What are the Major Festivals Celebrated by Bengali?
Bengali festivals act as the basic means to bring the joy and ecstasy of Bengali Babus to a state full of zeal and enthusiasm. And the various festivals in West Bengal add great meaning to the lives of Bengali people. Otherwise, everything would come to a standstill or become very boring. The Bengali Babu Moshai understands very well how to celebrate in such environmental situations that become praiseworthy, appealing, energetic, and joyful.
The natives of West Bengal celebrate these festivals in West Bengal all over the year which follow thirteen festivities. However this surpluses the list of thirteen festivals. So here you would be discussing some unique and popular festivals that have become prominent all over. Therefore to explore the unending spirit of Bengali culture and traditions, go through the following listed festivals:
Durga Puja
Durga Puja is one of the most famous Bengali festivals that is celebrated with great joy and splendour all over West Bengal. This festival is also known as Akalbodhan, Sharadiya Puja, or Maha Puja as this is identified with the descending Goddess and Mother Durga on this earth accompanied by her royal family comprising Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, Devi Saraswati, Mata Lakshmi, and Kumar Kartikeya. The Devi Paksha starts from Mahalaya and is followed by Shasthi, Saptami, Ashtami, and Navami, and ends at Dashami. These days are enjoyed a lot and many rituals are practiced. The last day of the ritual is Sindoor Khela which ends with the drawing of the clay idols in the sacred Ganges river by a big procession. This is one of the most elaborate Bengali festivals where the excitement of the folks reaches the sky and they all mix embracing each other and forgetting their quarrels and disputes.
Jamai Shashti
This is one of the unique Bengali festivals in Bengal, where this festival ties a unique bond between the son-in-law and his in-laws. This is performed on the sixth day of Shukla Paksha generally in May or June. This festival belongs to one of the oldest traditions of Bengal which gives a unanimous binding amongst family relationships. During this special occasion, the Jamai or son-in-law has to go through several ritual practices and curd is applied on his forehead with the help of a forefinger. Then a yellow tape is wrapped around his wrist as a sign of protection from evil. Then the son-in-law is given a delicious treat while the mother-in-law fans him while he enjoys all the typical Bengali Khana Khazana. This festival features love, warmth, and strong foundations amongst the relatives.
Poila Baisakh
This is frequently addressed as Pohela, as Poila Baisakh is celebrated on the 14th of April each year in West Bengal. This is celebrated with huge groups of people, fairs, and families with the popularly known Bongo foodstuffs. This is also referred to as Nabo Barsho which means the New Year in the Bengali Calendar. It is recognized as a state holiday and the Bengali flocks identified this particular day by taking a deep dip in the river waters and praying before the idols of Devi Lakshmi and Ganapati Baba. They wash their houses and decorate them with Rangoli, the Bengali people pray before the rising Sun God, which is assumed to be very holy. During this auspicious day, new dresses are worn and the shop owners invite their old clients which is really flourishing.
Jagannath Rath Yatra
This is one of the most popular festivals all over Kolkata where the cult of this festival has been performed in West Bengal since 1396. On this special auspicious ceremonial, the idols of Jagannath which also include the idols of Balaram and Subhadra are kept side by side on the chariot which is 50 feet tall weighing about 125 tonnes. On the head of the chariot, a bluebird is made to sit. Once this bird makes its way out, the wheels of the chariot start rolling. A big group of people pulls the rope which is considered to be very holy. A large number of devotees play a major role in this journey and are very dedicated and belief plays the basic role
