Beyond Trick-or-Treat: 7 Fascinating Indian Festivals Like Halloween You Should Know About
As the end of October gets closer, people all over the world are getting excited for Halloween. On October 31st, people dress up in scary costumes, go trick-or-treating, and carve pumpkins. This is the night when the line between our world and the spirit world is said to be the thinnest. Modern Halloween, which has an American cultural twist, is slowly becoming popular in India’s big cities. However, many people don’t know that India has its own old and very important festivals that have similar themes. For hundreds of years, different groups of people in India have performed rituals to honour the dead, calm spirits, and recognise the strange link between life and death. These festivals aren’t just about buying souvenirs; they’re deep cultural experiences that are full of history and tradition. They give us an interesting look at how different cultures see the spirit world, remember their ancestors, and keep bad things away. India is getting ready for its own traditional celebrations while the rest of the world gets ready for Halloween. If you like to learn more about a country’s culture when you travel, then going to these one-of-a-kind Indian festivals will be a much better experience. “Here are seven amazing Indian holidays, like Halloween, that have their own special ways of honouring the dead and connecting with the spirit world.” 1. Bhoot Chaturdashi: The Night of the Spirits in Bengal Image by Sreejith S Nair Where: West Bengal When: The 14th day of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Kartik, which is around October 29, 2025. Bhoot Chaturdashi, which means “Ghost Fourteenth,” is celebrated in West Bengal the day before Kali Puja, which is the same day as Diwali in North India. This festival is like Halloween in Bengal, but it’s spooky and interesting. It’s a night to keep bad spirits away and honour the spirits of 14 generations of ancestors. The “Halloween” Connection: People believe that on this night, the line between the living and the dead is thin, and the souls of the dead visit their living relatives. People also think that evil spirits are at their strongest. How It’s Celebrated: Lighting 14 Diyas: To keep the spirits of their 14 ancestors from getting lost, families light 14 earthen lamps (diyas) and put them in different dark corners of the house. This action invites the ancestors and keeps bad spirits away. Eating 14 Leafy Greens (Choddo Shaak): A special dish is made by cooking 14 different kinds of leafy greens (choddo shaak). People think that doing this ritual will keep their family safe from evil spirits and healthy all year long. A Link to Kali Puja: Shakti worship and Tantra have been important in Bengal for a long time. People believe that Bhoot Chaturdashi and Kali Puja are powerful nights when the goddess is called on to keep the family safe from evil forces. Pro Tip for Travellers: If you’re in Kolkata during this time, a good tip is to go to a local market like Gariahat or Maniktala. You will see people selling bundles of the 14 different kinds of leafy greens that are needed for the Choddo Shaak ritual. This is a one-of-a-kind cultural event. 2. The Cow Festival is called Gai Jatra Image by Hanub Krishna Where: Mostly in Nepal, but also in Sikkim and Darjeeling, India, where there are Nepali people. When: The first day of the dark fortnight in the month of Bhadra, which is usually in August or September. Gai Jatra, or the “Festival of Cows,” is a special festival that helps people deal with the death of a loved one in a colourful and communal way. People think that the holy cow helps the souls of the dead get to heaven. The “Halloween” Connection: People who have lost a family member in the past year dress up as cows or holy men and walk in a procession to honour the dead. Like Halloween, which mixes scary and fun things, the festival mixes sadness with satire and humour. How it’s Celebrated: The Procession: A young boy from the family that is sad dresses up as a cow and leads a procession through the town. Humour and Satire: People also use the day to make fun of politicians and social issues. People think that laughing can help ease the pain of grief. Sharing Food: People in the parade give food, candy, and money to those who are there. Pro Tip for Travellers: If you’re in Gangtok (Sikkim) during this time, you can see a smaller but just as lively version of this festival. This is a great chance to see a mix of Hindu customs and the culture of the Himalayas. 3. Pitru Paksha: The Two Weeks of the Ancestors Image by Akshaya Patra Where: All over India, but especially in holy cities like Gaya and Varanasi. When: A 16-day lunar cycle in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, which is usually in September. Pitru Paksha is not a one-day festival; it lasts for 16 days and is a time for Hindus to honour their ancestors (Pitrs). It is a serious and deeply spiritual time when people think about and give thanks. People think that the souls of the three generations of ancestors who came before you live in a place between heaven and earth called Pitriloka. They can come back to earth during Pitru Paksha. The “Halloween” Connection: The whole point of this festival is to honour and connect with the spirits of the dead, just like the original All Hallows’ Eve traditions. This is to make sure they are safe in the afterlife. How It’s Celebrated: Tarpan is the act of giving water mixed with sesame seeds to the ancestors. It happens every day during Pitru Paksha. Pind Daan: This is the most important ritual, in which food (pindas, or balls of rice and barley flour) is given to the ancestors. People think this will feed and satisfy their souls. Families make their ancestors’ favourite foods and give
