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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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