Well, magic and curses are very common in Indian supernatural stories. A person might be cursed for not respecting a holy place or an elder. There are also enchanted objects like amulets that can protect against evil spirits. Animals often have a special significance too. For instance, the owl is sometimes seen as a harbinger of death in these stories. And family and ancestral spirits are often part of the narrative, with their influence being either positive or negative depending on the family's deeds.
Supernatural powers are also a big part of it. The Douen, for instance, have the power to mislead travelers. And there is often a connection to the local culture and beliefs. These stories are passed down through generations and reflect the values, fears, and superstitions of the West Indian people. For example, the idea of protection through scattering grains like rice is related to the local agricultural and cultural practices.
Well, first of all, many Indian bedtime stories have a rural or village setting. This gives a sense of simplicity and closeness to nature. Secondly, there are often characters with special qualities. It could be a person with extraordinary courage or an animal with unique powers. And then, there's always a story arc that leads to a conclusion which usually has a moral. For instance, in the story of the wise elephant, the elephant's wisdom saves the day and teaches the value of using one's knowledge for the good of others. These elements combined make Indian bedtime stories both entertaining and educational.
Well, in Indian ghost stories, you often find spirits that are tied to a particular location. It could be because of an unfinished business. For instance, the spirit of the girl near the abandoned temple might have been trapped there because of some mystery related to her disappearance. Also, a lot of these stories involve a moral aspect. The wrongdoings that led to the creation of the ghost often teach a lesson. And the way the ghosts are described, usually as pale figures, is also a common feature. They often make their presence known through physical sensations felt by the living, like a cold breeze or a touch.
One common element is the presence of ancient or abandoned places like old palaces, forts or temples. These places are often believed to hold spirits because of their long history and the many events that might have occurred there.
One common element is the presence of gods and goddesses. In many Indian stories, deities play important roles, either guiding the human characters or being part of the overarching plot. For instance, in the Mahabharata, Krishna is a central figure who gives counsel to the Pandavas.
A common element is the presence of family. Usually, the family of the groom would prepare the room and ensure everything is in place for the couple. Another is the cultural traditions. For example, there might be certain rituals related to clothing or adornment that are part of the suhagraat.
One common element is the presence of deities. In many Indian sacrifice stories, the sacrifice is often made to please or appease a particular god or goddess. For example, in some stories, sacrifices are made to Indra, the god of thunder and rain, in the hope of a good harvest or victory in battle. Another element is the role of the priest or Brahmin. They are the ones who usually conduct the sacrifice, following strict religious rituals. Also, animals were sometimes used as sacrifices, which is a more controversial aspect but was a part of the traditional practices in some of these stories.
One common element is family. In many Indian love stories, family plays a huge role, either as a support or a hindrance. For example, in some stories, the families might be against the relationship due to caste differences. Another element is sacrifice. Lovers often have to sacrifice something, like their own desires or even their safety for the sake of their love. Also, there is a strong connection to nature. Scenes in gardens, by rivers or in the mountains are often used to depict the love between the characters, as in the story of Radha and Krishna where the natural settings enhance the beauty of their relationship.
Often, there are elements of the afterlife and reincarnation in scary Indian stories. The idea that the dead can come back in some form to haunt the living is quite prevalent. Animals are sometimes used as symbols of the supernatural too. For instance, in some tales, a black dog might be seen as an omen of death or a spirit in disguise. And the power of mantras and spells is also a common element, as they can either protect from or unleash the scary entities in these stories.
One common element is the idea of revenge. Many of the ghosts in these stories are seeking revenge for some wrong done to them during their lifetime. For example, a woman who was mistreated may come back as a vengeful spirit.