Did you know about these desi Halloween festivals?

Halloween is one of the most famous festivals worldwide, but how many of you are aware of these Indian festivals that are similar to Halloween? Though there are no pumpkins and spooky costumes involved, the traditions are more or less the same. So, while the world is getting all prepped up for Halloween, here's a look at our very own desi versions of the festival.

Badabadiya Daka, Odisha
Badabadiya Daka is a festival celebrated in the Indian state of Odisha. Performed on the day of Diwali, Badabadiya Daka is a special puja ritual performed for the forefathers praying and requesting them to come in the dark and depart in light. People light up sticks and point them up in the sky and pray to their dead. It is celebrated on the holy steps of the famous Jagannath Temple in Odisha.


Mahalaya Amavasya during Pitru Paksha
In India, people celebrate Pitra Paksha, which is a sixteen day phase wherein Hindus remember and pray to their ancestors. The last day of Pitru Paksha is the most significant and is known as Sarvapitri Amavasya or Mahalaya Amavasya. During this whole time, family members perform Shraddha (a ritual) wherein food and water are offered to the departed souls. This is done to make sure that the souls of our ancestors are looked after even after and they continue to live in heaven.

Bhoot Chaturdashi

Then comes the Bhoot Chaturdashi, also known as the Narak Chaturdashi. According to the Hindu rituals, the day is celebrated on the 14th day of Krishna Paksha in Kartik month (according to Hindu calendar). In North India, Chhoti Diwali is celebrated on the same day; however, in the far east, this is the day when evil spirits are shooed away. On this day, 14 forefathers are called and then warded off; rituals also involve 14 types of vegetables that are cooked and 14 earthen lamps lighted on the same day.


Shab-e-Barat

Shab e-Barat is another festival, mainly celebrated by the Muslim coummunity. It is observed on the 14th night of Sha'aban, and people offer prayers to lord while He writes their destiny. Also known as the Night of Records or the Night of Fortune and Forgiveness, it is believed that the lord writes people’s destiny based on their deeds. As a part of the celebrations, people visit the graves of their loved ones and pray for them.