The significant Hindu holiday of Naraka Chaturdashi will fall on October 30, 2024. During the Pradosh season, lighting the Yama Deepak, a diya (lamp) devoted to Yamraj, the deity of death, is a crucial ceremony. This lamp has profound spiritual meaning; it invokes blessings and provides protection.

How to Turn on the Lamp

According to religious texts, one should burn a mustard oil-filled four-faced lamp facing south. Yamraj is said to be connected to the South, and this custom is intended to allay fears of unexpected or premature death. The light also represents a petition to Yamraj, pleading with him to keep the gates of hell closed so that followers might pursue peace and salvation.

The Spiritual Importance of Diya Lighting

On Naraka Chaturdashi, lighting the lamp is a spiritual gesture that aims to purge negativity and evil from one’s life, going beyond simple customs. According to devotees, this action purges the surroundings of undesirable elements and deepens the bond with heavenly energy.

Important Procedures for Naraka Chaturdashi

In addition to lighting the Yama Deepak, followers are urged to follow certain rituals and refrain from specific behaviors:

Preventing Injury to Living Things: Since Yamraj is revered on this day, it is unlucky to injure or kill any living thing.

Cleanliness in the South: Yamraj is connected to the southern portion of the home, which has to be maintained tidy. To show reverence for the deity of death, no place in this direction should be kept unclean.

Steer clear of oil donations: While oil donations are important in Hindu tradition, it is said that doing so on Naraka Chaturdashi might annoy Goddess Lakshmi. Therefore, it ought to be avoided.

Avoiding toxic items: meat, fish, garlic, onions, eggs, alcohol, and leftovers are among the items that devotees should avoid eating. These things are believed to break the day’s purity and bring bad energy.

I’m praying for the safety of my family.

Devotees pray for their family members’ safety and well-being on this auspicious day. Yamraj receives special prayers for loved ones’ safety and prosperity, pleading with him to keep danger and harm at bay.

Devotees want to honor Yamraj and guarantee a tranquil and safe existence by abiding by these customs and appreciating the importance of the ceremonies.