Desi festivals like Halloween you probably didn't know exist: Bhoot Chaturdashi, Bada Badua Daka and more

Halloween 2024 is just around the corner and the preparations for it have already begun across the world. While this one is majorly popular in the West, many might know that we desis too have several celebrations that are of similar nature. Here¡¯s a list of some spooky desi celebrations that¡¯d give Halloween a run for its pumpkins.

List of desi Halloween-like festivals:-

1. Mahalaya Amavasya

Also known as Sarvapitri Amavasya, Pitra Moksha Amavasya, or Pitru Amavasya, this one is a Hindu festival that is arranged to honour ancestors. During this festival, family members perform a ritual called Shraddha, where they offer food and water to the spirits of their ancestors.

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2. Bhoot Chaturdashi

Primarily celebrated in West Bengal, Bhoot Chaturdashi or Narak Chaturdashi falls on the 14th day of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Kartik. On this day, 14 ancestors are summoned and are both welcomed and warded off simultaneously. It is observed prior to Kali Puja (Diwali in north India) where people light up 14 diyas across their homes directing 14 ancestors and preventing them from losing their way.

3. Gai Jatra

Originating in Nepal, this holiday follows a tradition of family members dressing up as cows and participating in marches to honour their loved ones who are no more. Gai Jatra falls in the lunar month of Bhadra (between August and September). The festivities take place on Pratipada, the initial day of the dark fortnight and are believed to be done to ensure the deceased¡¯s place in heaven.

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4. Shab-e-Barat

On the evening of the 14th and 15th of Sha'aban, the eighth month of the Islamic calendar, the Muslim community celebrate Shab-e-Barat. It is a day to seek pardon from Allah for the offences and sins one¡¯s departed relatives would have committed. While the primary rituals and Holy Quran incantations begin at night, the day starts with vigour and festivity. The occasion is celebrated in various ways across the world depending majorly on regional customs and cultural uniqueness.

5. Bada Badua Daka

Largely celebrated in Odisha, the Bada Badua Daka ritual honours ancestors. Every house¡¯s doorways are decorated with candles, oil lamps, and diyas. This is also carried out alongside the Diwali celebrations. A sailboat-shaped rangoli is painted on the ground with prasad kept at the centre chamber. People light up a diya with a jute stem and cloth wick, point their hands toward the sky and hum a prayer.

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This is done to request the ancestors to come down in the night, protect and bless their lives and to leave in the light. They often chant the phrase, ¡°Badabadua Ho Andhaare Aasa, Aalua Re Jao¡± which means, "Forefathers, come in the darkness and go back along the lighted path".

Which of these Halloween-like desi festivals fascinated you the most? Tell us @indiatimes and we hope the upcoming festive season has only good fortune waiting for you.