A Tale of Two Festivals...Part 2

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Continuing @CoralLevang 's request..... The other festivity that I will be observing today is "Bhoot(Ghosts) Choturdoshi" (14th night of the waning moon) which can also be called the Indian Halloween. It is believed that evil spirits roam the earth this night.To keep them at bay, a dish of 14 types of leafy vegetables is prepared in an iron vessel and eaten , called "choddo shaak".Then in the evening 14 earthen lamps are placed to all around the house, as then the goddess Kali along with her helpers will fight the evil spirits and prevent them from entering. But their is an alternate version that I personally love and believe in. On this day the spirit of our ancestors and loved ones pay a visit .The 14 lamps are placed to guide them to our homes . We believe they will bless us and ward off all evil spirits. Whatever the myths and there are many together with scientific explanations for them, for me these days mean that I connect with my roots and my loved ones. I wish you all joyous festivities, wherever and whenever you celebrate.