Kali Chaudas: Halloween of India
Kali Chaudas is also known as Bhut Chaturdashi. Kali Chaudas is mainly observed in Western states especially in Gujarat.
Kali Chaudas is observed during Chaturdashi Tithi during Diwali festivity. However, Kali Chaudas day should not be mixed with Roop Chaudas and Narak Chaturdashi as it might fall one day before Narak Chaturdashi. The day of Kali Chaudas is decided when Chaturdashi prevails during midnight which as per Panchang is known as Maha Nishita time.
As rituals of Kali Chaudas involve visiting the crematorium during midnight for offering Puja to the Goddess of darkness and to Veer Vetal, the day of Kali Chaudas is decided when Chaturdashi prevails during midnight.
According to those who believe in black magic and voodoo, Kali Chaudas is considered to be the most inauspicious day in the year, and followers of Meldi Mata and other such deities of darkness go to crematoriums to offer puja to fulfill their wishes and take control over all the ills. This age-old tradition still continues across cities and small towns.
The night of Kali Chaudas is the most dangerous night of the year as exorcists and tantriks use the same night to perform their black magic. According to them Kali Chaudas’s night is the one to appease the unhappy souls. Crematoriums in and around the city are thronged by black magicians, priests, and witch doctors who perform specific religious ceremonies, which include a ceremony to please Lord Kaal Bhairav as well as goddess Meladi.
