The Otherworld Watch

In the eerie folklore of West Bengal in India, a Petni (পেত্নী) is believed to be the restless spirit of an unmarried woman who died under tragic or unnatural circumstances. According to local legends, if a woman passes away with unfulfilled desires—especially without experiencing marriage or motherhood—her soul remains bound to the mortal world. Petnis are often seen wandering near misty riverbanks, dense forests, or shadowy banyan trees, draped in a simple white saree, with long, unkempt hair flowing with the wind. Many believe that the whispering sounds near water bodies at night are the calls of a Petni, luring the unsuspecting to a fate unknown.

It is also said that improper rituals during her last rites prevent her spirit from crossing over, leaving her trapped between realms. In rural West Bengal, fishermen often tell tales of spotting a Petni near riverbanks, where she is believed to be drawn to the smell of fish. Her gaze is described as hollow and haunting, filled with longing for a life she never lived. Superstitions warn travelers to avoid these places during moonlit nights, for a single glance from a Petni could be enough to bring misfortune.

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7 months ago | [YT] | 8