Families and businesses alike place great importance on the Diwali festival. Commencing with Dhanteras, the celebrations last for five days. Narak Chaturdashi, which is celebrated the day before Diwali, is the day that Lord Krishna destroyed the demon Narakasura, according to Hindu scriptures.
The day is known as Bhoot Chaturdashi in West Bengal. It is celebrated on October 30 of this year, one day prior to Diwali. The day, also known as Kali Chaudas, is devoted to worshipping Goddess Kali and using a variety of rituals to ward off negative energies and evil spirits.
On Wednesday, October 30, at 12:59:43 p.m., Chaturdashi will start, and it will conclude on Thursday, October 31, at 3:07:42 p.m.
Deep symbolism underlies the custom of lighting 14 diyas on Bhoot Chaturdashi. It is thought that on this day, spirits and restless souls, among other evil forces, approach Earth. In order to ward off these spirits, the 14 lamps act as beacons, illuminating every area of the house.
The diyas are positioned thoughtfully across rooms and entrances in many homes to make sure that these ghosts have nowhere to hide. But the lighting serve another, more delicate function as well. Bengali tradition holds that on this day, the souls of ancestors come to visit their families and bestow blessings on their offspring.
Families light a diya for each of these 14 generations of progenitors as a way to honour them, signifying guidance. Observing Bhoot Chaturdashi begins early for those who are celebrating. The 14 diyas are set aside to be lit at sunset, and families get up before dawn to bathe and prepare the greens.
Every room has a diya, with special attention paid to lighting gloomy areas and hallways. Offerings are made to the gods and ancestors at evening puja, along with prayers for protection from evil forces.