In India, festivals are not just a celebration of tradition and culture; they also reflect the diversity and richness of the country's customs and beliefs. While Diwali, Holi, and Navratri are widely known and celebrated, there are lesser-known festivals that carry unique significance. One such festival is Bhoot Chaturdashi, often referred to as India's Halloween. Kali Chaudas 2023 Wishes, Greetings & Bhoot Chaturdashi Images: WhatsApp Messages, Quotes, Maa Kali Images and Wallpapers and SMS on the Festival Day.

What is Bhoot Chaturdashi?

Bhoot Chaturdashi, also known as Naraka Chaturdashi, falls on the 14th day of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) in the Hindu month of Kartik. This usually corresponds to the month of October or November in the Gregorian calendar. The festival is predominantly celebrated in West Bengal, Odisha, and other parts of eastern India.

Bhoot Chaturdashi Date & Significance

The year 2023 will see Narak Chaturdashi on November 12, Sunday. Bhoot Chaturdashi has a rich cultural and historical significance. The festival is associated with the worship of ancestors and is observed as a way to protect the living from malevolent spirits. The term "Bhoot" in Bengali means "ghosts," and Chaturdashi denotes the 14th day of the lunar fortnight. Thus, Bhoot Chaturdashi is a day dedicated to appeasing and warding off evil spirits, much like Halloween in the Western world.

Celebrating Bhoot Chaturdashi

Preparations: In the days leading up to Bhoot Chaturdashi, families typically clean their homes thoroughly. They light 14 oil lamps or "choddo prodip" at night to symbolize the 14 generations of their ancestors.

Food Offerings: Families prepare a variety of dishes, including rice, lentils, and vegetables, which are offered to the spirits. It is believed that these offerings help appease the souls of ancestors.

Protective Measures: To ward off malevolent spirits, people draw alpona or rangoli designs at their doorsteps. They also place "hult" (Acanthus Ilicifolius) on the threshold, which is believed to act as a protective herb.

Recitation of Mantras: People recite verses and mantras to seek the blessings of their ancestors and protection from negative forces.

Bhoot Chaturdashi Feast: A significant aspect of Bhoot Chaturdashi is the grand feast prepared for the living. Families come together to share traditional dishes and sweets.

Lighting Earthen Lamps: In the evening, people light earthen lamps and place them in dark corners of the house to drive away darkness and evil spirits.

Importance of Bhoot Chaturdashi

Bhoot Chaturdashi is a unique and culturally rich festival that emphasizes the connection between the living and the deceased. It is an occasion for families to come together, pay respects to their ancestors, and protect their homes from negative energies. In addition to its cultural significance, the festival also showcases the diversity of Indian traditions, as it is celebrated predominantly in the eastern part of the country.

Bhoot Chaturdashi is an opportunity for those not familiar with this lesser-known festival to learn more about India's diverse cultural heritage. It underlines the importance of celebrating local traditions and preserving the stories and customs that make India's cultural tapestry so vibrant and unique.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 11, 2023 12:31 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).