The Mythology Associated with Deepavali
The Legend of Demon Narakasura
The Third mythology associated with the celebration of Deepavali is that of the slaying of the Demon Narakasura by Lord Sri Krishna. In Western and Southern India on Naraka-chaturdashi day during Deepavali, to re-enact the slaying of the demon Narakasura by Lord Sri Krishna, Hindus smash a bitter fruit (called Kaarita) with their big toe. This is done after having a ceremonial bath in which sandalwood paste and sweet smelling essences are used.

But this mythology and ritual is associated with Deepavali only in the Western and Southern India, it is not known in the north and east. Bharatvarsha with its multifarious and colourful legends has many festivals with which different mythologies have become associated. These mythologies differ from region to region and have contributed in making the composite and colourful society of the Hindus.

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