Bhoot Chaturdasi: Significance and Tithi!
Bhoota Chaturdashi is observed on the 14th day of the Krishna Paksha or dark moon phase of the moon in Ashwin or Kartik month every year by Hindus in West Bengal and other Eastern Indian states. This year it will fall on November 11, 2023, in the month of Kartik (as per the Bengali Hindu calendar). Bhoota Chaturdashi coincides with Naraka Chaturdashi, Yama Chaturdasi, Yama Deepam, Roop Chaturdashi and Kali Chaudas, which are observed in other parts of India with different kinds of rituals. People worship the unsatisfied souls of the deceased on this day of Bhoota Chaturdashi.
The festival is celebrated a day before Kali Puja (in West Bengal) and Deepawali, as per the Tithi of Chaturdashi fall and a day after Dhanteras or Dhantrayodashi. People observe this festival during midnight as it is believed that this is the time when unsatisfied souls roam around. On Bhoota Chaturdashi, people offer food – cooked rice and til to the Bhootas (unsatisfied souls).
It is believed people who had an unnatural death roam around their favourite places with unfulfilled wishes. So, Bhoota Chaturdashi rituals and pujas are performed to satisfy such wandering souls. People also place favourite food items of the deceased person outside the home.
Bhoot Chaturdashi is surrounded by several beliefs. On this day, fourteen kinds of vegetables (Choddo Shak) have to be eaten in the afternoon and fourteen lamps have to be lit in the evening. It is believed that the departed souls descend to the world on the night of the new moon.
The very next day, according to lunar tithi rules, is Dipanwita Kali Pujo.
According to the Puranas, on the night of Bhoot Chaturdashi, Shiva devotee King Mahabali (demon king) comes down to Earth to receive puja from people. He is accompanied by his attendant ghosts. On the full moon of Chaturdashi Tithi, there is total darkness all around. In ancient times, arrangements were made by lighting diyas to prevent the attendants of King Bali from entering the house in that darkness.
What is the Significance of Number 14 in Bhoot Chaturdashi?
Two rituals are mainly observed in Bhoot Chaturdashi in every Bengali household. According to the belief, the day of Bhoot Chaturdashi is dedicated to 14 Purushas (the past 14 generations). On this special day, the ancestors come down to Earth. According to the belief, all the 14 Purushas dwell in the sky, water, earth, air and fire (in Panchatatva). That is why the day of Bhoot Chaturdashi is dedicated to 14 past generations by eating 14 special vegetables (leafy) grown in the soil.
Many others believe that eating fourteen leafy vegetables (shak) and lighting fourteen lamps are meant for the goddess (Adhishwari Devi) of the fourteen worlds. Some also believe people offer these diyas to Yamraj to please him and pray to him that there is no untimely death or suffering in the family. Many rituals have been associated with it for ages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: On which day Bhoot Chaturdashi is celebrated?
A: Bhoot Chaturdashi is celebrated just a day before Dipanwita Kali Pujo (in West Bengal) or Deepwali. It coincides with the Naraka Chaturdashi, Yama Chaturdasi, Yama Deepam, Roop Chaturdashi, Abhyanga Snan and Kali Chaudas, observed in different parts of the country by Sanatan Hindus.
Q: What is the significance of celebrating Bhoot Chaturdashi?
A: Bhoot Chaturdashi is celebrated in the honour of departed souls. People who die untimely and unnatural deaths are believed to roam around. Therefore, people honour them on this day so that they can attain Moksha.
Q: What is the significance of 14 shak and 14 diyas in Bhoot Chaturdashi?
A: The number denotes 14 Purushas that is 14 past generations of a family. People honour their ancestors and forefathers by cooking and eating 14 shak (leafy vegetables) during the day and lighting 14 diyas at midnight.
For more insights on Bhoot Chaturdashi and other festivals during Deepwali you can consult our astrologers and pandits here.
