As autumn surrenders to winter in Bengal, a mystical evening unfolds that bridges the worlds of the living and the departed. Known as Bhoot Chaturdashi, this ancient observance takes place on the fourteenth day of the waning moon in the month of Kartik, just before the powerful festival of Kali Pujo. What Is Bhoot Chaturdashi?The word "Bhoot" carries multiple layers of meaning in Bengali culture.
It can refer to the past, the five elements of nature (Panchabhoot), or the spirits of the departed. When combined with "Chaturdashi" (fourteen), it creates a deeply meaningful occasion that transforms an ordinary evening into something extraordinary. “Bhoot Chaturdashi is said to occur on the 14th day of Krishna Pokhyo,” says Chef Somma Ghosh, the homechef behind Kitchen Tales by Somma Ghosh and Bengali food expert, “The lighting of the 14 earthen lamps near the sacred The Tulsi plant in the courtyard, was meant to guide our forefathers to come see their descendants.
Folklore says that since travel between the two realms is possible on this night, along with our forefathers, it was feared that other evil spirits may also make an appearance. In an attempt to ward off these unwanted spirits, the partaking of the preparation of 'Choddo Shaak', was meant to safeguard us from the evil eye by increasing our internal immunity.” The Role Of Choddo ShaakFood often forms a backbone to religious rituals, and for Bhoot Chaturdashi, Choddo Shaak is of special importance, " As per Hindu b.