Kali takes place on this day.
- Roop Chaturdashi, also known as Narak Chaturdashi, is a day for self-purification and preparation for the festival of Diwali.
- One performs the Roop Chaudas Puja to enhance their beauty.
According to another legend, Lord Krishna slew the formidable monster Mahishasura, freeing the people from his brutality and cruelty. On this day, the lovers also pay lavish homage to Yamraj and Chitragupt.
Today, people rise early and take baths with fine, conventional products and scented oils. To improve and clean up their beauty, women utilize a substance called ubtan, which is made of special grain flour mixed with herbs.
After having the Chaturdashi bath, the devotees dress in new clothes and perform particular pujas.
This day’s commencement denotes the defeat of evil and the arrival of fresh brilliance. Worshippers light Diyas on this day (Earthen Lamps).
To obtain Lord Yama’s blessings, special Pujas are devised and performed.
It is believed that by conducting these pujas, Lord Yama will protect against their suffering in hell and prevent their ascent there. On this day, specially lit diyas are hung on the home’s front doors.
Roop Chaudas is one of Rajasthan’s five most important festival days. This holiday is observed with considerable enthusiasm and passion.
Roop Chaudas is known as Kali Chaudas in Rajasthan. Unique and special sweets are produced at home and other cuisines and beverages to celebrate Kali Chaturdashi.
Significance
The Roop Chaturdashi festival is celebrated the day before Diwali. “Roop” means “beauty” in the Hindu lunar calendar, while “Chaturdashi” means “the fourteenth day of the Kartik month.” The followers worship the goddess Kali on this day. There are several legends and folktales associated with this day. It is reported that Goddess Kali killed the most powerful demon, Raktabija, on this day.
History Behind The Festival
According to legend, Lord Krishna slew the formidable demon Mahishasura, freeing the people from his brutality and cruelty. On this day, the lovers also pay lavish homage to Yamraj and Chitragupt
On this day, people rise early and take baths with fine, conventional products and scented oils. Women utilise a substance called ubtan, which is comprised of special gramme flour combined with herbs, to clean up and improve their beauty.
After having the Chaturdashi bath, the devotees dress in new clothes and perform particular pujas.
This day’s commencement denotes the annihilation of evil and the arrival of fresh brilliance. On this day, devotees place Diyas (Earthen Lamps) in various locations. Unique Pujas are performed and produced in order to receive Lord Yama’s blessings.
It is believed that by conducting these pujas, Lord Yama will protect against their suffering in hell and prevent their ascent there. On this day, diyas that have been specially lit are hung from the front doors of the home.
Roop Chaudas is one of the most important of Rajasthan’s five festival days. This event is celebrated with zeal and fervour.
Roop Chaudas is known as Kali Chaudas in Rajasthan. Unique and distinctive sweets are produced at home to celebrate Kali Chaturdashi, along with other cuisines and beverages.
Beliefs
The celebration of lights in India is called Diwali. The festival of Roop Chaudas observed the day before Diwali, is connected to that holiday. In the song “Roop Chaudas,” Roop stands in for Beauty and Chaudas for the date 14. Women make themselves beautiful on this day. Women typically do Roop Chaudas puja to acquire or improve their beauty.
Hindus get beauty treatments on Roop Chaudas to ensure they look their best on Diwali. According to tradition, Lord Krishna and Satyabhama also killed the demon Narakasura on this day. They engaged in a fierce battle on this day and beheaded the demon. The introduction of fresh lights and the annihilation of evil in the world are symbolized by Narak Chaturdashi. It is known as Naraka Chaturdashi or Kali Chaturdashi because the demon Narakasura was killed on this day. The earthen lamps are therefore kept lit for several days. The Hindu month of Kartika occurs on the fourteenth day (Chaudas) of the Krishna Paksha fortnight. This day is significant in two different ways. One is that it is customarily employed to enhance one’s appearance before the main event of the forthcoming festivities. The second is that Lord Krishna killed the demon Narakasura on this day.
Roop Chaturdashi is another name for Narak Chaturdashi. On this day, Lord Krishna is adored. Worship of Lord Krishna enhances one’s physical beauty. A well-known legend connected to Narak Chaturdashi, a saint who once resided in the region known as Hiranyagarbha. This saint once attempted to call upon the Lord by praying to him. He advocated for austerity while also dealing with many issues.
He was upset because of the issues he had to deal with. When Narad Muni went to see him, he inquired about the issue. The saint questioned Narad Muni about why he had to deal with many problems despite worshiping the Lord. Narad Muni informed him that his improper prayer was the cause of the numerous issues he was experiencing.
According to Narad Muni’s advice, the saint should observe a fast on the day of Chaturdashi in Kartik Krishna Paksha. Additionally, he advised the saint to worship Lord Krishna on this day. Narad Muni reassured him that if he did so, he would be attractive and healthy. The saint adhered to every rule of the fast and developed into a lovely and healthy woman. Narak Chaturdashi consequently earned the moniker Roop Chaturdashi.
Rituals Conducted
The day is also known as Soundarya Siddhi Divas in some communities since it is the day for the regular oil bath and because maintaining the body is valued. Early in the morning, this is done till the body is covered in oil and bathed.
On the day of Roop Chaturdashi, many cultures also honour the deities Yamraj, the god of death, and Chitragupt.
People in some parts take a bath after applying oil and other traditional health products after seeing the moon on Roop Chaturdashi day.
The body is covered in a unique powder made of gram flour (Uptan) and other plants.
Following the Roop Chaturdashi day bath and the completion of special prayers and pujas for Lord Yama, clean clothing is worn.
People offer prayers to remove their narak fear (hell). Prayers made on this day to Yamraj are thought to deliver people from eternal torment.
During the day’s dusk (Pradosham), diyas (lamps) are lit and set in front of the house and on doorways. This is also a petition to Lord Yama, pleading with him to pardon the sins committed.
On the south side of the home, a lamp is illuminated. Specifically, Yama, the Hindu god of death, is the recipient of this. To get over our dread of dying, we do this.
Traditional Foods Consumed
Aloo Bonda
This street dish from South India will tantalise your taste buds! Because of the delectable potato stuffing inside the golden crispy coating of gram flour, this recipe is a must-try for everyone! Remember to put this recipe on the menu for any gathering, small or large. The recipe is available here.
The nutritious rice flour makes the popular South Indian snack known as murukku. In the northern parts of India, it is frequently referred to as “chakli.” Making this recipe home is straightforward, requiring only a few ingredients and minimal work. This snack can be stored in storage for around three to four months. So give it a try at tea time with your loved ones!
Namakpare
Namakpare is a great complement to a hot cup of tea! If you’ve had your fill of sweets this holiday season, this crunchy and salty snack is the ideal way to balance your palate. Your visitors will certainly like this meal, which is easy to make at home using basic ingredients.
Moong Dal Ka Halwa
For any special event, you can make moong dal ka halwa as a tasty and wholesome option. It is also ideal for serving visitors this holiday season.
Dry Fruits Sandesh
The “dry fruit sandesh” is another dessert from Bengal included in this list. Since this dessert is produced with milk and the goodness of dry fruits, which are known to be very healthy, it can be the ideal addition to the “sweet dishes list.”
Gujiya
It is typical to have the entire family gathering in one location, cooking this holiday dish. This delectable meal has the ideal balance of sweet and creamy flavours that will quickly improve your mood.
Kalakand
The season of the year when “kalakand” is in high demand is Diwali! Every sweet store, from the smallest chains to the biggest, has it on display!
Batasha
A sweet candy known as Batasha is frequently distributed as “prasad” at practically all temples.
FAQS
- Why do we celebrate Roop Chaturdashi?
The day of Roop Chaturdashi, sometimes referred to as Narak Chaturdashi, is dedicated to getting ready and looking one’s best for the joyous event of Diwali. Roop Chaudas is one such day set up for concentrating and condensing on beauty. To improve one’s beauty, one does the Roop Chaudas Puja.
- What occurs during Roop Chaturdashi?
After taking a bath on Roop Chaturdashi and doing special prayers and pujas for Lord Yama, clean clothing is worn.
- What not to do on Roop Chaudas?
Fried food is still traditionally prepared and kept on char-rasta to symbolize the departure of conflicts, arguments, bad karma, and discontent from home. However, one must avoid treading on or crossing any pots with red clothing or any black dolls placed at intersections.
- What is the significance of Roop Chaudas?
The celebration of lights in India is called Diwali. The festival of Roop Chaudas observed the day before Diwali, is connected to that holiday. Women make themselves beautiful on this day.
- What’s the background of Roop Chaudas?
It is believed that Kali murdered the Raktavija on Kali Chaudas, a day dedicated to the worship of Maha-Kali or Shakti. It is a day to put an end to the evil and sloth that makes life terrible—also known as Narak Chaturdasi.
- How should we celebrate Roop Chaturdashi?
On this day, devotees set up their Diyas (Earthen Lamps) in different settings. A variety of Pujas are performed and made in order to obtain Lord Yama’s blessings. These pujas are performed in the hopes that Lord Yama may prevent their descend to hell and stop their torture there.
- Who is worshipped on Narak Chaturdashi?
Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Krishna, Yamraj, Durga.
- Can we light Diya on Kali Chaudas?
On Kali Chaudas or Narak Chaturdashi day, abhyanga snan performed before sunrise aids in overcoming difficulties such as poverty and unforeseen events. It is believed that lighting diyas will bring luck and wealth.
- On Kali Chaudas, how many diyas should be lit?
According to Hindu tradition, one must light 13 diyas in their home during Diwali and Dhanteras and make prayers for wealth and wellbeing. According to legend, the 13 diyas protect against bad spirits and negative energy. They also represent benevolence and purity.
- On Kali Chaudas, what do you eat?
In the Kali Chaudas evening, worship is offered to Lord Hanuman. To shield oneself from bad energy and the harmful effects of black magic, it is advised to apply collyrium (kajal) taken from the Diya lit for Hanuman. Sesame seeds and laddus must be given as prasad.
- How to do puja on Narak Chaturdashi?
Offerings of oil, flowers and sandalwood are made at the Narak Chaturdashi puja ceremonies. Coconuts and prasad of sesame seeds, jaggery, and rice flakes (poha) with ghee and sugar are presented to Lord Hanuman.
