The Hindu calendar observes Kali Chaudas, a day set aside to worship the violent Goddess Kali, on the day before Diwali. This is the 14th day of the dark fortnight of Ashwin, or Kartik month in North Indian tradition. She gives her followers the bravery and strength to battle evil forces. Some people worship the goddess in hopes of gaining magical abilities, which they then abuse to hurt other people. Moreover, worshiping Kali shields you from these evildoers. There are other names for Kali Chaudas, such as Roop Chaudas, Narak Nivaran Chaturdashi, and Narak Chaturdashi. Kali Chaudas usually falls three days before Bhai Dooj and six days before Labh Pancham, which are the other two important festivals during Diwali.
***
Kali Chaudas – Sunday, October 19, 2025
Kali Chaudas Muhurat – 11:59 PM to 12:48 AM, Oct 20
Duration – 00 Hours 50 Mins
Hanuman Puja – Sunday, October 19, 2025
Chaturdashi Tithi Begins – 01:51 PM on Oct 19, 2025
Chaturdashi Tithi Ends – 03:44 PM on Oct 20, 2025
***
One of the divine powers is Maa Kali. She has a fiery character and worships her releases one from the shackles of the enemy. Worshiping Maa Kali on Kali Chaudas is said to provide relief from all of life’s problems, the completion of unfinished business, and the elimination of negative ideas. Maa Kali protects her followers from harm. The goddess is most powerful in this form. After slaying numerous demons, Maa Kali commands all the gods to submit to her. On the day of Kali Chaudas, those who worship the mother will soon have all of their wishes granted and will also be set free from the oppressive forces.
***
***
Goddess Kali, a manifestation of Goddess Parvati, is honored on this day. Worshiping Kali on this day is thought to have numerous advantages. Its main goals are to eliminate the bad effects of Shani dosh, promote money and marital prosperity, heal chronic illnesses, and free oneself from the influence of evil spirits.
The most revered deity on the day of Narak Chaturdashi is Goddess Kali. Goddess Shakti in her furious form is regarded as the slayer of all evil and negative characteristics. She also goes by the name “the face of regeneration and destruction.” Seeking her blessings for Kali Chaudas will guarantee victory over adversaries and protection from any evil forces.
One of the most dreadful and vicious Rakshasas, Narakasura possessed immense power both in the skies and on Earth. Even the formidable Deva ruler, Indra, was forced to retreat when the savage demon attacked Devaloka or Swargaloka. All the Devas (Gods) consulted the all-pervading Lord Vishnu for assistance under these circumstances. The Devas had received assurances from the great Lord that Narakusara’s demise would occur during his rebirth as Krishna. Indeed, the demon and Lord Krishna engaged in a bloody combat that resulted in the latter’s easy defeat. It is thought that this demon’s slaughter took place on Roop Chaudas‘ or Narak Chaturdashi’s day.
***
The Legend of Hanuman:
Lord Hanuman, the adored disciple of Lord Rama, is well-known to all. Hanuman saw the Sun when he was a kid and, believing it to be a beautiful fruit, ate it up, plunging the entire world into complete darkness. All of the gods and demi-gods begged Hanuman to release the Sun on the day of Kali Chaudas, but he refused. Lord Indra struck him with his thunderbolt, striking him in the mouth, and the Sun emerged, bringing light back to the world.
The Legend Of Bali:
King Bali was renowned for being one of the most giving monarchs, but his popularity eventually got to his head and he developed a strong sense of conceit. When he began disparaging and degrading those who approached him for alms, Lord Vishnu made the decision to discipline him by taking on the form of Vaman, a dwarf. Lord Vaman requested land that was barely three steps away from him when Bali advised him to ask for anything he wanted. The Lord measured the entire globe with his first stride and the entire heavens with his second. He then inquired about Bali’s third step placement. A humbled Bali bowed down and requested the Lord to place his last step on his head, which gained him salvation. So, Kali Chaudas are celebrated on this day to drive away greed.
***
West Bengal: Kali Puja night overlaps with Diwali. Temples like Dakshineswar and Kalighat in the City of Joy see lakhs descending on the premises.
Gujarat & Maharashtra: in the daytime, people pray to the ‘Lord of Death’ Yama and light fourteen lamps at night (two rows of seven) and keep them between two rows of their house, this is called Chaudas (fourteen).
South India: Called Naraka Chaturdashi, it is observed to celebrate Lord Krishna’s victory against Narakasura.
These local differences only bring out the essential unity in diversity of our spiritual festivals, where different narratives lead to the same spiritual truth — the triumph of good over evil.
***
Pooja Mantra:
ॐ क्रीं क्रीं क्रीं हूं हूं ह्रीं ह्रीं दक्षिणे कालिके क्रीं क्रीं हूं हूं ह्रीं ह्रीं स्वाहा ॥
Om Kreem Kreem Kreem Hoon Hreem Hreem Dakshine Kalike Kreem Kreem Hoon Hreem Hreem Swaha.
Kali Mool Mantra:
ॐ क्रीं कालिकायै नमः ॥
Om Krim Kalikayai Namah.
Kali Gayatri Mantra:
ॐ काली महाकालिकायै च विद्महे स्मशानवासिन्यै धीमहि।
तन्नो काली प्रचोदयात्॥
Om Kali Mahakalikayai Cha Vidmahe Smashanavasinyai Dhimahi.
Tanno Kali Prachodayat.
Other powerful mantras:
ॐ ह्रीं श्रीं क्रीं परमेश्वरि कालिके स्वाहा॥
Om Hreem Shreem Kreem Parmeshwari Kalike Swaha.
ॐ क्रीं क्रीं क्रीं हुं हुं ह्रीं ह्रीं दक्षिणे कालिके स्वाहा॥
Om Crim Crim Crim Hum Hum Hrim Hrim dakshine kalike Svaha.
जय काली कालरात्रि महाकालिका नमोऽस्तुते।
सर्वशत्रुविनाशाय, सर्वरोगनिवारिणि॥
Jai Kali Kaalratri Mahakalika Namostute.
sarvshatruvinashay, sarvrognivarini.
***
Kali Chaudas is a multifaceted festival that combines elements of mythology, spirituality, and communal celebration. It serves as a reminder of the perpetual battle between good and evil, urging individuals to seek purity, strength, and protection in their lives. As a precursor to Diwali, it sets the stage for the festival of lights, underscoring the themes of renewal, victory, and the triumph of light over darkness.
***