Bhoot Chaturdashi During Diwali In Bengal And Eastern Parts of India

Bhuta Chaturdashi is observed on the 14th day of the Krishna Paksha or waxing phase of moon in Ashwin month. The corresponding period in North Indian Hindu calendars is the 14th day of the Krishna Paksha of Kartik Month. Bhoot Chaturdashi 2025 date is October 19. On the day unsatisfied spirits are worshipped. The day is of great importance in Bengal and eastern parts of India.

How Is Bhoot Chaturdashi Observed in Bengal?

• According to Hindu tradition, on this night fourteen lamps are lit in homes and fourteen kinds of leafy greens (shaak) are eaten.
• The fourteen types of greens eaten on Bhoot Chaturdashi are: Jayanti, Shanche, Hilanch, Yam (Ol), Pui, Mustard, Beto, Kalka-sunde, Neem, Palta, Shaolf, Gulanch, Bhat leaves, and Shushuni.
• These greens are also washed, and the water used to wash them is sprinkled in every corner of the house.
• In Hindu belief, it is said that on this day the spirits of one’s ancestors descend to the mortal world.
• To please them and to ward off evil forces, these rituals are performed.
• It is said that after death, the body merges into the five elements—sky, earth, water, fire, and air—and that the ancestors reside within these elements.
• The offering of the fourteen types of greens is believed to be made in their honor.

However, there is also a scientific explanation behind eating these greens. According to science, during this seasonal transition, various illnesses tend to occur. These fourteen greens help boost the body’s immune system.

On the other hand, the fourteen lamps are not just meant to drive away evil spirits. It is also believed that lighting them at the onset of the Hemanta (late autumn) season helps reduce insect infestations.

Moreover, since the ancestors are believed to visit the earth on this day, fourteen lamps are placed around the house—to light their way, dispel darkness, and keep away evil forces.

Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi tithi should be present during midnight for the ritual to take place.

In some regions people offer food – cooked rice and til to the Bhootas.

The rituals coincide with the popular Yama Chaturdasi and Naraka Chaturdashi rituals.

This particular ritual is of importance in eastern parts of India.

The belief is that those people who had an unnatural death roams around their favorite places with unfulfilled wishes. Rituals and pujas are meant to satisfy the such souls. Some people place a favorite food item of the dead person outside the home.

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