Bhoot Chaturdashi: Did you know India has a Halloween of its own?

There is no end to Indian festivals. The type of this festival is different in each case. Every festival style is different.

One such ritual is Bhutachaturdashi. It is celebrated on the day before Kali puja. A special ritual on the day of Bhutachaturdashi is to light 14 lamps in the house.

Popularly known as Chhoti Diwali, the festival of Bhoot Chaturdashi or Narak Chaturdashi is usually celebrated a day ahead of Diwali. 

It turns out that Indians had their much-known version of Halloween much before the holiday became fashionable here, making its way around circles that would jump at the opportunity to throw a theme party.

In India’s rich and storied folklore especially for the bengalis’s, this night before Kali Puja is dedicated to spirits.

WHAT IS BHOOT CHATURDASHI?

Like Halloween, Bhoot Chaturdashi is the day Bengalis believe that the veil between our world and the afterlife is thin, when ghosts and spirits—specifically their forefathers—roam the earth. 

Celebrated on the 14th day of Krishna Paksha (the waning phase of the moon) on the eve of Kali Pujo or Diwali (which fall on Saturday, 14 November, in 2020), Bhoot Chaturdashi is the day when Bengalis light 14 earthen lamps at their doors to guide the spirits of 14 generations of their forefathers (Choddo Purush) home and ward off evil spirits. Every dark corner of the house is illuminated.

And to keep possession of their bodies by these entities at bay, they eat 14 different kinds of leafy greens (Choddo Shaak) on the day—a much tastier alternative to pumpkin spice latte, I’d say.

Bhoot Chaturdashi is also known as Naraka Chaturdashi. In Hindu mythology, this is the day when the combined forces of Lord Krishna, Satyabhama and Goddess Kali destroyed the powerful demon, Narakasura.

According to Drik Panchang, following are the auspicious timings of Naraka Chaturdashi.

Chaturdashi Tithi Starts: 1:57 pm on 11 November 2023.

Chaturdashi Tithi Ends: 2:44 pm on 12 November 2023.

Kali Chaudas Muhurat: 11:39 pm to 12:32 am on 12 November (53 minutes).

Narak Chaturdashi day is also known as Roop Chaturdashi and Roop Chaudas.