As the sun sets and luminescence departs, it is said that the forces of darkness come into play. And West Bengal has its fair share of haunted places. Another one that has made it to the list of haunted places includes the eerie Aleya lights (or, Aleya ghost lights) seen in the swamps of Bengal.
What Are Aleya Lights?
Aleya lights, also known as ghost lights or jack-o-lantern, have been reported for centuries in the marshes and wetlands of West Bengal. These unexplained lights are said to appear at night, hovering over the water and disappearing just as suddenly as they appear. While some people believe that the Aleya lights are the work of some spirits, others have attempted to explain the phenomenon scientifically.
According to local stories, Aleya lights are the work of spirits who live in the marshes. These spirits are said to be the souls of fishermen who drowned in the water and were never properly buried. The lights are thought to be their way of luring unsuspecting fishermen and travellers into the water.
In recent years, the Aleya lights have become a tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world who are eager to witness the phenomenon for themselves.
Is This Just A Ghostly Affair?
Some scientists have suggested that they may be caused by Bioluminescent dinoflagellates (a type of plankton). These tiny organisms emit a soft blue-green light when they are disturbed, which could explain the appearance of the lights over the water. However, this theory does not explain why the lights seem to move and hover in a way.
Another possible explanation for the Aleya lights is that they are caused by natural electrical phenomena. The marshes and wetlands of West Bengal are known to have high levels of methane, which can ignite and create an electrical discharge. This discharge could create a bright, glowing light that appears to hover over the water. However, this theory has not been proven too.
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Despite the many theories and explanations that have been put forward over the years, the Aleya lights remain a mystery. They continue to be seen by local fishermen and residents and have become an important part of the cultural heritage of the people.
While this explanation may seem far-fetched, it is worth noting that the Aleya lights are not the only unexplained light phenomenon in the world. There are more! They remain a fascinating and unexplained phenomenon. Until then, they remain a reminder of the mysterious and unexplained forces that exist in our world.
Would you dare to go to witness these Aleya lights?
Cover image credits: Wikimedia Commons