The god of death, Yama, is also worshipped on this day by lighting a lamp which is believed to protect one from the sufferings of naraka ("the unhappiness of man").

Coconuts are also offered to Hanuman alongside a prasada of sesame seeds, jaggery and rice flakes (poha) with ghee and sugar.

Abhyanga i.e. massaging the whole body and head with sesome or medical oils is followed by Udvartan i.e Ubtan application before bathing..[7] Afterwards, clean clothes are worn.

These effigies are burnt early in the morning, firecrackers are burst, and people return home to take a scented oil bath.

The women of the house perform aarti for the men, gifts are exchanged, a bitter berry (kareet) is crushed under the feet in token of killing Narakasura, symbolising the removal of evil and ignorance.

[8] In the Indian state of West Bengal and Bangladesh, the day before the Kali Puja is observed as Bhoot Chaturdashi.

It is also believed that the 14 forefathers of a family visit their living relatives, and so 14 diyas are placed all around the house to guide them homewards and especially to chase away the evil ones.

[9] Abhyanga Snan (oil bath) on Narak Chaturdashi day holds a special significance in a person's life.

This bath is done after Abhyanga i.e. massaging the whole body and head with sesome or medical oils followed by Udvartan i.e Ubtan application.

In Karnataka, the festival of Deepavali starts from this day i.e., Naraka Chathurdashi with early morning traditional oil bath, aarti followed by bursting firecrackers and extends till Bali Padyami, which is the main day of Deepavali celebration, when cows are decorated and worshipped.