Kali Chaudas Special: Ahmedabad’s Festive Spirit

Kali Chaudas is a day that holds a special place in the festival calendar of Ahmedabad. This is not just another event but a profound cultural and spiritual observance that fills the city with a mix of reverence and excitement.

Kali Chaudas Date and Muhurat (Choghadiya)

Date: 11th November Saturday

Muhurat	Time
Shubha (શુભ)	01:59 PM to 02:29 PM

The Victory of Good Over Evil: The Legend of Narakasura

At the heart of Kali Chaudas is the tale of Lord Krishna’s triumph over the demon Narakasura. According to mythology, Narakasura was a demon king who ruled Pragjyotishpur, a province near present-day Assam. He was a tyrant who captured and imprisoned 16,000 daughters of the gods and women in his harem. This cruel act brought Lord Krishna to the battlefield.

Worship at the Heart of the City: Bhadra Kali Mandir

As the dawn breaks on Kali Chaudas, the Bhadra Kali Mandir starts to buzz with activity. Devotees, young and old, queue up for a moment with the goddess. The temple itself is a sight to behold, covered with countless lamps and flowers. People believe that praying here on this day shields them from negative forces for the entire year.

Location: Google Map

Gandhinagar’s Ambapur MahaKali Temple

Just a drive away from Ahmedabad, the spirit of Kali Chaudas takes a communal turn in Gandhinagar. The Ambapur MahaKali Temple overseen by the Kshatriya Navayuvak Mandal becomes the heart of collective worship, highlighting the strength of community bonds in Gujarat’s culture.

Location: Google Map

What You Should and Shouldn’t on Kali Chaudas

Taking an oil bath before sunrise is a ritual meant to purify the body and spirit, while abstaining from certain activities like cutting nails or hair is meant to avoid negating the day’s positive energy. Lighting diyas at twilight is also essential, said to keep evil spirits at bay.

What to eat at Kali Chaudas?

The spread of food on Kali Chaudas is a delightful break from the fasting period. Special dishes that are commonly enjoyed include ‘Fafda-Jalebi’, ‘Khandvi’, and ‘Dhokla’. Homes are filled with the fill of ‘Gathiya’ and sweets, marking a day of indulgence and family bonding.

Mantras and Prayers

The repetition of ‘Kali Chavach’ and other potent mantras is a common sound in every household. It’s believed that these sounds have the power to cleanse the aura of a place and keep the evil spirits from entering the homes.

Puja for Prosperity

The Kali Chaudas puja involves specific rites and offerings to ensure success and quick results. The detailed procedure is carefully followed by many, hoping to gain the favor of Goddess Kali.

The Importance of Hanumanji Puja on Kali Chaudas

Lord Hanuman, the epitome of strength and devotion in Hindu mythology,is honored for guiding out evil forces and challenges. It is believed that performing Hanumanji Puja on Kali Chaudas helps to ward off negative energies and spirits. The day is considered extremely powerful for driving away the darkness with divine light, and who better to look up to than the mighty savior, Hanumanji?

Conclusion

As the night winds down, the entire city seems to have shared in a collective journey, a step out of time into a space of myths, legends, and faith. Ahmedabad’s celebration of Kali Chaudas is a evidence to the city’s deep-rooted traditions and its unshakeable belief in the power of the divine. It is a reminder that no matter the advances in our daily lives, Some traditional practices still provide relief and continuity to the members of the community.

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