what is bhoot chaturdashi

Bhoot Chaturdashi, also known as Naraka Chaturdashi, is an annual Hindu festival celebrated on the 14th day of the dark fortnight of the month of Kartik. It is observed in the Indian state of West Bengal and Bangladesh, and is associated with the belief that the souls of the deceased come down to earth to visit their dear ones. It is also believed that the 14 forefathers of a family visit their living relatives, and so 14 diyas (lamps) are placed all around the house to guide them homewards and to chase away the evil ones. The day is also marked by the lighting of 14 lamps and the consumption of 14 different types of leafy vegetables to ward off evil forces from houses on the night before Kali Puja.