Kali Chaudas is the second day of Diwali. It is also called Kali Chaturdashi. On this day, people turn inwards, get rid of all sorts of negativity, worship the Goddess Kali & seek her blessings. They light homes with oil lamps (diyas), perform many rituals, make offerings to her, remember ancestors, etc. It is believed that doing so repels evil and negative emergencies. This day of celebration, devotion, and inner transformation brings people together, creates a festive environment, and increases the joy of Diwali. Let's elaborate more on Kali Chaudas 2025, its date and auspicious time, importance, rituals, etc.
When is Kali Chaudas 2025?
In 2025, Kali Chaudas is on Monday, 20 Oct, 2025.
Are Kali Chaudas & Narak Chaturdashi the Same?
Yes, they are the same festival, celebrated on Choti Diwali. But their names indicate the different aspects of the festival. Remember, Narak Chaturdashi signifies Lord Krishna's victory over the demon Narakasura. On the other hand, Kali Chaudas is all about Goddess Kali. She protects her devotees from evil forces.
Kali Chaudas Story
The Story of Narakasura’s Defeat
Narakasura (the demon of hell) was a powerful devil king. He was the ruler of the kingdom of Pragjyotishpur (located in modern-day Guwahati, Assam). He is said to be the son of Bhudevi (Mother Earth) & Lord Vishnu’s boar incarnation. He performed intense penance and got a boon from Lord Brahma that no one (except his own mother) can kill him. It made him almost unconquerable.
So, he became extremely cruel and arrogant. He attacked many gods, drove them out of heaven, stole the earrings of Aditi (the mother of the gods), and spread his terror in the three worlds — Earth, Heaven, and the Netherworld.
The gods sought help from Lord Krishna.. He rode the divine mount Garuda along with his wife Satyabhama and attacked Narakasura’s fortress in Pragjyotishpur. A deadly war took place between Krishna and the demons' armies. He killed all of them. During the battle, Krishna fainted. Meanwhile, Satyabhama came into action and killed Narakasura.
Maa Kali’s Connection
As per the ancient story, once upon a time, demons captured the three worlds- heaven, earth, and the netherworld. They used to cause chaos, disturb spiritual practices, engage in war, and block the path of righteousness. No one could stop them.
The gods approached Goddess Durga for help, who destroyed Mahishasura, the buffalo demon. To deal with the new threat, she appeared in her fearsome and powerful form- Kali Mata. Remember, she has dark skin & her eyes glow with anger. Moreover, she wears a garland of skulls. Her tongue is spread from her mouth and drips blood.
She entered the battlefield with a deafening cry and killed all the demons that came in her way. She became uncontrollable. So, Lord Shiva lay in her path. And, Goddess Kali unknowingly stepped on him. She immediately realized her mistake and dissolved into remorse. Her anger stopped immediately.
In some areas of Gujarat, Kali Chaudas is also known as Bhoot Chaturdashi. As per the local belief, ghostly energies roam at night. Offering them food and lighting lamps can purify them. By doing so, they don’t cause disturbances in people’s lives.
Importance of Kali Chaudas
Destruction of Evil Forces & Negative Energy
Kali Chaudas is the time to worship the deity and seek her blessings. It is believed that she destroys evil forces and spiritual barriers and protects her devotees in all circumstances.
Kali Chaudas is the time to worship the deity and seek her blessings. It is believed that she destroys evil forces and spiritual barriers and protects her devotees in all circumstances.
Destroying Inner Demons
We humans suffer from persistent negative thoughts, self-doubt, anxiety, hatred, fear, self-destructive behaviors, the feeling of envy, etc. The festival is the perfect time to get rid of all these negative traits and cleanse yourself spiritually.
Honoring Ancestors And Spirits
During Kali Chaudas, devotees in several places in India offer food to spirits. It is done to acknowledge the presence of departed souls and remember them.
Invocation of Divine Feminine Energy
Kali Chaudas is the perfect time for all those devotees who have great faith in the divine feminine energy. By worshiping Godless Kali, they can get rid of ignorance and seek her divine protection against all negative energies.
A Symbol of Renewal
Kali Chaudas is the time to start something new. Spiritual environment, auspiciousness, and presence of divine energy all contribute to the success of new ventures.
Kali Chaudas Rituals
There are multiple rituals associated with Kali Chaudas, which vary depending on regions and customs across India. Here are some important rituals of this celebration-
Oil Bath
On Kali Chaudas, devotees wake up before sunrise, apply oil on the body, and take a holy bath in water containing herbs or leaves. They perform it to purify themselves spiritually and physically. Also, many devotees first apply oil, use herbal paste, and then wash it off. It is believed to remove negativity and cleanse their minds and bodies.
Lighting Lamps
Devotees light diyas in various parts of the house and temples to remove darkness and bring positive energy. It also symbolizes the victory of good over evil.
Worshipping Goddess Kali
It is the most important ritual. They put a statue of Kali Mata or a painting in the worship area, offer red vermilion, fruits, sweets, flowers, and light camphor. They chant mantras to invoke her blessings. You can get the Goddess Kali statue & all the required paintings from Cottage9.
Lord Hanuman is a symbol of courage and strength. So, people worship him in the morning & seek his blessing.
Applying Kajal On Eyes
Many communities in India apply kajal to the eyes. It is believed that this keeps them away from evil eyes and ensures their well-being.
Making Kali Chaudas Rangoli
Devotees make colorful Chaudas rangoli designs at the entrance of their homes and other important buildings. It is believed to welcome good luck and positive energy into their life.
Firework
Many people engage in fireworks as a part of Kali Chauda's celebration and have fun. This ritual is quite popular among children and young individuals.
Fasting
On Kali Chaudas, many people observe a fast. They do it to show respect to the Goddess Kali and cleanse themselves spiritually. They observe fast until the evening's puja or midnight rituals.
Fasting
On Kali Chaudas, many people observe a fast. They do it to show respect to the Goddess Kali and cleanse themselves spiritually. They observe fast until the evening's puja or midnight rituals.
How To Celebrate Kali Chaudas Meaningfully?
To celebrate Kali Chaudas 2025 in a meaningful way, follow these rituals-
Light Diyas Everywhere
On Kali Chaudas, light oil lamps and put them in all important places in your house, surroundings, and nearby temples. It will please the deity and welcome divine blessings. Make sure you light at least 14 diyas.
Observe Fast
You should observe fast during the celebration. It will help cleanse negativity and purify body and soul.
Invite Communities To The celebration
Feel free to invite loved ones, relatives, friends, and neighbors to the celebration. Request them to participate in rituals, such as worshiping the deity, preparing pious food, chanting mantras, etc. It brings people together.
Recite Stories
Narrate religious stories related to devotees. It will enhance their knowledge about deities and legacies associated with them.
Donate Essential Stuff To Needy People
After the worship, give food, clothes, and other essentials to needy people. It is a wonderful way to share prosperity and blessings.
Conclusion
Kali Chaudas 2025 is around the corner. It’s time to get rid of negativity, honor the deity, and seek her blessings. So, prepare for the occasion, perform rituals along with loved ones, and awaken your courage and transformation. It will help you destroy inner demons, start afresh, and seek the blessings of Kali Mata. Happy Happy Kali Chaudas to all. Get all the required paintings and statues from Cottage9.
