The Haunted Diaries!

Stories of ghosts and abnormal activities interests some, whereas they manage to capture someone's weak nerves. 

This time, I'm here with a list of those haunted places in India whose legendary stories sent chills down my spine. 

1. Brij Raj Bhavan palace, Rajasthan

The Brij Raj Bhavan Palace belonged to the former princely family of Kota, Rajasthan. The reason why it is termed as ‘haunted’ is; when in 1980s, the palace was converted into a rich heritage hotel; the resident ghost of the palace became the ghost of the hotel too.

While serving as a British Resident to Kota, a major named Major Charles Burton was killed by the Indian sepoys in the hall of the building.

Post Independence, the mansion became the private property of the Maharaja of Kota.

During his (Major Burton) night patrols, if at all he finds a watchmen asleep, then a voice is heard by the half asleep watchmen saying, "Don’t sleep, no smoking" followed by a sharp slap.

The fact that the ghost of Major Burton was active in the 1980’s — has also been stated by the then Yuvrani (Crown Princess) of Kota. As quoted by Ann Morrow in her book "The Maharajas of India", the Yuvrani stated "As far as we know, he (Major Burton) is an elderly man with white hair and a walking stick. I have seen him myself, because he was murdered in the first floor bedroom, which is now my study. The trouble with Major Burton is that he never goes off duty. He wanders around the palace and if he catches a servant asleep, gives him a quick slap on the cheek. He is the only restless soul around in summer, when it can be like furnace in Kota".

Even today, Major Burton’s ghost is very much active.

Too protective, eh? 

Place to be : Civil Lines,Kota, Rajasthan, Pin Code : 324001

2. Dumas Beach, Gujarat

The development in Gujarat has been exaggerated and made audible to the whole nation. Having a ‘Political Background’, there are many things that not many people know. One of them is The Dumas Beach. 

Being one of the major tourist destinations of Gujarat, the tourists have witnessed several paranormal activities along with its scenic beauty. 

Rumors of hearing bizarre whispers at nights in the vicinity of the ocean, warning people to stay away from the beach is quite common. 

Dogs are known to sense any kind of supernatural energy or activity quicker than any human or machines. It can smell fear and can even chase the faddiest clue up to its destination. Whole of the night constitutes howling and long cries of the dogs. They keep running from one direction to another and bark recklessly. 

Many of the tourists went missing while talking a walk during the night.

A walk worth remembering becomes the final destination :P

Place to be : Dumas Beach, Surat, Gujarat

3. Silence of the Towers, Diu

Traditionally, Zoroastrianism believed death as a temporary achievement of evil over good. The flesh of the dead body is unclean enough to pollute everything it comes in contact with. The bodies were not thrown into the sea or buried or burnt. A set of rules had to be created in order to dispose the corpse as safely as possible. As a result, they were exposed off to the predatory birds and it was said to be given back to the environment.

A proper architectural typology was invented solely for the purpose of burial’s ritual. The bodies of the deceased were then to be disposed on cylindrical constructions called Towers of Silence.

A guardian traditionally lived near the Tower of Silence, and was the sole person allowed to handle the ceremonial procedures, while relatives of the deceased stayed in a house below, and were forbidden to enter.

However, Silence of the Towers in Diu is said not really silent.

4. D'Souza Chawl, Mumbai

Apart from Bollywood, temples and beaches, Mumbai is also known for a haunted chawl in Mahim.

Legends have it that a woman fell to death from the boundary – less brim of a well while filing water. The lady struggled through the water, did not succeed and died an awful death.

Subsequent to that, the residents of the chawl see ghost of the lady around the well during nights. She appears near the well every night, and disappears before the sunrise.

Despite the fact that she hasn’t harmed anyone, still the locals prefer staying at bay from the well post sunset. 

Place to be : D'Souza Chawl in Mahim, Near Canossa Primary School, Mumbai

5. Bhangarh Fort, Rajasthan

Bhangarh Fort, established in the year 1573 is mentioned in almost all the haunted places list. It has got really weird stories, which is followed by devastating effects.

Legend states 2 things about Bhangarh Fort, and none can say which one is true.

One says that this fort was cursed by Guru Balu Nath, who said that the place would be no more on one condition, which was, “The moment the shadows of your palaces touch me, the city shall be no more”. His curse became reality when a descendant raised the palace which casted a shadow on Balu Nath! The latter is said to lie buried there to this day in a small Samadhi

Another legend states that the Princess of Bhangarh named Ratnavati, got several marriage proposals on her 18^th birthday because of her utmost beauty. A tantric who had great knowledge of Occult, named Singhia was also in love with the princess. Since he knew the match wasn't possible, he used black magic on the oil which Ratnavati’s maid was buying for her. The oil on touching the princess would force her to surrender herself to Singhia. His plan got wrong when the princess saw him enchanting the oil. She poured the oil on the ground which formed rubble and got Singhia down. Dying, he cursed the palace with the death of all who dwelt in it. Next year, Princess Ratnavati died in a battle.

This is why the population of Bhangarh is zero. Due to paranormal activities being witnessed here, entry to Bhangarh is strictly prohibited after sunset. Anyone who was spotted inside after sunset is never spotted again anywhere. {While I say this, I can hear the *Scary background music* in the back of my head.}

A signboard posted by ASI (Archaeological Survey of India), which is a Government of India organization, which says : “Entering the borders of Bhangarh before sunrise and after sunset is strictly prohibited. Legal action would be taken against anybody who does not follow these instructions.”

So, the roads of Bhangarh after sunset and before sunrise become ‘The road less travelled’.

Place to be : Bhangarh Fort, Alwar, Rajasthan!

So, if you want a nice and spooky time with ghosts and want to witness paranormal activities, do visit these places and do the things on 'Not to do' list.

Leave a comment if you return back safely ;)

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