As India celebrates ‘Narak
Chaturdashi’ – also known as ‘Choti Diwali’ – to commemorate the victory of
Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura, which symbolizes the triumph of good
over evil; Bengal celebrates ‘Bhoot Chaturdashi’, a homely ritual.
It is believed that on this dark night, the veil between the worlds of the living and the dead disappears, and the souls of fourteen generations of forefathers come to visit their families. People light fourteen lamps all around the house to guide them home. The Sanskrit word ‘bhoot’ means “that which has passed”; colloquially in Bengali, ‘bhoot’ refers to the “ghost / spirit” of a deceased person i.e. “a person who has passed”. Bengali families also observe the ritualistic cooking of ‘Choddo Shaak’ (fourteen leafy greens) on this day in honour of their fourteen ancestors. It is not just a simple dish, it is the wisdom passed down generations. At the onset of winter, this superfood, rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fibre, helps the body to build immunity and cleanse itself, especially after the gastronomic indulgence during Durga Puja. Based on the principles of Ayurveda, ‘Choddo Shaak’ aligns perfectly with the seasonal needs, blending age-old tradition and wellness as a humble recipe.