Diwali marks a hectic schedule of cleaning up the house, making sweets and other festivities, shopping and preparing for the grand celebration. Many, especially women are left with no time to look after themselves and their looks. This day of Roop Chaturdashi is dedicated to beautifying and preparing oneself for the special day of Diwali.

Roop Chaturdashi or Roop Chaudas is celebrated a day before the Diwali festival. ‘Roop’ represents beauty and ‘Chaturdashi’ marks the fourteenth day of the scared month of ‘Kartik’ in the Hindu Lunar Calendar. It is also known as Narak Chaturdash and Kali Chaturdash in some parts of the country. Goddess Kali is worshipped on this day. There are many stories associated with this auspicious day. It is believed that goddess Kali killed the powerful demon Raktabiga.

According to the Hindu mythology it is believed that on this day Lord Krishna slay the mighty demon Mahisasur and freed the people from the cruelty and brutality of the demon. Yamraj and Chitragupt are also worshipped on this day.

People get up before dawn, they take bath by applying special scented oils and traditional health products. Women apply special gram flour mixed with herbs known as ‘Uptan’ to clean and beautify themselves. Hindus undertake beauty treatments in order to look their best on Diwali day. New clothes are worn after the ‘Chaturdashi’ bath and special prayers and puja are performed.

This day marks the destruction of evil and the arrival of new light. Earthen lamps (diya’s) are lit on this day. People pray to Lord Yama for the removal of fear of Narak (hell). It also believed that lord Yamraj will protect them from the perpetual hell. Special diya’s are lit and put on this day in front of the house and doorway.

Kali Chaturdashi observed as Roop Chaudas in Rajasthan is a very important day of the five day celebration as it is celebrated with lot of zeal and enthusiasm. Everyone feasts on the special preparations of different types of sweets and spicy eatables like ‘sev’ and ‘chakli’.

May you all have a very beautiful and delicious ‘Roop Chaudas’.