What is Narak Chaturdashi? Foods that are made in South India on this day

Diwali is here, and every region has a special way of celebrating this much awaited festival. Interestingly, the preparations and rituals differ from one region to another. From North India to South India, every region has a unique way of celebrating this festival.

In South India, Naraka Chaturdasi falls one day before Deepavali and the celebration is pretty interesting.Narak Chaturdashi is also known as Kali Chaudas or Choti Diwali. This Hindu festival falls on Chaturdashi of the Krishna Paksha as per the Vikram Samvat Hindu calendar in the month of Ashvin. According to the Hindu mythology, on this day a demon, Narakasura was killed by Krishna, Satyabhama and Kali. This festival celebrates the victory of good over evil.

In fact, every region has a different set of religious practices to celebrate this festival.

How different regions celebrate Narak ChaturdashiThere are various stories around Narak Chaturdasi, but majorly this festival revolves around worshipping Mahakali or Shakti. In some regions of Southern India, this festival is also known as Deepavali Bhogi. This festival has some simple to austerious rituals, varying from region to region; but most of the rituals are followed after early morning oil baths, decoration of the place of worship and offering naivedya, followed by Puja.

Tamilians observe this festival as "nombu" and perform Lakshmi Puja on this day. Whereas in Karnataka, Narak Chaturdashi marks the beginning of Deepavali which extends till Bali Padyami.In some parts of Goa, Narak Chaturdashi is celebrated by making paper effigies of Narakasura filled with dried grass and firecrackers, which are created and burnt as a symbol of burning the evil. After burning these effigies, people return home to take scented oil baths and perform rituals.

To mark the victory of good over evil a bitter berry, which is often called as kareet, is crushed under the feet and lamps are lit everywhere to celebrate the festival.Well, festivals in India are incomplete without good food, and so is Narak Chaturdashi. As per the traditions after all the rituals, the day starts with a special lavish breakfast which includes some interesting recipes. Read on to know more…Murukuu (Chakli)These spiral snacks are perfect binge-worthy delights and taste best when served with a nice breakfast platter and a hot cup of tea or coffee.

This crunchy-munchy snack can be served with coconut chutney to accentuate the food experience. ShakarapaliAnother most commonly prepared delicacy for this festival is shankarapali, which is nothing but the famous shakarpara. It can be prepared with the goodness of sugar or jaggery, this sweet delight needs no introduction and its crispness makes it even more delightful. LadoosThere are a variety of ladoos prepared during the festive season and every region has something unique. In South India, there are a variety of ladoos prepared for the festivals like coconut ladoo( nariyal ladoo), minappa sunnundalu, kudumullu. Jangiri (Imarti)This sweet delight has several names but no matter how you make it, the taste is simply mind-blowing. Jangiri is nothing but Imarti, and its sweet taste and crispy coating adds sweetness and soul to the festivities.