Bhoot Chaturdashi is usually celebrated in Bengal on the night before Kali Pujo. However, according to Drikpanchang, the Amavasya Tithi this year starts at 00:57 on November 7, and the tithi ends at 00.01 on November 8, 2018. Therefore, in many households, Bhoot Chaturdashi and Kali Pujo are being celebrated today, November 6.  On this day, people light 14 lamps to ward off the evil spirit and to appease the spirits of their 14 forefathers.

In some houses, people also cook 14 leafy vegetables or the Chhoddo Shaak. The vegetables used are-yam leaves, baby chard, Baby Kale, spinach, Lal Shaak, Kolmi Shaak, Shorshe Shaak, Pui Shaak, Motor Shaak, Kochu Shaak, Mulo Shaak, Methi Shaak, Paat Shaak and Olkopi (green turnips). Kali Puja 2018 Wishes & Diwali Images: Subho Kali Pujo WhatsApp Messages in Bengali, GIF Photos, Wallpapers to Wish Happy Kali Puja.

It's believed that the night before Kali Puja, the spirits of these ancestors descend upon the earth. The popular belief is that on the eve of Kali Puja – or on the 14th day of Krishna Paksha – spirits of dead ancestors come to visit their living family, and the lamps help them find their way.  Bengali Kali Puja is a popular festival in the Hindu festival, which is dedicated to Goddess Kali. The puja is also popularly known as Shyama Puja and Maa Kali is worshipped to bring an end to all the negativity around us.  Kali Puja 2018 Date: Pujo Shubh Muhurat Timings For Bengali, Significance of Worshiping Goddess Kali During Diwali.

Narak Chaturdashi is also celebrated on the 14th day of the waning moon in the month of Kartik. The festival is also known as Narak Chaudas, Roop Chaudas or even Kali Chaudas. The god of death, Yamraj is worshipped on this day, and it is celebrated as the second day of the five-day-long Diwali festival. It is also called Choti Diwali as it marks the night before the grand Diwali celebrations. The day starts with people taking a bath in the holy water in river Ganges, and it is believed that the holy dip is will give them heaven after their death. In the evening, the entire house is decorated with diyas and candles to welcome the Goddess of wealth, Laxmi.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 06, 2018 11:03 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).