There are a lot of religious sites, emperors, and monuments in West Bengal’s past. People say this “heart of Incredible India” consists of mosques, temples, forts, stepwells, memorial statues, and other buildings.
However, the profound historical importance of this state has also created an interesting cultural trait that only a few people outside of the state know about. West Bengal has many well-known festivals. Many gather yearly in different parts of West Bengal for religious festival of west Bengal, musical events, and local harvest celebrations.
This festival of west Bengal takes place between September and October. Durga Puja is one of the most critical events in West Bengal. The major festival that happens during the event is known worldwide. It’s a celebration of how Good beats Evil. Some people think that Goddess Durga beat the demon Mahishasur after a very tough ten-day fight. Vijay Dashmi is the name of the 10th day, the last day.
Bengalis celebrate another significant Hindu festival in October called Lakshmi Puja. It is marked with a lot of passion and enthusiasm throughout the state. People from all over the world come to the state to take part in this big celebration. A week after Vijay Dashmi, Lakshmi Puja takes place.
Other important festival of west Bengal in October or November is Kali Puja. Kali Puja lasts twenty days and takes place after Durga Puja. Along with Durga Puja, it is one of the most significant events in Kolkata. The Kali Puja event is held in honour of Goddess Kali.
It can be found in the sound of reciting mantras all night until dawn. The Goddess wears pretty hibiscus bands around her neck. The holy fire is always present when the spiritual chanting of mantras occurs. People who worship the Goddess bring her different kinds of gifts, such as sweets, beans, and rice.
This festival of west Bengal takes place between January and February. People think that Saraswati Puja is one of the most unique events in West Bengal. Bengalis celebrate this day as the Goddess Saraswati’s return home. It is held on the fifth day of the Magha month. It is also known as Vasant Panchami in the country’s northern parts.
West Bengal also has another significant holiday called Eid. That’s what most people in the state who celebrate it do. There has yet to be a set date for when this event will take place. May is the month for Id-Ul-Fitr. It comes after the break of the blessed month of Ramzan. This holiday remembers the start of a joyful communion after a month of prayer and fasting.
Chhath is an old Hindu festival of west Bengal. It is the only festival in the Vedas that honours Surya Dev, the Sun God, and ChhathiMaiya, the name of the Goddess Usha. People perform Chhath Puja to thank Lord Surya for keeping life going on Earth.
People ask the Lord to grant them a few wishes while they perform the rituals of this holiday. Hindu texts say worshipping the Lord Sun can heal many illnesses, including leprosy. In addition, it helps ensure the happiness and health of friends, family, and older people.
The traditional New Year in West Bengal is Poila Baisakh, sometimes called “Pohela.” It is marked on April 14th every year. People enjoy this holiday with parades, fairs, time with family, and traditional Bong food. They also celebrate by taking a dip in a river and praying to Lakshmi and Ganesha. It is also known as Nabo Barsho, which means “New Year.” The day is a state holiday.
People in West Bengal believe that wearing new clothes on the first day of the year is lucky, so they do it every year with great respect. Traders and businesspeople in West Bengal believe today is Halkhata time, a good day to start new ledgers.
“Dol Purnima” is another Hindu festival of west Bengal under a different name. This is what the Holi event is like in Bengali. It is very polite for both men and women to enjoy Dol Purnima. Images of Krishna and Radha are put on a beautiful palanquin and ridden around the main streets of the village or city.
Makar Sankranti is known as “Poush Sankranti” in West Bengal. The festival’s name comes from the Bengali word for the month of Poush. This festival of west Bengal for the harvest takes place this month. Many traditional Bengali sweets are made with newly harvested paddy and date palm syrup, known as Patali and Khejurer Gur. Sugar from date palms, rice flour, coconut, and milk are used to make these sweets.
Explore the wide range of cultures in West Bengal through its festivals, which blend old and new in lively parties. Get lost in the rich tapestry of West Bengal’s holidays, from the famous Durga Puja to the traditional Saraswati Puja. Experience the vibrant spirit and rich history of West Bengal festivals, which show what the region’s cultural diversity is all about.
Q1. What is the famous festival of West Bengal?
A. This is West Bengal and Kolkata’s biggest and most important event, held in September and October.
Q2. Which festival is celebrated in West Bengal for 10 days?
A. Ten days of celebration mark the win of good over evil and the victory of Goddess Durga over the monster Mahishasura.
Q3. What is the winter festival called in West Bengal?
A. West Bengal has a winter festival called Poush Parbon. Makar Sankranti is a yearly holiday in January to mark the beginning of winter.
Q4. What is the summer festival in West Bengal?
A. People enjoy “Poila Baisakh,” the first day of the Bengali New Year and the start of summer.
Q5. Which is the most prominent fair celebrated in West Bengal?
A. To the people of West Bengal, the Ganga Sagar Mela is the biggest fair they hold. It takes place every January, during Makar Sankranti, at the point where the River Ganges meets the Bay of Bengal. Many travellers come to this fair to take a holy dip in the river.