Festivals

Harbinger of the harvest season, Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Poush Sankranti with a unique style in West Bengal. Different parts of the state celebrate Makar Sankranti in its own style and names. Every year Gangasagar Mela is organized in Gangasagar which is closest to the confluence, where the Ganga joins the Bay of Bengal. A large number of people congregate here to take a holy dip at the confluence and purge themselves of sins. Joydev Mela is famous as itinerant singers from West Bengal and various parts of the country gather at Joydev Kenduli for an annual meet.  It is believed that the author of Geeta Govindam, Joydev was born here and therefore the annual fair is organized in his honor. Tusu is a unique harvest festival that is celebrated by the tribal community of West Bengal. After a month-long culmination, the fair is organized in Deulghata and women sing folk songs in honor of the Goddess. In Darjeeling, it is celebrated as Magey Sankranti. Also, Poush Mela, which is the biggest extravaganza in West Bengal after Durga Puja is organized at Shantiniketan in the last week of December every year. Local artisans and tourists from all over the world come together to celebrate the spirit of folk culture in West Bengal. Apart from a rampant display of folk dances, music, and exquisite culture, one can find scrumptious food, leather bags, earthenwares, paintings in the fair. well organized by West Bengal Tourism, this festival is worth exploring.

Another unique folk festival, Charak Puja in West Bengal is celebrated every year in April (Poila Baisakh) by the tribal people living in rural areas. During this festival, folks dress up like cosmetic Shiva, Parvati, Krishna, and other deities. Charak tree is worshipped and several penance acts are performed by devotees. After the month-long fasting, the devotees gather to step up the high bamboo stage which is 10-15 feet tall. They hurl themselves forward at these bamboo poles and fall on the ground. And what stands extraordinary is that the people who perform penance escape unhurt despite falling on glass, thorns, knives & other devious weapons. It is believed that the blessing of God keeps them safe from the pain they inflict on themselves to display their devotion.  It is how they impale their body parts without feeling the pain. The festival not only reflects the blind faith but also the eagerness to accept penance to achieve salvation.

Durga Puja is a famous festival of West Bengal that is celebrated with great joy. Some festivals are so deeply related to a place and Durga Puja in West Bengal is one such evident festival that is known to all. Also known as Durga Pujo, Akalbodhan, Sharadiya Pujo, Maha Pujo, Maayer Pujo, the popular Hindu festival is marked with the arrival of Goddess Durga on earth along with her clan that includes Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, Goddess Saraswati, and Lord Kartikeya.  Starting with Mahalaya, followed by Shasthi, Saptami, Ashtami, Navami, and Dashami, on the 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th days respectively, Durga Puja is an elaborate affair of 10 days, with the last five days being the most famous. It is believed that Goddess Durga arrived on earth to destroy Mahishasura who was a demon king with the power of immortality and head of buffalo. Bloated with a boon according to which he could not be killed by any man or animal, he thought he was invincible and therefore wished to conquer all the three worlds; earth, heaven, and hell.  Shakti, the ultimate female power, thereupon took the form of Goddess Durga and killed him after 15 days of fierce war with him. On the 6th day, Goddess Durga is worshipped as Katyayani. From this day the pandals are inaugurated. On the 7th day, the Goddess is bathed and invoked by tying nine plants called Nabapatrika. The elaborate ritual of offering flowers to the Goddess is performed on the 8th day while Homa and Bhog are offered on the 9th day. It is believed that on the 10th day the Goddess emerged victorious against Mahishasura.  Experience the grandeur of West Bengal’s famous festival, Durga Puja, a vibrant celebration of Goddess Durga’s triumph over evil. With elaborate rituals, colorful decorations, and enthusiastic participation, it showcases the rich cultural heritage of the region. Join in the festivities and immerse yourself in the unparalleled energy of West Bengal’s famous festival. The day is marked by many rituals and ends with sindoor Khela followed by the procession of clay sculpture idols that are later immersed in the river. It is believed that on this day Durga returns back to Shiva and therefore it is considered an auspicious day for married women and they indulge in sindoor Khela, a ritual for their blissful marital life. This elaborate festival is a true depiction of grand festivities and the excitement in the folks of West Bengal that are beyond the caste or creed.