BHOOT CHATURDASHI is the Indian (Bengal to be precise)version of Halloween broadly speaking. Unlike HALLOWEEN, it isn’t observed on any specific calendar date. It is always celebrated the night before Kali Puja or Diwali. As per the Hindu date/time calculation, it falls on the 14th day of the Krishna Paksha during moon’s the waning phase.
It is observed to ward off negative energies and elements from our surroundings and make the way for more positivity and prosperity. Also, it is believed that on this day our departed forefathers come to visit the mortal world. They come to protect us and bless us. In West Bengal, India it is into practice since time immemorial.
Dressing and decking up as Ghost and playing trick-n-treat is not a celebratory custom, unlike western Halloween in Bengal’s Bhoot Chaturdashi. People light 14 earthen diyas or candles at various places (preferably dark or spooky corners). Each of the 14 earthen lamps or candles is meant to welcome one generation from our past while carefully keeping at bay the unwanted evil spirits from entering the household. Also, very important it is to cook and eat CHODDO SHAAK or a mix of 14 different green leafy vegetables. It is a custom followed to keep us healthy as it has medicinal value during this change-of-season period.
In other parts of INDIA also like NARAKA CHATURDASHI in Tamil Nadu, Goa and Karnataka. But the people of these 3 states in India celebrate it on the same day of Diwali or Deepavali as Chhoti Diwali. It is believed that Lord Krishna killed the Narakasura demon on this day.
