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Ghosts in Bengali culture

The depiction of a Rakkhoshi  (a female demonic

being) at the courthouse of the King. This is taken

from children's classic Bengali folk-lore collection

Thakurmar Jhuli  (1907) byDakshinaranjan Mitra

Majumder 

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This article needs additional citations for verification . Please help improve this

article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged

and removed. (September 2008)

Ghosts are an important part of the folklore, and form an integral part of 

the socio-cultural beliefs of the people living in the geographical and

ethno-linguistic region of Bengal, which today consists of the

independent nation of Bangladesh, and the Indian state of West Bengal.

Fairy tales, both old and new, often use the concept of ghosts. In

modern-day Bengali literature, cinema and also in radio & television

media, the references to ghosts ar e often found. There are also many

alleged haunted sites in this region. It is believed that the spirits of those

who cannot find peace in the afterlife or die unnatural deaths r emain on

Earth. The common word for ghosts in Bengali is bhoot  or bhut  (Bengali:

ভ  ূত ). This word has an alternative meaning: 'past' in Bengali. Also the

word Pret  (Sanskrit) is used in Bengali to mean ghost.

In Bengal, ghosts are believed to be the spirit after death of an

unsatisfied human being or a soul of a person who dies in unnatural or 

abnormal circumstances (like murder, suicide or accident). Even it is

believed that other animals and creatures can also be turned into ghost

after their death.

Usually after the death there are some Hindu rituals that are used to

follow in Bengal which ends with a holy food offerings (called Pindodaan)

to the spirit of the dead person. This final ritual is done at Pret Pahar 

(Mountain of Spirits) in Gaya, Bihar . It is believed that if this final ritual

remains incomplete the spirit cannot leave this mortal world for heaven and haunts their relatives to complete it.

Contents

1 Types of ghosts and other supernatural entities

2 Alleged haunted places in Bangladesh

3 Alleged haunted places in West Bengal, India

4 Cultural references

4.1 Ghosts in Bengali literature

4.2 Ghosts in Bengali cinema

4.3 Ghosts in Bangali radio and television media

5 See also

6 References7 External links

Types of ghosts and other supernatural entities [ edit ]

There are many kinds of ghosts and similar supernatural entities that frequently come up in Bengali culture, its folk-lores and

form an important part in Bengali peoples' socio-cultural beliefs and superstitions. Few of such supernatural entities are

mentioned here:[1][2]

Petni: Pretni are basically female ghosts who died unmarried or have some unsatisfied desires. This word originated from

the Sanskrit word Pretni  (feminine gender of Preta). They can take any appearance. People say that they live in Shayora

or Tetul  trees.

Shakchunni: The word Shakchunni  comes from the Sanksrit word Shankhachurni . It is a ghost of a married woman who

usually wears a special kind of traditional bangles made of Shell (called ‘Shankha’ in Bengali) in their hands, which is a

sign of married woman in Bengal. Shakchunni usually haunts the rich married women so that they can enjoy a married life

and can satisfy all their desires just like a married woman. They are usually depicted wearing a white saree with red

borders. They usually live near ponds and lakes.

Chorachunni: These are thief ghosts who are very mischievous, and usually believed to be the souls of dead thieves.

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 A benevolent Brahmadaitya saving a poor Brahmin man from a group

ofBhoot  (ghosts), while the man was cutting a branch from the yonder 

banyan tree or Ashwattha tree. An illustration by Warwick Goble (1912).

Taken from the 1912 illustrated edition of Folk-Tales of Bengal  byLal

Behari Dey.

Penchapechi: An unusual form of ghost. The Penchapechi  take the form of an owl and hunt in the forests of Bengal. It

follows helpless travelers through the woods until they are completely alone, and then it strikes. Unlike other ghosts, the

Penchapechi actually consumes its victims, feeding on their body in an almost vampiric way.

Mechho Bhoot: This is a kind of ghost who likes to eat fish. The word Mechho comes from Machh that means 'fish' in

Bengali. Mechho Bhoot usually lives near to the village ponds or lakes which are full of fish. These kinds of ghosts urges

the late night fishermen or a lone person who carries fish with him to give them their fish by saying in a nasal tone -

"Machh Diye Ja" (meaning "give me the fish"). If the person disagrees to leave the fish for the Mechho Bhoot, it threatens

to harm them. Sometimes they steal fish from kitchens in village households or from the boats of fishermen.

Mamdo Bhoot: According to the beliefs of Bengali Hindu community, these are believed to be the ghosts of Muslims.

Gechho Bhoot: It is a kind of ghost that lives in trees. The word Gechho comes from the word Gaachh, which means tree

in Bengali language.

Brahmodoittyo (Brahmadaitya): These are one of 

the most popular kind of ghost in Bengal who are

believed to be benevolent. It is believed to be the

ghost of holy Brahmin. Usually, they appear wearing a

traditional Dhoti (Bengali dress for men) and the holy

thread on their body. They are very kind and helpful

to human being as depicted in many Bengali stories,

folk-lores and movies.

Aleya / Atoshi Bhoot: Marsh gas apparitions which

sometimes look like a f lying, glowing orb of fire (Will-o'-the-wisp) that confuse fishermen, make them lose

their bearings and eventually drown.

Begho Bhoot: These are ghosts of the people who

were killed or eaten by the tigers in Sundarbans,

which is known to be the Royal Bengal Tiger 

Sanctuary of the Bengal region. The villagers living in

the area believe in these kinds of ghosts. These

entities are said to fr ighten people who enters the

 jungle in search of honey or woods, and try to bring

them to face tigers. Sometimes they do the mimicry of tigers to terrify the villagers.

Skondhokata / Kondhokata: It is a headless ghost. These are believed to be the spirit of those people who died by by

having their heads cut-off by train accident or by some other way. This kind of ghost always searches their missing heads,

and pleads others to help them to find it. Sometimes they attack the humans and make them slaves to search for their lost

heads.

Kanabhulo: This is a ghost which hypnotises a person, and takes him to some unknown location. The victim, instead of 

going into his destination, goes to another place which is silent and eerie. After that the victim loses his sense. These

types of ghosts strike at night. Lone travellers, or a person separated from his group becomes the victim of such ghosts.

Dainee: This is what we call "Witch" in English language. Dainee is not actually soul or spirit, rather is a living being.

Usually in villages of Bengal, old suspicious women who know mumbo-jumbo and other witchcrafts or black magic are

considered as Dainee. It is believed that the Dainee kidnaps children, kills them and suck their blood to survive a hundred

years.

Ekanore  : They are ghosts with only one leg. They have five hairs in their face. They live in Palm trees and hunts small

children.

Boba: The Bengali version of the "Old Hag Syndrome" which is believed to be caused by a supernatural entity called

"Boba" (meaning "dumb"/unable to speak). The Boba attacks a person by strangling him when the person sleeps in a

Supine position/ sleep on back, even though the scientific explanation is believed to be Sleep Paralysis. The person

hallucinates in his REM sleep while his brain is functioning but the body is asleep. This actually causes the person to

completely unable to move or speak, and results in to hallucinate weird entities such as an old hag. In Bangladesh, the

phenomenon is called "Bobaay Dhora" (meaning "Struck by Boba").

Deyo: This is a water-nymph like creature with very long hair, which dwells in the r ivers and lakes. It drags unsuspecting

people into the water, eventually drowning them. The concept of such supernatural beings is similar to that of Rusalka

from Slavic mythology.

Nishi: The Nishi (Night Spirit) lures its victim to a secluded area by calling to the person with the voice of a loved one. The

Nishi only strikes at night, and once the victim responds to the call of Nishi, s/he becomes hypnotised, follow the voice,

and are never seen again. So, it is unknown what happens to them. Some tantrics are said to nurture and conjure theNishi, in order to use them to harm someone out of spite or revenge. The voice of Nishi (means 'Night') is known as "Nishir 

Daak" (Call of the Night). Bengali age old superstition suggests that Sleepwalking phenomenon is also caused by Nishi.

 According to folklore, the Nishi cannot call out more than twice, and so no one should answer a voice at night until being

called at least three times.

Gudro Bonga: Even though these as worshipped as demigods by the Santhal community (an indigenous tr ibe in Bengal),

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many Santhal families are said to nurture and look after these small dwarf like supernatural creatures. This is because

Santhals believe that these beings are keepers of hidden treasures on earth and can make them rich. These beings are

believed to steal newborn infants from people's houses. Gudro Bongas are believed to live in clans.

Dhan Kudra: Experiences with such of entities are found in the myths of Bengal(specially south Bengal). They usually are

short in height. It is a belief that they stay in somebody's house and they help the house-owner to make money. They are

believed to bring luck. They are possibly similar/same beings as Gudro Bonga.

Rakkhosh: A demonic fierce-looking being with pointed fangs, sharp claw-like fingernails, and superhuman strength. The

stories of these creatures feature in the Hindu epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata. A lot of fairy-tale stories in Bengali

folklore also speaks of this vicious demonic tribe which feeds on human. Bengali women traditionally put their children to

sleep by narrating scary folk-tale stories of the Rakkhosh. The punchline threat by a Rakkhosh in traditional Bengali folk-tales is this couplet: Hau, Mau, Cau,....Manusher Gondho Pau  (meaning: "Hau, Mau, Cau (nonsensical rhyming

words),....I Smell a Human").

Khokkosh: These are dwarf-like malicious and grotesque monster, which is depicted as a smaller version of Rakkhosh.

The stories of Khokkosh is frequently found in traditional Bengali fairy-tales and folk-lores. They are similar to the concept

of Goblins.

Doittyo / Danob: They are monsters that have human appearance, but of prodigious size and extraordinary strength.

Same as Giants.

Jokkho / Jokkh: A supernatural warrior-type entity who are the guardians and protectors of hidden treasures/wealth on

earth. They are usually considered to be benevolent, and said to bestow fertility and wealth upon their devotees. There is

a commonly used Bengali idiom - Jokkher Dhon (literal meaning: Jokkho's Wealth) which actually implies "protecting a

beloved person" or "safeguarding precious wealth".

Pishach: Pishach are flesh-eating demonic entity. They like darkness and traditionally depicted to haunt cremation

grounds and graveyards. They have the power to assume different forms at will, and may also become invisible. They are

also believed to feed on human energies. Sometimes, they possess human beings and alter their thoughts, and the

victims are afflicted with a variety of maladies and abnormalities like insanity. The female version of Pishach is called

"Pishchini", which is described to have a hideous and terrible appearance, however she appears in the devious disguise

of a youthful, beautiful maiden to lure young men. She drains their blood, semen, and virility. She dwells and prowls in

places associated with death and filth. They are similar to the western concept of Vampires.

Betaal: Betal are defined as spirits inhabiting cadavers and charnel grounds. These evil spirits may use corpses as

vehicles for movement (as they no longer decay while so inhabited); but a Betaal may also leave the corpse at will. Betaal 

and Pishach may be same or similar entities.

Jinn / Djinn: The Muslim community of Bengal strongly believe that any supernatural/ghostly/demonic/paranormal

occurrence, phenomenon and manifestation is the work of Jinn. Jinns can be both benevolent or malevolent. MalevolentJinns (Demon) can be really evil, and can cause haunting in human residences, empty houses, toilets, lakes, graveyards,

morgues, hospitals, and in the wilderness. Some people are also believed to conjure Jinns, and use them to fulfil their evil

purposes. When a Jinn is in the vicinity, a person might experience a strange perfume/flowery smell or terrible odour of 

rotten flesh, or burning odour even though no possible source of those smell/odour can be found. Jinns have no physical

body of their own, and are creatures from an unseen dimension/realm. When they come to our reality, they need to get

attached to an object or living being which they possibly use as a portal. Such objects can be very ordinary unsuspecting

things (such as a coin, r ing, mirror or just a piece of paper). Jinns are also believed to take the shape of a human or 

animal, and are shape-shifters, and often take the form of a snake, dog, or bull. When Jinn attaches itself to a living

person, people call it jinn/demonic possession. Jinns are exorcised by pious people like Imam or Mawlana or Kabiraj who

commands/forces the Jinn to leave the possessed person by reciting chapters from the Quran. Other exorcism rituals

include the use of talismans/ Ta'wiz/Tabiz, or by conjuring a good Jinn to counteract the forces of the possessing evil Jinn.

Jinns have the ability to predict future, can read people's thoughts, have extraordinary strength and powers; and a person

possessed by a Jinn can also demonstrate such abilities. However, Jinns are dimwitted, foolhardy, aggressive, angry and

deceives humans with their lies. There are also good and wise jinns who are believed to be pious and save/help human

from dangerous/ fatal situations. Jinns are believed to eat raw fish/meat/bones and are fond of traditional Bengali sweets.

The sweet salespeople in Bangladesh strongly affirm the idea that Jinns come to the sweet shops at late night in human

form to buy sweets. Jinns live in clans, and every clan is headed by a King Jinn. There are several distinct classes of Jinn,

such as Marid, Ifreet and Ghul (Ghoul) and Qareen.[3][4][5]

 Alleged haunted places in Bangladesh [ edit ]

Lalbagh Fort, Golf Heights Banani, Airport Road, Uttara Sector-3 in Dhaka; Chalan

Beel in Sirajganj and Foy's Lake, Pakri Beach, Mirsarai Highway Crossing in

Chittagong and many other places in Bangladesh is claimed to be haunted.[6]

Lalbagh Fort, Dhaka: Lalbagh Fort near Dhaka is one of the most haunted place

in Bangladesh. The Tomb of Pari Bibi (who was the daughter of Shaista Khan,

Subahdar of Bengal, 17th century) is one of the three major parts of this fort. It

has been a legend for a long time that in the full moon night, Pari Bibi appear on

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Lalbagh Fort, south entrance, south

view (1875)

Foy's Lake, Chittagong

The temple on top of Chandranath

Hill in Sitakunda, Chittagong

the fort, singing and dancing. Another well-known haunting myth of Lalbagh Fort is

the ghost of a man on his horse, who gets in and out of the fort at night. They say

this apparition actually goes for his prayers. Normally, prayer time starts around 5

 AM. However, when people see this ghost, they hear the call for prayer coming from the prayer room at around 3 AM,

which is absurd. When they rush to see what is happening inside the prayer room, they find it completely empty. In other 

rumours, there is a hidden passageway to Agra (presently in India) from this fort. Local legends say, whoever found this

passageway and entered it, has never returned. However, the doorways that claimed to have connected to Agra had been

sealed long ago by the British rulers after a mystical occurrence happened to an investigation team. The team was

searching for the end of the hidden passageway with their dogs chained by the team members. First they sent their dogs

to enter the dark passage but when they pulled their chain they saw the dogs disappeared. The British rulers also sentsome elephants in this tunnel, but according to legend, none of them ever returned.[7]

Foy's Lake, Chittagong: The famous Foy's Lake in Chittagong is known for its

long-standing reputation of being haunted. People experienced two different kinds

of female entities around the lake. One of them is a spirit of black shadowy

woman, who attacked on people. Another is a spirit of a young woman who warned

people of the dangers about the black shadowy female entity. Black shadowy

woman is reported to be seen mainly on the old side of the lake, sitting on the

curve of two hills.[8]

Dhaka Airport Road: Dhaka Airport Road also have legends of haunting for a

long time. While driving on this road, people see a lady suddenly appear out of 

nowhere at the middle of the road, and while they push hard break to stop, they

loose control and face an accident. However, the women seem to disappear completely. The woman is spotted most of the

time in this road between Nikunjo and Biman office at night. [9]

Dhaka Golf Heights, Banani, Dhaka: Dhaka Golf Heights, Banani is situated beside the Banani Graveyard. Many

people claim to hear a baby crying in midnight from within the graveyards. Very unpleasant odour is experienced

sometimes. Many have reported that they felt as if they were being followed by an invisible entity at night while walking

beside the Banani Graveyard.[10]

Under-constrution apartment in Banani, Dhaka: A group of paranormal investigators (Dhaka Paranormal Society)

found all sorts of devil-worshipping signs and kind of scriptures written all over the walls at an under-construction

apartment in Banani. One of the investigators had also been scratched by an invisible entity at that location.[11]

Purbo Nayatola Rail Crossing, Dhaka: With the common crisis of missing infants, the Rail crossing in Purbo Nayatola

sprouted a mystery to chill the bones. A woman is told to wander the lines frantically looking for her son, and actually

asking those who are present in the vicinity. With no confirmations of disruptive behaviour so far, this tale was confirmedwhen the rail master of the crossing himself faced this mysterious woman, their encounter concluding with her instant

disappearance once he followed her.[12]

Highway Near M irsharai, Chittagong: The highway connecting Dhaka and Chittagong near Mirsharai, Chittagong has

very scary haunted stories. At night, the truck dr ivers have experienced a real chilling experience while travelling through

that particular spot. They have seen a person at the middle of the road waiting to take a hitch, and they ended up

experiencing some kind of paranormal incident.[13]

Chandranath Temple, Chittagong: the temple is located at the top of 

Chandranath Hill in Sitakunda, Chittagong. The temple is said to be guarded by a

spirit being who takes human form and appear to unsuspecting tourist after dark,

and claims to be the Priest of this temple. Locals believe people never come back

after being hypnotised by this spirit being if they are alone after dusk in this area.

Pakri Beach, Chittagong: This silver sand beach has a reputation of being

haunted. It is compared to the Dumas Beach in India because both have almost

same haunted nature. People complained that they have heard mysterious

footsteps and eerie sounds of screaming near them. When they tried to follow,

they found something actually trying to get them in the water. A couple explained

their feelings of being watched all time when they were walking after sunset. The

ghost of an old sailor has been seen by many tourists and local people. All of them saw the old sailor on his boat in the

deep sea. Some people have claimed to see a number of sailors in their small boats in the sea at a distance. They

claimed those to be apparitions as no one was reported sailing during those times.[14]

Apartment Building in Road 27, Dhanmondi, Dhaka: An apartment complex on Dhanmondi, road number 27 is said to

be the place where an exorcism has been conducted. Many apartments of this building have been left empty for many

years because no one rent/buy these apartments for their well-known haunting activities.

[15]

Mandir Wala Bari, Dhaka: Located at Bakshibazar in Old Dhaka, there is a very eerie-looking mandir (temple) in the

boundary of a house. It is said that a white clad lady comes out of the mandir and roams around the house.[16]

Kuakata Beach, Barisal: Rakhaine settlers believe this beach to be haunted. Fater Jungle in Kuakata is also a haunted

location. Rumours among the Rakhaine people say that in the late 80s' a father and son from Musullipara village at

Kuakata went into the deep forest of Gangamati by the Bay of Bengal to collect fuel wood. At one point the duo felt thirsty.

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Kuakata Beach, Barisal

Chalan Beel, Natore, Sirajgonj

Nimtala Burning Ghat, Calcutta,

1945

Customarily, both started to dig the sandy surface with their hands and soon hit

something hard. As they removed the sand over a small area, they sensed that

they hit something precious for the emerging wooden structure glittered with

golden decorative sheets. The duo, with their wood cutting machete dismantled

the golden bits and then started to dig further for more. The more they dug, more

of the metals emerged from what it looked like a very large wooden boat buried

under the sand. As the sun was about to set, both decided to call it a day and left

the place promising to return early morning the following day. But the daylight

never came for the father and son. During the night both died under mysterious

circumstances, prompting widespread gossip. Soon people learnt about the buriedboat in the forest laden with gold. The unexplained deaths of the father and son, who had collected "gold" from the

mysterious boat, triggered another rumour suggesting that the boat was cursed and haunted. Till today many people in

Kuakata believe that anyone trying to explore the gold-laden boat would face the same fate of the father and son.[17]

Haunted Pathway/ Graveyard, Mollar Hat, Barisal: The pathway is said to be haunted by the people who were buried

in the graveyard. There is a cremation ground in Mollar Hat, which is also believed to be haunted.

Chalan Beel, Natore, Sirajgonj: The marshy wetland is said to be a place of 

Jinns. There are three temples on the wetland, where different kinds of 

paranormal phenomenon happen.[18]

BARD, Comilla: The visitors of BARD get an eerie feeling. Some smell rotting

flesh and an old man is said to haunt the grounds.

Farmhouse in Comilla: A huge farmhouse in Comilla is reported to have a lot of 

paranormal activities at night. Black shadow hits people and scratches them.

Paranrormal entities are seen by paranormal investigators and EVP recordings

have confirmed the place to be haunted.[19]

Sylhet Tea Estate : said to be haunted by the old caretaker of the tea estate.

Koyra, Khulna: said to be haunted by the hundreds who lost their lives there dur ing Cyclone Sidr .

Haunted Farmhouse in Narsingdi: The house is over a couple of hundred years old, and previously belonged to a

Hindu Nayeb named Jogoth Das. There are twin ponds called Bhobani  and Rukshar , and rumour has it that there use to

be a Hindu cremation ground in the spot of one of the ponds. With the land apparently being haunted by evil spirits, the

whole compound is extremely infamous among the locals. People reportedly experience Nishir Daak  (Call of the Night

Spirit), and also seen a tall glowing figure of a woman with burning eyes climbing on a tree, who tends to attack her 

victims.[20]

Haunted Garments Factory in Gazipur : 3,500 workers stopped work in a garments factory at Gazipur on June, 2013.The workers protested by demanding rapid action to remove a ghost, which some workers claimed had attacked them in

the ladies' washroom, making them terrified and hysterical. Medical experts contended that the workers were experiencing

Mass psychogenic illness. However, special prayers were held, and food was distributed among the poor to 'drive away'

the alleged ghostly entity.[21]

 Alleged haunted places in West Bengal, India [ edit ]

Mullick Ghat and Zanana Bathing Ghat under Howrah Bridge, Nimtala crematorium, Rabindra Sarobar metro station, Royal

Calcutta Turf Club, and National Library of Kolkata are claimed to be haunted.[22][23]

National Library of India: National library which is situated in Belvedere state premise is believed to be the most haunted

place in Kolkata. It is only known for two things - first, its rare collection of books and the latter is - it's haunted incidents.

Regular visitors reported some eerie incidents about this haunted place. Some has heard the sound of footsteps coming

from no where while others felt close breathing noise near them, when they did not place the books at their r ight place.

People believe it is the soul of governor's wife- Lady Metcalfe. She loved cleanliness and hated when somebody did not

put things in its right place.[24]

Nimtala crematorium: In central Kolkata, there exists one of the oldest ghats,

where dead bodies are burned according to Hindu rituals. It is one of such

haunted places in Kolkata where people fear to enter in nights of Kali Puja when

Shamshaan Kali  is evoked in late hours of night. Aghoris visit this place on late

night hours and eat remaining flesh of burning pyre and use them to evoke occult

powers.[23]

Rabindra Sarobar Metro Station: Earlier known as Dhakuria Lake, Rabindra

Sarovar Metro Station is a busy spot in Kolkata. One creepy fact linked with this

station is that 80% of suicides that take place in town happens at this metro

station. Metro drivers and passengers have reported to see eerie unclear figures

passing the track, given, the track has a current of 4000 V. Legend has it that

those are the spirits of people who passed away due to the suicides.[25]

South Park Street Cemetery: Being one of the oldest cemetery and nature's

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South Park Street Cemetery, Kolkata

Royal Calcutta Turf Club, 1910

Writer's Building, Calcutta, (Pre-

independence photograph)

beauty bestowed here, this place is a famous tourist spot in Kolkata. This burial

ground was constructed in 1767, and most of the graves are of British soldiers.

This place is considered spooky, but spirits do not annoy any visitor. There are

only few reports in favor of this place being haunted. According to one, a group

who went to take photographs, saw a shadow in white dress. Soon he got an

asthma attack (even though not being Asthmatic) and the others had fallen ill.[26]

Lower Circular Road cemetery: While the South Park Street Cemetery is

considered as one of the haunted places around, the nearby Lower Circular Road

Cemetery, however, surpasses it. In that cemetery, there’s the grave of Sir W.H.

Mac Naghten, whose body was ripped apart in Afghanistan. Later, his wife hadassembled the remaining pieces of his body, brought to Kolkata and buried here in this cemetery. Apparently, if someone

narrates this incident near his grave, then huge tree above his grave shivers.[27]

Royal Calcutta Turf Club: There is a story behind this place turning haunted.

Story of a race-maniac George Williams, and his haunted pearl white mare called

'Pride'. Pride was queen of tracks, and won countless races and trophies for 

George. George loved him beyond anything. With passing time, Pride started

turning old and weak. One day she lost the annual Calcutta Derby. The very next

morning she was found dead on the tracks. Since then, on moonlit Saturday

nights, people may spot a charming white mare galloping across the race

course.[28]

Putulbari or the House of Dolls: Located at Ahiritola just opposite the vast

Ganges, this huge building with dolls of archaic, Roman designs adorning the terrace is sure to send a thrilling chill

through anyone’s spine just by a look of it. Although this building is still inhabited by some people, no one dares to live in

the upper stories of the building, especially post-dusk. People feel creepy presence of the unseen everywhere while they

are inside the palatial structure. Apparently, this place was originally inhabited by wealthy zamindars who would sexually

exploit women in here—and, it is their souls which hover around this place.[29]

Hastings House, Alipore: This is one of the most ancient buildings in Kolkata. It was constructed by Governor General

Warren Hastings, and later it became the Governor's residence. Now, Calcutta University runs a women's college here.

Many students have complained about spooky incidents happening to them. Some claimed to see an old English man on

horse asking for some files while others have spectated the ghost of a boy who died years ago in the campus playing

football.[30]

Writers' Building: Writers Building, which was earlier a residence of junior 

servants and administrative staffs, has many vacant rooms closed for decades. Although, today it is Secretariat of West Bengal Government, mysterious and

paranormal activities has not stopped. None of the office staff take the risk of 

working late evening here. People who live near this building often listen the

sudden outcry, giggles and screams during midnight. It is said that those vacant

rooms has kept some secret hidden.[31]

Ghats on The Ganges - Under Howrah Bridge: Number of countless deaths-

either due to suicide or drowning accidents, has left many spirits wandering in this

sacred river. As their spirits are not yet satisfied and they did not get eternity, the

wandering spirits haunt this place. Wrestlers who practice daily on Mullick Ghat and Zanana bathing ghat in early morning

hours (3 AM), see someone's hands above water as if they are seeking help. People who fell in their trap and tries to help

them never return.[32]

Dow Hill of Kurseong: Dow Hill in Kurseong is one of the most haunted places in West Bengal. Especially in the

corridors of Victoria Boys’ School, and in the surrounding woods have a lot of paranormal activity been recorded. A

number of murders have taken place in the Dow Hill forest that has left an eerie feeling in the atmosphere. Many locals

have also heard footsteps in the corridors of Victoria Boys School during the December–March vacations, when no one is

supposed to be inside. On the stretch that links Dow Hill to the forest office, woodcutters and labourers have reported

seeing a headless boy walking for several yards and disappearing into the forest.[23][33]

Cultural references [ edit ]

In folklore, ghosts are often found in desolate stretches of road or fields around villages, at crematoriums and graveyards, on

 Ashhyath, Sheora or other similar trees and also in deserted and haunted houses. A curious aspect of female ghosts, petnis,

is that their feet are said to be backwards. Ghosts in folk tales are almost always malicious.

Ghosts in Bengali literature [ edit ]

Literary works involving ghostly/demonic beings is one of the most popular genres in Bengali literature. In the early days,

ghosts were the only ingredients of Bengali folk-tales and fairy-tales. Lal Behari Dey has collected many folk-tales of Bengal,

and translated them in English. His book called Folk-Tales of Bengal , first published in 1883, features many amazing folk-

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Depiction of Betaal hanging by a

tree and King Vikramaditya in the

background. (from Betaal 

Panchabinsati )

The dance of ghosts in the film

Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne, which was

adapted from Upendra Kishore

Roychowdhury's book of the same

name

tales associated with ghostly and supernatural beings.[34]

Thakurmar Jhuli  is the most classic collection of Bengali children's folk-tales and fairy-tales, which was compiled by

Dakshinaranjan Mitra Majumder  in 1907.[35] There we can find many different categories of supernatural entities (such as

Rakkhosh, Mamdo Bhoot, Shakhchunni, etc.) featuring in different stories. Other such story collection from the same author 

are Thakurdadar Jhuli  (1909), Thandidir Tholay  (1909) and, Dadamoshayer Tholay  (1913).

Many Bengali writers have practiced the genre of supernatural/horror in their short stories, novels, and others forms of 

literary works. Some are mentioned below:

Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar : This famous writer wrote the free adopted Bengali

translation of 11th century Sanskrit horror stories/tales collection within one framestory called Betaal Panchabinsati  (meaning "Twenty-five [Tales] of the Phantom")

in 1847. The hero of this series is King Vikramaditya, the legendary emperor of 

Ujjain, India. He tries to capture and hold on to Betaal (Demonic/phantom being)

that tells a puzzling tale and ends it with a question for the king. But the condition

is the kind should walk without uttering a word, otherwise Betaal would fly back to

its place. The king can be quiet only if he does not know the answer, else his head

would burst into pieces. Unfortunately, the king discovers that he knows the

answer to every question; therefore the cycle of catching Betaal and letting it

escape continues for twenty-four times till the last question puzzles the king.[36]

Rabindranath Tagore: Nobel Laureate poet and writer Rabindranath also

authored some short stories featuring ghosts like Konkal , Monihara,

Mastermoshay , Nishithe etc., which are considered classics of this genre.

Troilokyanath Mukhopadhyay: He used ghosts in a humorous and satirical way

in his novels and stories; and created a new genre in Bengali literature, which was

pioneering, and is still followed today by many Bengali writers. Bhoot O Manush,

Nayanchandrer Bebsha, Lullu , Damru Charit , Kankaboti  are few of his classics.

Upendra Kishore Roychowdhury: He is one of the most talented author of 

children's literature of his t ime, and also noted for his ghost stories where the

ghosts are harmless, fun-loving, and benevolent entities. Goopy Gyne Bagha

Byne is his most famous ghost story which was later adopted into a National Film

 Award winning Bengali film.

Satyajit Ray: Satyajit Ray, the famous Indian film maker, was quite popular in

Bengal for his short stories. His favorite genres were fantasy and supernaturalstories. His ghost stories are the milestones of Bengali Literature.

Sukumar Ray: This acclaimed writer has written some humorous literary pieces

(e.g. short stories, humorous poetry) for children featuring weird and fictitious

paranormal/hybrid animals, and even ghosts.[37]

Hemendra Kumar Roy: Famous for his Jayanta-Manik detective stories, he was

also well known as a writer of horror and ghost stories. Among his story collections

in this genre are Jader Naame Sabai Bhoy Paay , Manusher Gondho Paaun, and

Sandhyar Pore Sabdhan.

Parashuram (Rajshekhar Basu) is the writer of the ghost story Bhushundir Mathe which is a comedy in the mould of 

horror. Parashuram wrote many other ghost stories like Mahesher Mahajatra which also impart an undertone of humor.

Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay: Although known for his social novels set in rural Bengal, such as Pather Panchali ,

 Adarsha Hindu Hotel , and Aranyak , this acclaimed writer also wrote some excellent short-stories involving the

supernatural, such as Medal , Rankini Devir Khorgo, Maya, Obhisapto, Chele-dhora, Kashi kobirajer Golpo, Bhoitik 

Palonko, Kobirajer Bipod , Ashoriri , the stories featuring Taranath Tantrik , and many others.

Tarasankar Bandyopadhyay: Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay's son Tarasankar has also written some stories involving

the supernatural. He has written the third and forth story featuring Taranath Tantrik  (called Taranath Tantrik  and

Olatchokro), the previous two of which was written by Bibhutibhushan. [38]

Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay: Another notable writer, predominantly famous for his detective series featuring Byomkesh

Bakshi, has also authored a series called Baroda series. Baroda is a Bengali guy who is very much interested in the

paranormal and likes to share his adventures and experiences of supernatural incidents with his friends. Sharadindu has

also written some horror stories such as Kamini .

Syed Mustafa Siraj: Basically known for his famous detective series featuring Colonel Niladri . Siraj is also the creator of 

a series involving paranormal, featuring Murari Babu . Murari Babu  is depicted as an innocent and nervous person living inKolkata city, and his hobby is to collect old furniture from antique shops. Yet, his hobby always finds a way to get him into

troubles relating to the paranormal. Siraj's horror short stories collection is featured in his book "Bhoutik

Golposhomogro".[39]

Syed Mujtaba Ali: This acclaimed writer brought ghostly flavour in his novel Abishwasyo.

Humayun Ahmed: Humayun Ahmed, arguably the most popular writer in post-liberation Bangladesh, wrote some ghost

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Poster of the movie

Hirak Rajar Deshe (1980)

Poster of the movie

Goynar Baksho (2013)

stories along with paranormal stories and novels. His famous character Misir Ali  is depicted as a part-time Professor of 

Parapsychology, who also solve baffling cases associated with the paranormal. Some of Humayun Ahmed's novels

features Himu , who is depicted to have supernatural abilities, is haunted by post-mortal presence of his father who guides

him to follow the way to become a modern-day saint. Humayun has also written many ghost stories, both for adult and

children.

Muhammed Zafar Iqbal: Although well known for his science fiction novels, he has also written a few novels of the

supernatural/horror genre, such as Pret (1983),[40] Pishachini  (1992), Nishikonna (2003), Chayalin (2006), O (2008), and

Danob (2009).

Shirshendu Mukhopadhyay: This exceedingly famous writer has also authored some humorous ghost stories. The

specialty of his ghost stories is that his ghosts are innocent, kind and funny characters who always help the poor andneedy, and punish the wicked person. Popular Bengali film Goynar Baksho (2013) and Chhayamoy  (2013) was adapted

from his novel. His ghost story collection is featured in his book, "Bhoutik Golposhomogro".[41]

Sunil Gangopadhyay: Although famous for his novels some of which are regarded as modern-day classics, this famous

writer has also written ghost stories for children. His book Rahashamaya Bhuter Galpa features his ghost story

collection.[42]

Ghosts in Bengali cinema [ edit ]

 As like Bengali literature, in Bengali cinema also ghosts are a popular item. Films likes Hanabari 

(1952),[43] Kuheli  (1971),[44] Monihara (1961) (Monihara is part of the movie trilogy Teen Kanya)

were quite popular in the era of Bengali black and white movies. Cultural superstitions of rural

Bengal, in reference to ghosts, have been portrayed in the movie Surja Dighal Bari  (1979), which

is an adaption of Abu Ishaque's classic novel of the same name.[45][46]

In many Bengali films, ghosts are depicted in a lightly comical mood, sometimes in a friendly way.

One of the examples is Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne as mentioned earlier is adopted from the story

of Upendra Kishore Roychowdhury and directed by Satyajit Ray. In this film the king of ghost (a

Bramhadaitya) gives three boons to 'Goopy' and 'Bagha', the two poor village boys who aspired

to become a singer and drummer respectively. And with the help of those boons they did many

adventures. The f ilm is the first f ilm of the Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne series, followed by a couple

of sequels - Hirak Rajar Deshe was released in 1980; and Goopy Bagha Phire Elo, written by

Ray, but directed by his son Sandip Ray, was released in 1992.

Nishi Trishna (1989), directed by Parimal Bhattacharya was possibly the first Bengali Vampire (Pishach) movie, starring

Dhiman Chakraborty, Shekhar Chatterjee, Prasenjit Chatterjee and Moon Moon Sen.[47][48]

In recent times, ghost-centred Bengali films are being made. Probably the most well-known ghost

film of recent times is Bhooter Bhabishyat  (literally translated to 'The Future of the Ghosts'),

directed by Anik Dutta. It tells the story of a haunted mansion 'Choudhury Palace', where ghosts

from different ethnic backgrounds and eras reside (a Bengali zamindar of 18th century, an

actress of the 1930s, a modern rockstar, a soldier of Indian Army who died in Kargil, etc.). The

film with its simple but humorous story went on to become a massive blockbuster of 2012. [49]

Goynar Baksho (2013) is another popular film involving the supernatural. The film, directed by

 Aparna Sen, is an adaptation of Shirshendu Mukhopadhyay's famous tale of 3 generations of 

women & their changing position in society as seen in relation to a box of jewels, handed down

from one generation to the next.[50]

Ghosts in Bangali radio and television media [ edit ]

 A live radio program called Bhoot FM is being aired by Bangladeshi radio channel Radio Foorti 88.0 FM at 12:00 AM, every

Friday night.[51] The program is being aired since August 13, 2010; and is hosted by RJ Russell. In this program, people from

all over Bangladesh come and share their real-life experiences associated with ghosts, demons, jinns and the

paranormal/supernatural. The Bengali community from all over the world also share their supernatural experiences by

sending audio clips and email that is played/read in this program. Other such radio program is Dor , aired by ABC Radio 89.2

FM. Similar kind of programs are also aired on TV channels, such as Moddhorater Train (meaning 'Midnight Train') by

Maasranga Television.

There are some radio programs which feature recitation of horror stor ies written by acclaimed writers. Such radio program is

Sunday Suspense by Radio Mirchi, aired from Kolkata, which features recitation of horror stories, as well as stories of other 

genres such as detective fiction, fantasy, and Sci-fi, etc. Similar such radio program is Kuasha, aired by by ABC Radio 89.2

FM from Bangladesh, which features horror stories written by famous writers, and also stories sent by listeners of the

program.

See also [ edit ]

Bhoot (ghost)

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v· t · e

v· t · e

47. ^ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wj1QZKHIDF4

48. ^ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2801742/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

49. ^ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2351177/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

50. ^ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2819358/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

51. ^ http://bhoot-fm.com

External links [ edit ]

Bhoot FM Recordings: Real life paranormal experiences of Bangali people

Thakurmar Jhuli  (1907) by Dakshinaranjan Mitra Majumder 

Folk-Tales of Bengal  (1883) by Rev. Lal Behari Dey

Betaal Panchabinsati  (1847) by Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar 

Rahasyamoy Bhooyter Golpo by Sunil Gangopadhyay

Indian Witchcraft  (1981) by R N Saletore

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