It is a Hindu festival that falls on the Chaturdashi of the Krishna Paksha of Kartik month, popularly known as Narka Chaturdashi, Naraka Chadas, and Narka Puja. It is believed that to get rid of hell, one should take a bath in water with apamarga (pitch) plant early in the morning. It is said that on this day Lord Krishna killed a demon named Narakasura and honored sixteen thousand and one hundred girls by freeing them from the prison house of Narakasura. Therefore, on this day all those who worship according to law, get free from all sins and attain heaven. There is a law to get up before sunrise, after taking a bath and offer three Anjali waters to Yamraj. In the evening, lamp should be donated for Yamraj.
The main purpose of celebrating this festival is to bring light in the house and illuminate every corner of the house. It is said that on the day of Deepawali, Lord Shri Ram Chandra Ji came to Ayodhya after completing fourteen years of exile, then the people of Ayodhya celebrated by lighting lamps of their happiness and welcomed Lord Shri Ramchandra Mata Janaki and Lakshmana.
There was a virtuous and pious king named Ranti Dev. He had not committed any sin even unknowingly, but when the time of death came, the eunuchs stood in front of him. Seeing the eunuch in front, the king was surprised and said that I have never committed any sinful act, then why have you people come to take me because your coming here means that I will have to go to hell. Please be kind to me and tell me due to which crime of mine I am going to hell. Hearing the persuasive voice of the virtuous king, the eunuch said, O king, once a hungry Brahmin returned from your door, this is the result of that sinful act.
On this request of the messengers, the king said to the eunuchs that I request you to give me more time of the year. The eunuchs gave the king one year's grace. The king took his troubles to the sages and told them all the stories and asked them that please what is the way to get rid of this sin. The sage said, O king, you should observe a fast on the Chaturdashi of the Krishna Paksha of Kartik month and after feeding the brahmins, apologize to them for their crimes against others.
The king did as the sages told him. In this way the king was freed from sin and he got a place in Vishnu Lok. From that day onwards fasting on Kartik Chaturdashi day is prevalent in Bhulok for freedom from sin and hell. On this day, getting up before sunrise, applying oil and putting Chirchiri leaves in water, has great significance and bathing in it. After bathing, it is said to be very virtuous to see God in Vishnu temple and Krishna temple. By this sin is cut away and beauty of form is attained.
Lord Krishna had killed a demon named Narakasura and freed sixteen thousand one hundred girls from the prison house of Narakasura and gave them respect.