What are the common elements in Manipuri ghost stories?

Ghosts are a common element. Just like in many cultures, Manipuri horror stories often feature spirits of the dead that haunt places. For example, spirits of those who died tragically, like in accidents or murders.

One common element is the presence of spirits. In many Manipuri horror stories, the spirits of the dead play a significant role. They are often the source of the horror, whether it's a vengeful spirit seeking revenge for an unjust death or a lost soul that is unable to move on.

In Manipuri ghost stories, there are often tales about spirits that reside in the forests. These spirits can either be benevolent or malevolent. For example, some stories tell of a forest spirit that protects the animals but will mislead hunters who are too greedy. It warns them to respect nature through strange apparitions and sounds in the forest.

The themes usually involve sacrifice. For example, a lover might sacrifice their own happiness to protect the other from harm or family wrath. Social barriers are also common. In Manipur, as in many places, different social groups may not accept relationships between their members. And there is often the theme of longing. The lovers are separated, and they spend their days longing for each other, which adds to the sadness of the story.

There's a Manipuri ghost story where in a remote village, there was an abandoned well. It was believed that a malevolent spirit lived there. A young boy once went too close to the well at dusk. He said he saw a pair of glowing eyes from the well and then heard a strange whispering. He ran away in fear and since then, the villagers always avoid going near the well especially during the evening.

Another element is the appearance of the ghosts. They might be described as having a pale complexion and wearing traditional Manipuri clothes from a bygone era. And their actions usually involve scaring the living or trying to convey a message from the afterlife. For instance, a ghost might appear to a family member to reveal the location of a hidden treasure that was wrongfully taken from them in the past.

Well, in ghost Bangla stories, there are often elements related to the past. For example, the ghosts are usually victims of some sort of tragedy in the past, like drowning or being murdered. There is also the idea of a specific time when the ghosts are more active, usually at midnight. And the natural elements play a role too. Big trees or bodies of water are often associated with the presence of ghosts. Also, the feeling of dread and coldness is very common when the ghosts make their appearance, making the characters in the story feel a sense of impending doom.

One common element is the presence of old battlefields or military installations. These places carry the memories and perhaps the spirits of soldiers who died there.

Religious elements are also common. In Tibetan culture, Buddhism plays a significant role. So in ghost stories, there could be a karmic aspect. If someone has done wrong deeds, they might be haunted by a spirit as a form of punishment. Also, some spirits might be related to certain religious figures or concepts in a twisted way, like a corrupted form of a benevolent deity.

One common element is the presence of curses. In many Greek ghost stories, like that of the Lamia, a curse is what turns a normal being into a terrifying entity. Another element is the connection to the gods. Often, the gods' actions or wrath lead to the creation of these spooky beings. For example, Hera's curse on Lamia.