This article is contributed by Mr. Sugato Roy
India is one of the greatest nations of the world with a perfect blend of various cultural, social, and linguistic diversities where more than 100 festivals are celebrated annually. West Bengal is one of the most enlightened states of India with a super-rich tradition of culture, customs, and celebrations. The festivities are based on traditional values, culture, mythology, and customs playing the role of an excellent relaxant from monotony, stress, and mental pressure. Festivals of Bengal in March are being discussed herein.
- Maha Shivratri —-This festival in the month of Falgun is observed to commemorate the Tandav Dance that Lord Shiva performed to save the world from annihilation. Scholars also say that on this day Lord Shiva drank poison to protect the earth. The Puja is performed throughout the night mainly by women after a day-long fast. The main ingredients of the Puja are milk, bael leaves and bael (Wood apple). It is believed that unmarried girls perform the Puja with the expectations of getting a perfect life partner.
- Shab-e-Miraj —- This festival for the Muslims is also known as Isra and Miraj or the night journey and is observed on the 27th day of Rajab the seventh month of the Islamic calendar. It is believed by the Muslims all over the world that on this night Prophet Mohammed ascended to Heaven from the famous Al Ahram Mosque in Mecca. This night journey is believed to be in two parts i.e. the Prophet’s journey from Mecca to Jerusalem and then his Ascent to Heaven.
- Ramakrishna Paramhans Jayanti —- One of the most revered saints not only of Bengal but also of the entire country, Ramakrishna Paramhans or Gadadhar Chottopadhya was born on Dwitiya Tithi of the Phalgun Shukla Paksha. The day incidentally is on 15th March this year. Ramakrishna Paramhans was the priest of Goddess Kali at Dakshineswar Temple founded by Rani Rashmoni of Janbazar Royal Family.
- Dol Purnima —- The festival is also known as Dol Jatra and is the last festival before the end of the Bengali calendar year. It is celebrated on the auspicious day of the full moon heralding the arrival of spring. Dol Jatra is the festival of colours when people young and old splash each other with multiple coloured scented powders, Abir, throw coloured water balls at each other and sprinkles each other with water guns.
- Holi —– Holi is celebrated pan India along with Bengal on the last full moon day of the Hindu Lunar month. The celebrations start the evening before with the ignition of Holika Dahan. People smear each other with coloured scented powder in various hues called Gulal or Phaag. Sweets are also distributed along with a lassi type of drink called “Thhandai” specially blended for the occasion.
- Shab-e-Baraat —- The night is observed between the 14th and the 15th of the month of Sha’ban the eighth month of the Islamic Calendar. Prayers are chanted and forgiveness along with blessings are sought from Allah.
GRADUATE FROM ST XAVIER’S COLLEGE AND POST GRADUATE FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF CALCUTTA, SPECIALISING IN MARKETING MANAGEMENT AND ADVERTISING MANAGEMENT. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE OF 24 YEARS IN VARIOUS CAPACITIES IN ADVERTISING AND PUBLISHING INDUSTRY. HAS BEEN AWARDED FOR LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT IN ADVERTISING AND PUBLICITY MANAGEMENT.