Naraka Chaturdasi (aka Choti Diwali) is named after Narakasura. This festival holds significance because it marks
the end of a demons rein of terror. When he was killed by Lord Krishna's consort Satyabham (incarnation of Bhudevi
who was Narakasura's mother), he wished for a request with his last few breaths. He request was to be alive in people's
memories, and that is why Naraka Chaturdashu is celebrated by doin the Abhyanga Snan ( a ritualistic cleansing bath).
Hindus celebrate this day to remove evil, negativities, laziness, and sin. It signifies liberation from everything harmful and
things that stop us from walking on the right path. Abhyanga Snan signifies the elimination of evil and the purification of
the soul, the mind, and the body. There is another legend where the Goddes Kali killed Narakasura and triumphed over him.
So many peopole refer to this day as 'Kali Chaudas' and perform Kali puja on this day. Especially in the Eastern part of the
country.
On this day, devottes seek their blessings to cleanse their souls. The Abhyanga Snan is part of the process. Some devotees also burn effigies
(life-size sculptural representation of a specific person) of Narakasura to symbolize his death.
background image from: here