The Night of Fourteen Diyas: Rediscovering Bengal’s Choti Diwali
Discover the real meaning behind Bengal’s Bhoot Chaturdashi, from lighting 14 lamps to eating 14 greens. A look at how this age-old ritual blends faith, food, and memory in modern homes.
Every Bengali household glows a little differently on the night before Kali Pujo. It’s quieter than Diwali, but there’s a certain mystery in the air with mustard oil lamps flickering in dark corners, the kitchen smelling of sautéed greens, and stories of spirits floating between generations. This is Bhoot Chaturdashi, Bengal’s version of Choti Diwali, where the line between the living and ancestral spirits feels thin but tender.
Lighting the 14 Lamps, A Path for the Ancestors
As dusk falls, fourteen small diyas are lit across the house: near doors, windows, courtyards, even by the tulsi plant. It’s said that these lights guide the souls of forefathers who visit on this night. But if you strip away the superstition, the act feels almost poetic, a gesture of remembrance. Each lamp becomes a tiny symbol of gratitude, warmth, and protection.
In modern apartments, some still follow the ritual, even if it means lighting tealights on balconies or by a photo frame of grandparents. The essence remains the same: remembering where you come from.
The 14 Greens, A Feast of Earth and Healing
Then there’s the Choddo Shaak, a mix of fourteen leafy greens cooked together, often lightly spiced with mustard and garlic. Traditionally, it’s believed to drive away evil spirits and cleanse the body before Kali Pujo. But beyond folklore, it’s simply smart seasonal eating and a way to boost immunity as the weather shifts from autumn to winter.
Each family has its own mix: spinach, amaranth, pumpkin leaves, jute, fenugreek, water spinach. In villages, people would gather what was fresh from the field; in cities, it’s a quiet hunt through local markets.
Tradition Meets Intention
Today, Bhoot Chaturdashi is less about fear of ghosts and more about connection to our roots, our food, and our people. Lighting those lamps feels grounding. Eating those greens feels cleansing. It’s tradition turned to mindfulness, a small reminder that sometimes, the old ways knew exactly what the soul needed.
