tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14465345585561927362024-03-05T05:09:33.004-08:00Creative content writingAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01022139079557847252noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1446534558556192736.post-81140088955609910452012-09-06T10:51:00.001-07:002012-09-06T10:51:30.693-07:00Indian history an overview<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">The history of India begins with
affirmation of animal action of Homo sapiens as continued as 75,000 years ago,
or with beforehand hominids including Homo erectus from about 500,000 years ago
The Indus Valley Civilization, which advance and flourished in the northwestern
allotment of the Indian subcontinent from c. 4000 to 1300 BCE in abreast
Pakistan and northwest India, was the aboriginal above acculturation in South
Asia A adult and technologically avant-garde burghal ability developed in the
Mature Harappa period, from 2600 to 1900 BCE. This Bronze Age acculturation
burst afore the end of the additional millennium BCE and was followed by the
Iron Age Vedic Civilization, which continued over abundant of the Indo-Gangetic
apparent and which witnessed the acceleration of above polities accepted as the
Mahajanapadas. In one of these kingdoms, Magadha, Mahavira and Gautama Buddha
were built-in in the 6th or 5th century BCE and broadcast their śramanic
philosophies.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Most of the subcontinent was
baffled by the Marya Empire during the 4th and 3rd centuries BCE. It became
fragmented, with assorted locations disqualified by abundant Middle kingdoms
for the next 1,500 years. This is accepted as the classical century of Indian
history, during which time India has sometimes been estimated to accept had the
better abridgement of the age-old and medieval world, with its huge citizenry
breeding amid one fourth and one third of the world's assets up to the 18th
century.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Much of arctic and axial India
was affiliated in the 4<sup>th</sup> century CE, and remained so for two
centuries, beneath the Gupta Empire. This period, witnessing a Hindu religious
and bookish resurgence, is accepted a part of its admirers as the "Golden
Age of India". From this time, and for several centuries afterwards,
southern India, beneath the aphorism of the Chalukyas, Cholas, Pallavas, and
Pandyas, accomplished its own aureate age. During this period, aspects of
Indian civilization, administration, culture, and adoration (Hinduism and
Buddhism) advance too abundant of Asia.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Kingdoms in southern India had
amphibian business links with the Roman Empire from about 77 CE. Muslim
aphorism in the subcontinent began in 8th century CE if the Arab accepted
Muhammad bin Qasim baffled Sindh and Multan in southern Punjab in avant-garde
day Pakistan ambience the date for several alternating invasions from Axial
Asia amid the 10th and 15th centuries CE, arch to the accumulation of Muslim
empires in the Indian subcontinent such as the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal
Empire.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Mughal aphorism came from Axial
Asia to awning a lot of the arctic locations of the subcontinent. Mughal rulers
alien Axial Asian art and architectonics to India. In accession to the Mughals
and assorted Rajput kingdoms, several absolute Hindu states, such as the
Vijayanagara Empire, the Maratha Empire, Eastern Ganga Empire and the Ahom
Kingdom, flourished contemporaneously in southern, western, eastern and
northeastern India respectively. The Mughal Empire suffered a bit-by-bit
abatement in the aboriginal 18th century, which provided opportunities for the
Afghans, Balochis, Sikhs, and Marathas to exercise advantage over ample areas
in the northwest of the subcontinent until the British East India Company
acquired advantage over South Asia. Beginning in the mid-18th century and over
the next century, ample areas of India were annexed by the British East India
Company. Dissatisfaction with Company aphorism led to the Indian Rebellion of
1857, afterwards which the British ambit of India were anon administered by the
British Crown and witnessed a aeon of both accelerated development of basement
and bread-and-butter decline. During the aboriginal bisected of the 20th
century, a civic attempt for ability was launched by the Indian National
Congress and afterwards abutting by the Muslim League. The subcontinent
acquired ability from the united Kingdom in 1947, afterwards the British ambit
were abstracted into the dominions of India and Pakistan and the baronial
states all acceded to one of the new states.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;">story of incredible India- historical outlook</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Let us share the story of incredible India</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">In summarized form. According to very recent archaeologists</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">The story of incredible India is more than 9 thousand years old.</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">India is an ancient nation, home for the one</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">sixth of the world’s entire population. it's one in all the largest</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">democracies on the world and it's one in all the quickest growing economy on the earth with ambitions to become a dominant power on earth.However India could be a nation engineered on over quite 5000 years of traditions. it's a land of intense devotion and extraordinary rituals. India is additionally a land of wonderful sculptures with splendid engineering skills.., India became a legend in her times. The essential idea of Indian civilization is unity in diversity supported non secular consciousness non violence and morality. According to Aristotle and many other philosophers, :the great knowledge and wisdom of mankind comes from the banks of holy River Ganges of India.That is why India attracted different countries and peoples like Greek,Persians,, France,Portuguese, Dutch, Mongolians,moghuls and British rulers.India was a richest country in terms of fertile land.,gold,silver and highest level of self knowledge which led the subcontinent as a global India.</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">In ancient India Maryan, Gupta kinfolk that is understood as golden amount recognized by the all eminent historians and students in India and abroad. throughout Gupta kinfolk the daddy of Indian surgery shushruta ( (Ayurvedic Scientist) came in to being and nice writings, the Charka Vedic literature emerged. (Ayurvedic encyclopedia on medicine)</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">the good Indian man of science and stargazer Aryabhatta fictional the idea of zero throughout this era and. and also developed the positional representation system supported the quantity ten, The lingering Vedas ( sacred texts of Arians in Sanskritic language language) not solely delineate the aim of life and civilization in poetic forms however additionally delineate in details the scale of universe specially and cosmology generally. the great Goutam buddha sitting below the tree attaining enlightenment , changed</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">The course of history through his new concepts ever seen within the history of the globe</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">.One bound supply of knowledge base is Vedas, the traditional Hindu scriptures, written within the ancient and complex language of Indic. several different Indic scriptures and ancient books from different elements of the planet and in different languages could contain advanced knowledge base. numerous analysis programs on Vedas ar already current, here in India and abroad. Specific and coordinated analysis programs on such texts ought to be initiated.</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Scientific remains of bound ancient civilizations should still be hidden somewhere - below some ancient ruins, or pyramids, or in some caves/ highlands of Himalayas. Or there may be some ancient library, or manuscripts/ texts, which could have survived the ravages of Dark Age wars. These ought to be derived - through dedication, meditation and intuition.</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">The word 'veda' is Indic and its that means is information, original information. The Vedas are an ancient body of knowledge base reached down by a series of disciplic succession from the time of creation. and in contrast to fashionable science they are doing not amendment with time. The Vedas hold Absolute information.</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Many statements of the Vedas are verified by latest science. The Vedas conjointly embody predictions, even of persons, that have tested to be true. so it's understood that the Vedas are the word of God. they're sort of a manual a way to with success live our lives and be happy. The directions and recommendation of the Vedas provide facilitate and solutions for all the issues of our lives and therefore the society, because the samples of great sages prove.</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Chandragupta marya, nice Asoka and Harshavardhana all were extremely appreciated by HUIEN TSANG, Faxian and different foreign guests because the greatest kings ever seen within the history of the globe.. And within the south the good chola kinfolk has unfolded several new chapters and quires for the historians of the globe. India has such a large amount of hidden stories and mysteries from the start of Indus natural depression civilization.( Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro,) it's still wonderful and surmisable story of worldwide India. It’s the story of quite billions souls.</span></h3>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01022139079557847252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1446534558556192736.post-14883920398164419872012-09-06T10:40:00.000-07:002012-09-08T22:28:51.875-07:00Bengal and Bengali culture<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Bengal and Bengali culture<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Bengal
is situated in northeast part region of Indian subcontinent at the apex of Bay
of Bengal. The majority of Bengal is inhabited by Bengali people who
speak<b> </b>Bengali language. Today, it is mainly divided between the
sovereign land of peoples Republic of Bangladesh <u>(</u>previously<u> </u>East
Bengal / East Pakistan) and the state of west Bengal. The region of Bengal
is one of the most densely populated regions on earth, with a population
density exceeding 900/km. Most of the Bengal region lies in the low-lying
Ganges–Brahmaputra River delta or Ganges delta, the world's largest delta. In
the southern part of the delta lies the<u> </u>Sundarbon —the world's
largest mangrove forest and home of the<u> </u>Bengal Tiger,<u> </u>though
the population of the region is mostly rural and agrarian. Two mega cites,
Kolkata<u> </u>(previously Calcutta) and DHAKA<u> </u>(previously
Dacca), are located in Bengal. The Bengal region is renowned for its rich
literary and cultural heritage as well as its immense contribution to the
socio-cultural uplift of Indian society in the form of the<u> </u>Bengal Renaissance,
and revolutionary activities during the Independence movement. West Bengal
also (proposed new English name: Paschimbanga) is a state in the eastern region
of India and is the nation's fourth-most populous region. It is also the
seventh-most populous sub-national entity in the world, with over 91 million
inhabitants covering a total area of 34,267 sq mi (88,750 km2), which is
bordered by the countries of Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh, and the Indian
states of Orissa, Jharkhand, Bihar, Sikkim, and Assam. The state capital is
Kolkata (formerly Calcutta). West Bengal encompasses two broad natural regions:
the Gangetic Plain in the south and the sub-Himalayan and Himalayan area in the
north. Bengal was divided in 1947 on religious lines into two separate
entities: West Bengal – a state of India – and East Bengal, which initially
joined the new nation of Pakistan, before becoming part of modern-day
Bangladesh in 1971.Bengal was divided on religious and language lines. Bengali
language movement has played a very important role for its separate entity
which catalyzed the assertion of Bengali national identity in East Bengal and
later East Pakistan, and became a forerunner to Bengali nationalist movements,
and subsequently the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971. In Bangladesh, 21
February is observed as language movement day, a national holiday. The shaheed
miner monument was constructed near Dhaka Medical College in memory of the
movement and its victims.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
saliency of Twenty First February has made the historic movement for
establishing Bengali as one of the State languages of Pakistan synonymous with
the 1952 phase of the Bengali language movement. However, the movement for
making Bengali as one of the State languages of the then Pakistan was known as
Bangla vasha andolon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Bangla
vasha andolon.<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">That
spirit of 21th February (ekushey) has not diminished. Rather, the radiant
spirit of the twenty first February has remained ingrained in the core of our
hearts and souls even after the elapse of almost half of a century of the
historic Bengali language movement. People from all walks of life still come
out in thousands in the early hours of February twenty first and mournfully trod
the streets of Dhaka, and throng the Central Shaheed Miner (Marty s Monument)
for offering their heartfelt tributes to the fallen language martyrs. Before
depicting the cultures of Bengal, we must go to the historical roots. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Bengali</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <b>Renaissance</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
Bengal Renaissance refers to a social reform movement during the nineteenth and
early twentieth century’s in the region of Bengal in Undivided India during the
period of British rule. The Bengal renaissance can be said to have started with
Raja Ram Mohan Roy (1775–1833) and ended with Rabindranath Tagore (1861–1941),
although there have been many stalwarts thereafter embodying particular aspects
of the unique intellectual and creative output Nineteenth century Bengal was a
unique blend of religious and social reformers, scholars, literary giants,
journalists, patriotic orators and scientists, all merging to form the image of
a renaissance, and marked the transition from the 'medieval' to the 'modern
Bengal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">During
this period, Bengal witnessed an intellectual awakening that is in some way
similar to the European Renaissance during the 16th century, although Europeans
of that age were not confronted with the challenge and influence of alien
colonialism. This movement questioned existing orthodoxies, particularly with
respect to women, marriage, the dowry system, the caste system and religion.
One of the earliest social movements that emerged during this time was the
Young Bengal movement that espoused rationalism and atheism as the common
denominators of civil conduct among upper caste educated Hindus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
parallel socio-religious movement, the Brahmo Samaj, developed during this time
period and counted many of the leaders of the Bengal Renaissance among its
followers In the earlier years the Brahmo Samaj, like the rest of society,
could not however, conceptualize, in that feudal-colonial era, a free India as
it was influenced by the European Enlightenment (and its bearers in India, the
British Raj) although it traced its intellectual roots to the Upanishads. Their
version of Hinduism, or rather Universal Religion, although devoid of practices
like sati and polygamy that had crept into the social aspects of Hindu life,
was ultimately a rigid impersonal monotheistic faith, which actually was quite
distinct from the pluralistic and multifaceted nature of the way the Hindu
religion was practiced. Future leaders like Keshub Chunder Sen were as much
devotees of Christ, as they were of Brahma, Krishna or the Buddha. It has been
argued by some scholars that the Brahmo Samaj movement never gained the support
of the masses and remained restricted to the elite, although Hindu society has
accepted most of the social reform programs of the Brahmo Samaj. It must also
be acknowledged that many of the later Brahmas were also leaders of the freedom
movement.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
renaissance period after the Indian Rebellion of 1857 saw a magnificent
outburst of Bengali literature. While Ram Mohan Roy and Iswar Chandra
Vidyasagar were the pioneers, others like Bankim Chandra Chatterjee widened it
and built upon it .The first significant nationalist detour to the Bengal
Renaissance was given by the brilliant writings of Bankim Chandra Chatterjee.
Later writers of the period who introduced broad discussion of social problems
and more colloquial forms of Bengali into mainstream literature included the
great Saratchandra Chatterjee.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
Tagore family, including Rabindranath Tagore, were leaders of this period and
had a particular interest in educational reform however their contribution to
the Bengal Renaissance was multi-faceted. Indeed, Tagore's 1901 Bengali
novella, Nastanirh was written as a critique of men who professed to follow the
ideals of the Renaissance, but failed to do so within their own families. In
many ways Rabindranath Tagore's writings (especially poems and songs) can be
seen as imbued with the spirit of the Upanishads. His works repeatedly allude
to Upanishadic ideas regarding soul, liberation, transmigration and—perhaps
most essentially—about a spirit that imbues all creation not unlike the
Upanishadic Brahman. Tagore's English translation of a set of poems titled the
Gitanjali won him the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1913. He was the first
Asian to win this award. That was the only example at the time but the
contribution of the Tagore family is enormous. The Bengal Renaissance saw the
emergence of pioneering Bengali scientists such as Jagadish Chandra Bose,
Satyendra Nath Bose, Upendranath Brahmachari and Meghnad Saha.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Etymology
of Bengal/Bengali</span></u></b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
exact origin of the word Bangla or Bengal is unknown, though it is believed to
be derived from the Dravidian-speaking tribe Bang that settled in the area
around the year 1000 BC<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Vanga
(Greater Bengal) was a kingdom during the times of Mahabharata.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Other
accounts speculate that the name is derived from Banga which came from the
Austric word "Bonga" meaning the Sun-god. The word Banga and other
words speculated to refer to Bengal (such as Anga) found in ancient Indian
texts including the Vedas, Jaina texts, the Mahabharata and Puranas. The earliest
reference to "Bangala" has been traced in the Nesari plates (805 AD)
of Rashtrakuta Govinda III which speak of Dharmapala as the king of Vangala<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Some
accounts claim that the word may derive from bhang, a preparation of cannabis
which is used in some religious ceremonies in Bengal. Dravidians migrated to
Bengal from the south, while Tibeto-Burman peoples migrated from the Himalayas
followed by the Indo-Aryans from north-western India. The modern Bengali people
are a blend of these people. Smaller numbers of Pathans, Persians, Arabs and
Turks also migrated to the region in the late middle Ages while spreading
Islam.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">The age and history of Bengal and
Bengali culture is near about 1000 years old. Since the end of Magadha Empire
the Bengal religious-socio-cultural ceremonies held great importance’s among
the Bengalis. Ceremonies play the symbolic role of every tradition handed over
to the decedent’s generation after generation. Some important ceremonies of Bengal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Annaprashan</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> is a social ritual among the
Hindus, an occasion when the baby breaks its baby food pattern to welcome home
made food. It is as well as a social introduction of the new
member.'Annaprashan' is a social ritual among the Hindus, an occasion when the
baby breaks its baby food pattern to welcome home-made food. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">It is as well as a social
introduction of the new member of the family in the community. Annaprashan
literally means feeding the baby rice for the first time. "Anna"
means food, especially rice while "prashan" means to feed.
Annaprashan gathers the importance of a religious ceremony. Arranged for the
Hindu child generally before teething, this ritual is separate for both boys
and girls.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Upanayana</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> is a Vedic ritual of Hinduism. It
is an important religious ritual in our society. Upanayana is performed only
for Brahmin boys. According to Vedic culture it is a second birth for
them..Upanayana is a Vedic ritual of Hinduism. It is an important religious
ritual in our society. Upanayana is performed only for Brahmin boys. According
to Vedic culture it is a second birth for them. Upanayana marks the beginning
of Bramhacharya.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Marriages</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> are made in heaven, goes the
proverb. Two people start of a new journey towards future, hand in hand,
sharing at each step new outlooks, responsibilities and love. Marriage is an
auspicious occasion among us. Arranged marriage is still a common <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Bengali marriages are a mixture of
pure custom, tradition and religious beliefs. It is an occasion where the
entire family gather, take part in the typical Bengali ‘Adda’, regale in
fanfare and remain busy in making the necessary arrangements for the invitees.
Bengali culture must be searched and seen from the aspect of festivals,
literature, drama, music/dance, cousins, dress.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Literature</span></u></b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
Bengali language boasts a rich literary heritage, shared with neighboring
Bangladesh. West Bengal has a long tradition in folk literature, evidenced by
the Charyapada, Mangalkavya, Shreekrishna Kirtana, Thakurmar Jhuli, and stories
related to Gopal Bhar. In the nineteenth and twentieth century, Bengali
literature was modernized in the works of authors such as Bankim Chandra
Chattopadhyay, Michael Madhusudan Dutt, Rabindranath Tagore, Kazi Nazrul Islam,
and Sharat Chandra Chattopadhyay. Coupled with social reforms led by Ram Mohan
Roy, Swami Vivekananda, and others, this constituted a major part of the Bengal
Renaissance The middle and latter parts of the 20th century witnessed the
arrival of post-modernism, as well as literary movements such as those espoused
by the Kallol movement, hungry lists and the little magazines Jibanananda Das,
Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay, Tarashankar Bandopadhyay, Manik Bandopadhyay,
Ashapurna Devi, Shirshendu Mukhopadhyay, Buddhadeb Guha, Mahashweta Devi,
Samaresh Majumdar, Sanjeev Chattopadhyay and Sunil Gangopadhyay among others
are well-known writers of the 20th century.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Theater
and films</span></u></b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Among other types of theater,
West Bengal has a tradition of folk drama known as jatra Kolkata is the home of
the Bengali cinema industry, dubbed "Toll wood" for Tollygong,
where most of the state's film studios are located. its long tradition of </span><span style="color: #5d7d9d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">art films</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> includes
globally acclaimed film directors such as academy award -winning director
Satyajit Roy, Ritwik ghatak, Mrinal sen, Tapan sinha, and contemporary
directors such as </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 20pt;"><span style="color: #5d7d9d;">Aparna</span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> Sen,
Buddhadeb Dasgupta, and Rituparna ghosh.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Cuisine<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">West
Bengal shares its distinctive culinary tradition with neighboring Bangladesh,
and also borrows from other Indian states. Boiled rice constitutes the staple
food, and is served with a variety of vegetables, fried as well with curry,
thick lentil soups, and fish and meat preparations of mutton and chicken, and
more rarely pork and beef by certain groups. Sweetmeats are mostly milk based,
and consist of several delights including roshgulla, sandesh, rasamalai, gulap
jamun, kalo jamun, and chom-chom. Several other sweet preparations are also
available. Bengali cuisine is rich and varied with the use of many specialized
spices and flavors. Fish is the dominant source of protein, cultivated in ponds
and fished with nets in the fresh-water Rivers of the Ganges delta. More than
40 types of mostly freshwater fish are common, including carp, varieties like
rui (rohu), katla, magur (catfish), chingŗi (prawn or shrimp), as well as shuţki
(dried sea fish) are popular. Salt water fish (not sea fish though) and Ilish
(hilsa ilisha) is very popular among Bengalis, can be called an icon of Bengali
cuisine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">DRESS</span></u></b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Bengali
women traditionally wear the sari, the shalwar kameez and Western attire is
gaining acceptance among younger women. Western-style dress has greater
acceptance among men, although the traditional dhoti and kurta of men are seen
during festivals. Like any other metropolis, Kolkata also has an eclectic mix
of western wears with a tinge of ethnic wears. People are found dressed in
jeans along with kurtas, or sari along with an overcoat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Festivals of West Bengal<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">West Bengal is a land of festivals.
There is a popular saying in Bengali ‘‘Baro Mase Tero Parban’: it literally
means thirteen festivals in twelve months. Almost all festivals of all
religions are celebrated here with equal religious sentiment and fervor. The
people of West Bengal strive hard to maintain the tradition and culture of its
land in the festivals they celebrate. A great number of fairs are also
organized. The most popular festival celebrated in West Bengal is Durga Puja
where all the people come out in the streets and celebrate this four day
festival. Other festivals celebrated in West Bengal are Kaali Puja, Basant
Panchami, Dushera, Bahi Dooj, Holi, Mahavir Jayanti, Buddha Jayanti, Rathyatra
and Christmas. Other events which have almost taken the form of festivals are
Rabindra Jayanti (birthday of Rabindranath Tagore), Birthday of Sri Ramakrishna
Paramahamsa and Birthday of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">List of Festivals in West Bengal:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Holi<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Birthday of Sri Ramakrishna
Paramahamsa<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Birthday of Netaji Subhas Chandra
Bose<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Rabindra Jayanti<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Durga Puja<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Basant Panchami<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Dushera<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Bhai Dooj<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Holi<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Mahavir Jayanti<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Buddha Jayanti<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Rathyatra<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Rakhi<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Christmas<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Bera Utsav<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Kolkata Festival<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">IST may<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Folk
culture of Bengal</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">West
Bengal</span></u></b><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Bengal,
a land of fecundity and prosperity embraces all within her fold. The varied
hues of her rich culture color her songs, music and literature. The numerous
tribes and ethnic groups of Bengal have their own distinctive folk arts, as
varied and beautiful as the tribes themselves. Bengal’s repertoire of folk
songs with its lyrical appeal and richness, its thematic diversity and range is
a reflection of rural Bengals creativity and imagination. As a traditional art
form, folk dances of Bengal have gained immense popularity and recognition over
the years. The dances contain themes that range from ritualistic to satirical
and from allegorical to social. They involve prayers, offerings, celebrations
and odes. Usually performed during festive seasons, or to mark a happy
occasion, these dances ingrained in folk culture, reflect local faith,
tradition and custom. These dances encompass a broad spectrum, from invoking
the rain Gods for a good harvest to depicting mythological events. In fact,
some religious festivals are celebrated through songs and dances that
characterize devotion, prayer and worship. The dance forms that have evolved
from the martial arts depict events from the great Indian epics, the Ramayana
and the Mahabharata. These vocal musical dances are performed round the year on
various occasions, at fairs and festivals and religious conglomerations.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Some
of the well known folk songs and dance of west Bengal include:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Baul</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Bengal,
during the post medieval period, was a divided and closed society. Ruled by
religious strictures, Hindus and Muslims led cloistered lives, against which
grew a protest that took on the character of a cult. The community of
protesters could be identified by the robes they wore (a long saffron-colored
cloak called the alkhalla with a turban of the same color), the one-stringed
instrument or Ektara they always carried and the bells they tied to their
perpetually dancing feet. Sometimes the alkhalla would be made of different
pieces of cloth patched together. They were the Bauls, the creators of a
phenomenal music tradition that has survived and grown despite the ravages of
time. Apart from the expected bamboo flute, they developed a variety of musical
instruments like the Premjuri and Dotara, the Khamak and Goopi Jantro, the
Kartal and Dubki among others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
Bauls are free wanderers. They are detached from the bondage of society and
family. They move from place to place, making a meager living from the alms
given to them by those who can plumb the profound depths of their frugality. The
Bauls belong to a sect with a distinctive mystic ideology of their own and
their songs spread the message of peace and universal brotherhood. The word
‘Baul’ means mad, the madness that comes out of an overwhelming love for the
Infinite Self. The singers describe the transience of mundane existence and the
simple means to spiritual upliftment, though the root of their philosophical
theory rests in a deeper complex psychological consciousness. Bauls are
basically philanthropists, though sometimes satire from day to day life finds a
place in their songs. The Bauls have played a major role in India’s freedom
struggle when they moved from village to village in rural Bengal with their
songs stirring up a feeling of nationalism and pride in our motherland among
the illiterate village folk.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Both
men and women (Bauls and Baulanis) are a part of this great music tradition.
For a long time, the Baulanis performed with the Bauls and they did not have
any separate identity. But in recent years Baulanis have carved out their own
foothold. The music of the Bauls had a significant influence on Rabindranath
Tagore. Today the Bauls’ songs can be heard in many districts of West Bengal as
their footsteps dot the muddy village lanes of Bankura, Birbhum, Burddhaman,
Nadia, Dinajpur and Murshidabad. Baul Sangeet has always held a special place.
It is basically a folk dialect of Bengali music and highly spiritual in nature,
but far away from religious dilution. This form of music was developed by a
group of mystic minstrels from Bengal who are considered to be a syncretism
group with music in their blood. In 2005 they were declared as the
'Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity' by UNESCO.
Joydeb kenduli annual fair is considered to be the biggest fair of Bauls at
Birbhum district of west Bengal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Purulia
Chhou dance</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
Chhau dance of Purulia district is one of the most vibrant and colorful art
forms. Emerging from martial practice, the Purulia Chhau is a vigorous form of
dance drama that draws its themes from the two great Indian epics, The Ramayana
and The Mahabharata.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Masks
and elaborate headgear are the ornamental apparels of the Chhau dancers. The
dance is believed to date back to over a century, though the specific date of
its origin cannot be definitely ascertained. The dance was patronized by the
royalty and landlords of the region. Since its inception, the members of the
Mahato, Kurmi, Bhumija, Deowa, Bhuama and Dom communities have sustained this
dance form. The dance is an essential part of the Gajan Festival, a festival
that celebrates the glories of Lord Shiva. Today, the dance is no longer
restricted to one particular time of the year. The Purulia Chhau dance has been
influenced by many dances of the district, like the Nata Jawaid Dance, the Mahi
Dance and the Nachni Dance. Even two relatively sophisticated dance forms like
the Jhumur and Bhadra Jhumur have influenced the Chhau Dance in its tune and
rhythm. The accompanying musical instruments include the Dhol, Dhamsa and
Shenai.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
dance commences with an invocation to Lord Ganesh. Then the movements follow
the nuances of the story. In a Chhau Dance the fight between good and evil
always culminates in the triumph of good over destructive evil. The elaborate
masks, the dazzling costumes, the rhythmic drum beatings and shenai,
characterize the Chhau Dance. A distinctive feature of this dance is the
acrobatic use of the body and the intricately crafted masks worn by the
dancers. Powerful movements, immense concentration and release of energy are
the other features of this dance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">In
the villages the performance usually starts between 9.00 and 10.00 o’clock in
the evening. As the night grows and the dance gains momentum, there is an air
of excitement all around. Communication between the performers and the audience
is a significant feature of this dance form. In the olden days, the performance
area used to be illuminated by torches that burnt throughout the night. Over
the years the dance has undergone evolutions in form, stage craft, lighting and
use of musical instruments.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
masks help the dancers to portray different characters. There are masks
depicting particular Gods and Goddesses, demons and monsters. There are also
interesting masks for different animals like the lion, tiger, bear, monkey and
so on. These finely-crafted masks are made by the painter artistes of the
district. With the face covered by a mask, it is left to the dancers to emote
using their bodies. Movements and postures therefore serve both to portray
emotions and make the dance lively.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">One
of the most popular presentations of the Purulia Chhau Dance is Mahisasur
Mardini. Oppressed by the tyranny of the Mahisasura, the Gods pray to Goddess
Adyashakti Mahamaya who takes the form of Goddess Durga, Durga tinashini and
after a fierce battle with Asura, finally slays him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Santhali
Dance</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
Santhalis are an integral part of the folklore of Bengal. The Santhali dance
form is seen in the districts of Birbhum, Bakura, Malda and Burddhaman. The
Santhalis are born dancers. Dance is an integral part of all festivities of the
Santhali community. Musical accompaniment is provided by instruments like the
Madol, Flute, Dhamsa, Jhanj, Kartal and occasionally the Shenai. The songs are
typically based on Taal Madol Chhanda. Dances are usually performed on a full
moon night and are connected with the celebration of certain rituals. A notable
feature of the Santhali dances is the unison in movement. The dancers stand in
a line holding hands and move to the rhythm of the madol. Usually the women
take part in the dance and the men provide the musical accompaniment. This is
reflected in the words of a song, which accompany the Dang Dance, a dance
performed as a part of marriage rituals. The boys carry two types of drums, the
Madal and the Lagra. They sing to the girls telling them: “Though the drums are
heavy, we carry them around dancing all the time”. The girls reply, “As we hear
the beat of drums, we cannot stand still. We lift our feet and begin to dance”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Simplicity
of theme and language is what makes the Santhali dances so endearing. Nowadays,
Santhali men also take part in the dances, most of which are seasonal and
reflect the ritualistic life of the Santhali community. Each dance form has its
own distinctive rhythm and dance style. Some of the popular dances include the
Sohrai, which is a harvest dance, inviting all the village folk to come out of
their homes and join in the festivities, and the Dasai, a dance performed just
before the Durga Puja, when the Santhali men go out to the neighboring
villages, where they sing and dance to collect donations of rice and alms.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
Santhali dance reflects the beauty of rural Bengal and adds color to the
palette of the folk culture of the state.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Mundari
dance</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
members of the Mundari community perform these dances on different festive
occasions, most of which are related to agriculture. The main festival of the
Mundari community is the Karam Puja. The dances of the Santhali and Mundari
communities are very close in style and form. The musical instruments used by
the two communities are also common.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Gambhira</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Gambhira,
a popular annual festival of Malda District comprises songs and dances closely
related to agriculture and mythology. Performances depict on one hand, the
success, failure or annual production of crops, and on the other tell stories
about mythological figures. Depending on the theme, dancers perform solo, duets
or in groups, stepping in tune with the beat of dhaks. Colorful masks
representing Gods and Goddesses like Kalika, Chamunda, Rama, Hanuman, Shiva and
even animals and birds, make the performances both charming and entertaining,
while retaining the authenticity of this primitive dance form.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
word Gambhira means ‘Devalaya’ or House of God. This festival is very closely
associated with Shiva Puja. In the different rituals associated with Gambhira
Puja we find an amalgamation of different religious thoughts like Shaivism,
Vaishnavism, Buddhism and Shaktiism. In Malda district, where this festival is
immensely popular, Shiva is also known as Gambhir, and hence the festival
associated with Shiv Puja is known as Gambhira. The Bengal Drum or Dhak and the
Gong or Kanshi are main musical instruments accompanying this dance. Dancers
tune their steps to the different beats of the Dhak, the intricate patterns of
their dance blending into the pulsating rhythm of festivity and celebration.
Over the years, poverty and social changes are forcing this dance, which was
once synonymous with grandeur, into oblivion. The Gambhira festival begins with
Agamani songs. The second day of the festival is called the Choto Tamasha and
the third day the Boro Tamasha. These days are devoted to Shiva and Gouri Puja.
Other popular dances of the Gambhira tradition include the Baan Nritya (Arrow
Dance) Bak Nritya (Stork Dance) Tapa Nritya (a dance performed by the fishermen
and fisherwomen using a special kind of bamboo basket known as the Tapa which
is used for catching the fish) and Kali Nritya (the dance of Goddess Kalika).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Gajan</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Gajan
is a very popular festival in some parts of Bengal. Gajan songs are sung in
praise of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati in the Bengali month of Chaitra.
Singing and dancing is an integral part of this celebration. The dance is
performed with great devotion and austerity. The dancers sometimes dress up as
Hara Parvati and move around the village, dancing to the accompaniment of the
Dhol, Kanshi and Flute. In Malda and Murshidabad, the celebration is known as
Bolan. The dancers undergo penance with a view to attaining salvation and
becoming free of worldly sufferings. This celebration is observed during the
latter part of the month of Chaitra. Being a festival of austerity, the dancers
often fast before a performance. The performance of this Puja involves some
harrowing rituals and is usually performed by the lower castes. The involvement
of the upper castes is limited to bowing down before the lower castes for just
this one time in the year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Durga
Puja Dhak</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Utsav
is synonymous with Durga Puja. The Bengali waits all year round for the arrival
of Devi Ma. It is a time for celebration and festivity, and it is the sound of
the Bengali Drum or the Dhak that joyously announces her eagerly awaited
arrival. It is the sound of the Dhak that captures the many moods of the Devi,
frenzied, calm, plaintive and nostalgic, and it is the sound of the Dhak that
also tells us it is time for her to return to her heavenly abode. Every beat of
the dhak is different and each of them holds a special place in every Bengalis
heart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Dhol
Badan</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
Dhol (a variation of the Bengali Drum) is an indispensable musical instrument
of the different festivals of Bengal. The musicians dance and play the Dhol
simultaneously.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Bratachari
– Raibense</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
Raibense dance which is performed by a group of male dancers is a part of the
repertoire of the ‘Bratachari’ tradition of West Bengal. The Raibense dance of
ancient Bengal is a significant and authentic reminder that the Bengalis were
once renowned for their military prowess. The dance belongs to a living tradition
of the war dances of ancient Bengal. Rai means royal, kingly and bansh or
bansha means bamboo. This was used by the infantry soldiers in the middle ages.
This vigorous dance form includes mock fighting and acrobatics. It speaks
volumes about the valor of the people of ancient Bengal. The Dhol and Kanshi
are the main instruments used. The strident rhythmic notes of the Dhol and the
clanging of the Kanshi generate courage and daring in the hearts of the
dancers. No songs are sung or verses recited during this martial dance.
Instead, vigorous yells mark the various sectional movements. The simplest
costume, a dhoti (which is the traditional dress of Bengali men) is worn with a
strip of red cloth signifying spirit and valor. Shri Gursasaday Dutt, ICS, was
responsible was resurrecting this ancient group dance and modifying it to its
present form.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
Bagdi, Bauri and Dom communities of Burddhaman, Birbhum & Murshidabad
districts, perform the dance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Stick
Dance or Laghur Nritya<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
Stick Dance or Laghur Nritya is another interesting martial folk art form of
West Bengal. The stick, which has from time immemorial been used as a weapon of
self-defense, is used in this dance. The long sticks not only keep the beat of
the dance, but are also used for the acrobatic feats, which are an integral
part of this dance form.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Ranapa
Dance<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
Ranapa is another martial form of dance, where the artistes walk and dance on
stilts. As the dancers display mock fights, they exhibit their skills of
balancing on stilts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Dhali
& Paika Nritya<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">These
two dances are heroic war dances and are performed by a group of dancers. The
dances are evocative of the valor and prowess of the people who took part in
the wars.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-alt: 11.8pt; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
Dhali Dance, as the name implies, is the Shield Dance. It was the war dance of
the Dhali (Shield man) troupes in the armies of the ancient potentates of
Bengal. In the Dhali Dance, the spectacular movements are formal and are more
in the nature of athletic exercises. It is a dance of high aesthetic value by
virtue of its intricate maneuvers and ordered formations. Being a war dance, it
is not accompanied by any songs. This dance form originated and flowered during
the reign of Raja Pratapaditya of Jossore. After winning a battle, the fatigued
and exhausted solders starting dancing with swords and shields in the
cantonment to inspire them for the next war. It is believed that Raja
Pratapaditya maintained an army of highly skilled Dhali soldiers. Over the
years, the dance form has been modified extending to women dancers as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Natua
Dance</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-alt: 11.8pt; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Natua,</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> an ancient
dance form, features in the Shiv Puranas. The word Natua may have been derived
from the name of Lord Nataraj. It is believed that Nandi and Vringi, the
associates of Lord Shiva were the first to perform this dance during the time
of Shiva’s marriage with Durga. This highly acrobatic dance form involves many
tricks with fire and is usually accompanied by the beats of a Jai Dhak, the
instrument which is said to have been created by Lord Shiva. The dance is
performed during the Charak Puja and occasionally during marriages.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Kirtan
Dance songs<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
Kirtan music is the most widely practiced folk music (vocal and dance) form of
Bengal. The democratic nature of the dance, which unites people of the whole
village, irrespective of their caste or social standing is its most striking
feature. The dance is performed to the accompaniment of the Dhol and Mridanga.
The great spiritual leader, Shri Chaitanya Dev gave the dance a national
character.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Rabha
Dances</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-alt: 11.8pt; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
women of the Rabha Community perform the Rabha Dances, popular in the Northern
part of Bengal. The men provide the musical accompaniment, playing the
Barangshi (a bamboo flute), Hem (a drum with two faces), Dandi & Barding,
(idiophones made from bamboo) and Karnal (a rare tribal instrument made of
bamboo and buffalo horn). The Rabha women have different dances for different
occasions, like the “Fai Nang Ning Mein” or Welcome Dance, the “Braisar Pridan”
or New Year’s Dance and “Larai Lunge” or War Dance. The dancers depict the
daily life of the community and embody the merriment that enlivens all their
festivals.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Chaibari
Nritya</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-alt: 11.8pt; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
Chaibari Nritya, as the name suggests, is a dance mastered by the tea garden
workers of Northern Bengal. The dancers, with their intricate costumes and
jewelers make for a picture perfect sight in the breathtaking backdrop of the
verdant tea gardens. The melodious music adds to the charm and beauty of the
dance..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Domphu
Nritya</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-alt: 11.8pt; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
Domphu is a musical instrument used by the Nepali community settled in North
Bengal. The Domphu Nritya takes its name from this traditional instrument. The
dances give expression to the joys, hopes and aspirations of the community
through this colorful folk dance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Kukri
Nritya</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-alt: 11.8pt; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">The<b>Kukri
Nritya<u>,</u></b> also from North Bengal, is performed by the girls of the
community, as they ceremoniously hand over their traditional weapon, the Kukri,
to their brothers, before they set off for the war.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Mech
Dance</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-alt: 11.8pt; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
Mech Dance is another popular dance form of North Bengal, the land of forests,
mountains and turbulent rivers. In this dance form, which originated in
Jalpaiguri district, we see and feel the inner rhythm which pervades the simple
life of the tribal people living in harmony with nature. There are several
variations of the Mech Dance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Bagroomba
is performed by the Mech women at spring festivals, the colorful costumes used
by the dancers are evocative of butterflies.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Chal
Jhumgre Gele Nai is a war dance which is rhythmic and martial in character.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">In
the Mesa Glang Nai dance, performed by the Mech women, the youth of the
community is exhorted to be industrious and hardworking. The young members of
the community are reminded that they must always retain the purity of their
minds and bodies. This dance is performed as the women pluck flowers for the
‘Kherai Puja’. They carry small bowls in their hand to collect the flowers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Rajbanshi
Dance</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-alt: 11.8pt; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
Rajbanshi is one of the many tribes of North Bengal. The lives of the people
belonging to the Rajbanshi tribe revolve around the Teesta River, which they
worship as a Goddess. The Teesta flows down the snow-capped peaks of
Darjeeling, through the dense forests of Jalpaiguri. It then charts a turbulent
course through the lush scenery of Coochbehar, finally meeting the Brahmaputra
River in Bangladesh. This graceful dance is performed to invoke the blessings
of the River Goddess. The Dhol, Kanshi, Kartal and Mukhabanshi are the
instruments that accompany this invocatory dance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Jhumur
Dance</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-alt: 11.8pt; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
Jhumur songs and dance is one of the liveliest musical forms of Purulia
district of west Bengal, this is an elaborate dance, choreographed and
performed by professional artistes. Here lies its essential difference with
forms like the Santhali Dance. The dance is performed by girls while the boys
play the Dhol and Madol. This entertaining dance is performed on stage and
during road shows. Heavy make-up and ornate jewelers form part of the costume
of the Jhumur dancers. This secular dance form is accompanied by fast-paced and
cheerful Jhumur songs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
sensuous Nachni is an offshoot of the Jhumur Dance, depicting the love of Radha
(Nachni) and Krishna (Rasik).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Bhadu</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-alt: 11.8pt; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">As
the rains pour down on the red earth of Bengal, voices rise in praise of
Bhadreswari Ma, invoking her blessings for a good harvest. Originating from the
districts of Bakura, Purulia, West Burddhaman and Birbhum, the Bhadu Dance is
performed mainly during the Monsoon. The dance draws its name from the Bengali
month of Bhadra, when the monsoon showers drench the earth. During the
festival, Bhadreswari or Bhadu (goddess of crops) is invoked by the villagers,
seeking her blessings for an abundant harvest. The women of the community, both
married and unmarried perform the Bhadu Dance. The unmarried girls pray for a
loving husband while the married women pray to Mother Earth to be blessed with
children.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
Bhadu festival is also celebrated in Chota Nagpur, where it is known as ‘Karam
Parab’.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Tushu</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-alt: 11.8pt; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">When
we think of harvest songs in Bengali folk culture, we think of Tushu. Tushu
songs, originating from the districts of Bakura, Purulia & Midnapore have
similar features. The daily lives and relationships of the villagers form the
theme of this genre of songs. Family rows between rival co-wives and between
wives and their sisters-in-law find a place in Tushu songs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Tushu
songs being associated with harvesting always refer to the householder’s wealth
– ‘ghee of 32 cows’, ‘rice of fine paddy’, ‘pots of ghee and gur’ are some of
the expressions used. The villagers pray to the Folk Goddess Tushu for
prosperity. They ask for the Goddess’s blessings so that their homes and the
homes of their sons may overflow with wealth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Dhamail</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-alt: 11.8pt; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Dhamail
is a folk dance performed by the married women of rural Bengal. The women
arrange themselves in a circle, around a certain object of prayer, clapping to
the beats of the song. While praying to the Sun God, a lit diya, symbolizing
the sun, is kept at the centre. The clapping brings a rhythmic element into the
otherwise slow-paced dance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Nabanna</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-alt: 11.8pt; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Nabanna
is a ritualistic dance performed after the autumn harvest. It is part of a
religious ceremony associated with cultivation and harvesting. The dance is an
expression of the happiness of the farmers’ families after a successful
harvest. A special religious ceremony is held on the day the new rice is eaten.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Noila
Broto</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-alt: 11.8pt; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Farming
is an integral part of the lives of villagers in rural Bengal. After a day’s
toil, the villagers often sing and dance as a welcome break from their daily
routine of labor and hard work. In most parts of rural India, agriculture is
still dependant on the rains. Noila Broto is a traditional ode to the Rain
Goddess, “Megh Kanya”. This prayer dance, involving rituals and offerings,
celebrates the arrival of the first monsoon clouds. The farmers and their wives
pray for a good monsoon that will bring forth an abundant harvest of crop,
ushering in prosperity and happiness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Baromashya</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-alt: 11.8pt; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
Bengali community is known for the warm hospitality it extends to visitors.
When a guest arrives unannounced at a Bengali home, he is greeted warmly and
made to feel welcome, while the host makes every effort to ensure a comfortable
stay. The Baromashya songs and dances describe this endearing quality of the
simple folk of rural Bengal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Bou
Nritya</span></i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-alt: 11.8pt; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">This
is a part of the traditional Badhubaran ceremony of Srihatta. Bou Nritya enacts
the custom of asking a new bride to dance; a process of helping her shed her
inhibitions. The dancers wear ornaments typical of this region and drape the
sari in a different way. The distinguishing feature of this dance is that the
dancers never lift their feet off the ground during the entire performance.
Through this dance of initiation, the new bride is welcomed into her new
family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Ganga
Baidya</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-alt: 11.8pt; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Ganga
Baidya is a dance of the snake charmers or Bedes of Bengal. The dance gives
expression to the daily lives, customs, hopes and aspirations as well as the
pains and tribulations of this sect of people of rural Bengal. The Bedes were a
nomadic tribe who moved from place to place, earning their living by singing
their songs and displaying acrobatic tricks – with fire, knives, sticks and
ropes. These worshippers of Ma Manasha use snakes for a variety of tricks.
Through their songs and dances, the fearless Bedes sold snake venom and
talismans to the villagers, promising them that these would keep evil away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Lathi
Dance</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-alt: 11.8pt; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">This
is another notable form of folk dance which has a different art of expression.
This dance is performed to express different situations of human life like
remorse, celebration, anger, pain or love. The dance is performed in the first
ten days of the Muslim festival of Muharram.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Music
of West Bengal</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-alt: 11.8pt; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
richness of Bengali culture also reflects in the music that expresses the
feeling of love, sadness, anxiety, motivation, devotion or spirituality. The
music of West Bengal also refers as Bangla Sangeet. Some of the popular Music
of Bengal are:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Classical
Bangla Music</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-alt: 11.8pt; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
classical music of West Bengal is highly inspired by the other forms of Indian
classical music. The influence of Karnataka music has significant influence on
the classical music of Bengal. Like other classical forms of music of this place
also based on the musical modes called ‘Ragas’. Themes of classical music have
its root in Jaydev's Gitagovindam, Rabindra-Sangeet, Shyama-Sangeet, Mangalgiti
and Padavali kirtan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Rabindra
Sangeet</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-alt: 11.8pt; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">This
is one of the most popular kinds of Bangla music which was created by the great
poet and the Noble Laureate Rabindranath Tagore. These songs are regarded as
cultural treasures of Bengal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-alt: 11.8pt; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Artists/painters
of West Bengal</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-alt: 11.8pt; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">The <b>Bengal
School of Art</b> commonly referred as <b>Bengal School</b> was
an influential art movement and a style of painting that originated in Bengal,
primarily Kolkata and Shantiniketan, and flourished throughout India during the
British Raj in the early 20th century. Also known as 'Indian style of painting'
in its early days, it was associated with Indian nationalism (swadeshi) and led
by Abanindranath Tagore (1871-1951), but was also promoted and supported by
British arts administrators like E.B Havell the principal of the Government
Collage of arts Kolkata from 1896; eventually it led to the development of the
modern Indian painting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">However
Bengal continues to produce some of the best artists of modern India. Among
them the best known artists of present day Bengal are Ganesh Pyne, Manishi Dey,
Nirmal Dutta, Nilima Dutta, Jahar Dasgupta, Bikash Bhattacharya Sudip Roy,
Devajyoti Ray and Paresh Maiti<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Architecture
of Bengal</span></u></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-alt: 11.8pt; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
Bengal region, which includes the Republic of Bangladesh and the Indian state
of West Bengal, has many architectural relics and monuments/temples dating back
thousands of years.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-alt: 11.8pt; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Bengal,
a land of natural and cultural heritage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Temples
of</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <b>West
Bengal an amazing architectures;</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-alt: 11.8pt; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">1 <b>Bakranath
Temple at Bakreswar</b> near Siuri in West Bengal: Built in the Oriyan
style, the large temple is the most important of the several shrines in
Bakreswar. Hot springs are another feature of interest in this town.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-alt: 11.8pt; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">2 <b>Balrampur
Jain Temple at Balrampur</b> near Purulia in West Bengal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-alt: 11.8pt; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">3 <b>Bansuli
Temple at Nannur</b> near Bolpur in West Bengal: The temple site is like a
mound, and the lowest level dates back to the Gupta period.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-alt: 11.8pt; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">4 <b>Barakar
Temples at Barakar</b> near Asansol in West Bengal: Four stone temples in
the North Indian Rekha style built in the 8th through the 15th century.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-alt: 11.8pt; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">5 <b>Bargabhima
Temple at Tamluk</b> near Medinipur in West Bengal: Large Temple to Shakti
influenced by the Oriyan architecture style displaying interesting engineering
and architectural features.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-alt: 11.8pt; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">6 <b>Bhagwati
Temple at Gourangpur</b> near Asansol in West Bengal: A beautiful brick
temple over 150 years old now deserted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-alt: 11.8pt; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">7 <b>Brindabanchandra
Temple at Guptipara</b> near Calcutta (Hooghly) in West Bengal: The
biggest in the group of temples in Guptipara.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-alt: 11.8pt; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">8 <b>Chaitanyadev
Temple at Guptipara</b> near Calcutta (Hooghly) in West Bengal: 17th
century temple in the Bengali style of architecture.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">9 <b>Chinese
Temple at Achipur</b> near Calcutta in West Bengal: Chinese temple with
inscriptions dating back to the 18th century.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">10 <b>Dakshineswar
Kali Temple at Calcutta</b> in West Bengal: Famous 19th century Kali
temple associated with Ramakrishna.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">11 <b>Dhirdham
Temple at Darjeeling</b> in West Bengal: Built along the lines of the
Pasupathinath temple in Nepal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">12 <b>Dugdheshwar</b> Shiva
Temple at Amaragarh near Burddhaman in West Bengal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">13 <b>Ekteswara
Temple at Ekteswara</b> near Bakura in West Bengal: Famous Shiva temple
that looks like a massive solid pillar near the river Dwarkeshwar.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">14 <b>Hanseswari
Temple at Bansberia</b> near Calcutta in West Bengal: Dates back to the
19th century with ornate arches.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">15 <b>Jagannath
Temple at Serampore</b> near Calcutta in West Bengal: Large and ancient
Jagannath temple famous for its rath yatra second only to Puri.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-alt: 11.8pt; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">16 <b>Jain
remains at Pakbira</b> near Bara Bazar (Purulia) in West Bengal: Remains
of numerous temples and images some about 2000 years old.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">17 <b>Jain
Temple Ruins at Boram</b> near Jaipur in West Bengal: Ruins of three
identical Jain temples<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">18 <b>Jain
Temples at Dulmi</b> near Purulia in West Bengal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">19 <b>Jain
Temples at Deoli</b> near Purulia in West Bengal: Group of Jain temples,
the largest of which has an image of Arhanath worshipped by Hindus as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">20 <b>Jain
temples and ruins at Chharra</b> near Purulia in West Bengal: Old temples
and ruins of Jain origin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">21 <b>Jateshwarnath
Temple at Mahanad</b> near Calcutta (Hooghly) in West Bengal: A center for
Shiva and Shakti worship.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">22 <b>Jaya
Deva Temple at Kenduli</b> near Bolpur in West Bengal: Well known temple
to Radha and Krishna dating back to the 12th century - current structure over
200 years old.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">23 <b>Jor
Bangala Temple at Bishnupur</b> near Bakura in West Bengal: Specimen of
remarkable sculpture and architecture.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">24 <b>Kalighat
Temple at Calcutta</b> in West Bengal: 200 year old temple from which
Calcutta is said to take its name.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">25 <b>Kalna
Shiva Temples at Kalna</b> in West Bengal: A group of 108 Shiva temples in
concentric circles.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">26 <b>Kalyaneshwari
Temple at Barakar</b> near Asansol in West Bengal: This is a 500 year old
temple a great center for Shakti worship.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">27 <b>Kanak
Durga Temple at Chikligarh</b> near Medinipur in West Bengal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">28 <b>Kapil
Muni Temple at Sagar Island</b> near Diamond Harbor in West Bengal:
Associated with the mythological descent of the Ganges from the heavens (into
the sea) and a site held in great reverence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">29 <b>Kiriteshwari
Temple at Murhsidabad</b> near Murshidbad in West Bengal: Regarded as one
of the Shakthi Peeths this was once a center of great importance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">30 <b>Krishnachandra
Temple at Guptipara</b> near Calcutta (Hooghly) in West Bengal: Located
along with the Chaitanyadev, Ramachandra and Brindabanchandra temples.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">31 <b>Krishnarjun
Temple at Tamluk</b> near Medinipur in West Bengal: Ancient temple -
current structure built 400 years ago.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">32 <b>Lalji
Temple at Chandrakona</b> near Medinipur in West Bengal: 16th century
temple built in Bengali style, enclosed by a high wall with a gateway.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-alt: 11.8pt; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">33 <b>Malleswar
Temple at Chandrakona</b> near Medinipur in West Bengal: 60 feet high
temple dating back to the 18th century, with an even older shrine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-alt: 11.8pt; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">34 <b>Mankeshwar
Mahadev Temple at Amaragarh</b> near Burddhaman in West Bengal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-alt: 11.8pt; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">35 <b>Radha
Kanta Jiu Temple at Rajbalhat</b> near Calcutta (Hooghly) in West Bengal:
A fine specimen of Bengali architecture dating back to the 18th century.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-alt: 11.8pt; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">36 <b>Ramachandra
Temple at Guptipara</b> near Calcutta (Hooghly) in West Bengal: Fine red
colored brick temple with a curved roof, with brick panels carved with fine
specimen of Bengali art.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">37 <b>Sarva
Mangala Devi Temple at Garbeta</b> near Medinipur in West Bengal:
16th-17th century temple in the Oriyan style dedicated to Devi along with other
temples within the fort.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">38 <b>Sheetalnath
Jain Temple at Calcutta</b> in West Bengal: 19th century temple - an
ornate mass of mirrors, colored stones and glass mosaics.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">39 <b>Shivakhya
Devi Temple at Amaragarh</b> near Burddhaman in West Bengal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">40 <b>Sidheswara
Temple at Bahulara</b> near Onda in West Bengal: Ancient Shiva temple in
the Oriyan style with fine ornamentation depicting replicas of the temple.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-alt: 11.8pt; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">41 <b>Suratheshwar
Temple at Supur</b> near Bolpur in West Bengal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-alt: 11.8pt; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">42 <b>Swayambhava
Kali Temple at Bansberia</b> near Calcutta (Hooghly) in West Bengal:
Located near the Vishnu temple, this temple dates back to the 18th century.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-alt: 11.8pt; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">43 <b>Syamaleswar
Temple at Dantan</b> in West Bengal: Ancient temple to Shiva in this town
where there are 2 large tanks - the Bidyadhar and Sarasankha.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">44 <b>Tarakeshwar
Temple at Tarakeshwar</b> near Calcutta (Hooghly) in West Bengal: A very
well known temple in the Bengali style of architecture attracting scores of
pilgrims.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">45 <b>Temple
Ruins at Chandrakona</b> at Chandrakon near Medinipur in West Bengal:
Ruins of several Oriyan styled temples now abandoned.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 6pt;">
<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">West Bengal terra
cotta temple architecture</span></u></b><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-line-height-alt: 11.8pt; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Although
there is plenty of evidence of human settlement in Bengal from prehistoric
times but there are regrettable dearth of evidence. This is because of the soil
structure of Bengal The community being spread on the alluvial plain of the
mighty rivers of Ganges, Brahmaputra the whole region is susceptible to flood
and its resulting unsettling geographical pattern. The only somewhat undulated
regions being the western Chota Nagpur and the Himalayan ridges of east and the
north. This soil structure is reflected in the building material chosen by the
Bengali temple designers. Mainly the terra cotta temples with elaborate surface
decorations and lettering written in nagari alphabets. The roof structure also
has been the effect of the heavy rainfall that the river delta and the Tarai
experiences throughout the monsoon, it has Ganges been curved effectively in
most cases to get rid of the huge amount of water as soon as possible and
thereby increasing the lifetime of the structure. The architectural evidence
generally has been from the Gupta Empire period onwards. There have been recent
discoveries of plaques from the times of Chandraketugarh and mahasthangarh
throwing additional light on the architectural styles of sunga and gupta
periods. Apart from the Pahlavi and Phamsana influence on the architectural
style it is also closely connected to the Bhanja style of temples from
mayurbhanj district of Orissa But the temples of south Bengal is a distinction
due to its roofing style so unique and closely related to the paddy roofed
traditional building style of rural Bengal. Bishnupur in the southern district
Bakura of West Bengal has a remarkable set of such temples which being built
from the Malla dynasty are examples of this style. Most of these temples are
covered on the outer surface with terra cotta reliefs which contains plenty of
secular materials making these important to reconstruct the social structure
from these times.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
temple structures contain gabled roofs which are colloquially called the chala,
For example a gabled roof with an eight sided pyramid structured roof with be
called "ath chala" or literally the eight faces of the roof. And
frequently there is more than one tower in the temple building. These are built
of laterite and brick bringing them at the mercy of severe weather conditions
of southern Bengal .Dakshineswar Kali Temple is one example of the Bhanja style
while the additional small temples of Shiva along the river bank are example of
southern Bengal roof style though in much smaller dimension.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Bankura district is a land of temples. There are more historical temples inBishnupur than in any other place in West Bengal. There are several aspects oftemple art, architecture and construction that need to be considered.<br />
Almost all temples in Bishnupur town are Vaishnavite, but many of those scatteredin different areas of the district spread outside the town are Shaivite, with traces ofJainism and Buddhism. While some of the older temples were built of laterite, thearea has numerous brick built temples, some with exquisite terra cotta carvings.Terra cotta carvings are also found in some temples outside the district, as forexample at joy deb kenduli or Antpur, but the art of terra cotta carvings seems tohave flourished with the rise of the Rajas of Bishnupurand virtually died out withthe fading of their supremacy. Some of the earlier temples built by the BardhamanRaj have terra cotta carvings, possibly by artisans from Bankura district, but by thetime Rani Rashmoni decided to construct the Dakhinswar kali temple, in the mid-nineteenth century, the art of terra cotta carvings had obviously faded out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Terra
cotta Temples are the pride of Bishnupur, a small village in Bankura Districtof West Bengal. The Malla kings of the 16th-18th centuries constructed thesetemples, about 30 in all, in their devotion to Lord Krishna. This architecture
betrays influences of various ancient Indian styles as well as of Mughal andPersian designs. Ras-Manch, Shyamrai, Jor-Bangla, and Radha-Shyam are someof the most important of the Terracota Temples. The basic building material of
these temples is tiles made from the local red soil. The terracota tiles aredecorated with filigreed carvings that have Mughal, Persian or Indian lineage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Attraction
of Bakura bishnupur</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Malleshwar
Temple:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> Dedicated
to Lord Shiva, it is the oldest temple in Bishnupur.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Rasmancha:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> Built in the
late 16th century by King Bir Hambir, the temple has an unusual elongated
paramedical tower, surrounded by hut-shaped turrets. Idols were kept here for
public worship during Ras-utsav.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Pancha
Ratna Temple of Shyam Raya:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> Built in 1643 AD by King Raghunath Singha. The
walls are richly decorated with terracotta carvings featuring different aspects
of Lord Krishna’s life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Jorebangla
Temple of Keshta Raya:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> Built by King Raghunath Singha Dev II in 1655
AD, the ornate terracotta carvings are set off by the roof in the classic chala
style of typical Bengal architecture.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Madanmohan
Temple:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> King
Durjana Singh Deva built the temple in 1694 AD in the ekaratna style. It is a
square flat-roofed building with carved cornices, surmounted by a pinnacle.
Impressive carvings on the walls depict scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata
and the Puranas.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Kalachand
Temple:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> It
is of ekratna style and is on the bank of Lal-bandh.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Mukutmonipur: </span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Mukutmonipur is 55Km
away from Bakura (a 2 hours drive) District Head Quarters and is situated at
the confluence of river Kangsabati and Kumari. Green forests and hillocks
surround the vast bluish tract of water. The undulating terrain along the
southern edge of the Kangsabati Water Reservoir extends as a three-dimensional
necklace of green and terracotta color. Tourists flock here for its stunning
natural beauty.<br />
<b>Jhilimili: </b>Jhilimili is situated 70 Km away from Bakura Town. It is
a beautiful, undisturbed dense natural forest. The road from Ranibund to
Jhilimili offers a wonderful view of spectacular forests on varying heights on
both sides, finally reaching Jhilimili, which is mounted on the top of a
hillock.. The sparkle of micaceous soil adds to the beauty of the environment.<br />
<b>Susunia: </b>Susunia hill, 50 km from Bishnupur, is quite popular as a
trekking spot. It is also an important tourist spot for people who visit the
place to see "Dhara" (a natural spring) and Silialipi. Excavations
have revealed inscriptions dating back to the 4th century AD.<br />
<br />
Joyrambati, 44 km from Bishnupur, the birthplace of Sree Maa Sarada Devi, is a
holy town. The famous temple of Singha Bahani Devi is a special attraction.
Mayerepukur, in front of the residential house of Ma-Sarada is also a sight
worth visiting.<br />
<b>Sutan Forest: </b>Bakura is also popular for beautiful Tourist Spots
like Sutan, Near Ranibandh & Eco-Park, and Near Taldangra, covered with
dense forest, decorated with small lakes and thrilling with wild animals. <b>Biharinath
Hill:</b> Biharinath, situated in the extreme northwest area of the district,
57 km away from Bakura town, thought to be an ancient centre of Jainism. The
height of the hill is 448 m is the highest hill in Bakura. Biharinath is very
rich in flora and fauna.<br />
Hyena, Pangolin, Chameleon, Racaphorus, though few in number, are still found
here.<br />
The place is known for its natural beauty.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Ganga</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
fisherman community of rural Bengal prays to Ganga Devi in the month of
Chaitra. Through their prayers and dances, they appease the Goddess, so that she
bestows blessings on them throughout the year. According to great philosopher
Aristotle all source of great human<br />
world knowledge and wisdom has come from the banks of holy Ganges river of
India.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Ganga
Heritage Cruise West Bengal</span></u></b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
river Ganga passing through the state of West Bengal in India has been an
important trade route from time immemorial. It is through this route trade was
conducted with the early civilizations. Later when European colonial powers
came through this river they established trade posts along the river. One can
also find important places of pre colonial times also. The aim of the Ganga
Heritage Cruise, West Bengal is to discover these historical places along with
natural historical sites. The whole Ganga Heritage Cruise, West Bengal
stretches 260 km from Howrah to Murshidabad spanning seven districts with
picturesque rural Bengal. The cruise is conducted by a number of cruise
launches where staying and fooding facilities are well provided for.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
starting point is the town of Murshidabad the erstwhile capital of Bengal. The
town was founded by Nawab Murshid Quli Khan and its prosperity was its silk
center. With this silk trade came the European traders but after the Battle of
Plassey in 1757 the British founded the British colonial empire. One of the
important historical landmarks is Hazar Duari named after the thousand doors of
the palace though not all are real. It is now a museum displaying rare books,
military weapons, paintings, royal artifacts etc. Other places are Katra Mosque
housing the tomb of the founding Nawab, Jorebangla a four terra-cotta temple
complex and other historic places.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Next
place is Mayapur the birth place of Shri Chaitanya who started Vaishnavism five
centuries ago and Nabadwip where Shri Chaitanya propounded the Vaishnavism
philosophy in 1485.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Then
comes the town of Kalna with its famous 108 Shivlinga temples build by the
Maharaja of Burdwan in 1809. You can also visit the beautiful terracotta temple
of Pratapeswar temple built in 1849.Other important sites are Shyamsunder Bati,
Krishna Chandraji temple, Amli Briksha and Pancha Bimsati temple.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Next
comes the city of Chinsura the former Dutch trading post established in 1656.
Discover the Dutch colonial heritage. After that visiting the city of
Chandernagore, the erstwhile French settlement feels like being transported to
the 16th century with its beautiful esplanade by the river with chairs. One can
visit the house of Dupleix, the French Governor, the police headquarters and
the French Institute. And lastly the Ganga Heritage Cruise, West Bengal stops
at Belur the foundation of Ramkrishna Mission and a site for an equally
imposing temple.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Go
onboard the Ganga Heritage Cruise, West Bengal which takes you back in time and
discover each stages of cultural, historical heritage of Bengal in a
comfortable journey through the romantic river Ganga. An unforgettable
experience! An incredible amazing
Bengal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Climate
and geography of west Bengal</span></u></b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
eastern state of West Bengal experiences a tropical type of climate due to its
geographical location. The state has diversity in physiographic as it touches
the Himalayas in the north and is bordered by the Bay of Bengal in south. The
northern districts remain cold throughout the year and for that reason, the
hill stations are favored by the tourists especially during the summer months.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
climate of West Bengal is full of variation. The seasons in West Bengal can be
broadly categorized into summer, winter, autumn and rainy seasons. The summer
months in West Bengal span from mid of March to mid of June. During this time,
the average temperature is 38 degree to 45 degree.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
monsoon season in West Bengal is much awaited as the landscape turns lush green
after the monsoon showers. By the middle of June, monsoon approaches the state
and it is influenced by the winds blowing from Bay of Bengal. The autumn season
in West Bengal is welcomed with a number of festive occasions. From September
the festive mood commences and it is during this cool and pleasant climate, the
festival of Durga Puja is celebrated in West Bengal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">During
the winter season, the weather of West Bengal remains very pleasant. The state
experiences a mild cold climate while the temperature drops very low in the
hilly region of West Bengal. From about mid November, winter approaches West
Bengal and temperature rises not before the middle of February. The temperature
varies around 15 degree in these cold months.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
<b>Geography of West Bengal</b> is varied. The state of West Bengal is
situated in the eastern part of India. On the east lies Bangladesh. Sikkim and
Bhutan lie on the north of West Bengal. The state of Assam is situated on the
north east of West Bengal. Bihar and Jharkhand is situated on the western side
of the state. The geographical location of the state is 23 degree North
latitude and 88 degree East longitude.<br />
<br />
As per details from Census 2011, West Bengal has population of 9.13 Crore, an
increase from figure of 8.02 Crore in 2001 census. Total population of West
Bengal as per 2011 census is 91,347,736 of which male and female are 46,927,389
and 44,420,347 respectively. In 2001, total population was 80,176,197 in which
males were 41,465,985 while females were 38,710,212. he total area of West
Bengal is 88,752 sq<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
population density of West Bengal per square kilometer is 904. Sex Ratio in
West Bengal is 947 i.e. for each 1000 male, which is below national average of
940 as per census 2011. In 2001, the sex ratio of female was 934 per 1000 males
in West Bengal.. The population of West Bengal is predominated by the Bengali
population. But immigration from different states of India has enriched the
population diversity of West Bengal.<br />
<br />
The topography of the state also varies from region to region. The northern
part of West Bengal touches the Himalayan range. The topography of West Bengal
alters as the Indo-Gangetic plain begins. The Gangetic plain is rich in
alluvial soil and thus is very fertile. This kind of soil is suitable for
agriculture. Further south, the deltaic plain or the Sunderban region is a very
important spot for tourism in West Bengal.<br />
<br />
The climate of West Bengal is full of variation. The state experiences a tropical
type of climate. The seasons in West Bengal can be broadly categorized into
summer, rainy, autumn and winter seasons.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Demography</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">According
to the provisional results of 2011 national census, West Bengal is the fourth
most populous state in India with a population of 91,347,736 (7.55% of India's
population). Majority of the population comprises Bengali people. Marawaris,
Behari and Oriya minorities are scattered throughout the state. Communities of
Sherpa’s and ethnic Tibetans can be found in<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Darjeeling
Himalayan hill region .Darjeeling district has a large number of Gurkha people
of Nepalese origin. West Bengal is home to indigenous tribal Adivasis such as
Santhalis, Kol, Koch-Rajbonshi and Toto tribe There are a small number of
ethnic minorities primarily in the state capital, including Chinese, Tamils,
Gujarati, Anglo Indians, Armenians, punjabis,and parsis. India's sole chaina
town is in eastern Kolkata<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Religions
in West Bengal</span></u></b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Religion<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Percent<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Hindu<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">72.5%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Muslim<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">25.2%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Others<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">2.3%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
official language is Bengali and English. Nepali is the official language in
three subdivisions of. Darjeeling district .As of 2001, in descending order of
number of speakers, the languages of the state are: Bengali, Hindi, Santali,
Urdu Nepali, and .Oriya Languages such as Rajbangsi and Ho are used in some
parts of the state.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">As
of 2001, Hinduism is the principal religion at 72.5% of the total population,
while Muslims comprise 25.2% of the total population, being the second-largest
community as also the largest minority group; Sikhism Christianity and other
religions make up the remainder. The state contributes 7.8% of India's
population. The state's 2001–2011 decennial growth rates was 13.93%, lower than
1991–2001 growth rate of 17.8%, and also lower than the national rate of
17.64%. The gender ratio is 947 females per 1000 males. As of 2011, West Bengal
has a population density of 1,029 inhabitants per square kilometer (2,670 /sq
mi) making it the second-most densely populated state in India, after Bihar.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
literacy rate is 77.08%, higher than the national rate of 74.04%.Data of
1995–1999 showed the life expectancy in the state was 63.4 years, higher than
the national value of 61.7 years. About 72% of people live in rural areas. The
proportion of people living below the poverty line in 1999–2000 was 31.9%
Scheduled Castes and Tribes form 28.6% and 5.8% of the population respectively
in rural areas, and 19.9% and 1.5% respectively in urban areas. A study
conducted in three districts of West Bengal found that accessing private health
services to treat illness had a catastrophic impact on households. This
indicates the value of public provision of health services to mitigate against
poverty and the impact of illness on poor households.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
crime rate in the state in 2004 was 82.6 per 100,000, which was half of the
national average .This is the fourth-lowest crime rate among the 32 India.
However, the state reported the highest rate of Special and Local Laws (SLL)
crimes. In reported crimes against women, the state showed a crime rate of 7.1
compared to the national rate of 14.1. Some estimates state that there are more
than 60,000 brothel-based women and girls in prostitution in Kolkata. The
population of prostitutes in sonagachi constitutes mainly of a Nepalese,
Indians and BANGLADESHI. Some sources estimate there are 60,000 women in the
brothels of Kolkata. The largest prostitution area in city is SONAGACHI .West
Bengal was the first Indian state to constitute a Human Rights Commission of
its own<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Flora
and fauna</span></u></b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Flora
and Fauna of</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> West
Bengal is rich in flora and fauna and has diverse ecosystems because of its
varying terrain from the high altitudes to the sea level plains. Protected
forests cover 4% of the state area. There are 15 Wildlife Sanctuaries, 5 National
Parks and 2 Tiger Reserves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
Sunder ban, in south Bengal, is home to the famous Tiger Project – a
conservatory effort to save the Bengal tigers from extinction. It is an UNESCO
world heritage site. Another similar project exists in Buxa in north Bengal.
Wildlife includes the Indian one horned rhinoceros, Indian elephants, deer,
bison, leopards, gaur, crocodiles and others. The state is also rich in bird
life. Migratory birds come to the state during the winter months.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Conclusion</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">; <b><u>Bengali
culture and its excellence</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Historically
Bengal has a very rich cultural heritage. Bengal is, indeed, noted for its rich
culture in songs, music, drama, dances and language. Its indigenous style of
music, art, dance and drama is very rich. Bengali is one of the oldest languages
in the world. According to statistics, jointly with Spanish, Bengali is the
fourth largest language group in the world, only surpassed by Chinese, English
and Hindi It is the first of Indian languages to develop western style secular
fiction and drama. It originated from the Indo-Aryan family of languages in the
7th century, thus making it comparable to English, French and German. Bengali
language is much older than Hindi Urdu and even Portuguese, Spanish and many
other established modern languages.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">In
the middle ages, Bengali was already a well-established language with popular
poets like Bidyapati, Chandidas, Daulat Kazi and Alawol. It was during this
period of middle ages that the famous Indian epics Ramayana and Mahabharata
were translated in lyric forms from Sanskrit into Bengali by Krittibas and
Kashiram Das respectively. This period also saw a rich output of romantic
songs, poems and dance centering on the love of Radha and Krishna. These were
simply superb in their wording, rhythm and style.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">However,
things started changing rapidly about 200 years ago. With the emergence of some
great personalities like Iswar Chandra Vidyasagar (1820-91), Michael Madhusudan
Datta (1824-73) and Bankim Chatterjee (1838-94) Bengali language and literature
really got a new life. About one hundred and forty years ago came the famous
Bengali poet Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941) and then rebel Poet
Kazi Nazrul Islam appeared in 1899. These two great Bengali poets have actually
initiated a new era for Bengali language and culture. Tagore represented this
new era of cultural modernization; others followed him almost as disciples.
Palli Kabi Jasimuddin was also one of them. Tagore was urban, sophisticated and
universal; Nazrul exhibited his spirit of protest and opposition to all social
injustice, discrimination, oppression and exploitation while Jasimuddin vastly
remained rural and provincial in his approach. Their common bond was their
liberal outlook for secular Bengali culture.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Music,
songs, drama and dances are also part of rich Bengali culture and there are
three mainstreams of this Bengali Culture: folk, modern and classical. Folk
music mainly based is rural Bengal. It has been nurtured by the village
singers, musicians, actors and dancers. With sweet melodies, touching words of
love, tragedy and devotion, folk music is the most popular form of music in all
over Bengal. The best known forms of folk music are bhatiali, Baul, bhawaia,
jaari, marfati and murshidi. Lalan Fakir, Hasan Raja, Nirmalendu Chowdhury,
Abbasuddin Ahmed, Shachin Dev Burman, Purnadas Baul, Sadhan Bairagi and Abdul
Halim are some of the greatest names in Bengali folk music.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">On
the other hand, the pioneers of modern Bengali music were, indeed, the world
famous Nobel Laureate poet Rabindranath Tagore and the rebel poet Kazi Nazrul
Islam. Tagore initiated a blend of East and West and Nazrul experimented with
the synthesis of folk and Middle Eastern strains.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Bengal
also shares the rich tradition of classical music of the subcontinent. Indeed,
Bengal has produced many musicians and maestros of international repute like
Ustad Alauddin Khan, Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, Pandit Ajoy Chakrabarty and Pandit
Ravi Shankar who have successfully made sitar and sarode popular all over the
world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Before
I conclude let me describe a few words about the musical instruments which are
also playing vital roles to promote the rich Bengali culture and its
excellence. The typical Bengali folk musical instruments are Ektara (one
string), Dotara (two, but actually four strings), Ghungur, Khol, Mandira,
Behala (violin) and Banshi (flute) and the classical musical instruments are
Sitar, Sarode, Tanpura, Shenai, Eshraj, Pakhwaj, Tabla and Harmonium. Even now
a large number of people in the villages of Bangladesh, West Bengal and Tripura
regularly listen to the folk drama called Jatra and the age old melodic folk
songs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Bengali
Performing Arts' aim is to promote this rich Bengali cultural heritage and its
excellence by organizing cultural programs round the year throughout the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01022139079557847252noreply@blogger.com0Kolkata, West Bengal, India22.572646 88.36389522.338053499999997 88.048038 22.8072385 88.679752tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1446534558556192736.post-27324262883050112852012-09-06T10:25:00.003-07:002012-09-06T10:25:20.744-07:00Bengal and Bengali culture<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bengal and Bengali culture<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bengal is situated in northeast part region of Indian
subcontinent at the apex of Bay of Bengal. The majority of Bengal is
inhabited by Bengali people who speak<b> </b>Bengali language. Today,
it is mainly divided between the sovereign land of peoples Republic of
Bangladesh <u>(</u>previously<u> </u>East Bengal / East Pakistan) and
the state of west Bengal. The region of Bengal is one of the most densely
populated regions on earth, with a population density exceeding 900/km. Most of
the Bengal region lies in the low-lying Ganges–Brahmaputra River delta or
Ganges delta, the world's largest delta. In the southern part of the delta lies
the<u> </u>Sundarbon —the world's largest mangrove forest and home of
the<u> </u>Bengal Tiger,<u> </u>though the population of the region
is mostly rural and agrarian. Two mega cites, Kolkata<u> </u>(previously
Calcutta) and DHAKA<u> </u>(previously Dacca), are located in Bengal.
The Bengal region is renowned for its rich literary and cultural heritage as well
as its immense contribution to the socio-cultural uplift of Indian society in
the form of the<u> </u>Bengal Renaissance, and revolutionary
activities during the Independence movement. West Bengal also (proposed
new English name: Paschimbanga) is a state in the eastern region of India and
is the nation's fourth-most populous region. It is also the seventh-most
populous sub-national entity in the world, with over 91 million inhabitants
covering a total area of 34,267 sq mi (88,750 km2), which is bordered by the
countries of Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh, and the Indian states of Orissa,
Jharkhand, Bihar, Sikkim, and Assam. The state capital is Kolkata (formerly
Calcutta). West Bengal encompasses two broad natural regions: the Gangetic
Plain in the south and the sub-Himalayan and Himalayan area in the north.
Bengal was divided in 1947 on religious lines into two separate entities: West
Bengal – a state of India – and East Bengal, which initially joined the new
nation of Pakistan, before becoming part of modern-day Bangladesh in
1971.Bengal was divided on religious and language lines. Bengali language
movement has played a very important role for its separate entity which
catalyzed the assertion of Bengali national identity in East Bengal and later
East Pakistan, and became a forerunner to Bengali nationalist movements, and
subsequently the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971. In Bangladesh, 21 February
is observed as language movement day, a national holiday. The shaheed miner
monument was constructed near Dhaka Medical College in memory of the movement
and its victims.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The saliency of Twenty First February has made the historic
movement for establishing Bengali as one of the State languages of Pakistan
synonymous with the 1952 phase of the Bengali language movement. However, the
movement for making Bengali as one of the State languages of the then Pakistan
was known as Bangla vasha andolon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bangla vasha andolon.<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">That spirit of 21th February (ekushey) has not diminished.
Rather, the radiant spirit of the twenty first February has remained ingrained
in the core of our hearts and souls even after the elapse of almost half of a
century of the historic Bengali language movement. People from all walks of life
still come out in thousands in the early hours of February twenty first and
mournfully trod the streets of Dhaka, and throng the Central Shaheed Miner
(Marty s Monument) for offering their heartfelt tributes to the fallen language
martyrs. Before depicting the cultures of Bengal, we must go to the historical
roots. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bengali</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> <b>Renaissance</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Bengal Renaissance refers to a social reform movement during
the nineteenth and early twentieth century’s in the region of Bengal in
Undivided India during the period of British rule. The Bengal renaissance can
be said to have started with Raja Ram Mohan Roy (1775–1833) and ended with
Rabindranath Tagore (1861–1941), although there have been many stalwarts
thereafter embodying particular aspects of the unique intellectual and creative
output Nineteenth century Bengal was a unique blend of religious and social
reformers, scholars, literary giants, journalists, patriotic orators and
scientists, all merging to form the image of a renaissance, and marked the
transition from the 'medieval' to the 'modern Bengal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">During this period, Bengal witnessed an intellectual awakening
that is in some way similar to the European Renaissance during the 16th
century, although Europeans of that age were not confronted with the challenge
and influence of alien colonialism. This movement questioned existing
orthodoxies, particularly with respect to women, marriage, the dowry system,
the caste system and religion. One of the earliest social movements that
emerged during this time was the Young Bengal movement that espoused
rationalism and atheism as the common denominators of civil conduct among upper
caste educated Hindus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The parallel socio-religious movement, the Brahmo Samaj,
developed during this time period and counted many of the leaders of the Bengal
Renaissance among its followers In the earlier years the Brahmo Samaj, like the
rest of society, could not however, conceptualize, in that feudal-colonial era,
a free India as it was influenced by the European Enlightenment (and its
bearers in India, the British Raj) although it traced its intellectual roots to
the Upanishads. Their version of Hinduism, or rather Universal Religion,
although devoid of practices like sati and polygamy that had crept into the
social aspects of Hindu life, was ultimately a rigid impersonal monotheistic
faith, which actually was quite distinct from the pluralistic and multifaceted
nature of the way the Hindu religion was practiced. Future leaders like Keshub
Chunder Sen were as much devotees of Christ, as they were of Brahma, Krishna or
the Buddha. It has been argued by some scholars that the Brahmo Samaj movement
never gained the support of the masses and remained restricted to the elite,
although Hindu society has accepted most of the social reform programs of the
Brahmo Samaj. It must also be acknowledged that many of the later Brahmas were
also leaders of the freedom movement.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The renaissance period after the Indian Rebellion of 1857 saw a
magnificent outburst of Bengali literature. While Ram Mohan Roy and Iswar Chandra
Vidyasagar were the pioneers, others like Bankim Chandra Chatterjee widened it
and built upon it .The first significant nationalist detour to the Bengal
Renaissance was given by the brilliant writings of Bankim Chandra Chatterjee.
Later writers of the period who introduced broad discussion of social problems
and more colloquial forms of Bengali into mainstream literature included the
great Saratchandra Chatterjee.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Tagore family, including Rabindranath Tagore, were leaders
of this period and had a particular interest in educational reform however
their contribution to the Bengal Renaissance was multi-faceted. Indeed,
Tagore's 1901 Bengali novella, Nastanirh was written as a critique of men who
professed to follow the ideals of the Renaissance, but failed to do so within
their own families. In many ways Rabindranath Tagore's writings (especially
poems and songs) can be seen as imbued with the spirit of the Upanishads. His
works repeatedly allude to Upanishadic ideas regarding soul, liberation, transmigration
and—perhaps most essentially—about a spirit that imbues all creation not unlike
the Upanishadic Brahman. Tagore's English translation of a set of poems titled
the Gitanjali won him the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1913. He was the first
Asian to win this award. That was the only example at the time but the
contribution of the Tagore family is enormous. The Bengal Renaissance saw the
emergence of pioneering Bengali scientists such as Jagadish Chandra Bose,
Satyendra Nath Bose, Upendranath Brahmachari and Meghnad Saha.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Etymology of Bengal/Bengali</span></u></b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The exact origin of the word Bangla or Bengal is unknown, though
it is believed to be derived from the Dravidian-speaking tribe Bang that
settled in the area around the year 1000 BC<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Vanga (Greater Bengal) was a kingdom during the times of
Mahabharata.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Other accounts speculate that the name is derived from Banga
which came from the Austric word "Bonga" meaning the Sun-god. The
word Banga and other words speculated to refer to Bengal (such as Anga) found
in ancient Indian texts including the Vedas, Jaina texts, the Mahabharata and
Puranas. The earliest reference to "Bangala" has been traced in the
Nesari plates (805 AD) of Rashtrakuta Govinda III which speak of Dharmapala as
the king of Vangala<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Some accounts claim that the word may derive from bhang, a
preparation of cannabis which is used in some religious ceremonies in Bengal.
Dravidians migrated to Bengal from the south, while Tibeto-Burman peoples
migrated from the Himalayas followed by the Indo-Aryans from north-western
India. The modern Bengali people are a blend of these people. Smaller numbers
of Pathans, Persians, Arabs and Turks also migrated to the region in the late
middle Ages while spreading Islam.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The age and history
of Bengal and Bengali culture is near about 1000 years old. Since the end of
Magadha Empire the Bengal religious-socio-cultural ceremonies held great
importance’s among the Bengalis. Ceremonies play the symbolic role of every
tradition handed over to the decedent’s generation after generation. Some
important ceremonies of Bengal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Annaprashan</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> is a social ritual among the Hindus, an
occasion when the baby breaks its baby food pattern to welcome home made food.
It is as well as a social introduction of the new member.'Annaprashan' is a
social ritual among the Hindus, an occasion when the baby breaks its baby food
pattern to welcome home-made food. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">It is as well as a
social introduction of the new member of the family in the community. Annaprashan
literally means feeding the baby rice for the first time. "Anna"
means food, especially rice while "prashan" means to feed.
Annaprashan gathers the importance of a religious ceremony. Arranged for the
Hindu child generally before teething, this ritual is separate for both boys
and girls.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Upanayana</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> is a Vedic ritual of Hinduism. It is an
important religious ritual in our society. Upanayana is performed only for
Brahmin boys. According to Vedic culture it is a second birth for
them..Upanayana is a Vedic ritual of Hinduism. It is an important religious
ritual in our society. Upanayana is performed only for Brahmin boys. According
to Vedic culture it is a second birth for them. Upanayana marks the beginning
of Bramhacharya.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Marriages</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> are made in heaven, goes the proverb. Two
people start of a new journey towards future, hand in hand, sharing at each
step new outlooks, responsibilities and love. Marriage is an auspicious
occasion among us. Arranged marriage is still a common <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bengali marriages are
a mixture of pure custom, tradition and religious beliefs. It is an occasion
where the entire family gather, take part in the typical Bengali ‘Adda’, regale
in fanfare and remain busy in making the necessary arrangements for the
invitees. Bengali culture must be searched and seen from the aspect of
festivals, literature, drama, music/dance, cousins, dress.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Literature</span></u></b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Bengali language boasts a rich literary heritage, shared
with neighboring Bangladesh. West Bengal has a long tradition in folk
literature, evidenced by the Charyapada, Mangalkavya, Shreekrishna Kirtana,
Thakurmar Jhuli, and stories related to Gopal Bhar. In the nineteenth and
twentieth century, Bengali literature was modernized in the works of authors
such as Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, Michael Madhusudan Dutt, Rabindranath
Tagore, Kazi Nazrul Islam, and Sharat Chandra Chattopadhyay. Coupled with
social reforms led by Ram Mohan Roy, Swami Vivekananda, and others, this
constituted a major part of the Bengal Renaissance The middle and latter parts of
the 20th century witnessed the arrival of post-modernism, as well as literary
movements such as those espoused by the Kallol movement, hungry lists and the
little magazines Jibanananda Das, Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay, Tarashankar
Bandopadhyay, Manik Bandopadhyay, Ashapurna Devi, Shirshendu Mukhopadhyay,
Buddhadeb Guha, Mahashweta Devi, Samaresh Majumdar, Sanjeev Chattopadhyay and
Sunil Gangopadhyay among others are well-known writers of the 20th century.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Theater and films</span></u></b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Among
other types of theater, West Bengal has a tradition of folk drama known as
jatra Kolkata is the home of the Bengali cinema industry, dubbed
"Toll wood" for Tollygong, where most of the state's film studios are
located. its long tradition of </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Art_film"><span style="color: #5d7d9d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">art films</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> includes globally acclaimed film directors such
as academy award -winning director Satyajit Roy, Ritwik ghatak, Mrinal
sen, tapan sinha, and contemporary directors such as </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aparna_Sen"><span style="color: #5d7d9d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Aparna</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> Sen, Buddhadeb Dasgupta, and Rituparna ghosh.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Cuisine<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">West Bengal shares its distinctive culinary tradition with
neighboring Bangladesh, and also borrows from other Indian states. Boiled rice
constitutes the staple food, and is served with a variety of vegetables, fried
as well with curry, thick lentil soups, and fish and meat preparations of
mutton and chicken, and more rarely pork and beef by certain groups. Sweetmeats
are mostly milk based, and consist of several delights including roshgulla,
sandesh, rasamalai, gulap jamun, kalo jamun, and chom-chom. Several other sweet
preparations are also available. Bengali cuisine is rich and varied with the
use of many specialized spices and flavors. Fish is the dominant source of
protein, cultivated in ponds and fished with nets in the fresh-water Rivers of
the Ganges delta. More than 40 types of mostly freshwater fish are common,
including carp, varieties like rui (rohu), katla, magur (catfish), chingŗi
(prawn or shrimp), as well as shuţki (dried sea fish) are popular. Salt water
fish (not sea fish though) and Ilish (hilsa ilisha) is very popular among
Bengalis, can be called an icon of Bengali cuisine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">DRESS</span></u></b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bengali women traditionally wear the sari, the shalwar kameez
and Western attire is gaining acceptance among younger women. Western-style
dress has greater acceptance among men, although the traditional dhoti and
kurta of men are seen during festivals. Like any other metropolis, Kolkata also
has an eclectic mix of western wears with a tinge of ethnic wears. People are
found dressed in jeans along with kurtas, or sari along with an overcoat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Festivals of West Bengal<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">West Bengal is a land
of festivals. There is a popular saying in Bengali ‘‘Baro Mase Tero Parban’: it
literally means thirteen festivals in twelve months. Almost all festivals of
all religions are celebrated here with equal religious sentiment and fervor.
The people of West Bengal strive hard to maintain the tradition and culture of
its land in the festivals they celebrate. A great number of fairs are also
organized. The most popular festival celebrated in West Bengal is Durga Puja
where all the people come out in the streets and celebrate this four day
festival. Other festivals celebrated in West Bengal are Kaali Puja, Basant
Panchami, Dushera, Bahi Dooj, Holi, Mahavir Jayanti, Buddha Jayanti, Rathyatra
and Christmas. Other events which have almost taken the form of festivals are
Rabindra Jayanti (birthday of Rabindranath Tagore), Birthday of Sri Ramakrishna
Paramahamsa and Birthday of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">List of Festivals in West Bengal:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Holi<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Birthday of Sri
Ramakrishna Paramahamsa<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Birthday of Netaji
Subhas Chandra Bose<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Rakhi<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Christmas<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bera Utsav<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Kolkata Festival<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">IST may<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Folk culture of Bengal</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">West Bengal</span></u></b><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bengal, a land of fecundity and prosperity embraces all within
her fold. The varied hues of her rich culture color her songs, music and
literature. The numerous tribes and ethnic groups of Bengal have their own
distinctive folk arts, as varied and beautiful as the tribes themselves.
Bengal’s repertoire of folk songs with its lyrical appeal and richness, its
thematic diversity and range is a reflection of rural Bengals creativity and
imagination. As a traditional art form, folk dances of Bengal have gained immense
popularity and recognition over the years. The dances contain themes that range
from ritualistic to satirical and from allegorical to social. They involve
prayers, offerings, celebrations and odes. Usually performed during festive
seasons, or to mark a happy occasion, these dances ingrained in folk culture,
reflect local faith, tradition and custom. These dances encompass a broad
spectrum, from invoking the rain Gods for a good harvest to depicting
mythological events. In fact, some religious festivals are celebrated through
songs and dances that characterize devotion, prayer and worship. The dance
forms that have evolved from the martial arts depict events from the great
Indian epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. These vocal musical dances are
performed round the year on various occasions, at fairs and festivals and
religious conglomerations.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Some of the well known folk songs and dance of west Bengal
include:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Baul</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bengal, during the post medieval period, was a divided and
closed society. Ruled by religious strictures, Hindus and Muslims led
cloistered lives, against which grew a protest that took on the character of a
cult. The community of protesters could be identified by the robes they wore (a
long saffron-colored cloak called the alkhalla with a turban of the same
color), the one-stringed instrument or Ektara they always carried and the bells
they tied to their perpetually dancing feet. Sometimes the alkhalla would be
made of different pieces of cloth patched together. They were the Bauls, the creators
of a phenomenal music tradition that has survived and grown despite the ravages
of time. Apart from the expected bamboo flute, they developed a variety of
musical instruments like the Premjuri and Dotara, the Khamak and Goopi Jantro,
the Kartal and Dubki among others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Bauls are free wanderers. They are detached from the bondage
of society and family. They move from place to place, making a meager living
from the alms given to them by those who can plumb the profound depths of their
frugality. The Bauls belong to a sect with a distinctive mystic ideology of
their own and their songs spread the message of peace and universal
brotherhood. The word ‘Baul’ means mad, the madness that comes out of an
overwhelming love for the Infinite Self. The singers describe the transience of
mundane existence and the simple means to spiritual upliftment, though the root
of their philosophical theory rests in a deeper complex psychological
consciousness. Bauls are basically philanthropists, though sometimes satire from
day to day life finds a place in their songs. The Bauls have played a major
role in India’s freedom struggle when they moved from village to village in
rural Bengal with their songs stirring up a feeling of nationalism and pride in
our motherland among the illiterate village folk.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Both men and women (Bauls and Baulanis) are a part of this great
music tradition. For a long time, the Baulanis performed with the Bauls and
they did not have any separate identity. But in recent years Baulanis have
carved out their own foothold. The music of the Bauls had a significant
influence on Rabindranath Tagore. Today the Bauls’ songs can be heard in many
districts of West Bengal as their footsteps dot the muddy village lanes of
Bankura, Birbhum, Burddhaman, Nadia, Dinajpur and Murshidabad. Baul Sangeet has
always held a special place. It is basically a folk dialect of Bengali music
and highly spiritual in nature, but far away from religious dilution. This form
of music was developed by a group of mystic minstrels from Bengal who are
considered to be a syncretism group with music in their blood. In 2005 they
were declared as the 'Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of
Humanity' by UNESCO. Joydeb kenduli annual fair is considered to be the biggest
fair of Bauls at Birbhum district of west Bengal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Purulia Chhou dance</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Chhau dance of Purulia district is one of the most vibrant
and colorful art forms. Emerging from martial practice, the Purulia Chhau is a
vigorous form of dance drama that draws its themes from the two great Indian
epics, The Ramayana and The Mahabharata.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Masks and elaborate headgear are the ornamental apparels of the
Chhau dancers. The dance is believed to date back to over a century, though the
specific date of its origin cannot be definitely ascertained. The dance was
patronized by the royalty and landlords of the region. Since its inception, the
members of the Mahato, Kurmi, Bhumija, Deowa, Bhuama and Dom communities have
sustained this dance form. The dance is an essential part of the Gajan Festival,
a festival that celebrates the glories of Lord Shiva. Today, the dance is no
longer restricted to one particular time of the year. The Purulia Chhau dance
has been influenced by many dances of the district, like the Nata Jawaid Dance,
the Mahi Dance and the Nachni Dance. Even two relatively sophisticated dance
forms like the Jhumur and Bhadra Jhumur have influenced the Chhau Dance in its
tune and rhythm. The accompanying musical instruments include the Dhol, Dhamsa
and Shenai.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The dance commences with an invocation to Lord Ganesh. Then the
movements follow the nuances of the story. In a Chhau Dance the fight between
good and evil always culminates in the triumph of good over destructive evil.
The elaborate masks, the dazzling costumes, the rhythmic drum beatings and
shenai, characterize the Chhau Dance. A distinctive feature of this dance is
the acrobatic use of the body and the intricately crafted masks worn by the
dancers. Powerful movements, immense concentration and release of energy are
the other features of this dance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">In the villages the performance usually starts between 9.00 and
10.00 o’clock in the evening. As the night grows and the dance gains momentum,
there is an air of excitement all around. Communication between the performers
and the audience is a significant feature of this dance form. In the olden
days, the performance area used to be illuminated by torches that burnt
throughout the night. Over the years the dance has undergone evolutions in
form, stage craft, lighting and use of musical instruments.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The masks help the dancers to portray different characters.
There are masks depicting particular Gods and Goddesses, demons and monsters.
There are also interesting masks for different animals like the lion, tiger,
bear, monkey and so on. These finely-crafted masks are made by the painter
artistes of the district. With the face covered by a mask, it is left to the
dancers to emote using their bodies. Movements and postures therefore serve
both to portray emotions and make the dance lively.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">One of the most popular presentations of the Purulia Chhau Dance
is Mahisasur Mardini. Oppressed by the tyranny of the Mahisasura, the Gods pray
to Goddess Adyashakti Mahamaya who takes the form of Goddess Durga, Durga
tinashini and after a fierce battle with Asura, finally slays him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Santhali Dance</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Santhalis are an integral part of the folklore of Bengal.
The Santhali dance form is seen in the districts of Birbhum, Bakura, Malda and
Burddhaman. The Santhalis are born dancers. Dance is an integral part of all
festivities of the Santhali community. Musical accompaniment is provided by
instruments like the Madol, Flute, Dhamsa, Jhanj, Kartal and occasionally the
Shenai. The songs are typically based on Taal Madol Chhanda. Dances are usually
performed on a full moon night and are connected with the celebration of
certain rituals. A notable feature of the Santhali dances is the unison in
movement. The dancers stand in a line holding hands and move to the rhythm of
the madol. Usually the women take part in the dance and the men provide the
musical accompaniment. This is reflected in the words of a song, which
accompany the Dang Dance, a dance performed as a part of marriage rituals. The
boys carry two types of drums, the Madal and the Lagra. They sing to the girls
telling them: “Though the drums are heavy, we carry them around dancing all the
time”. The girls reply, “As we hear the beat of drums, we cannot stand still.
We lift our feet and begin to dance”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Simplicity of theme and language is what makes the Santhali
dances so endearing. Nowadays, Santhali men also take part in the dances, most
of which are seasonal and reflect the ritualistic life of the Santhali
community. Each dance form has its own distinctive rhythm and dance style. Some
of the popular dances include the Sohrai, which is a harvest dance, inviting
all the village folk to come out of their homes and join in the festivities,
and the Dasai, a dance performed just before the Durga Puja, when the Santhali
men go out to the neighboring villages, where they sing and dance to collect
donations of rice and alms.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Santhali dance reflects the beauty of rural Bengal and adds
color to the palette of the folk culture of the state.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Mundari dance</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The members of the Mundari community perform these dances on
different festive occasions, most of which are related to agriculture. The main
festival of the Mundari community is the Karam Puja. The dances of the Santhali
and Mundari communities are very close in style and form. The musical instruments
used by the two communities are also common.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Gambhira</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Gambhira, a popular annual festival of Malda District comprises
songs and dances closely related to agriculture and mythology. Performances
depict on one hand, the success, failure or annual production of crops, and on
the other tell stories about mythological figures. Depending on the theme,
dancers perform solo, duets or in groups, stepping in tune with the beat of
dhaks. Colorful masks representing Gods and Goddesses like Kalika, Chamunda, Rama,
Hanuman, Shiva and even animals and birds, make the performances both charming
and entertaining, while retaining the authenticity of this primitive dance
form.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The word Gambhira means ‘Devalaya’ or House of God. This
festival is very closely associated with Shiva Puja. In the different rituals
associated with Gambhira Puja we find an amalgamation of different religious
thoughts like Shaivism, Vaishnavism, Buddhism and Shaktiism. In Malda district,
where this festival is immensely popular, Shiva is also known as Gambhir, and
hence the festival associated with Shiv Puja is known as Gambhira. The Bengal
Drum or Dhak and the Gong or Kanshi are main musical instruments accompanying
this dance. Dancers tune their steps to the different beats of the Dhak, the intricate
patterns of their dance blending into the pulsating rhythm of festivity and
celebration. Over the years, poverty and social changes are forcing this dance,
which was once synonymous with grandeur, into oblivion. The Gambhira festival
begins with Agamani songs. The second day of the festival is called the Choto
Tamasha and the third day the Boro Tamasha. These days are devoted to Shiva and
Gouri Puja. Other popular dances of the Gambhira tradition include the Baan
Nritya (Arrow Dance) Bak Nritya (Stork Dance) Tapa Nritya (a dance performed by
the fishermen and fisherwomen using a special kind of bamboo basket known as
the Tapa which is used for catching the fish) and Kali Nritya (the dance of
Goddess Kalika).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Gajan</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Gajan is a very popular festival in some parts of Bengal. Gajan
songs are sung in praise of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati in the Bengali month
of Chaitra. Singing and dancing is an integral part of this celebration. The
dance is performed with great devotion and austerity. The dancers sometimes
dress up as Hara Parvati and move around the village, dancing to the
accompaniment of the Dhol, Kanshi and Flute. In Malda and Murshidabad, the
celebration is known as Bolan. The dancers undergo penance with a view to
attaining salvation and becoming free of worldly sufferings. This celebration
is observed during the latter part of the month of Chaitra. Being a festival of
austerity, the dancers often fast before a performance. The performance of this
Puja involves some harrowing rituals and is usually performed by the lower
castes. The involvement of the upper castes is limited to bowing down before
the lower castes for just this one time in the year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Durga Puja Dhak</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Utsav is synonymous with Durga Puja. The Bengali waits all year
round for the arrival of Devi Ma. It is a time for celebration and festivity,
and it is the sound of the Bengali Drum or the Dhak that joyously announces her
eagerly awaited arrival. It is the sound of the Dhak that captures the many
moods of the Devi, frenzied, calm, plaintive and nostalgic, and it is the sound
of the Dhak that also tells us it is time for her to return to her heavenly
abode. Every beat of the dhak is different and each of them holds a special
place in every Bengalis heart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Dhol Badan</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Dhol (a variation of the Bengali Drum) is an indispensable
musical instrument of the different festivals of Bengal. The musicians dance
and play the Dhol simultaneously.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bratachari – Raibense</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Raibense dance which is performed by a group of male dancers
is a part of the repertoire of the ‘Bratachari’ tradition of West Bengal. The
Raibense dance of ancient Bengal is a significant and authentic reminder that
the Bengalis were once renowned for their military prowess. The dance belongs
to a living tradition of the war dances of ancient Bengal. Rai means royal,
kingly and bansh or bansha means bamboo. This was used by the infantry soldiers
in the middle ages. This vigorous dance form includes mock fighting and
acrobatics. It speaks volumes about the valor of the people of ancient Bengal.
The Dhol and Kanshi are the main instruments used. The strident rhythmic notes
of the Dhol and the clanging of the Kanshi generate courage and daring in the
hearts of the dancers. No songs are sung or verses recited during this martial
dance. Instead, vigorous yells mark the various sectional movements. The
simplest costume, a dhoti (which is the traditional dress of Bengali men) is
worn with a strip of red cloth signifying spirit and valor. Shri Gursasaday
Dutt, ICS, was responsible was resurrecting this ancient group dance and
modifying it to its present form.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Bagdi, Bauri and Dom communities of Burddhaman, Birbhum
& Murshidabad districts, perform the dance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Stick Dance or Laghur Nritya<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Stick Dance or Laghur Nritya is another interesting martial
folk art form of West Bengal. The stick, which has from time immemorial been
used as a weapon of self-defense, is used in this dance. The long sticks not
only keep the beat of the dance, but are also used for the acrobatic feats,
which are an integral part of this dance form.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Ranapa Dance<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Ranapa is another martial form of dance, where the artistes
walk and dance on stilts. As the dancers display mock fights, they exhibit
their skills of balancing on stilts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Dhali & Paika Nritya<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">These two dances are heroic war dances and are performed by a
group of dancers. The dances are evocative of the valor and prowess of the
people who took part in the wars.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Dhali Dance, as the name implies, is the Shield Dance. It
was the war dance of the Dhali (Shield man) troupes in the armies of the
ancient potentates of Bengal. In the Dhali Dance, the spectacular movements are
formal and are more in the nature of athletic exercises. It is a dance of high
aesthetic value by virtue of its intricate maneuvers and ordered formations.
Being a war dance, it is not accompanied by any songs. This dance form
originated and flowered during the reign of Raja Pratapaditya of Jossore. After
winning a battle, the fatigued and exhausted solders starting dancing with
swords and shields in the cantonment to inspire them for the next war. It is
believed that Raja Pratapaditya maintained an army of highly skilled Dhali
soldiers. Over the years, the dance form has been modified extending to women
dancers as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Natua Dance</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Natua,</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> an ancient dance form, features in the Shiv Puranas. The
word Natua may have been derived from the name of Lord Nataraj. It is believed
that Nandi and Vringi, the associates of Lord Shiva were the first to perform
this dance during the time of Shiva’s marriage with Durga. This highly
acrobatic dance form involves many tricks with fire and is usually accompanied
by the beats of a Jai Dhak, the instrument which is said to have been created
by Lord Shiva. The dance is performed during the Charak Puja and occasionally
during marriages.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Kirtan Dance songs<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Kirtan music is the most widely practiced folk music (vocal
and dance) form of Bengal. The democratic nature of the dance, which unites
people of the whole village, irrespective of their caste or social standing is
its most striking feature. The dance is performed to the accompaniment of the
Dhol and Mridanga. The great spiritual leader, Shri Chaitanya Dev gave the
dance a national character.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Rabha Dances</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The women of the Rabha Community perform the Rabha Dances,
popular in the Northern part of Bengal. The men provide the musical
accompaniment, playing the Barangshi (a bamboo flute), Hem (a drum with two
faces), Dandi & Barding, (idiophones made from bamboo) and Karnal (a rare
tribal instrument made of bamboo and buffalo horn). The Rabha women have
different dances for different occasions, like the “Fai Nang Ning Mein” or
Welcome Dance, the “Braisar Pridan” or New Year’s Dance and “Larai Lunge” or
War Dance. The dancers depict the daily life of the community and embody the
merriment that enlivens all their festivals.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Chaibari Nritya</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Chaibari Nritya, as the name suggests, is a dance mastered
by the tea garden workers of Northern Bengal. The dancers, with their intricate
costumes and jewelers make for a picture perfect sight in the breathtaking
backdrop of the verdant tea gardens. The melodious music adds to the charm and
beauty of the dance..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Domphu Nritya</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Domphu is a musical instrument used by the Nepali community
settled in North Bengal. The Domphu Nritya takes its name from this traditional
instrument. The dances give expression to the joys, hopes and aspirations of
the community through this colorful folk dance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Kukri Nritya</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The<b>Kukri Nritya<u>,</u></b> also from North Bengal, is
performed by the girls of the community, as they ceremoniously hand over their
traditional weapon, the Kukri, to their brothers, before they set off for the
war.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Mech Dance</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Mech Dance is another popular dance form of North Bengal,
the land of forests, mountains and turbulent rivers. In this dance form, which
originated in Jalpaiguri district, we see and feel the inner rhythm which
pervades the simple life of the tribal people living in harmony with nature. There
are several variations of the Mech Dance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bagroomba is performed by the Mech women at spring festivals, the
colorful costumes used by the dancers are evocative of butterflies.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Chal Jhumgre Gele Nai is a war dance which is rhythmic and
martial in character.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">In the Mesa Glang Nai dance, performed by the Mech women, the
youth of the community is exhorted to be industrious and hardworking. The young
members of the community are reminded that they must always retain the purity
of their minds and bodies. This dance is performed as the women pluck flowers
for the ‘Kherai Puja’. They carry small bowls in their hand to collect the
flowers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Rajbanshi Dance</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Rajbanshi is one of the many tribes of North Bengal. The
lives of the people belonging to the Rajbanshi tribe revolve around the Teesta
River, which they worship as a Goddess. The Teesta flows down the snow-capped
peaks of Darjeeling, through the dense forests of Jalpaiguri. It then charts a
turbulent course through the lush scenery of Coochbehar, finally meeting the
Brahmaputra River in Bangladesh. This graceful dance is performed to invoke the
blessings of the River Goddess. The Dhol, Kanshi, Kartal and Mukhabanshi are
the instruments that accompany this invocatory dance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Jhumur Dance</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Jhumur songs and dance is one of the liveliest musical forms
of Purulia district of west Bengal, this is an elaborate dance, choreographed
and performed by professional artistes. Here lies its essential difference with
forms like the Santhali Dance. The dance is performed by girls while the boys
play the Dhol and Madol. This entertaining dance is performed on stage and
during road shows. Heavy make-up and ornate jewelers form part of the costume
of the Jhumur dancers. This secular dance form is accompanied by fast-paced and
cheerful Jhumur songs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The sensuous Nachni is an offshoot of the Jhumur Dance,
depicting the love of Radha (Nachni) and Krishna (Rasik).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bhadu</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">As the rains pour down on the red earth of Bengal, voices rise
in praise of Bhadreswari Ma, invoking her blessings for a good harvest.
Originating from the districts of Bakura, Purulia, West Burddhaman and Birbhum,
the Bhadu Dance is performed mainly during the Monsoon. The dance draws its
name from the Bengali month of Bhadra, when the monsoon showers drench the
earth. During the festival, Bhadreswari or Bhadu (goddess of crops) is invoked
by the villagers, seeking her blessings for an abundant harvest. The women of
the community, both married and unmarried perform the Bhadu Dance. The
unmarried girls pray for a loving husband while the married women pray to
Mother Earth to be blessed with children.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Bhadu festival is also celebrated in Chota Nagpur, where it
is known as ‘Karam Parab’.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Tushu</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">When we think of harvest songs in Bengali folk culture, we think
of Tushu. Tushu songs, originating from the districts of Bakura, Purulia &
Midnapore have similar features. The daily lives and relationships of the
villagers form the theme of this genre of songs. Family rows between rival
co-wives and between wives and their sisters-in-law find a place in Tushu
songs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Tushu songs being associated with harvesting always refer to the
householder’s wealth – ‘ghee of 32 cows’, ‘rice of fine paddy’, ‘pots of ghee
and gur’ are some of the expressions used. The villagers pray to the Folk
Goddess Tushu for prosperity. They ask for the Goddess’s blessings so that
their homes and the homes of their sons may overflow with wealth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Dhamail</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Dhamail is a folk dance performed by the married women of rural
Bengal. The women arrange themselves in a circle, around a certain object of
prayer, clapping to the beats of the song. While praying to the Sun God, a lit
diya, symbolizing the sun, is kept at the centre. The clapping brings a
rhythmic element into the otherwise slow-paced dance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Nabanna</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Nabanna is a ritualistic dance performed after the autumn harvest.
It is part of a religious ceremony associated with cultivation and harvesting.
The dance is an expression of the happiness of the farmers’ families after a
successful harvest. A special religious ceremony is held on the day the new
rice is eaten.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Noila Broto</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Farming is an integral part of the lives of villagers in rural
Bengal. After a day’s toil, the villagers often sing and dance as a welcome
break from their daily routine of labor and hard work. In most parts of rural
India, agriculture is still dependant on the rains. Noila Broto is a
traditional ode to the Rain Goddess, “Megh Kanya”. This prayer dance, involving
rituals and offerings, celebrates the arrival of the first monsoon clouds. The
farmers and their wives pray for a good monsoon that will bring forth an
abundant harvest of crop, ushering in prosperity and happiness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Baromashya</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Bengali community is known for the warm hospitality it
extends to visitors. When a guest arrives unannounced at a Bengali home, he is
greeted warmly and made to feel welcome, while the host makes every effort to
ensure a comfortable stay. The Baromashya songs and dances describe this
endearing quality of the simple folk of rural Bengal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bou Nritya</span></i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">This is a part of the traditional Badhubaran ceremony of
Srihatta. Bou Nritya enacts the custom of asking a new bride to dance; a
process of helping her shed her inhibitions. The dancers wear ornaments typical
of this region and drape the sari in a different way. The distinguishing
feature of this dance is that the dancers never lift their feet off the ground
during the entire performance. Through this dance of initiation, the new bride
is welcomed into her new family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Ganga Baidya</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Ganga Baidya is a dance of the snake charmers or Bedes of
Bengal. The dance gives expression to the daily lives, customs, hopes and
aspirations as well as the pains and tribulations of this sect of people of
rural Bengal. The Bedes were a nomadic tribe who moved from place to place,
earning their living by singing their songs and displaying acrobatic tricks –
with fire, knives, sticks and ropes. These worshippers of Ma Manasha use snakes
for a variety of tricks. Through their songs and dances, the fearless Bedes
sold snake venom and talismans to the villagers, promising them that these
would keep evil away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Lathi Dance</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">This is another notable form of folk dance which has a different
art of expression. This dance is performed to express different situations of
human life like remorse, celebration, anger, pain or love. The dance is
performed in the first ten days of the Muslim festival of Muharram.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Music of West Bengal</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The richness of Bengali culture also reflects in the music that
expresses the feeling of love, sadness, anxiety, motivation, devotion or
spirituality. The music of West Bengal also refers as Bangla Sangeet. Some of
the popular Music of Bengal are:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Classical Bangla Music</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The classical music of West Bengal is highly inspired by the
other forms of Indian classical music. The influence of Karnataka music has
significant influence on the classical music of Bengal. Like other classical
forms of music of this place also based on the musical modes called ‘Ragas’.
Themes of classical music have its root in Jaydev's Gitagovindam,
Rabindra-Sangeet, Shyama-Sangeet, Mangalgiti and Padavali kirtan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Rabindra Sangeet</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">This is one of the most popular kinds of Bangla music which was
created by the great poet and the Noble Laureate Rabindranath Tagore. These
songs are regarded as cultural treasures of Bengal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Artists/painters of West Bengal</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The <b>Bengal School of Art</b> commonly referred
as <b>Bengal School</b> was an influential art movement and a style
of painting that originated in Bengal, primarily Kolkata and Shantiniketan, and
flourished throughout India during the British Raj in the early 20th century.
Also known as 'Indian style of painting' in its early days, it was associated
with Indian nationalism (swadeshi) and led by Abanindranath Tagore (1871-1951),
but was also promoted and supported by British arts administrators like E.B
Havell the principal of the Government Collage of arts Kolkata from 1896;
eventually it led to the development of the modern Indian painting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">However Bengal continues to produce some of the best artists of
modern India. Among them the best known artists of present day Bengal are
Ganesh Pyne, Manishi Dey, Nirmal Dutta, Nilima Dutta, Jahar Dasgupta, Bikash
Bhattacharya Sudip Roy, Devajyoti Ray and Paresh Maiti<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Architecture of Bengal</span></u></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Bengal region, which includes the Republic of Bangladesh and
the Indian state of West Bengal, has many architectural relics and
monuments/temples dating back thousands of years.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bengal, a land of natural and cultural heritage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Temples of</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> <b>West Bengal an amazing
architectures;</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">1 <b>Bakranath Temple at Bakreswar</b> near Siuri in
West Bengal: Built in the Oriyan style, the large temple is the most important
of the several shrines in Bakreswar. Hot springs are another feature of
interest in this town.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">2 <b>Balrampur Jain Temple at Balrampur</b> near
Purulia in West Bengal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">3 <b>Bansuli Temple at Nannur</b> near Bolpur in West
Bengal: The temple site is like a mound, and the lowest level dates back to the
Gupta period.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">4 <b>Barakar Temples at Barakar</b> near Asansol in
West Bengal: Four stone temples in the North Indian Rekha style built in the
8th through the 15th century.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">5 <b>Bargabhima Temple at Tamluk</b> near Medinipur in
West Bengal: Large Temple to Shakti influenced by the Oriyan architecture style
displaying interesting engineering and architectural features.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">6 <b>Bhagwati Temple at Gourangpur</b> near Asansol in
West Bengal: A beautiful brick temple over 150 years old now deserted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">7 <b>Brindabanchandra Temple at Guptipara</b> near
Calcutta (Hooghly) in West Bengal: The biggest in the group of temples in
Guptipara.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">8 <b>Chaitanyadev Temple at Guptipara</b> near
Calcutta (Hooghly) in West Bengal: 17th century temple in the Bengali style of
architecture.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">9 <b>Chinese Temple at Achipur</b> near Calcutta in
West Bengal: Chinese temple with inscriptions dating back to the 18th century.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">10 <b>Dakshineswar Kali Temple at Calcutta</b> in West
Bengal: Famous 19th century Kali temple associated with Ramakrishna.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">11 <b>Dhirdham Temple at Darjeeling</b> in West
Bengal: Built along the lines of the Pasupathinath temple in Nepal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">12 <b>Dugdheshwar</b> Shiva Temple at Amaragarh near
Burddhaman in West Bengal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">13 <b>Ekteswara Temple at Ekteswara</b> near Bakura in
West Bengal: Famous Shiva temple that looks like a massive solid pillar near
the river Dwarkeshwar.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">14 <b>Hanseswari Temple at Bansberia</b> near Calcutta
in West Bengal: Dates back to the 19th century with ornate arches.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">15 <b>Jagannath Temple at Serampore</b> near Calcutta
in West Bengal: Large and ancient Jagannath temple famous for its rath yatra
second only to Puri.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">16 <b>Jain remains at Pakbira</b> near Bara Bazar
(Purulia) in West Bengal: Remains of numerous temples and images some about
2000 years old.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">17 <b>Jain Temple Ruins at Boram</b> near Jaipur in
West Bengal: Ruins of three identical Jain temples<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">18 <b>Jain Temples at Dulmi</b> near Purulia in West
Bengal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">19 <b>Jain Temples at Deoli</b> near Purulia in West
Bengal: Group of Jain temples, the largest of which has an image of Arhanath worshipped
by Hindus as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">20 <b>Jain temples and ruins at Chharra</b> near
Purulia in West Bengal: Old temples and ruins of Jain origin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">21 <b>Jateshwarnath Temple at Mahanad</b> near
Calcutta (Hooghly) in West Bengal: A center for Shiva and Shakti worship.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">22 <b>Jaya Deva Temple at Kenduli</b> near Bolpur in
West Bengal: Well known temple to Radha and Krishna dating back to the 12th
century - current structure over 200 years old.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">23 <b>Jor Bangala Temple at Bishnupur</b> near Bakura
in West Bengal: Specimen of remarkable sculpture and architecture.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">24 <b>Kalighat Temple at Calcutta</b> in West Bengal:
200 year old temple from which Calcutta is said to take its name.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">25 <b>Kalna Shiva Temples at Kalna</b> in West Bengal:
A group of 108 Shiva temples in concentric circles.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">26 <b>Kalyaneshwari Temple at Barakar</b> near Asansol
in West Bengal: This is a 500 year old temple a great center for Shakti
worship.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">27 <b>Kanak Durga Temple at Chikligarh</b> near
Medinipur in West Bengal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">28 <b>Kapil Muni Temple at Sagar Island</b> near
Diamond Harbor in West Bengal: Associated with the mythological descent of the
Ganges from the heavens (into the sea) and a site held in great reverence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">29 <b>Kiriteshwari Temple at Murhsidabad</b> near
Murshidbad in West Bengal: Regarded as one of the Shakthi Peeths this was once
a center of great importance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">30 <b>Krishnachandra Temple at Guptipara</b> near
Calcutta (Hooghly) in West Bengal: Located along with the Chaitanyadev,
Ramachandra and Brindabanchandra temples.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">31 <b>Krishnarjun Temple at Tamluk</b> near Medinipur
in West Bengal: Ancient temple - current structure built 400 years ago.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">32 <b>Lalji Temple at Chandrakona</b> near Medinipur
in West Bengal: 16th century temple built in Bengali style, enclosed by a high
wall with a gateway.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">33 <b>Malleswar Temple at Chandrakona</b> near
Medinipur in West Bengal: 60 feet high temple dating back to the 18th century,
with an even older shrine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">34 <b>Mankeshwar Mahadev Temple at Amaragarh</b> near Burddhaman
in West Bengal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">35 <b>Radha Kanta Jiu Temple at Rajbalhat</b> near
Calcutta (Hooghly) in West Bengal: A fine specimen of Bengali architecture
dating back to the 18th century.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">36 <b>Ramachandra Temple at Guptipara</b> near
Calcutta (Hooghly) in West Bengal: Fine red colored brick temple with a curved
roof, with brick panels carved with fine specimen of Bengali art.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">37 <b>Sarva Mangala Devi Temple at Garbeta</b> near
Medinipur in West Bengal: 16th-17th century temple in the Oriyan style
dedicated to Devi along with other temples within the fort.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">38 <b>Sheetalnath Jain Temple at Calcutta</b> in West
Bengal: 19th century temple - an ornate mass of mirrors, colored stones and
glass mosaics.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">39 <b>Shivakhya Devi Temple at Amaragarh</b> near Burddhaman
in West Bengal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">40 <b>Sidheswara Temple at Bahulara</b> near Onda in
West Bengal: Ancient Shiva temple in the Oriyan style with fine ornamentation
depicting replicas of the temple.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">41 <b>Suratheshwar Temple at Supur</b> near Bolpur in
West Bengal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">42 <b>Swayambhava Kali Temple at Bansberia</b> near
Calcutta (Hooghly) in West Bengal: Located near the Vishnu temple, this temple
dates back to the 18th century.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">43 <b>Syamaleswar Temple at Dantan</b> in West Bengal:
Ancient temple to Shiva in this town where there are 2 large tanks - the
Bidyadhar and Sarasankha.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">44 <b>Tarakeshwar Temple at Tarakeshwar</b> near
Calcutta (Hooghly) in West Bengal: A very well known temple in the Bengali
style of architecture attracting scores of pilgrims.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">45 <b>Temple Ruins at Chandrakona</b> at Chandrakon
near Medinipur in West Bengal: Ruins of several Oriyan styled temples now
abandoned.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">West
Bengal terra cotta temple architecture</span></u></b><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Although there is plenty of evidence of human settlement in Bengal
from prehistoric times but there are regrettable dearth of evidence. This is
because of the soil structure of Bengal The community being spread on the
alluvial plain of the mighty rivers of Ganges, Brahmaputra the whole region is
susceptible to flood and its resulting unsettling geographical pattern. The
only somewhat undulated regions being the western Chota Nagpur and the
Himalayan ridges of east and the north. This soil structure is reflected in the
building material chosen by the Bengali temple designers. Mainly the terra
cotta temples with elaborate surface decorations and lettering written in
nagari alphabets. The roof structure also has been the effect of the heavy
rainfall that the river delta and the Tarai experiences throughout the monsoon,
it has Ganges been curved effectively in most cases to get rid of the huge
amount of water as soon as possible and thereby increasing the lifetime of the
structure. The architectural evidence generally has been from the Gupta Empire
period onwards. There have been recent discoveries of plaques from the times of
Chandraketugarh and mahasthangarh throwing additional light on the
architectural styles of sunga and gupta periods. Apart from the Pahlavi and
Phamsana influence on the architectural style it is also closely connected to
the Bhanja style of temples from mayurbhanj district of Orissa But the temples
of south Bengal is a distinction due to its roofing style so unique and closely
related to the paddy roofed traditional building style of rural Bengal. Bishnupur
in the southern district Bakura of West Bengal has a remarkable set of such
temples which being built from the Malla dynasty are examples of this style.
Most of these temples are covered on the outer surface with terra cotta reliefs
which contains plenty of secular materials making these important to
reconstruct the social structure from these times.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The temple structures contain gabled roofs which are
colloquially called the chala, For example a gabled roof with an eight sided
pyramid structured roof with be called "ath chala" or literally the
eight faces of the roof. And frequently there is more than one tower in the
temple building. These are built of laterite and brick bringing them at the
mercy of severe weather conditions of southern Bengal .Dakshineswar Kali Temple
is one example of the Bhanja style while the additional small temples of Shiva
along the river bank are example of southern Bengal roof style though in much
smaller dimension.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bankura district is a land of temples. There are more historical temples inBishnupur than in any other place in West Bengal. There are several aspects oftemple art, architecture and construction that need to be considered.<br />
Almost all temples in Bishnupur town are Vaishnavite, but many of those scatteredin different areas of the district spread outside the town are Shaivite, with traces ofJainism and Buddhism. While some of the older temples were built of laterite, thearea has numerous brick built temples, some with exquisite terra cotta carvings.Terra cotta carvings are also found in some temples outside the district, as forexample at joy deb kenduli or Antpur, but the art of terra cotta carvings seems tohave flourished with the rise of the Rajas of Bishnupurand virtually died out withthe fading of their supremacy. Some of the earlier temples built by the BardhamanRaj have terra cotta carvings, possibly by artisans from Bankura district, but by thetime Rani Rashmoni decided to construct the Dakhinswar kali temple, in the mid-nineteenth century, the art of terra cotta carvings had obviously faded out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Terra
cotta Temples are the pride of Bishnupur, a small village in Bankura Districtof West Bengal. The Malla kings of the 16th-18th centuries constructed thesetemples, about 30 in all, in their devotion to Lord Krishna. This architecture
betrays influences of various ancient Indian styles as well as of Mughal andPersian designs. Ras-Manch, Shyamrai, Jor-Bangla, and Radha-Shyam are someof the most important of the Terracota Temples. The basic building material of
these temples is tiles made from the local red soil. The terracota tiles aredecorated with filigreed carvings that have Mughal, Persian or Indian lineage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Attraction of Bakura bishnupur</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Malleshwar Temple:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> Dedicated to Lord Shiva,
it is the oldest temple in Bishnupur.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Rasmancha:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> Built in the late 16th century by
King Bir Hambir, the temple has an unusual elongated paramedical tower,
surrounded by hut-shaped turrets. Idols were kept here for public worship
during Ras-utsav.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Pancha Ratna Temple of Shyam Raya:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> Built
in 1643 AD by King Raghunath Singha. The walls are richly decorated with
terracotta carvings featuring different aspects of Lord Krishna’s life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Jorebangla Temple of Keshta Raya:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> Built
by King Raghunath Singha Dev II in 1655 AD, the ornate terracotta carvings are
set off by the roof in the classic chala style of typical Bengal architecture.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Madanmohan Temple:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> King Durjana Singh Deva
built the temple in 1694 AD in the ekaratna style. It is a square flat-roofed
building with carved cornices, surmounted by a pinnacle. Impressive carvings on
the walls depict scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and the Puranas.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Kalachand Temple:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> It is of ekratna style
and is on the bank of Lal-bandh.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Mukutmonipur: </span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Mukutmonipur is 55Km away from Bakura
(a 2 hours drive) District Head Quarters and is situated at the confluence of
river Kangsabati and Kumari. Green forests and hillocks surround the vast
bluish tract of water. The undulating terrain along the southern edge of the
Kangsabati Water Reservoir extends as a three-dimensional necklace of green and
terracotta color. Tourists flock here for its stunning natural beauty.<br />
<b>Jhilimili: </b>Jhilimili is situated 70 Km away from Bakura Town. It is
a beautiful, undisturbed dense natural forest. The road from Ranibund to
Jhilimili offers a wonderful view of spectacular forests on varying heights on
both sides, finally reaching Jhilimili, which is mounted on the top of a
hillock.. The sparkle of micaceous soil adds to the beauty of the environment.<br />
<b>Susunia: </b>Susunia hill, 50 km from Bishnupur, is quite popular as a
trekking spot. It is also an important tourist spot for people who visit the
place to see "Dhara" (a natural spring) and Silialipi. Excavations
have revealed inscriptions dating back to the 4th century AD.<br />
<br />
Joyrambati, 44 km from Bishnupur, the birthplace of Sree Maa Sarada Devi, is a
holy town. The famous temple of Singha Bahani Devi is a special attraction.
Mayerepukur, in front of the residential house of Ma-Sarada is also a sight
worth visiting.<br />
<b>Sutan Forest: </b>Bakura is also popular for beautiful Tourist Spots
like Sutan, Near Ranibandh & Eco-Park ,Near Taldangra, both covered with
dense forest, decorated with small lakes and thrilling with wild animals. <b>Biharinath
Hill:</b> Biharinath, situated in the extreme northwest area of the district,
57 km away from Bakura town, thought to be an ancient centre of Jainism. The
height of the hill is 448 m is the highest hill in Bakura. Biharinath is very
rich in flora and fauna.<br />
Hyena, Pangolin, Chameleon, Racaphorus, though few in number, are still found
here.<br />
The place is known for its natural beauty.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Ganga</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The fisherman community of rural Bengal prays to Ganga Devi in
the month of Chaitra. Through their prayers and dances, they appease the
Goddess, so that she bestows blessings on them throughout the year. According
to great philosopher Aristotle all source of great human<br />
world knowledge and wisdom has come from the banks of holy Ganges river of
India.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Ganga Heritage Cruise West Bengal</span></u></b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The river Ganga passing through the state of West Bengal in
India has been an important trade route from time immemorial. It is through
this route trade was conducted with the early civilizations. Later when
European colonial powers came through this river they established trade posts
along the river. One can also find important places of pre colonial times also.
The aim of the Ganga Heritage Cruise, West Bengal is to discover these
historical places along with natural historical sites. The whole Ganga Heritage
Cruise, West Bengal stretches 260 km from Howrah to Murshidabad spanning seven
districts with picturesque rural Bengal. The cruise is conducted by a number of
cruise launches where staying and fooding facilities are well provided for.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The starting point is the town of Murshidabad the erstwhile
capital of Bengal. The town was founded by Nawab Murshid Quli Khan and its
prosperity was its silk center. With this silk trade came the European traders
but after the Battle of Plassey in 1757 the British founded the British
colonial empire. One of the important historical landmarks is Hazar Duari named
after the thousand doors of the palace though not all are real. It is now a
museum displaying rare books, military weapons, paintings, royal artifacts etc.
Other places are Katra Mosque housing the tomb of the founding Nawab,
Jorebangla a four terra-cotta temple complex and other historic places.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Next place is Mayapur the birth place of Shri Chaitanya who
started Vaishnavism five centuries ago and Nabadwip where Shri Chaitanya
propounded the Vaishnavism philosophy in 1485.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Then comes the town of Kalna with its famous 108 Shivlinga
temples build by the Maharaja of Burdwan in 1809. You can also visit the
beautiful terracotta temple of Pratapeswar temple built in 1849.Other important
sites are Shyamsunder Bati, Krishna Chandraji temple, Amli Briksha and Pancha
Bimsati temple.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Next comes the city of Chinsura the former Dutch trading post
established in 1656. Discover the Dutch colonial heritage. After that visiting
the city of Chandernagore, the erstwhile French settlement feels like being
transported to the 16th century with its beautiful esplanade by the river with
chairs. One can visit the house of Dupleix, the French Governor, the police
headquarters and the French Institute. And lastly the Ganga Heritage Cruise,
West Bengal stops at Belur the foundation of Ramkrishna Mission and a site for
an equally imposing temple.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Go onboard the Ganga Heritage Cruise, West Bengal which takes
you back in time and discover each stages of cultural, historical heritage of
Bengal in a comfortable journey through the romantic river Ganga. An
unforgettable experience! An incredible amazing Bengal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Climate and geography of west Bengal</span></u></b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The eastern state of West Bengal experiences a tropical type of
climate due to its geographical location. The state has diversity in
physiographic as it touches the Himalayas in the north and is bordered by the
Bay of Bengal in south. The northern districts remain cold throughout the year
and for that reason, the hill stations are favored by the tourists especially
during the summer months.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The climate of West Bengal is full of variation. The seasons in
West Bengal can be broadly categorized into summer, winter, autumn and rainy
seasons. The summer months in West Bengal span from mid of March to mid of
June. During this time, the average temperature is 38 degree to 45 degree.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The monsoon season in West Bengal is much awaited as the
landscape turns lush green after the monsoon showers. By the middle of June,
monsoon approaches the state and it is influenced by the winds blowing from Bay
of Bengal. The autumn season in West Bengal is welcomed with a number of
festive occasions. From September the festive mood commences and it is during
this cool and pleasant climate, the festival of Durga Puja is celebrated in
West Bengal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">During the winter season, the weather of West Bengal remains
very pleasant. The state experiences a mild cold climate while the temperature
drops very low in the hilly region of West Bengal. From about mid November,
winter approaches West Bengal and temperature rises not before the middle of
February. The temperature varies around 15 degree in these cold months.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The <b>Geography of West Bengal</b> is varied. The state of
West Bengal is situated in the eastern part of India. On the east lies Bangladesh.
Sikkim and Bhutan lie on the north of West Bengal. The state of Assam is
situated on the north east of West Bengal. Bihar and Jharkhand is situated on
the western side of the state. The geographical location of the state is 23
degree North latitude and 88 degree East longitude.<br />
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As per details from Census 2011, West Bengal has population of 9.13 Crore, an
increase from figure of 8.02 Crore in 2001 census. Total population of West
Bengal as per 2011 census is 91,347,736 of which male and female are 46,927,389
and 44,420,347 respectively. In 2001, total population was 80,176,197 in which
males were 41,465,985 while females were 38,710,212. he total area of West
Bengal is 88,752 sq<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The population density of West Bengal per square kilometer is
904. Sex Ratio in West Bengal is 947 i.e. for each 1000 male, which is below
national average of 940 as per census 2011. In 2001, the sex ratio of female
was 934 per 1000 males in West Bengal.. The population of West Bengal is
predominated by the Bengali population. But immigration from different states
of India has enriched the population diversity of West Bengal.<br />
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The topography of the state also varies from region to region. The northern
part of West Bengal touches the Himalayan range. The topography of West Bengal
alters as the Indo-Gangetic plain begins. The Gangetic plain is rich in
alluvial soil and thus is very fertile. This kind of soil is suitable for
agriculture. Further south, the deltaic plain or the Sunderban region is a very
important spot for tourism in West Bengal.<br />
<br />
The climate of West Bengal is full of variation. The state experiences a
tropical type of climate. The seasons in West Bengal can be broadly categorized
into summer, rainy, autumn and winter seasons.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Demography</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">According to the provisional results of 2011 national census,
West Bengal is the fourth most populous state in India with a population of
91,347,736 (7.55% of India's population). Majority of the population comprises
Bengali people. Marawaris, Behari and Oriya minorities are scattered throughout
the state. Communities of Sherpa’s and ethnic Tibetans can be found in<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Darjeeling Himalayan hill region .Darjeeling district has a
large number of Gurkha people of Nepalese origin. West Bengal is home to
indigenous tribal Adivasis such as Santhalis, Kol, Koch-Rajbonshi and Toto
tribe There are a small number of ethnic minorities primarily in the state
capital, including Chinese, Tamils, Gujarati, Anglo Indians, Armenians,
punjabis,and parsis. India's sole chaina town is in eastern Kolkata<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Religions in West Bengal</span></u></b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Religion<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Percent<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Hindu<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">72.5%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Muslim<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">25.2%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Others<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">2.3%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The official language is Bengali and English. Nepali is the
official language in three subdivisions of. Darjeeling district .As of 2001, in
descending order of number of speakers, the languages of the state are:
Bengali, , Hindi, Santali, Urdu Nepali, and .Oriya Languages such as Rajbangsi
and Ho are used in some parts of the state.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">As of 2001, Hinduism is the principal religion at 72.5% of the
total population, while Muslims comprise 25.2% of the total population, being
the second-largest community as also the largest minority group;Sikhism
Christianity and other religions make up the remainder. The state contributes
7.8% of India's population. The state's 2001–2011 decennial growth rate was
13.93%, lower than 1991–2001 growth rate of 17.8%, and also lower than the
national rate of 17.64%. The gender ratio is 947 females per 1000 males. As of
2011, West Bengal has a population density of 1,029 inhabitants per square
kilometer (2,670 /sq mi) making it the second-most densely populated state in
India, after Bihar.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The literacy rate is 77.08%, higher than the national rate of
74.04%.Data of 1995–1999 showed the life expectancy in the state was 63.4
years, higher than the national value of 61.7 years. About 72% of people live
in rural areas. The proportion of people living below the poverty line in
1999–2000 was 31.9% Scheduled Castes and Tribes form 28.6% and 5.8% of the
population respectively in rural areas, and 19.9% and 1.5% respectively in
urban areas. A study conducted in three districts of West Bengal found that
accessing private health services to treat illness had a catastrophic impact on
households. This indicates the value of public provision of health services to
mitigate against poverty and the impact of illness on poor households.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The crime rate in the state in 2004 was 82.6 per 100,000, which
was half of the national average .This is the fourth-lowest crime rate among
the 32 India. However, the state reported the highest rate of Special and Local
Laws (SLL) crimes. In reported crimes against women, the state showed a crime
rate of 7.1 compared to the national rate of 14.1. Some estimates state that
there are more than 60,000 brothel-based women and girls in prostitution in Kolkata.
The population of prostitutes in sonagachi constitutes mainly of a Nepalese,
Indians and BANGLADESHI. Some sources estimate there are 60,000 women in the
brothels of Kolkata. The largest prostitution area in city is SONAGACHI .West
Bengal was the first Indian state to constitute a Human Rights Commission of
its own<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Flora and fauna</span></u></b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Flora and Fauna of</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> West Bengal is rich in
flora and fauna and has diverse ecosystems because of its varying terrain from
the high altitudes to the sea level plains. Protected forests cover 4% of the
state area. There are 15 Wildlife Sanctuaries, 5 National Parks and 2 Tiger
Reserves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Sunder ban, in south Bengal, is home to the famous Tiger
Project – a conservatory effort to save the Bengal tigers from extinction. It
is an UNESCO world heritage site. Another similar project exists in Buxa in
north Bengal. Wildlife includes the Indian one horned rhinoceros, Indian
elephants, deer, bison, leopards, gaur, crocodiles and others. The state is
also rich in bird life. Migratory birds come to the state during the winter
months.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Conclusion</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">; <b><u>Bengali culture and its excellence</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Historically Bengal has a very rich cultural heritage. Bengal
is, indeed, noted for its rich culture in songs, music, drama, dances and
language. Its indigenous style of music, art, dance and drama is very rich.
Bengali is one of the oldest languages in the world. According to statistics,
jointly with Spanish, Bengali is the fourth largest language group in the
world, only surpassed by Chinese, English and Hindi It is the first of Indian
languages to develop western style secular fiction and drama. It originated
from the Indo-Aryan family of languages in the 7th century, thus making it
comparable to English, French and German. Bengali language is much older than
Hindi Urdu and even Portuguese, Spanish and many other established modern
languages.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">In the middle ages, Bengali was already a well-established
language with popular poets like Bidyapati, Chandidas, Daulat Kazi and Alawol.
It was during this period of middle ages that the famous Indian epics Ramayana
and Mahabharata were translated in lyric forms from Sanskrit into Bengali by
Krittibas and Kashiram Das respectively. This period also saw a rich output of
romantic songs, poems and dance centering on the love of Radha and Krishna.
These were simply superb in their wording, rhythm and style.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">However, things started changing rapidly about 200 years ago.
With the emergence of some great personalities like Iswar Chandra Vidyasagar
(1820-91), Michael Madhusudan Datta (1824-73) and Bankim Chatterjee (1838-94)
Bengali language and literature really got a new life. About one hundred and
forty years ago came the famous Bengali poet Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore
(1861-1941) and then rebel Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam appeared in 1899. These two
great Bengali poets have actually initiated a new era for Bengali language and
culture. Tagore represented this new era of cultural modernization; others
followed him almost as disciples. Palli Kabi Jasimuddin was also one of them.
Tagore was urban, sophisticated and universal; Nazrul exhibited his spirit of
protest and opposition to all social injustice, discrimination, oppression and
exploitation while Jasimuddin vastly remained rural and provincial in his
approach. Their common bond was their liberal outlook for secular Bengali
culture.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Music, songs, drama and dances are also part of rich Bengali
culture and there are three mainstreams of this Bengali Culture: folk, modern
and classical. Folk music mainly based is rural Bengal. It has been nurtured by
the village singers, musicians, actors and dancers. With sweet melodies,
touching words of love, tragedy and devotion, folk music is the most popular
form of music in all over Bengal. The best known forms of folk music are bhatiali,
Baul, bhawaia, jaari, marfati and murshidi. Lalan Fakir, Hasan Raja, Nirmalendu
Chowdhury, Abbasuddin Ahmed, Shachin Dev Burman, Purnadas Baul, Sadhan Bairagi
and Abdul Halim are some of the greatest names in Bengali folk music.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">On the other hand, the pioneers of modern Bengali music were,
indeed, the world famous Nobel Laureate poet Rabindranath Tagore and the rebel
poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. Tagore initiated a blend of East and West and Nazrul
experimented with the synthesis of folk and Middle Eastern strains.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bengal also shares the rich tradition of classical music of the
subcontinent. Indeed, Bengal has produced many musicians and maestros of
international repute like Ustad Alauddin Khan, Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, Pandit
Ajoy Chakrabarty and Pandit Ravi Shankar who have successfully made sitar and
sarode popular all over the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Before I conclude let me describe a few words about the musical
instruments which are also playing vital roles to promote the rich Bengali
culture and its excellence. The typical Bengali folk musical instruments are
Ektara (one string), Dotara (two, but actually four strings), Ghungur, Khol,
Mandira, Behala (violin) and Banshi (flute) and the classical musical
instruments are Sitar, Sarode, Tanpura, Shenai, Eshraj, Pakhwaj, Tabla and
Harmonium. Even now a large number of people in the villages of Bangladesh,
West Bengal and Tripura regularly listen to the folk drama called Jatra and the
age old melodic folk songs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bengali Performing Arts' aim is to promote this rich Bengali
cultural heritage and its excellence by organizing cultural programs round the
year throughout the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01022139079557847252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1446534558556192736.post-71940916900190956892012-09-06T10:25:00.001-07:002012-09-06T10:25:14.745-07:00Bengal and Bengali culture<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bengal and Bengali culture<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bengal is situated in northeast part region of Indian
subcontinent at the apex of Bay of Bengal. The majority of Bengal is
inhabited by Bengali people who speak<b> </b>Bengali language. Today,
it is mainly divided between the sovereign land of peoples Republic of
Bangladesh <u>(</u>previously<u> </u>East Bengal / East Pakistan) and
the state of west Bengal. The region of Bengal is one of the most densely
populated regions on earth, with a population density exceeding 900/km. Most of
the Bengal region lies in the low-lying Ganges–Brahmaputra River delta or
Ganges delta, the world's largest delta. In the southern part of the delta lies
the<u> </u>Sundarbon —the world's largest mangrove forest and home of
the<u> </u>Bengal Tiger,<u> </u>though the population of the region
is mostly rural and agrarian. Two mega cites, Kolkata<u> </u>(previously
Calcutta) and DHAKA<u> </u>(previously Dacca), are located in Bengal.
The Bengal region is renowned for its rich literary and cultural heritage as well
as its immense contribution to the socio-cultural uplift of Indian society in
the form of the<u> </u>Bengal Renaissance, and revolutionary
activities during the Independence movement. West Bengal also (proposed
new English name: Paschimbanga) is a state in the eastern region of India and
is the nation's fourth-most populous region. It is also the seventh-most
populous sub-national entity in the world, with over 91 million inhabitants
covering a total area of 34,267 sq mi (88,750 km2), which is bordered by the
countries of Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh, and the Indian states of Orissa,
Jharkhand, Bihar, Sikkim, and Assam. The state capital is Kolkata (formerly
Calcutta). West Bengal encompasses two broad natural regions: the Gangetic
Plain in the south and the sub-Himalayan and Himalayan area in the north.
Bengal was divided in 1947 on religious lines into two separate entities: West
Bengal – a state of India – and East Bengal, which initially joined the new
nation of Pakistan, before becoming part of modern-day Bangladesh in
1971.Bengal was divided on religious and language lines. Bengali language
movement has played a very important role for its separate entity which
catalyzed the assertion of Bengali national identity in East Bengal and later
East Pakistan, and became a forerunner to Bengali nationalist movements, and
subsequently the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971. In Bangladesh, 21 February
is observed as language movement day, a national holiday. The shaheed miner
monument was constructed near Dhaka Medical College in memory of the movement
and its victims.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The saliency of Twenty First February has made the historic
movement for establishing Bengali as one of the State languages of Pakistan
synonymous with the 1952 phase of the Bengali language movement. However, the
movement for making Bengali as one of the State languages of the then Pakistan
was known as Bangla vasha andolon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bangla vasha andolon.<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">That spirit of 21th February (ekushey) has not diminished.
Rather, the radiant spirit of the twenty first February has remained ingrained
in the core of our hearts and souls even after the elapse of almost half of a
century of the historic Bengali language movement. People from all walks of life
still come out in thousands in the early hours of February twenty first and
mournfully trod the streets of Dhaka, and throng the Central Shaheed Miner
(Marty s Monument) for offering their heartfelt tributes to the fallen language
martyrs. Before depicting the cultures of Bengal, we must go to the historical
roots. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bengali</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> <b>Renaissance</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Bengal Renaissance refers to a social reform movement during
the nineteenth and early twentieth century’s in the region of Bengal in
Undivided India during the period of British rule. The Bengal renaissance can
be said to have started with Raja Ram Mohan Roy (1775–1833) and ended with
Rabindranath Tagore (1861–1941), although there have been many stalwarts
thereafter embodying particular aspects of the unique intellectual and creative
output Nineteenth century Bengal was a unique blend of religious and social
reformers, scholars, literary giants, journalists, patriotic orators and
scientists, all merging to form the image of a renaissance, and marked the
transition from the 'medieval' to the 'modern Bengal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">During this period, Bengal witnessed an intellectual awakening
that is in some way similar to the European Renaissance during the 16th
century, although Europeans of that age were not confronted with the challenge
and influence of alien colonialism. This movement questioned existing
orthodoxies, particularly with respect to women, marriage, the dowry system,
the caste system and religion. One of the earliest social movements that
emerged during this time was the Young Bengal movement that espoused
rationalism and atheism as the common denominators of civil conduct among upper
caste educated Hindus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The parallel socio-religious movement, the Brahmo Samaj,
developed during this time period and counted many of the leaders of the Bengal
Renaissance among its followers In the earlier years the Brahmo Samaj, like the
rest of society, could not however, conceptualize, in that feudal-colonial era,
a free India as it was influenced by the European Enlightenment (and its
bearers in India, the British Raj) although it traced its intellectual roots to
the Upanishads. Their version of Hinduism, or rather Universal Religion,
although devoid of practices like sati and polygamy that had crept into the
social aspects of Hindu life, was ultimately a rigid impersonal monotheistic
faith, which actually was quite distinct from the pluralistic and multifaceted
nature of the way the Hindu religion was practiced. Future leaders like Keshub
Chunder Sen were as much devotees of Christ, as they were of Brahma, Krishna or
the Buddha. It has been argued by some scholars that the Brahmo Samaj movement
never gained the support of the masses and remained restricted to the elite,
although Hindu society has accepted most of the social reform programs of the
Brahmo Samaj. It must also be acknowledged that many of the later Brahmas were
also leaders of the freedom movement.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The renaissance period after the Indian Rebellion of 1857 saw a
magnificent outburst of Bengali literature. While Ram Mohan Roy and Iswar Chandra
Vidyasagar were the pioneers, others like Bankim Chandra Chatterjee widened it
and built upon it .The first significant nationalist detour to the Bengal
Renaissance was given by the brilliant writings of Bankim Chandra Chatterjee.
Later writers of the period who introduced broad discussion of social problems
and more colloquial forms of Bengali into mainstream literature included the
great Saratchandra Chatterjee.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Tagore family, including Rabindranath Tagore, were leaders
of this period and had a particular interest in educational reform however
their contribution to the Bengal Renaissance was multi-faceted. Indeed,
Tagore's 1901 Bengali novella, Nastanirh was written as a critique of men who
professed to follow the ideals of the Renaissance, but failed to do so within
their own families. In many ways Rabindranath Tagore's writings (especially
poems and songs) can be seen as imbued with the spirit of the Upanishads. His
works repeatedly allude to Upanishadic ideas regarding soul, liberation, transmigration
and—perhaps most essentially—about a spirit that imbues all creation not unlike
the Upanishadic Brahman. Tagore's English translation of a set of poems titled
the Gitanjali won him the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1913. He was the first
Asian to win this award. That was the only example at the time but the
contribution of the Tagore family is enormous. The Bengal Renaissance saw the
emergence of pioneering Bengali scientists such as Jagadish Chandra Bose,
Satyendra Nath Bose, Upendranath Brahmachari and Meghnad Saha.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Etymology of Bengal/Bengali</span></u></b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The exact origin of the word Bangla or Bengal is unknown, though
it is believed to be derived from the Dravidian-speaking tribe Bang that
settled in the area around the year 1000 BC<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Vanga (Greater Bengal) was a kingdom during the times of
Mahabharata.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Other accounts speculate that the name is derived from Banga
which came from the Austric word "Bonga" meaning the Sun-god. The
word Banga and other words speculated to refer to Bengal (such as Anga) found
in ancient Indian texts including the Vedas, Jaina texts, the Mahabharata and
Puranas. The earliest reference to "Bangala" has been traced in the
Nesari plates (805 AD) of Rashtrakuta Govinda III which speak of Dharmapala as
the king of Vangala<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Some accounts claim that the word may derive from bhang, a
preparation of cannabis which is used in some religious ceremonies in Bengal.
Dravidians migrated to Bengal from the south, while Tibeto-Burman peoples
migrated from the Himalayas followed by the Indo-Aryans from north-western
India. The modern Bengali people are a blend of these people. Smaller numbers
of Pathans, Persians, Arabs and Turks also migrated to the region in the late
middle Ages while spreading Islam.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The age and history
of Bengal and Bengali culture is near about 1000 years old. Since the end of
Magadha Empire the Bengal religious-socio-cultural ceremonies held great
importance’s among the Bengalis. Ceremonies play the symbolic role of every
tradition handed over to the decedent’s generation after generation. Some
important ceremonies of Bengal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Annaprashan</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> is a social ritual among the Hindus, an
occasion when the baby breaks its baby food pattern to welcome home made food.
It is as well as a social introduction of the new member.'Annaprashan' is a
social ritual among the Hindus, an occasion when the baby breaks its baby food
pattern to welcome home-made food. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">It is as well as a
social introduction of the new member of the family in the community. Annaprashan
literally means feeding the baby rice for the first time. "Anna"
means food, especially rice while "prashan" means to feed.
Annaprashan gathers the importance of a religious ceremony. Arranged for the
Hindu child generally before teething, this ritual is separate for both boys
and girls.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Upanayana</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> is a Vedic ritual of Hinduism. It is an
important religious ritual in our society. Upanayana is performed only for
Brahmin boys. According to Vedic culture it is a second birth for
them..Upanayana is a Vedic ritual of Hinduism. It is an important religious
ritual in our society. Upanayana is performed only for Brahmin boys. According
to Vedic culture it is a second birth for them. Upanayana marks the beginning
of Bramhacharya.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Marriages</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> are made in heaven, goes the proverb. Two
people start of a new journey towards future, hand in hand, sharing at each
step new outlooks, responsibilities and love. Marriage is an auspicious
occasion among us. Arranged marriage is still a common <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bengali marriages are
a mixture of pure custom, tradition and religious beliefs. It is an occasion
where the entire family gather, take part in the typical Bengali ‘Adda’, regale
in fanfare and remain busy in making the necessary arrangements for the
invitees. Bengali culture must be searched and seen from the aspect of
festivals, literature, drama, music/dance, cousins, dress.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Literature</span></u></b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Bengali language boasts a rich literary heritage, shared
with neighboring Bangladesh. West Bengal has a long tradition in folk
literature, evidenced by the Charyapada, Mangalkavya, Shreekrishna Kirtana,
Thakurmar Jhuli, and stories related to Gopal Bhar. In the nineteenth and
twentieth century, Bengali literature was modernized in the works of authors
such as Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, Michael Madhusudan Dutt, Rabindranath
Tagore, Kazi Nazrul Islam, and Sharat Chandra Chattopadhyay. Coupled with
social reforms led by Ram Mohan Roy, Swami Vivekananda, and others, this
constituted a major part of the Bengal Renaissance The middle and latter parts of
the 20th century witnessed the arrival of post-modernism, as well as literary
movements such as those espoused by the Kallol movement, hungry lists and the
little magazines Jibanananda Das, Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay, Tarashankar
Bandopadhyay, Manik Bandopadhyay, Ashapurna Devi, Shirshendu Mukhopadhyay,
Buddhadeb Guha, Mahashweta Devi, Samaresh Majumdar, Sanjeev Chattopadhyay and
Sunil Gangopadhyay among others are well-known writers of the 20th century.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Theater and films</span></u></b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Among
other types of theater, West Bengal has a tradition of folk drama known as
jatra Kolkata is the home of the Bengali cinema industry, dubbed
"Toll wood" for Tollygong, where most of the state's film studios are
located. its long tradition of </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Art_film"><span style="color: #5d7d9d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">art films</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> includes globally acclaimed film directors such
as academy award -winning director Satyajit Roy, Ritwik ghatak, Mrinal
sen, tapan sinha, and contemporary directors such as </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aparna_Sen"><span style="color: #5d7d9d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Aparna</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> Sen, Buddhadeb Dasgupta, and Rituparna ghosh.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Cuisine<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">West Bengal shares its distinctive culinary tradition with
neighboring Bangladesh, and also borrows from other Indian states. Boiled rice
constitutes the staple food, and is served with a variety of vegetables, fried
as well with curry, thick lentil soups, and fish and meat preparations of
mutton and chicken, and more rarely pork and beef by certain groups. Sweetmeats
are mostly milk based, and consist of several delights including roshgulla,
sandesh, rasamalai, gulap jamun, kalo jamun, and chom-chom. Several other sweet
preparations are also available. Bengali cuisine is rich and varied with the
use of many specialized spices and flavors. Fish is the dominant source of
protein, cultivated in ponds and fished with nets in the fresh-water Rivers of
the Ganges delta. More than 40 types of mostly freshwater fish are common,
including carp, varieties like rui (rohu), katla, magur (catfish), chingŗi
(prawn or shrimp), as well as shuţki (dried sea fish) are popular. Salt water
fish (not sea fish though) and Ilish (hilsa ilisha) is very popular among
Bengalis, can be called an icon of Bengali cuisine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">DRESS</span></u></b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bengali women traditionally wear the sari, the shalwar kameez
and Western attire is gaining acceptance among younger women. Western-style
dress has greater acceptance among men, although the traditional dhoti and
kurta of men are seen during festivals. Like any other metropolis, Kolkata also
has an eclectic mix of western wears with a tinge of ethnic wears. People are
found dressed in jeans along with kurtas, or sari along with an overcoat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Festivals of West Bengal<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">West Bengal is a land
of festivals. There is a popular saying in Bengali ‘‘Baro Mase Tero Parban’: it
literally means thirteen festivals in twelve months. Almost all festivals of
all religions are celebrated here with equal religious sentiment and fervor.
The people of West Bengal strive hard to maintain the tradition and culture of
its land in the festivals they celebrate. A great number of fairs are also
organized. The most popular festival celebrated in West Bengal is Durga Puja
where all the people come out in the streets and celebrate this four day
festival. Other festivals celebrated in West Bengal are Kaali Puja, Basant
Panchami, Dushera, Bahi Dooj, Holi, Mahavir Jayanti, Buddha Jayanti, Rathyatra
and Christmas. Other events which have almost taken the form of festivals are
Rabindra Jayanti (birthday of Rabindranath Tagore), Birthday of Sri Ramakrishna
Paramahamsa and Birthday of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">List of Festivals in West Bengal:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Holi<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Birthday of Sri
Ramakrishna Paramahamsa<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Birthday of Netaji
Subhas Chandra Bose<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Rabindra Jayanti<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Durga Puja<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Basant Panchami<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Dushera<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bhai Dooj<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Holi<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Mahavir Jayanti<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Buddha Jayanti<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Rathyatra<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Rakhi<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Christmas<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bera Utsav<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Kolkata Festival<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">IST may<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Folk culture of Bengal</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">West Bengal</span></u></b><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bengal, a land of fecundity and prosperity embraces all within
her fold. The varied hues of her rich culture color her songs, music and
literature. The numerous tribes and ethnic groups of Bengal have their own
distinctive folk arts, as varied and beautiful as the tribes themselves.
Bengal’s repertoire of folk songs with its lyrical appeal and richness, its
thematic diversity and range is a reflection of rural Bengals creativity and
imagination. As a traditional art form, folk dances of Bengal have gained immense
popularity and recognition over the years. The dances contain themes that range
from ritualistic to satirical and from allegorical to social. They involve
prayers, offerings, celebrations and odes. Usually performed during festive
seasons, or to mark a happy occasion, these dances ingrained in folk culture,
reflect local faith, tradition and custom. These dances encompass a broad
spectrum, from invoking the rain Gods for a good harvest to depicting
mythological events. In fact, some religious festivals are celebrated through
songs and dances that characterize devotion, prayer and worship. The dance
forms that have evolved from the martial arts depict events from the great
Indian epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. These vocal musical dances are
performed round the year on various occasions, at fairs and festivals and
religious conglomerations.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Some of the well known folk songs and dance of west Bengal
include:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Baul</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bengal, during the post medieval period, was a divided and
closed society. Ruled by religious strictures, Hindus and Muslims led
cloistered lives, against which grew a protest that took on the character of a
cult. The community of protesters could be identified by the robes they wore (a
long saffron-colored cloak called the alkhalla with a turban of the same
color), the one-stringed instrument or Ektara they always carried and the bells
they tied to their perpetually dancing feet. Sometimes the alkhalla would be
made of different pieces of cloth patched together. They were the Bauls, the creators
of a phenomenal music tradition that has survived and grown despite the ravages
of time. Apart from the expected bamboo flute, they developed a variety of
musical instruments like the Premjuri and Dotara, the Khamak and Goopi Jantro,
the Kartal and Dubki among others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Bauls are free wanderers. They are detached from the bondage
of society and family. They move from place to place, making a meager living
from the alms given to them by those who can plumb the profound depths of their
frugality. The Bauls belong to a sect with a distinctive mystic ideology of
their own and their songs spread the message of peace and universal
brotherhood. The word ‘Baul’ means mad, the madness that comes out of an
overwhelming love for the Infinite Self. The singers describe the transience of
mundane existence and the simple means to spiritual upliftment, though the root
of their philosophical theory rests in a deeper complex psychological
consciousness. Bauls are basically philanthropists, though sometimes satire from
day to day life finds a place in their songs. The Bauls have played a major
role in India’s freedom struggle when they moved from village to village in
rural Bengal with their songs stirring up a feeling of nationalism and pride in
our motherland among the illiterate village folk.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Both men and women (Bauls and Baulanis) are a part of this great
music tradition. For a long time, the Baulanis performed with the Bauls and
they did not have any separate identity. But in recent years Baulanis have
carved out their own foothold. The music of the Bauls had a significant
influence on Rabindranath Tagore. Today the Bauls’ songs can be heard in many
districts of West Bengal as their footsteps dot the muddy village lanes of
Bankura, Birbhum, Burddhaman, Nadia, Dinajpur and Murshidabad. Baul Sangeet has
always held a special place. It is basically a folk dialect of Bengali music
and highly spiritual in nature, but far away from religious dilution. This form
of music was developed by a group of mystic minstrels from Bengal who are
considered to be a syncretism group with music in their blood. In 2005 they
were declared as the 'Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of
Humanity' by UNESCO. Joydeb kenduli annual fair is considered to be the biggest
fair of Bauls at Birbhum district of west Bengal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Purulia Chhou dance</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Chhau dance of Purulia district is one of the most vibrant
and colorful art forms. Emerging from martial practice, the Purulia Chhau is a
vigorous form of dance drama that draws its themes from the two great Indian
epics, The Ramayana and The Mahabharata.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Masks and elaborate headgear are the ornamental apparels of the
Chhau dancers. The dance is believed to date back to over a century, though the
specific date of its origin cannot be definitely ascertained. The dance was
patronized by the royalty and landlords of the region. Since its inception, the
members of the Mahato, Kurmi, Bhumija, Deowa, Bhuama and Dom communities have
sustained this dance form. The dance is an essential part of the Gajan Festival,
a festival that celebrates the glories of Lord Shiva. Today, the dance is no
longer restricted to one particular time of the year. The Purulia Chhau dance
has been influenced by many dances of the district, like the Nata Jawaid Dance,
the Mahi Dance and the Nachni Dance. Even two relatively sophisticated dance
forms like the Jhumur and Bhadra Jhumur have influenced the Chhau Dance in its
tune and rhythm. The accompanying musical instruments include the Dhol, Dhamsa
and Shenai.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The dance commences with an invocation to Lord Ganesh. Then the
movements follow the nuances of the story. In a Chhau Dance the fight between
good and evil always culminates in the triumph of good over destructive evil.
The elaborate masks, the dazzling costumes, the rhythmic drum beatings and
shenai, characterize the Chhau Dance. A distinctive feature of this dance is
the acrobatic use of the body and the intricately crafted masks worn by the
dancers. Powerful movements, immense concentration and release of energy are
the other features of this dance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">In the villages the performance usually starts between 9.00 and
10.00 o’clock in the evening. As the night grows and the dance gains momentum,
there is an air of excitement all around. Communication between the performers
and the audience is a significant feature of this dance form. In the olden
days, the performance area used to be illuminated by torches that burnt
throughout the night. Over the years the dance has undergone evolutions in
form, stage craft, lighting and use of musical instruments.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The masks help the dancers to portray different characters.
There are masks depicting particular Gods and Goddesses, demons and monsters.
There are also interesting masks for different animals like the lion, tiger,
bear, monkey and so on. These finely-crafted masks are made by the painter
artistes of the district. With the face covered by a mask, it is left to the
dancers to emote using their bodies. Movements and postures therefore serve
both to portray emotions and make the dance lively.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">One of the most popular presentations of the Purulia Chhau Dance
is Mahisasur Mardini. Oppressed by the tyranny of the Mahisasura, the Gods pray
to Goddess Adyashakti Mahamaya who takes the form of Goddess Durga, Durga
tinashini and after a fierce battle with Asura, finally slays him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Santhali Dance</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Santhalis are an integral part of the folklore of Bengal.
The Santhali dance form is seen in the districts of Birbhum, Bakura, Malda and
Burddhaman. The Santhalis are born dancers. Dance is an integral part of all
festivities of the Santhali community. Musical accompaniment is provided by
instruments like the Madol, Flute, Dhamsa, Jhanj, Kartal and occasionally the
Shenai. The songs are typically based on Taal Madol Chhanda. Dances are usually
performed on a full moon night and are connected with the celebration of
certain rituals. A notable feature of the Santhali dances is the unison in
movement. The dancers stand in a line holding hands and move to the rhythm of
the madol. Usually the women take part in the dance and the men provide the
musical accompaniment. This is reflected in the words of a song, which
accompany the Dang Dance, a dance performed as a part of marriage rituals. The
boys carry two types of drums, the Madal and the Lagra. They sing to the girls
telling them: “Though the drums are heavy, we carry them around dancing all the
time”. The girls reply, “As we hear the beat of drums, we cannot stand still.
We lift our feet and begin to dance”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Simplicity of theme and language is what makes the Santhali
dances so endearing. Nowadays, Santhali men also take part in the dances, most
of which are seasonal and reflect the ritualistic life of the Santhali
community. Each dance form has its own distinctive rhythm and dance style. Some
of the popular dances include the Sohrai, which is a harvest dance, inviting
all the village folk to come out of their homes and join in the festivities,
and the Dasai, a dance performed just before the Durga Puja, when the Santhali
men go out to the neighboring villages, where they sing and dance to collect
donations of rice and alms.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Santhali dance reflects the beauty of rural Bengal and adds
color to the palette of the folk culture of the state.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Mundari dance</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The members of the Mundari community perform these dances on
different festive occasions, most of which are related to agriculture. The main
festival of the Mundari community is the Karam Puja. The dances of the Santhali
and Mundari communities are very close in style and form. The musical instruments
used by the two communities are also common.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Gambhira</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Gambhira, a popular annual festival of Malda District comprises
songs and dances closely related to agriculture and mythology. Performances
depict on one hand, the success, failure or annual production of crops, and on
the other tell stories about mythological figures. Depending on the theme,
dancers perform solo, duets or in groups, stepping in tune with the beat of
dhaks. Colorful masks representing Gods and Goddesses like Kalika, Chamunda, Rama,
Hanuman, Shiva and even animals and birds, make the performances both charming
and entertaining, while retaining the authenticity of this primitive dance
form.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The word Gambhira means ‘Devalaya’ or House of God. This
festival is very closely associated with Shiva Puja. In the different rituals
associated with Gambhira Puja we find an amalgamation of different religious
thoughts like Shaivism, Vaishnavism, Buddhism and Shaktiism. In Malda district,
where this festival is immensely popular, Shiva is also known as Gambhir, and
hence the festival associated with Shiv Puja is known as Gambhira. The Bengal
Drum or Dhak and the Gong or Kanshi are main musical instruments accompanying
this dance. Dancers tune their steps to the different beats of the Dhak, the intricate
patterns of their dance blending into the pulsating rhythm of festivity and
celebration. Over the years, poverty and social changes are forcing this dance,
which was once synonymous with grandeur, into oblivion. The Gambhira festival
begins with Agamani songs. The second day of the festival is called the Choto
Tamasha and the third day the Boro Tamasha. These days are devoted to Shiva and
Gouri Puja. Other popular dances of the Gambhira tradition include the Baan
Nritya (Arrow Dance) Bak Nritya (Stork Dance) Tapa Nritya (a dance performed by
the fishermen and fisherwomen using a special kind of bamboo basket known as
the Tapa which is used for catching the fish) and Kali Nritya (the dance of
Goddess Kalika).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Gajan</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Gajan is a very popular festival in some parts of Bengal. Gajan
songs are sung in praise of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati in the Bengali month
of Chaitra. Singing and dancing is an integral part of this celebration. The
dance is performed with great devotion and austerity. The dancers sometimes
dress up as Hara Parvati and move around the village, dancing to the
accompaniment of the Dhol, Kanshi and Flute. In Malda and Murshidabad, the
celebration is known as Bolan. The dancers undergo penance with a view to
attaining salvation and becoming free of worldly sufferings. This celebration
is observed during the latter part of the month of Chaitra. Being a festival of
austerity, the dancers often fast before a performance. The performance of this
Puja involves some harrowing rituals and is usually performed by the lower
castes. The involvement of the upper castes is limited to bowing down before
the lower castes for just this one time in the year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Durga Puja Dhak</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Utsav is synonymous with Durga Puja. The Bengali waits all year
round for the arrival of Devi Ma. It is a time for celebration and festivity,
and it is the sound of the Bengali Drum or the Dhak that joyously announces her
eagerly awaited arrival. It is the sound of the Dhak that captures the many
moods of the Devi, frenzied, calm, plaintive and nostalgic, and it is the sound
of the Dhak that also tells us it is time for her to return to her heavenly
abode. Every beat of the dhak is different and each of them holds a special
place in every Bengalis heart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Dhol Badan</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Dhol (a variation of the Bengali Drum) is an indispensable
musical instrument of the different festivals of Bengal. The musicians dance
and play the Dhol simultaneously.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bratachari – Raibense</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Raibense dance which is performed by a group of male dancers
is a part of the repertoire of the ‘Bratachari’ tradition of West Bengal. The
Raibense dance of ancient Bengal is a significant and authentic reminder that
the Bengalis were once renowned for their military prowess. The dance belongs
to a living tradition of the war dances of ancient Bengal. Rai means royal,
kingly and bansh or bansha means bamboo. This was used by the infantry soldiers
in the middle ages. This vigorous dance form includes mock fighting and
acrobatics. It speaks volumes about the valor of the people of ancient Bengal.
The Dhol and Kanshi are the main instruments used. The strident rhythmic notes
of the Dhol and the clanging of the Kanshi generate courage and daring in the
hearts of the dancers. No songs are sung or verses recited during this martial
dance. Instead, vigorous yells mark the various sectional movements. The
simplest costume, a dhoti (which is the traditional dress of Bengali men) is
worn with a strip of red cloth signifying spirit and valor. Shri Gursasaday
Dutt, ICS, was responsible was resurrecting this ancient group dance and
modifying it to its present form.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Bagdi, Bauri and Dom communities of Burddhaman, Birbhum
& Murshidabad districts, perform the dance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Stick Dance or Laghur Nritya<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Stick Dance or Laghur Nritya is another interesting martial
folk art form of West Bengal. The stick, which has from time immemorial been
used as a weapon of self-defense, is used in this dance. The long sticks not
only keep the beat of the dance, but are also used for the acrobatic feats,
which are an integral part of this dance form.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Ranapa Dance<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Ranapa is another martial form of dance, where the artistes
walk and dance on stilts. As the dancers display mock fights, they exhibit
their skills of balancing on stilts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Dhali & Paika Nritya<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">These two dances are heroic war dances and are performed by a
group of dancers. The dances are evocative of the valor and prowess of the
people who took part in the wars.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Dhali Dance, as the name implies, is the Shield Dance. It
was the war dance of the Dhali (Shield man) troupes in the armies of the
ancient potentates of Bengal. In the Dhali Dance, the spectacular movements are
formal and are more in the nature of athletic exercises. It is a dance of high
aesthetic value by virtue of its intricate maneuvers and ordered formations.
Being a war dance, it is not accompanied by any songs. This dance form
originated and flowered during the reign of Raja Pratapaditya of Jossore. After
winning a battle, the fatigued and exhausted solders starting dancing with
swords and shields in the cantonment to inspire them for the next war. It is
believed that Raja Pratapaditya maintained an army of highly skilled Dhali
soldiers. Over the years, the dance form has been modified extending to women
dancers as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Natua Dance</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Natua,</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> an ancient dance form, features in the Shiv Puranas. The
word Natua may have been derived from the name of Lord Nataraj. It is believed
that Nandi and Vringi, the associates of Lord Shiva were the first to perform
this dance during the time of Shiva’s marriage with Durga. This highly
acrobatic dance form involves many tricks with fire and is usually accompanied
by the beats of a Jai Dhak, the instrument which is said to have been created
by Lord Shiva. The dance is performed during the Charak Puja and occasionally
during marriages.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Kirtan Dance songs<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Kirtan music is the most widely practiced folk music (vocal
and dance) form of Bengal. The democratic nature of the dance, which unites
people of the whole village, irrespective of their caste or social standing is
its most striking feature. The dance is performed to the accompaniment of the
Dhol and Mridanga. The great spiritual leader, Shri Chaitanya Dev gave the
dance a national character.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Rabha Dances</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The women of the Rabha Community perform the Rabha Dances,
popular in the Northern part of Bengal. The men provide the musical
accompaniment, playing the Barangshi (a bamboo flute), Hem (a drum with two
faces), Dandi & Barding, (idiophones made from bamboo) and Karnal (a rare
tribal instrument made of bamboo and buffalo horn). The Rabha women have
different dances for different occasions, like the “Fai Nang Ning Mein” or
Welcome Dance, the “Braisar Pridan” or New Year’s Dance and “Larai Lunge” or
War Dance. The dancers depict the daily life of the community and embody the
merriment that enlivens all their festivals.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Chaibari Nritya</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Chaibari Nritya, as the name suggests, is a dance mastered
by the tea garden workers of Northern Bengal. The dancers, with their intricate
costumes and jewelers make for a picture perfect sight in the breathtaking
backdrop of the verdant tea gardens. The melodious music adds to the charm and
beauty of the dance..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Domphu Nritya</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Domphu is a musical instrument used by the Nepali community
settled in North Bengal. The Domphu Nritya takes its name from this traditional
instrument. The dances give expression to the joys, hopes and aspirations of
the community through this colorful folk dance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Kukri Nritya</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The<b>Kukri Nritya<u>,</u></b> also from North Bengal, is
performed by the girls of the community, as they ceremoniously hand over their
traditional weapon, the Kukri, to their brothers, before they set off for the
war.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Mech Dance</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Mech Dance is another popular dance form of North Bengal,
the land of forests, mountains and turbulent rivers. In this dance form, which
originated in Jalpaiguri district, we see and feel the inner rhythm which
pervades the simple life of the tribal people living in harmony with nature. There
are several variations of the Mech Dance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bagroomba is performed by the Mech women at spring festivals, the
colorful costumes used by the dancers are evocative of butterflies.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Chal Jhumgre Gele Nai is a war dance which is rhythmic and
martial in character.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">In the Mesa Glang Nai dance, performed by the Mech women, the
youth of the community is exhorted to be industrious and hardworking. The young
members of the community are reminded that they must always retain the purity
of their minds and bodies. This dance is performed as the women pluck flowers
for the ‘Kherai Puja’. They carry small bowls in their hand to collect the
flowers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Rajbanshi Dance</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Rajbanshi is one of the many tribes of North Bengal. The
lives of the people belonging to the Rajbanshi tribe revolve around the Teesta
River, which they worship as a Goddess. The Teesta flows down the snow-capped
peaks of Darjeeling, through the dense forests of Jalpaiguri. It then charts a
turbulent course through the lush scenery of Coochbehar, finally meeting the
Brahmaputra River in Bangladesh. This graceful dance is performed to invoke the
blessings of the River Goddess. The Dhol, Kanshi, Kartal and Mukhabanshi are
the instruments that accompany this invocatory dance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Jhumur Dance</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Jhumur songs and dance is one of the liveliest musical forms
of Purulia district of west Bengal, this is an elaborate dance, choreographed
and performed by professional artistes. Here lies its essential difference with
forms like the Santhali Dance. The dance is performed by girls while the boys
play the Dhol and Madol. This entertaining dance is performed on stage and
during road shows. Heavy make-up and ornate jewelers form part of the costume
of the Jhumur dancers. This secular dance form is accompanied by fast-paced and
cheerful Jhumur songs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The sensuous Nachni is an offshoot of the Jhumur Dance,
depicting the love of Radha (Nachni) and Krishna (Rasik).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bhadu</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">As the rains pour down on the red earth of Bengal, voices rise
in praise of Bhadreswari Ma, invoking her blessings for a good harvest.
Originating from the districts of Bakura, Purulia, West Burddhaman and Birbhum,
the Bhadu Dance is performed mainly during the Monsoon. The dance draws its
name from the Bengali month of Bhadra, when the monsoon showers drench the
earth. During the festival, Bhadreswari or Bhadu (goddess of crops) is invoked
by the villagers, seeking her blessings for an abundant harvest. The women of
the community, both married and unmarried perform the Bhadu Dance. The
unmarried girls pray for a loving husband while the married women pray to
Mother Earth to be blessed with children.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Bhadu festival is also celebrated in Chota Nagpur, where it
is known as ‘Karam Parab’.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Tushu</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">When we think of harvest songs in Bengali folk culture, we think
of Tushu. Tushu songs, originating from the districts of Bakura, Purulia &
Midnapore have similar features. The daily lives and relationships of the
villagers form the theme of this genre of songs. Family rows between rival
co-wives and between wives and their sisters-in-law find a place in Tushu
songs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Tushu songs being associated with harvesting always refer to the
householder’s wealth – ‘ghee of 32 cows’, ‘rice of fine paddy’, ‘pots of ghee
and gur’ are some of the expressions used. The villagers pray to the Folk
Goddess Tushu for prosperity. They ask for the Goddess’s blessings so that
their homes and the homes of their sons may overflow with wealth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Dhamail</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Dhamail is a folk dance performed by the married women of rural
Bengal. The women arrange themselves in a circle, around a certain object of
prayer, clapping to the beats of the song. While praying to the Sun God, a lit
diya, symbolizing the sun, is kept at the centre. The clapping brings a
rhythmic element into the otherwise slow-paced dance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Nabanna</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Nabanna is a ritualistic dance performed after the autumn harvest.
It is part of a religious ceremony associated with cultivation and harvesting.
The dance is an expression of the happiness of the farmers’ families after a
successful harvest. A special religious ceremony is held on the day the new
rice is eaten.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Noila Broto</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Farming is an integral part of the lives of villagers in rural
Bengal. After a day’s toil, the villagers often sing and dance as a welcome
break from their daily routine of labor and hard work. In most parts of rural
India, agriculture is still dependant on the rains. Noila Broto is a
traditional ode to the Rain Goddess, “Megh Kanya”. This prayer dance, involving
rituals and offerings, celebrates the arrival of the first monsoon clouds. The
farmers and their wives pray for a good monsoon that will bring forth an
abundant harvest of crop, ushering in prosperity and happiness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Baromashya</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Bengali community is known for the warm hospitality it
extends to visitors. When a guest arrives unannounced at a Bengali home, he is
greeted warmly and made to feel welcome, while the host makes every effort to
ensure a comfortable stay. The Baromashya songs and dances describe this
endearing quality of the simple folk of rural Bengal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bou Nritya</span></i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">This is a part of the traditional Badhubaran ceremony of
Srihatta. Bou Nritya enacts the custom of asking a new bride to dance; a
process of helping her shed her inhibitions. The dancers wear ornaments typical
of this region and drape the sari in a different way. The distinguishing
feature of this dance is that the dancers never lift their feet off the ground
during the entire performance. Through this dance of initiation, the new bride
is welcomed into her new family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Ganga Baidya</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Ganga Baidya is a dance of the snake charmers or Bedes of
Bengal. The dance gives expression to the daily lives, customs, hopes and
aspirations as well as the pains and tribulations of this sect of people of
rural Bengal. The Bedes were a nomadic tribe who moved from place to place,
earning their living by singing their songs and displaying acrobatic tricks –
with fire, knives, sticks and ropes. These worshippers of Ma Manasha use snakes
for a variety of tricks. Through their songs and dances, the fearless Bedes
sold snake venom and talismans to the villagers, promising them that these
would keep evil away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Lathi Dance</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">This is another notable form of folk dance which has a different
art of expression. This dance is performed to express different situations of
human life like remorse, celebration, anger, pain or love. The dance is
performed in the first ten days of the Muslim festival of Muharram.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Music of West Bengal</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The richness of Bengali culture also reflects in the music that
expresses the feeling of love, sadness, anxiety, motivation, devotion or
spirituality. The music of West Bengal also refers as Bangla Sangeet. Some of
the popular Music of Bengal are:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Classical Bangla Music</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The classical music of West Bengal is highly inspired by the
other forms of Indian classical music. The influence of Karnataka music has
significant influence on the classical music of Bengal. Like other classical
forms of music of this place also based on the musical modes called ‘Ragas’.
Themes of classical music have its root in Jaydev's Gitagovindam,
Rabindra-Sangeet, Shyama-Sangeet, Mangalgiti and Padavali kirtan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Rabindra Sangeet</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">This is one of the most popular kinds of Bangla music which was
created by the great poet and the Noble Laureate Rabindranath Tagore. These
songs are regarded as cultural treasures of Bengal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Artists/painters of West Bengal</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The <b>Bengal School of Art</b> commonly referred
as <b>Bengal School</b> was an influential art movement and a style
of painting that originated in Bengal, primarily Kolkata and Shantiniketan, and
flourished throughout India during the British Raj in the early 20th century.
Also known as 'Indian style of painting' in its early days, it was associated
with Indian nationalism (swadeshi) and led by Abanindranath Tagore (1871-1951),
but was also promoted and supported by British arts administrators like E.B
Havell the principal of the Government Collage of arts Kolkata from 1896;
eventually it led to the development of the modern Indian painting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">However Bengal continues to produce some of the best artists of
modern India. Among them the best known artists of present day Bengal are
Ganesh Pyne, Manishi Dey, Nirmal Dutta, Nilima Dutta, Jahar Dasgupta, Bikash
Bhattacharya Sudip Roy, Devajyoti Ray and Paresh Maiti<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Architecture of Bengal</span></u></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Bengal region, which includes the Republic of Bangladesh and
the Indian state of West Bengal, has many architectural relics and
monuments/temples dating back thousands of years.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bengal, a land of natural and cultural heritage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Temples of</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> <b>West Bengal an amazing
architectures;</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">1 <b>Bakranath Temple at Bakreswar</b> near Siuri in
West Bengal: Built in the Oriyan style, the large temple is the most important
of the several shrines in Bakreswar. Hot springs are another feature of
interest in this town.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">2 <b>Balrampur Jain Temple at Balrampur</b> near
Purulia in West Bengal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">3 <b>Bansuli Temple at Nannur</b> near Bolpur in West
Bengal: The temple site is like a mound, and the lowest level dates back to the
Gupta period.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">4 <b>Barakar Temples at Barakar</b> near Asansol in
West Bengal: Four stone temples in the North Indian Rekha style built in the
8th through the 15th century.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">5 <b>Bargabhima Temple at Tamluk</b> near Medinipur in
West Bengal: Large Temple to Shakti influenced by the Oriyan architecture style
displaying interesting engineering and architectural features.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">6 <b>Bhagwati Temple at Gourangpur</b> near Asansol in
West Bengal: A beautiful brick temple over 150 years old now deserted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">7 <b>Brindabanchandra Temple at Guptipara</b> near
Calcutta (Hooghly) in West Bengal: The biggest in the group of temples in
Guptipara.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">8 <b>Chaitanyadev Temple at Guptipara</b> near
Calcutta (Hooghly) in West Bengal: 17th century temple in the Bengali style of
architecture.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">9 <b>Chinese Temple at Achipur</b> near Calcutta in
West Bengal: Chinese temple with inscriptions dating back to the 18th century.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">10 <b>Dakshineswar Kali Temple at Calcutta</b> in West
Bengal: Famous 19th century Kali temple associated with Ramakrishna.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">11 <b>Dhirdham Temple at Darjeeling</b> in West
Bengal: Built along the lines of the Pasupathinath temple in Nepal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">12 <b>Dugdheshwar</b> Shiva Temple at Amaragarh near
Burddhaman in West Bengal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">13 <b>Ekteswara Temple at Ekteswara</b> near Bakura in
West Bengal: Famous Shiva temple that looks like a massive solid pillar near
the river Dwarkeshwar.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">14 <b>Hanseswari Temple at Bansberia</b> near Calcutta
in West Bengal: Dates back to the 19th century with ornate arches.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">15 <b>Jagannath Temple at Serampore</b> near Calcutta
in West Bengal: Large and ancient Jagannath temple famous for its rath yatra
second only to Puri.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">16 <b>Jain remains at Pakbira</b> near Bara Bazar
(Purulia) in West Bengal: Remains of numerous temples and images some about
2000 years old.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">17 <b>Jain Temple Ruins at Boram</b> near Jaipur in
West Bengal: Ruins of three identical Jain temples<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">18 <b>Jain Temples at Dulmi</b> near Purulia in West
Bengal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">19 <b>Jain Temples at Deoli</b> near Purulia in West
Bengal: Group of Jain temples, the largest of which has an image of Arhanath worshipped
by Hindus as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">20 <b>Jain temples and ruins at Chharra</b> near
Purulia in West Bengal: Old temples and ruins of Jain origin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">21 <b>Jateshwarnath Temple at Mahanad</b> near
Calcutta (Hooghly) in West Bengal: A center for Shiva and Shakti worship.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">22 <b>Jaya Deva Temple at Kenduli</b> near Bolpur in
West Bengal: Well known temple to Radha and Krishna dating back to the 12th
century - current structure over 200 years old.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">23 <b>Jor Bangala Temple at Bishnupur</b> near Bakura
in West Bengal: Specimen of remarkable sculpture and architecture.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">24 <b>Kalighat Temple at Calcutta</b> in West Bengal:
200 year old temple from which Calcutta is said to take its name.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">25 <b>Kalna Shiva Temples at Kalna</b> in West Bengal:
A group of 108 Shiva temples in concentric circles.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">26 <b>Kalyaneshwari Temple at Barakar</b> near Asansol
in West Bengal: This is a 500 year old temple a great center for Shakti
worship.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">27 <b>Kanak Durga Temple at Chikligarh</b> near
Medinipur in West Bengal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">28 <b>Kapil Muni Temple at Sagar Island</b> near
Diamond Harbor in West Bengal: Associated with the mythological descent of the
Ganges from the heavens (into the sea) and a site held in great reverence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">29 <b>Kiriteshwari Temple at Murhsidabad</b> near
Murshidbad in West Bengal: Regarded as one of the Shakthi Peeths this was once
a center of great importance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">30 <b>Krishnachandra Temple at Guptipara</b> near
Calcutta (Hooghly) in West Bengal: Located along with the Chaitanyadev,
Ramachandra and Brindabanchandra temples.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">31 <b>Krishnarjun Temple at Tamluk</b> near Medinipur
in West Bengal: Ancient temple - current structure built 400 years ago.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">32 <b>Lalji Temple at Chandrakona</b> near Medinipur
in West Bengal: 16th century temple built in Bengali style, enclosed by a high
wall with a gateway.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">33 <b>Malleswar Temple at Chandrakona</b> near
Medinipur in West Bengal: 60 feet high temple dating back to the 18th century,
with an even older shrine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">34 <b>Mankeshwar Mahadev Temple at Amaragarh</b> near Burddhaman
in West Bengal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">35 <b>Radha Kanta Jiu Temple at Rajbalhat</b> near
Calcutta (Hooghly) in West Bengal: A fine specimen of Bengali architecture
dating back to the 18th century.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">36 <b>Ramachandra Temple at Guptipara</b> near
Calcutta (Hooghly) in West Bengal: Fine red colored brick temple with a curved
roof, with brick panels carved with fine specimen of Bengali art.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">37 <b>Sarva Mangala Devi Temple at Garbeta</b> near
Medinipur in West Bengal: 16th-17th century temple in the Oriyan style
dedicated to Devi along with other temples within the fort.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">38 <b>Sheetalnath Jain Temple at Calcutta</b> in West
Bengal: 19th century temple - an ornate mass of mirrors, colored stones and
glass mosaics.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">39 <b>Shivakhya Devi Temple at Amaragarh</b> near Burddhaman
in West Bengal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">40 <b>Sidheswara Temple at Bahulara</b> near Onda in
West Bengal: Ancient Shiva temple in the Oriyan style with fine ornamentation
depicting replicas of the temple.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">41 <b>Suratheshwar Temple at Supur</b> near Bolpur in
West Bengal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">42 <b>Swayambhava Kali Temple at Bansberia</b> near
Calcutta (Hooghly) in West Bengal: Located near the Vishnu temple, this temple
dates back to the 18th century.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">43 <b>Syamaleswar Temple at Dantan</b> in West Bengal:
Ancient temple to Shiva in this town where there are 2 large tanks - the
Bidyadhar and Sarasankha.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">44 <b>Tarakeshwar Temple at Tarakeshwar</b> near
Calcutta (Hooghly) in West Bengal: A very well known temple in the Bengali
style of architecture attracting scores of pilgrims.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">45 <b>Temple Ruins at Chandrakona</b> at Chandrakon
near Medinipur in West Bengal: Ruins of several Oriyan styled temples now
abandoned.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">West
Bengal terra cotta temple architecture</span></u></b><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Although there is plenty of evidence of human settlement in Bengal
from prehistoric times but there are regrettable dearth of evidence. This is
because of the soil structure of Bengal The community being spread on the
alluvial plain of the mighty rivers of Ganges, Brahmaputra the whole region is
susceptible to flood and its resulting unsettling geographical pattern. The
only somewhat undulated regions being the western Chota Nagpur and the
Himalayan ridges of east and the north. This soil structure is reflected in the
building material chosen by the Bengali temple designers. Mainly the terra
cotta temples with elaborate surface decorations and lettering written in
nagari alphabets. The roof structure also has been the effect of the heavy
rainfall that the river delta and the Tarai experiences throughout the monsoon,
it has Ganges been curved effectively in most cases to get rid of the huge
amount of water as soon as possible and thereby increasing the lifetime of the
structure. The architectural evidence generally has been from the Gupta Empire
period onwards. There have been recent discoveries of plaques from the times of
Chandraketugarh and mahasthangarh throwing additional light on the
architectural styles of sunga and gupta periods. Apart from the Pahlavi and
Phamsana influence on the architectural style it is also closely connected to
the Bhanja style of temples from mayurbhanj district of Orissa But the temples
of south Bengal is a distinction due to its roofing style so unique and closely
related to the paddy roofed traditional building style of rural Bengal. Bishnupur
in the southern district Bakura of West Bengal has a remarkable set of such
temples which being built from the Malla dynasty are examples of this style.
Most of these temples are covered on the outer surface with terra cotta reliefs
which contains plenty of secular materials making these important to
reconstruct the social structure from these times.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The temple structures contain gabled roofs which are
colloquially called the chala, For example a gabled roof with an eight sided
pyramid structured roof with be called "ath chala" or literally the
eight faces of the roof. And frequently there is more than one tower in the
temple building. These are built of laterite and brick bringing them at the
mercy of severe weather conditions of southern Bengal .Dakshineswar Kali Temple
is one example of the Bhanja style while the additional small temples of Shiva
along the river bank are example of southern Bengal roof style though in much
smaller dimension.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bankura district is a land of temples. There are more historical temples inBishnupur than in any other place in West Bengal. There are several aspects oftemple art, architecture and construction that need to be considered.<br />
Almost all temples in Bishnupur town are Vaishnavite, but many of those scatteredin different areas of the district spread outside the town are Shaivite, with traces ofJainism and Buddhism. While some of the older temples were built of laterite, thearea has numerous brick built temples, some with exquisite terra cotta carvings.Terra cotta carvings are also found in some temples outside the district, as forexample at joy deb kenduli or Antpur, but the art of terra cotta carvings seems tohave flourished with the rise of the Rajas of Bishnupurand virtually died out withthe fading of their supremacy. Some of the earlier temples built by the BardhamanRaj have terra cotta carvings, possibly by artisans from Bankura district, but by thetime Rani Rashmoni decided to construct the Dakhinswar kali temple, in the mid-nineteenth century, the art of terra cotta carvings had obviously faded out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Terra
cotta Temples are the pride of Bishnupur, a small village in Bankura Districtof West Bengal. The Malla kings of the 16th-18th centuries constructed thesetemples, about 30 in all, in their devotion to Lord Krishna. This architecture
betrays influences of various ancient Indian styles as well as of Mughal andPersian designs. Ras-Manch, Shyamrai, Jor-Bangla, and Radha-Shyam are someof the most important of the Terracota Temples. The basic building material of
these temples is tiles made from the local red soil. The terracota tiles aredecorated with filigreed carvings that have Mughal, Persian or Indian lineage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Attraction of Bakura bishnupur</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Malleshwar Temple:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> Dedicated to Lord Shiva,
it is the oldest temple in Bishnupur.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Rasmancha:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> Built in the late 16th century by
King Bir Hambir, the temple has an unusual elongated paramedical tower,
surrounded by hut-shaped turrets. Idols were kept here for public worship
during Ras-utsav.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Pancha Ratna Temple of Shyam Raya:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> Built
in 1643 AD by King Raghunath Singha. The walls are richly decorated with
terracotta carvings featuring different aspects of Lord Krishna’s life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Jorebangla Temple of Keshta Raya:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> Built
by King Raghunath Singha Dev II in 1655 AD, the ornate terracotta carvings are
set off by the roof in the classic chala style of typical Bengal architecture.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Madanmohan Temple:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> King Durjana Singh Deva
built the temple in 1694 AD in the ekaratna style. It is a square flat-roofed
building with carved cornices, surmounted by a pinnacle. Impressive carvings on
the walls depict scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and the Puranas.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Kalachand Temple:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> It is of ekratna style
and is on the bank of Lal-bandh.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Mukutmonipur: </span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Mukutmonipur is 55Km away from Bakura
(a 2 hours drive) District Head Quarters and is situated at the confluence of
river Kangsabati and Kumari. Green forests and hillocks surround the vast
bluish tract of water. The undulating terrain along the southern edge of the
Kangsabati Water Reservoir extends as a three-dimensional necklace of green and
terracotta color. Tourists flock here for its stunning natural beauty.<br />
<b>Jhilimili: </b>Jhilimili is situated 70 Km away from Bakura Town. It is
a beautiful, undisturbed dense natural forest. The road from Ranibund to
Jhilimili offers a wonderful view of spectacular forests on varying heights on
both sides, finally reaching Jhilimili, which is mounted on the top of a
hillock.. The sparkle of micaceous soil adds to the beauty of the environment.<br />
<b>Susunia: </b>Susunia hill, 50 km from Bishnupur, is quite popular as a
trekking spot. It is also an important tourist spot for people who visit the
place to see "Dhara" (a natural spring) and Silialipi. Excavations
have revealed inscriptions dating back to the 4th century AD.<br />
<br />
Joyrambati, 44 km from Bishnupur, the birthplace of Sree Maa Sarada Devi, is a
holy town. The famous temple of Singha Bahani Devi is a special attraction.
Mayerepukur, in front of the residential house of Ma-Sarada is also a sight
worth visiting.<br />
<b>Sutan Forest: </b>Bakura is also popular for beautiful Tourist Spots
like Sutan, Near Ranibandh & Eco-Park ,Near Taldangra, both covered with
dense forest, decorated with small lakes and thrilling with wild animals. <b>Biharinath
Hill:</b> Biharinath, situated in the extreme northwest area of the district,
57 km away from Bakura town, thought to be an ancient centre of Jainism. The
height of the hill is 448 m is the highest hill in Bakura. Biharinath is very
rich in flora and fauna.<br />
Hyena, Pangolin, Chameleon, Racaphorus, though few in number, are still found
here.<br />
The place is known for its natural beauty.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Ganga</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The fisherman community of rural Bengal prays to Ganga Devi in
the month of Chaitra. Through their prayers and dances, they appease the
Goddess, so that she bestows blessings on them throughout the year. According
to great philosopher Aristotle all source of great human<br />
world knowledge and wisdom has come from the banks of holy Ganges river of
India.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Ganga Heritage Cruise West Bengal</span></u></b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The river Ganga passing through the state of West Bengal in
India has been an important trade route from time immemorial. It is through
this route trade was conducted with the early civilizations. Later when
European colonial powers came through this river they established trade posts
along the river. One can also find important places of pre colonial times also.
The aim of the Ganga Heritage Cruise, West Bengal is to discover these
historical places along with natural historical sites. The whole Ganga Heritage
Cruise, West Bengal stretches 260 km from Howrah to Murshidabad spanning seven
districts with picturesque rural Bengal. The cruise is conducted by a number of
cruise launches where staying and fooding facilities are well provided for.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The starting point is the town of Murshidabad the erstwhile
capital of Bengal. The town was founded by Nawab Murshid Quli Khan and its
prosperity was its silk center. With this silk trade came the European traders
but after the Battle of Plassey in 1757 the British founded the British
colonial empire. One of the important historical landmarks is Hazar Duari named
after the thousand doors of the palace though not all are real. It is now a
museum displaying rare books, military weapons, paintings, royal artifacts etc.
Other places are Katra Mosque housing the tomb of the founding Nawab,
Jorebangla a four terra-cotta temple complex and other historic places.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Next place is Mayapur the birth place of Shri Chaitanya who
started Vaishnavism five centuries ago and Nabadwip where Shri Chaitanya
propounded the Vaishnavism philosophy in 1485.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Then comes the town of Kalna with its famous 108 Shivlinga
temples build by the Maharaja of Burdwan in 1809. You can also visit the
beautiful terracotta temple of Pratapeswar temple built in 1849.Other important
sites are Shyamsunder Bati, Krishna Chandraji temple, Amli Briksha and Pancha
Bimsati temple.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Next comes the city of Chinsura the former Dutch trading post
established in 1656. Discover the Dutch colonial heritage. After that visiting
the city of Chandernagore, the erstwhile French settlement feels like being
transported to the 16th century with its beautiful esplanade by the river with
chairs. One can visit the house of Dupleix, the French Governor, the police
headquarters and the French Institute. And lastly the Ganga Heritage Cruise,
West Bengal stops at Belur the foundation of Ramkrishna Mission and a site for
an equally imposing temple.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Go onboard the Ganga Heritage Cruise, West Bengal which takes
you back in time and discover each stages of cultural, historical heritage of
Bengal in a comfortable journey through the romantic river Ganga. An
unforgettable experience! An incredible amazing Bengal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Climate and geography of west Bengal</span></u></b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The eastern state of West Bengal experiences a tropical type of
climate due to its geographical location. The state has diversity in
physiographic as it touches the Himalayas in the north and is bordered by the
Bay of Bengal in south. The northern districts remain cold throughout the year
and for that reason, the hill stations are favored by the tourists especially
during the summer months.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The climate of West Bengal is full of variation. The seasons in
West Bengal can be broadly categorized into summer, winter, autumn and rainy
seasons. The summer months in West Bengal span from mid of March to mid of
June. During this time, the average temperature is 38 degree to 45 degree.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The monsoon season in West Bengal is much awaited as the
landscape turns lush green after the monsoon showers. By the middle of June,
monsoon approaches the state and it is influenced by the winds blowing from Bay
of Bengal. The autumn season in West Bengal is welcomed with a number of
festive occasions. From September the festive mood commences and it is during
this cool and pleasant climate, the festival of Durga Puja is celebrated in
West Bengal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">During the winter season, the weather of West Bengal remains
very pleasant. The state experiences a mild cold climate while the temperature
drops very low in the hilly region of West Bengal. From about mid November,
winter approaches West Bengal and temperature rises not before the middle of
February. The temperature varies around 15 degree in these cold months.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The <b>Geography of West Bengal</b> is varied. The state of
West Bengal is situated in the eastern part of India. On the east lies Bangladesh.
Sikkim and Bhutan lie on the north of West Bengal. The state of Assam is
situated on the north east of West Bengal. Bihar and Jharkhand is situated on
the western side of the state. The geographical location of the state is 23
degree North latitude and 88 degree East longitude.<br />
<br />
As per details from Census 2011, West Bengal has population of 9.13 Crore, an
increase from figure of 8.02 Crore in 2001 census. Total population of West
Bengal as per 2011 census is 91,347,736 of which male and female are 46,927,389
and 44,420,347 respectively. In 2001, total population was 80,176,197 in which
males were 41,465,985 while females were 38,710,212. he total area of West
Bengal is 88,752 sq<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The population density of West Bengal per square kilometer is
904. Sex Ratio in West Bengal is 947 i.e. for each 1000 male, which is below
national average of 940 as per census 2011. In 2001, the sex ratio of female
was 934 per 1000 males in West Bengal.. The population of West Bengal is
predominated by the Bengali population. But immigration from different states
of India has enriched the population diversity of West Bengal.<br />
<br />
The topography of the state also varies from region to region. The northern
part of West Bengal touches the Himalayan range. The topography of West Bengal
alters as the Indo-Gangetic plain begins. The Gangetic plain is rich in
alluvial soil and thus is very fertile. This kind of soil is suitable for
agriculture. Further south, the deltaic plain or the Sunderban region is a very
important spot for tourism in West Bengal.<br />
<br />
The climate of West Bengal is full of variation. The state experiences a
tropical type of climate. The seasons in West Bengal can be broadly categorized
into summer, rainy, autumn and winter seasons.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Demography</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">According to the provisional results of 2011 national census,
West Bengal is the fourth most populous state in India with a population of
91,347,736 (7.55% of India's population). Majority of the population comprises
Bengali people. Marawaris, Behari and Oriya minorities are scattered throughout
the state. Communities of Sherpa’s and ethnic Tibetans can be found in<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Darjeeling Himalayan hill region .Darjeeling district has a
large number of Gurkha people of Nepalese origin. West Bengal is home to
indigenous tribal Adivasis such as Santhalis, Kol, Koch-Rajbonshi and Toto
tribe There are a small number of ethnic minorities primarily in the state
capital, including Chinese, Tamils, Gujarati, Anglo Indians, Armenians,
punjabis,and parsis. India's sole chaina town is in eastern Kolkata<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Religions in West Bengal</span></u></b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Religion<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Percent<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Hindu<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">72.5%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Muslim<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">25.2%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Others<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">2.3%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The official language is Bengali and English. Nepali is the
official language in three subdivisions of. Darjeeling district .As of 2001, in
descending order of number of speakers, the languages of the state are:
Bengali, , Hindi, Santali, Urdu Nepali, and .Oriya Languages such as Rajbangsi
and Ho are used in some parts of the state.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">As of 2001, Hinduism is the principal religion at 72.5% of the
total population, while Muslims comprise 25.2% of the total population, being
the second-largest community as also the largest minority group;Sikhism
Christianity and other religions make up the remainder. The state contributes
7.8% of India's population. The state's 2001–2011 decennial growth rate was
13.93%, lower than 1991–2001 growth rate of 17.8%, and also lower than the
national rate of 17.64%. The gender ratio is 947 females per 1000 males. As of
2011, West Bengal has a population density of 1,029 inhabitants per square
kilometer (2,670 /sq mi) making it the second-most densely populated state in
India, after Bihar.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The literacy rate is 77.08%, higher than the national rate of
74.04%.Data of 1995–1999 showed the life expectancy in the state was 63.4
years, higher than the national value of 61.7 years. About 72% of people live
in rural areas. The proportion of people living below the poverty line in
1999–2000 was 31.9% Scheduled Castes and Tribes form 28.6% and 5.8% of the
population respectively in rural areas, and 19.9% and 1.5% respectively in
urban areas. A study conducted in three districts of West Bengal found that
accessing private health services to treat illness had a catastrophic impact on
households. This indicates the value of public provision of health services to
mitigate against poverty and the impact of illness on poor households.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The crime rate in the state in 2004 was 82.6 per 100,000, which
was half of the national average .This is the fourth-lowest crime rate among
the 32 India. However, the state reported the highest rate of Special and Local
Laws (SLL) crimes. In reported crimes against women, the state showed a crime
rate of 7.1 compared to the national rate of 14.1. Some estimates state that
there are more than 60,000 brothel-based women and girls in prostitution in Kolkata.
The population of prostitutes in sonagachi constitutes mainly of a Nepalese,
Indians and BANGLADESHI. Some sources estimate there are 60,000 women in the
brothels of Kolkata. The largest prostitution area in city is SONAGACHI .West
Bengal was the first Indian state to constitute a Human Rights Commission of
its own<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Flora and fauna</span></u></b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Flora and Fauna of</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> West Bengal is rich in
flora and fauna and has diverse ecosystems because of its varying terrain from
the high altitudes to the sea level plains. Protected forests cover 4% of the
state area. There are 15 Wildlife Sanctuaries, 5 National Parks and 2 Tiger
Reserves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Sunder ban, in south Bengal, is home to the famous Tiger
Project – a conservatory effort to save the Bengal tigers from extinction. It
is an UNESCO world heritage site. Another similar project exists in Buxa in
north Bengal. Wildlife includes the Indian one horned rhinoceros, Indian
elephants, deer, bison, leopards, gaur, crocodiles and others. The state is
also rich in bird life. Migratory birds come to the state during the winter
months.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Conclusion</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">; <b><u>Bengali culture and its excellence</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Historically Bengal has a very rich cultural heritage. Bengal
is, indeed, noted for its rich culture in songs, music, drama, dances and
language. Its indigenous style of music, art, dance and drama is very rich.
Bengali is one of the oldest languages in the world. According to statistics,
jointly with Spanish, Bengali is the fourth largest language group in the
world, only surpassed by Chinese, English and Hindi It is the first of Indian
languages to develop western style secular fiction and drama. It originated
from the Indo-Aryan family of languages in the 7th century, thus making it
comparable to English, French and German. Bengali language is much older than
Hindi Urdu and even Portuguese, Spanish and many other established modern
languages.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">In the middle ages, Bengali was already a well-established
language with popular poets like Bidyapati, Chandidas, Daulat Kazi and Alawol.
It was during this period of middle ages that the famous Indian epics Ramayana
and Mahabharata were translated in lyric forms from Sanskrit into Bengali by
Krittibas and Kashiram Das respectively. This period also saw a rich output of
romantic songs, poems and dance centering on the love of Radha and Krishna.
These were simply superb in their wording, rhythm and style.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">However, things started changing rapidly about 200 years ago.
With the emergence of some great personalities like Iswar Chandra Vidyasagar
(1820-91), Michael Madhusudan Datta (1824-73) and Bankim Chatterjee (1838-94)
Bengali language and literature really got a new life. About one hundred and
forty years ago came the famous Bengali poet Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore
(1861-1941) and then rebel Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam appeared in 1899. These two
great Bengali poets have actually initiated a new era for Bengali language and
culture. Tagore represented this new era of cultural modernization; others
followed him almost as disciples. Palli Kabi Jasimuddin was also one of them.
Tagore was urban, sophisticated and universal; Nazrul exhibited his spirit of
protest and opposition to all social injustice, discrimination, oppression and
exploitation while Jasimuddin vastly remained rural and provincial in his
approach. Their common bond was their liberal outlook for secular Bengali
culture.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Music, songs, drama and dances are also part of rich Bengali
culture and there are three mainstreams of this Bengali Culture: folk, modern
and classical. Folk music mainly based is rural Bengal. It has been nurtured by
the village singers, musicians, actors and dancers. With sweet melodies,
touching words of love, tragedy and devotion, folk music is the most popular
form of music in all over Bengal. The best known forms of folk music are bhatiali,
Baul, bhawaia, jaari, marfati and murshidi. Lalan Fakir, Hasan Raja, Nirmalendu
Chowdhury, Abbasuddin Ahmed, Shachin Dev Burman, Purnadas Baul, Sadhan Bairagi
and Abdul Halim are some of the greatest names in Bengali folk music.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">On the other hand, the pioneers of modern Bengali music were,
indeed, the world famous Nobel Laureate poet Rabindranath Tagore and the rebel
poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. Tagore initiated a blend of East and West and Nazrul
experimented with the synthesis of folk and Middle Eastern strains.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bengal also shares the rich tradition of classical music of the
subcontinent. Indeed, Bengal has produced many musicians and maestros of
international repute like Ustad Alauddin Khan, Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, Pandit
Ajoy Chakrabarty and Pandit Ravi Shankar who have successfully made sitar and
sarode popular all over the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Before I conclude let me describe a few words about the musical
instruments which are also playing vital roles to promote the rich Bengali
culture and its excellence. The typical Bengali folk musical instruments are
Ektara (one string), Dotara (two, but actually four strings), Ghungur, Khol,
Mandira, Behala (violin) and Banshi (flute) and the classical musical
instruments are Sitar, Sarode, Tanpura, Shenai, Eshraj, Pakhwaj, Tabla and
Harmonium. Even now a large number of people in the villages of Bangladesh,
West Bengal and Tripura regularly listen to the folk drama called Jatra and the
age old melodic folk songs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bengali Performing Arts' aim is to promote this rich Bengali
cultural heritage and its excellence by organizing cultural programs round the
year throughout the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01022139079557847252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1446534558556192736.post-87916931233724222382012-09-06T10:24:00.008-07:002012-09-06T10:24:59.707-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bengal and Bengali culture<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bengal is situated in northeast part region of Indian
subcontinent at the apex of Bay of Bengal. The majority of Bengal is
inhabited by Bengali people who speak<b> </b>Bengali language. Today,
it is mainly divided between the sovereign land of peoples Republic of
Bangladesh <u>(</u>previously<u> </u>East Bengal / East Pakistan) and
the state of west Bengal. The region of Bengal is one of the most densely
populated regions on earth, with a population density exceeding 900/km. Most of
the Bengal region lies in the low-lying Ganges–Brahmaputra River delta or
Ganges delta, the world's largest delta. In the southern part of the delta lies
the<u> </u>Sundarbon —the world's largest mangrove forest and home of
the<u> </u>Bengal Tiger,<u> </u>though the population of the region
is mostly rural and agrarian. Two mega cites, Kolkata<u> </u>(previously
Calcutta) and DHAKA<u> </u>(previously Dacca), are located in Bengal.
The Bengal region is renowned for its rich literary and cultural heritage as well
as its immense contribution to the socio-cultural uplift of Indian society in
the form of the<u> </u>Bengal Renaissance, and revolutionary
activities during the Independence movement. West Bengal also (proposed
new English name: Paschimbanga) is a state in the eastern region of India and
is the nation's fourth-most populous region. It is also the seventh-most
populous sub-national entity in the world, with over 91 million inhabitants
covering a total area of 34,267 sq mi (88,750 km2), which is bordered by the
countries of Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh, and the Indian states of Orissa,
Jharkhand, Bihar, Sikkim, and Assam. The state capital is Kolkata (formerly
Calcutta). West Bengal encompasses two broad natural regions: the Gangetic
Plain in the south and the sub-Himalayan and Himalayan area in the north.
Bengal was divided in 1947 on religious lines into two separate entities: West
Bengal – a state of India – and East Bengal, which initially joined the new
nation of Pakistan, before becoming part of modern-day Bangladesh in
1971.Bengal was divided on religious and language lines. Bengali language
movement has played a very important role for its separate entity which
catalyzed the assertion of Bengali national identity in East Bengal and later
East Pakistan, and became a forerunner to Bengali nationalist movements, and
subsequently the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971. In Bangladesh, 21 February
is observed as language movement day, a national holiday. The shaheed miner
monument was constructed near Dhaka Medical College in memory of the movement
and its victims.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The saliency of Twenty First February has made the historic
movement for establishing Bengali as one of the State languages of Pakistan
synonymous with the 1952 phase of the Bengali language movement. However, the
movement for making Bengali as one of the State languages of the then Pakistan
was known as Bangla vasha andolon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bangla vasha andolon.<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">That spirit of 21th February (ekushey) has not diminished.
Rather, the radiant spirit of the twenty first February has remained ingrained
in the core of our hearts and souls even after the elapse of almost half of a
century of the historic Bengali language movement. People from all walks of life
still come out in thousands in the early hours of February twenty first and
mournfully trod the streets of Dhaka, and throng the Central Shaheed Miner
(Marty s Monument) for offering their heartfelt tributes to the fallen language
martyrs. Before depicting the cultures of Bengal, we must go to the historical
roots. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bengali</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> <b>Renaissance</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Bengal Renaissance refers to a social reform movement during
the nineteenth and early twentieth century’s in the region of Bengal in
Undivided India during the period of British rule. The Bengal renaissance can
be said to have started with Raja Ram Mohan Roy (1775–1833) and ended with
Rabindranath Tagore (1861–1941), although there have been many stalwarts
thereafter embodying particular aspects of the unique intellectual and creative
output Nineteenth century Bengal was a unique blend of religious and social
reformers, scholars, literary giants, journalists, patriotic orators and
scientists, all merging to form the image of a renaissance, and marked the
transition from the 'medieval' to the 'modern Bengal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">During this period, Bengal witnessed an intellectual awakening
that is in some way similar to the European Renaissance during the 16th
century, although Europeans of that age were not confronted with the challenge
and influence of alien colonialism. This movement questioned existing
orthodoxies, particularly with respect to women, marriage, the dowry system,
the caste system and religion. One of the earliest social movements that
emerged during this time was the Young Bengal movement that espoused
rationalism and atheism as the common denominators of civil conduct among upper
caste educated Hindus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The parallel socio-religious movement, the Brahmo Samaj,
developed during this time period and counted many of the leaders of the Bengal
Renaissance among its followers In the earlier years the Brahmo Samaj, like the
rest of society, could not however, conceptualize, in that feudal-colonial era,
a free India as it was influenced by the European Enlightenment (and its
bearers in India, the British Raj) although it traced its intellectual roots to
the Upanishads. Their version of Hinduism, or rather Universal Religion,
although devoid of practices like sati and polygamy that had crept into the
social aspects of Hindu life, was ultimately a rigid impersonal monotheistic
faith, which actually was quite distinct from the pluralistic and multifaceted
nature of the way the Hindu religion was practiced. Future leaders like Keshub
Chunder Sen were as much devotees of Christ, as they were of Brahma, Krishna or
the Buddha. It has been argued by some scholars that the Brahmo Samaj movement
never gained the support of the masses and remained restricted to the elite,
although Hindu society has accepted most of the social reform programs of the
Brahmo Samaj. It must also be acknowledged that many of the later Brahmas were
also leaders of the freedom movement.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The renaissance period after the Indian Rebellion of 1857 saw a
magnificent outburst of Bengali literature. While Ram Mohan Roy and Iswar Chandra
Vidyasagar were the pioneers, others like Bankim Chandra Chatterjee widened it
and built upon it .The first significant nationalist detour to the Bengal
Renaissance was given by the brilliant writings of Bankim Chandra Chatterjee.
Later writers of the period who introduced broad discussion of social problems
and more colloquial forms of Bengali into mainstream literature included the
great Saratchandra Chatterjee.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Tagore family, including Rabindranath Tagore, were leaders
of this period and had a particular interest in educational reform however
their contribution to the Bengal Renaissance was multi-faceted. Indeed,
Tagore's 1901 Bengali novella, Nastanirh was written as a critique of men who
professed to follow the ideals of the Renaissance, but failed to do so within
their own families. In many ways Rabindranath Tagore's writings (especially
poems and songs) can be seen as imbued with the spirit of the Upanishads. His
works repeatedly allude to Upanishadic ideas regarding soul, liberation, transmigration
and—perhaps most essentially—about a spirit that imbues all creation not unlike
the Upanishadic Brahman. Tagore's English translation of a set of poems titled
the Gitanjali won him the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1913. He was the first
Asian to win this award. That was the only example at the time but the
contribution of the Tagore family is enormous. The Bengal Renaissance saw the
emergence of pioneering Bengali scientists such as Jagadish Chandra Bose,
Satyendra Nath Bose, Upendranath Brahmachari and Meghnad Saha.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Etymology of Bengal/Bengali</span></u></b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The exact origin of the word Bangla or Bengal is unknown, though
it is believed to be derived from the Dravidian-speaking tribe Bang that
settled in the area around the year 1000 BC<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Vanga (Greater Bengal) was a kingdom during the times of
Mahabharata.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Other accounts speculate that the name is derived from Banga
which came from the Austric word "Bonga" meaning the Sun-god. The
word Banga and other words speculated to refer to Bengal (such as Anga) found
in ancient Indian texts including the Vedas, Jaina texts, the Mahabharata and
Puranas. The earliest reference to "Bangala" has been traced in the
Nesari plates (805 AD) of Rashtrakuta Govinda III which speak of Dharmapala as
the king of Vangala<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Some accounts claim that the word may derive from bhang, a
preparation of cannabis which is used in some religious ceremonies in Bengal.
Dravidians migrated to Bengal from the south, while Tibeto-Burman peoples
migrated from the Himalayas followed by the Indo-Aryans from north-western
India. The modern Bengali people are a blend of these people. Smaller numbers
of Pathans, Persians, Arabs and Turks also migrated to the region in the late
middle Ages while spreading Islam.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The age and history
of Bengal and Bengali culture is near about 1000 years old. Since the end of
Magadha Empire the Bengal religious-socio-cultural ceremonies held great
importance’s among the Bengalis. Ceremonies play the symbolic role of every
tradition handed over to the decedent’s generation after generation. Some
important ceremonies of Bengal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Annaprashan</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> is a social ritual among the Hindus, an
occasion when the baby breaks its baby food pattern to welcome home made food.
It is as well as a social introduction of the new member.'Annaprashan' is a
social ritual among the Hindus, an occasion when the baby breaks its baby food
pattern to welcome home-made food. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">It is as well as a
social introduction of the new member of the family in the community. Annaprashan
literally means feeding the baby rice for the first time. "Anna"
means food, especially rice while "prashan" means to feed.
Annaprashan gathers the importance of a religious ceremony. Arranged for the
Hindu child generally before teething, this ritual is separate for both boys
and girls.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Upanayana</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> is a Vedic ritual of Hinduism. It is an
important religious ritual in our society. Upanayana is performed only for
Brahmin boys. According to Vedic culture it is a second birth for
them..Upanayana is a Vedic ritual of Hinduism. It is an important religious
ritual in our society. Upanayana is performed only for Brahmin boys. According
to Vedic culture it is a second birth for them. Upanayana marks the beginning
of Bramhacharya.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Marriages</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> are made in heaven, goes the proverb. Two
people start of a new journey towards future, hand in hand, sharing at each
step new outlooks, responsibilities and love. Marriage is an auspicious
occasion among us. Arranged marriage is still a common <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bengali marriages are
a mixture of pure custom, tradition and religious beliefs. It is an occasion
where the entire family gather, take part in the typical Bengali ‘Adda’, regale
in fanfare and remain busy in making the necessary arrangements for the
invitees. Bengali culture must be searched and seen from the aspect of
festivals, literature, drama, music/dance, cousins, dress.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Literature</span></u></b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Bengali language boasts a rich literary heritage, shared
with neighboring Bangladesh. West Bengal has a long tradition in folk
literature, evidenced by the Charyapada, Mangalkavya, Shreekrishna Kirtana,
Thakurmar Jhuli, and stories related to Gopal Bhar. In the nineteenth and
twentieth century, Bengali literature was modernized in the works of authors
such as Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, Michael Madhusudan Dutt, Rabindranath
Tagore, Kazi Nazrul Islam, and Sharat Chandra Chattopadhyay. Coupled with
social reforms led by Ram Mohan Roy, Swami Vivekananda, and others, this
constituted a major part of the Bengal Renaissance The middle and latter parts of
the 20th century witnessed the arrival of post-modernism, as well as literary
movements such as those espoused by the Kallol movement, hungry lists and the
little magazines Jibanananda Das, Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay, Tarashankar
Bandopadhyay, Manik Bandopadhyay, Ashapurna Devi, Shirshendu Mukhopadhyay,
Buddhadeb Guha, Mahashweta Devi, Samaresh Majumdar, Sanjeev Chattopadhyay and
Sunil Gangopadhyay among others are well-known writers of the 20th century.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Theater and films</span></u></b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Among
other types of theater, West Bengal has a tradition of folk drama known as
jatra Kolkata is the home of the Bengali cinema industry, dubbed
"Toll wood" for Tollygong, where most of the state's film studios are
located. its long tradition of </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Art_film"><span style="color: #5d7d9d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">art films</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> includes globally acclaimed film directors such
as academy award -winning director Satyajit Roy, Ritwik ghatak, Mrinal
sen, tapan sinha, and contemporary directors such as </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aparna_Sen"><span style="color: #5d7d9d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Aparna</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> Sen, Buddhadeb Dasgupta, and Rituparna ghosh.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Cuisine<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">West Bengal shares its distinctive culinary tradition with
neighboring Bangladesh, and also borrows from other Indian states. Boiled rice
constitutes the staple food, and is served with a variety of vegetables, fried
as well with curry, thick lentil soups, and fish and meat preparations of
mutton and chicken, and more rarely pork and beef by certain groups. Sweetmeats
are mostly milk based, and consist of several delights including roshgulla,
sandesh, rasamalai, gulap jamun, kalo jamun, and chom-chom. Several other sweet
preparations are also available. Bengali cuisine is rich and varied with the
use of many specialized spices and flavors. Fish is the dominant source of
protein, cultivated in ponds and fished with nets in the fresh-water Rivers of
the Ganges delta. More than 40 types of mostly freshwater fish are common,
including carp, varieties like rui (rohu), katla, magur (catfish), chingŗi
(prawn or shrimp), as well as shuţki (dried sea fish) are popular. Salt water
fish (not sea fish though) and Ilish (hilsa ilisha) is very popular among
Bengalis, can be called an icon of Bengali cuisine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">DRESS</span></u></b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bengali women traditionally wear the sari, the shalwar kameez
and Western attire is gaining acceptance among younger women. Western-style
dress has greater acceptance among men, although the traditional dhoti and
kurta of men are seen during festivals. Like any other metropolis, Kolkata also
has an eclectic mix of western wears with a tinge of ethnic wears. People are
found dressed in jeans along with kurtas, or sari along with an overcoat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Festivals of West Bengal<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">West Bengal is a land
of festivals. There is a popular saying in Bengali ‘‘Baro Mase Tero Parban’: it
literally means thirteen festivals in twelve months. Almost all festivals of
all religions are celebrated here with equal religious sentiment and fervor.
The people of West Bengal strive hard to maintain the tradition and culture of
its land in the festivals they celebrate. A great number of fairs are also
organized. The most popular festival celebrated in West Bengal is Durga Puja
where all the people come out in the streets and celebrate this four day
festival. Other festivals celebrated in West Bengal are Kaali Puja, Basant
Panchami, Dushera, Bahi Dooj, Holi, Mahavir Jayanti, Buddha Jayanti, Rathyatra
and Christmas. Other events which have almost taken the form of festivals are
Rabindra Jayanti (birthday of Rabindranath Tagore), Birthday of Sri Ramakrishna
Paramahamsa and Birthday of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">List of Festivals in West Bengal:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Holi<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Birthday of Sri
Ramakrishna Paramahamsa<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Birthday of Netaji
Subhas Chandra Bose<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Rabindra Jayanti<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Durga Puja<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Basant Panchami<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bhai Dooj<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Mahavir Jayanti<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bera Utsav<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Kolkata Festival<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Folk culture of Bengal</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">West Bengal</span></u></b><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bengal, a land of fecundity and prosperity embraces all within
her fold. The varied hues of her rich culture color her songs, music and
literature. The numerous tribes and ethnic groups of Bengal have their own
distinctive folk arts, as varied and beautiful as the tribes themselves.
Bengal’s repertoire of folk songs with its lyrical appeal and richness, its
thematic diversity and range is a reflection of rural Bengals creativity and
imagination. As a traditional art form, folk dances of Bengal have gained immense
popularity and recognition over the years. The dances contain themes that range
from ritualistic to satirical and from allegorical to social. They involve
prayers, offerings, celebrations and odes. Usually performed during festive
seasons, or to mark a happy occasion, these dances ingrained in folk culture,
reflect local faith, tradition and custom. These dances encompass a broad
spectrum, from invoking the rain Gods for a good harvest to depicting
mythological events. In fact, some religious festivals are celebrated through
songs and dances that characterize devotion, prayer and worship. The dance
forms that have evolved from the martial arts depict events from the great
Indian epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. These vocal musical dances are
performed round the year on various occasions, at fairs and festivals and
religious conglomerations.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Some of the well known folk songs and dance of west Bengal
include:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Baul</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bengal, during the post medieval period, was a divided and
closed society. Ruled by religious strictures, Hindus and Muslims led
cloistered lives, against which grew a protest that took on the character of a
cult. The community of protesters could be identified by the robes they wore (a
long saffron-colored cloak called the alkhalla with a turban of the same
color), the one-stringed instrument or Ektara they always carried and the bells
they tied to their perpetually dancing feet. Sometimes the alkhalla would be
made of different pieces of cloth patched together. They were the Bauls, the creators
of a phenomenal music tradition that has survived and grown despite the ravages
of time. Apart from the expected bamboo flute, they developed a variety of
musical instruments like the Premjuri and Dotara, the Khamak and Goopi Jantro,
the Kartal and Dubki among others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Bauls are free wanderers. They are detached from the bondage
of society and family. They move from place to place, making a meager living
from the alms given to them by those who can plumb the profound depths of their
frugality. The Bauls belong to a sect with a distinctive mystic ideology of
their own and their songs spread the message of peace and universal
brotherhood. The word ‘Baul’ means mad, the madness that comes out of an
overwhelming love for the Infinite Self. The singers describe the transience of
mundane existence and the simple means to spiritual upliftment, though the root
of their philosophical theory rests in a deeper complex psychological
consciousness. Bauls are basically philanthropists, though sometimes satire from
day to day life finds a place in their songs. The Bauls have played a major
role in India’s freedom struggle when they moved from village to village in
rural Bengal with their songs stirring up a feeling of nationalism and pride in
our motherland among the illiterate village folk.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Both men and women (Bauls and Baulanis) are a part of this great
music tradition. For a long time, the Baulanis performed with the Bauls and
they did not have any separate identity. But in recent years Baulanis have
carved out their own foothold. The music of the Bauls had a significant
influence on Rabindranath Tagore. Today the Bauls’ songs can be heard in many
districts of West Bengal as their footsteps dot the muddy village lanes of
Bankura, Birbhum, Burddhaman, Nadia, Dinajpur and Murshidabad. Baul Sangeet has
always held a special place. It is basically a folk dialect of Bengali music
and highly spiritual in nature, but far away from religious dilution. This form
of music was developed by a group of mystic minstrels from Bengal who are
considered to be a syncretism group with music in their blood. In 2005 they
were declared as the 'Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of
Humanity' by UNESCO. Joydeb kenduli annual fair is considered to be the biggest
fair of Bauls at Birbhum district of west Bengal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Purulia Chhou dance</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Chhau dance of Purulia district is one of the most vibrant
and colorful art forms. Emerging from martial practice, the Purulia Chhau is a
vigorous form of dance drama that draws its themes from the two great Indian
epics, The Ramayana and The Mahabharata.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Masks and elaborate headgear are the ornamental apparels of the
Chhau dancers. The dance is believed to date back to over a century, though the
specific date of its origin cannot be definitely ascertained. The dance was
patronized by the royalty and landlords of the region. Since its inception, the
members of the Mahato, Kurmi, Bhumija, Deowa, Bhuama and Dom communities have
sustained this dance form. The dance is an essential part of the Gajan Festival,
a festival that celebrates the glories of Lord Shiva. Today, the dance is no
longer restricted to one particular time of the year. The Purulia Chhau dance
has been influenced by many dances of the district, like the Nata Jawaid Dance,
the Mahi Dance and the Nachni Dance. Even two relatively sophisticated dance
forms like the Jhumur and Bhadra Jhumur have influenced the Chhau Dance in its
tune and rhythm. The accompanying musical instruments include the Dhol, Dhamsa
and Shenai.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The dance commences with an invocation to Lord Ganesh. Then the
movements follow the nuances of the story. In a Chhau Dance the fight between
good and evil always culminates in the triumph of good over destructive evil.
The elaborate masks, the dazzling costumes, the rhythmic drum beatings and
shenai, characterize the Chhau Dance. A distinctive feature of this dance is
the acrobatic use of the body and the intricately crafted masks worn by the
dancers. Powerful movements, immense concentration and release of energy are
the other features of this dance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">In the villages the performance usually starts between 9.00 and
10.00 o’clock in the evening. As the night grows and the dance gains momentum,
there is an air of excitement all around. Communication between the performers
and the audience is a significant feature of this dance form. In the olden
days, the performance area used to be illuminated by torches that burnt
throughout the night. Over the years the dance has undergone evolutions in
form, stage craft, lighting and use of musical instruments.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The masks help the dancers to portray different characters.
There are masks depicting particular Gods and Goddesses, demons and monsters.
There are also interesting masks for different animals like the lion, tiger,
bear, monkey and so on. These finely-crafted masks are made by the painter
artistes of the district. With the face covered by a mask, it is left to the
dancers to emote using their bodies. Movements and postures therefore serve
both to portray emotions and make the dance lively.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">One of the most popular presentations of the Purulia Chhau Dance
is Mahisasur Mardini. Oppressed by the tyranny of the Mahisasura, the Gods pray
to Goddess Adyashakti Mahamaya who takes the form of Goddess Durga, Durga
tinashini and after a fierce battle with Asura, finally slays him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Santhali Dance</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Santhalis are an integral part of the folklore of Bengal.
The Santhali dance form is seen in the districts of Birbhum, Bakura, Malda and
Burddhaman. The Santhalis are born dancers. Dance is an integral part of all
festivities of the Santhali community. Musical accompaniment is provided by
instruments like the Madol, Flute, Dhamsa, Jhanj, Kartal and occasionally the
Shenai. The songs are typically based on Taal Madol Chhanda. Dances are usually
performed on a full moon night and are connected with the celebration of
certain rituals. A notable feature of the Santhali dances is the unison in
movement. The dancers stand in a line holding hands and move to the rhythm of
the madol. Usually the women take part in the dance and the men provide the
musical accompaniment. This is reflected in the words of a song, which
accompany the Dang Dance, a dance performed as a part of marriage rituals. The
boys carry two types of drums, the Madal and the Lagra. They sing to the girls
telling them: “Though the drums are heavy, we carry them around dancing all the
time”. The girls reply, “As we hear the beat of drums, we cannot stand still.
We lift our feet and begin to dance”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Simplicity of theme and language is what makes the Santhali
dances so endearing. Nowadays, Santhali men also take part in the dances, most
of which are seasonal and reflect the ritualistic life of the Santhali
community. Each dance form has its own distinctive rhythm and dance style. Some
of the popular dances include the Sohrai, which is a harvest dance, inviting
all the village folk to come out of their homes and join in the festivities,
and the Dasai, a dance performed just before the Durga Puja, when the Santhali
men go out to the neighboring villages, where they sing and dance to collect
donations of rice and alms.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Santhali dance reflects the beauty of rural Bengal and adds
color to the palette of the folk culture of the state.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Mundari dance</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The members of the Mundari community perform these dances on
different festive occasions, most of which are related to agriculture. The main
festival of the Mundari community is the Karam Puja. The dances of the Santhali
and Mundari communities are very close in style and form. The musical instruments
used by the two communities are also common.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Gambhira</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Gambhira, a popular annual festival of Malda District comprises
songs and dances closely related to agriculture and mythology. Performances
depict on one hand, the success, failure or annual production of crops, and on
the other tell stories about mythological figures. Depending on the theme,
dancers perform solo, duets or in groups, stepping in tune with the beat of
dhaks. Colorful masks representing Gods and Goddesses like Kalika, Chamunda, Rama,
Hanuman, Shiva and even animals and birds, make the performances both charming
and entertaining, while retaining the authenticity of this primitive dance
form.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The word Gambhira means ‘Devalaya’ or House of God. This
festival is very closely associated with Shiva Puja. In the different rituals
associated with Gambhira Puja we find an amalgamation of different religious
thoughts like Shaivism, Vaishnavism, Buddhism and Shaktiism. In Malda district,
where this festival is immensely popular, Shiva is also known as Gambhir, and
hence the festival associated with Shiv Puja is known as Gambhira. The Bengal
Drum or Dhak and the Gong or Kanshi are main musical instruments accompanying
this dance. Dancers tune their steps to the different beats of the Dhak, the intricate
patterns of their dance blending into the pulsating rhythm of festivity and
celebration. Over the years, poverty and social changes are forcing this dance,
which was once synonymous with grandeur, into oblivion. The Gambhira festival
begins with Agamani songs. The second day of the festival is called the Choto
Tamasha and the third day the Boro Tamasha. These days are devoted to Shiva and
Gouri Puja. Other popular dances of the Gambhira tradition include the Baan
Nritya (Arrow Dance) Bak Nritya (Stork Dance) Tapa Nritya (a dance performed by
the fishermen and fisherwomen using a special kind of bamboo basket known as
the Tapa which is used for catching the fish) and Kali Nritya (the dance of
Goddess Kalika).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Gajan</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Gajan is a very popular festival in some parts of Bengal. Gajan
songs are sung in praise of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati in the Bengali month
of Chaitra. Singing and dancing is an integral part of this celebration. The
dance is performed with great devotion and austerity. The dancers sometimes
dress up as Hara Parvati and move around the village, dancing to the
accompaniment of the Dhol, Kanshi and Flute. In Malda and Murshidabad, the
celebration is known as Bolan. The dancers undergo penance with a view to
attaining salvation and becoming free of worldly sufferings. This celebration
is observed during the latter part of the month of Chaitra. Being a festival of
austerity, the dancers often fast before a performance. The performance of this
Puja involves some harrowing rituals and is usually performed by the lower
castes. The involvement of the upper castes is limited to bowing down before
the lower castes for just this one time in the year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Durga Puja Dhak</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Utsav is synonymous with Durga Puja. The Bengali waits all year
round for the arrival of Devi Ma. It is a time for celebration and festivity,
and it is the sound of the Bengali Drum or the Dhak that joyously announces her
eagerly awaited arrival. It is the sound of the Dhak that captures the many
moods of the Devi, frenzied, calm, plaintive and nostalgic, and it is the sound
of the Dhak that also tells us it is time for her to return to her heavenly
abode. Every beat of the dhak is different and each of them holds a special
place in every Bengalis heart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Dhol Badan</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Dhol (a variation of the Bengali Drum) is an indispensable
musical instrument of the different festivals of Bengal. The musicians dance
and play the Dhol simultaneously.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bratachari – Raibense</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Raibense dance which is performed by a group of male dancers
is a part of the repertoire of the ‘Bratachari’ tradition of West Bengal. The
Raibense dance of ancient Bengal is a significant and authentic reminder that
the Bengalis were once renowned for their military prowess. The dance belongs
to a living tradition of the war dances of ancient Bengal. Rai means royal,
kingly and bansh or bansha means bamboo. This was used by the infantry soldiers
in the middle ages. This vigorous dance form includes mock fighting and
acrobatics. It speaks volumes about the valor of the people of ancient Bengal.
The Dhol and Kanshi are the main instruments used. The strident rhythmic notes
of the Dhol and the clanging of the Kanshi generate courage and daring in the
hearts of the dancers. No songs are sung or verses recited during this martial
dance. Instead, vigorous yells mark the various sectional movements. The
simplest costume, a dhoti (which is the traditional dress of Bengali men) is
worn with a strip of red cloth signifying spirit and valor. Shri Gursasaday
Dutt, ICS, was responsible was resurrecting this ancient group dance and
modifying it to its present form.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Bagdi, Bauri and Dom communities of Burddhaman, Birbhum
& Murshidabad districts, perform the dance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Stick Dance or Laghur Nritya<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Stick Dance or Laghur Nritya is another interesting martial
folk art form of West Bengal. The stick, which has from time immemorial been
used as a weapon of self-defense, is used in this dance. The long sticks not
only keep the beat of the dance, but are also used for the acrobatic feats,
which are an integral part of this dance form.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Ranapa Dance<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Ranapa is another martial form of dance, where the artistes
walk and dance on stilts. As the dancers display mock fights, they exhibit
their skills of balancing on stilts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Dhali & Paika Nritya<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">These two dances are heroic war dances and are performed by a
group of dancers. The dances are evocative of the valor and prowess of the
people who took part in the wars.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Dhali Dance, as the name implies, is the Shield Dance. It
was the war dance of the Dhali (Shield man) troupes in the armies of the
ancient potentates of Bengal. In the Dhali Dance, the spectacular movements are
formal and are more in the nature of athletic exercises. It is a dance of high
aesthetic value by virtue of its intricate maneuvers and ordered formations.
Being a war dance, it is not accompanied by any songs. This dance form
originated and flowered during the reign of Raja Pratapaditya of Jossore. After
winning a battle, the fatigued and exhausted solders starting dancing with
swords and shields in the cantonment to inspire them for the next war. It is
believed that Raja Pratapaditya maintained an army of highly skilled Dhali
soldiers. Over the years, the dance form has been modified extending to women
dancers as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Natua Dance</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Natua,</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> an ancient dance form, features in the Shiv Puranas. The
word Natua may have been derived from the name of Lord Nataraj. It is believed
that Nandi and Vringi, the associates of Lord Shiva were the first to perform
this dance during the time of Shiva’s marriage with Durga. This highly
acrobatic dance form involves many tricks with fire and is usually accompanied
by the beats of a Jai Dhak, the instrument which is said to have been created
by Lord Shiva. The dance is performed during the Charak Puja and occasionally
during marriages.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Kirtan Dance songs<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Kirtan music is the most widely practiced folk music (vocal
and dance) form of Bengal. The democratic nature of the dance, which unites
people of the whole village, irrespective of their caste or social standing is
its most striking feature. The dance is performed to the accompaniment of the
Dhol and Mridanga. The great spiritual leader, Shri Chaitanya Dev gave the
dance a national character.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Rabha Dances</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The women of the Rabha Community perform the Rabha Dances,
popular in the Northern part of Bengal. The men provide the musical
accompaniment, playing the Barangshi (a bamboo flute), Hem (a drum with two
faces), Dandi & Barding, (idiophones made from bamboo) and Karnal (a rare
tribal instrument made of bamboo and buffalo horn). The Rabha women have
different dances for different occasions, like the “Fai Nang Ning Mein” or
Welcome Dance, the “Braisar Pridan” or New Year’s Dance and “Larai Lunge” or
War Dance. The dancers depict the daily life of the community and embody the
merriment that enlivens all their festivals.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Chaibari Nritya</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Chaibari Nritya, as the name suggests, is a dance mastered
by the tea garden workers of Northern Bengal. The dancers, with their intricate
costumes and jewelers make for a picture perfect sight in the breathtaking
backdrop of the verdant tea gardens. The melodious music adds to the charm and
beauty of the dance..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Domphu Nritya</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Domphu is a musical instrument used by the Nepali community
settled in North Bengal. The Domphu Nritya takes its name from this traditional
instrument. The dances give expression to the joys, hopes and aspirations of
the community through this colorful folk dance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Kukri Nritya</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The<b>Kukri Nritya<u>,</u></b> also from North Bengal, is
performed by the girls of the community, as they ceremoniously hand over their
traditional weapon, the Kukri, to their brothers, before they set off for the
war.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Mech Dance</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Mech Dance is another popular dance form of North Bengal,
the land of forests, mountains and turbulent rivers. In this dance form, which
originated in Jalpaiguri district, we see and feel the inner rhythm which
pervades the simple life of the tribal people living in harmony with nature. There
are several variations of the Mech Dance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bagroomba is performed by the Mech women at spring festivals, the
colorful costumes used by the dancers are evocative of butterflies.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Chal Jhumgre Gele Nai is a war dance which is rhythmic and
martial in character.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">In the Mesa Glang Nai dance, performed by the Mech women, the
youth of the community is exhorted to be industrious and hardworking. The young
members of the community are reminded that they must always retain the purity
of their minds and bodies. This dance is performed as the women pluck flowers
for the ‘Kherai Puja’. They carry small bowls in their hand to collect the
flowers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Rajbanshi Dance</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Rajbanshi is one of the many tribes of North Bengal. The
lives of the people belonging to the Rajbanshi tribe revolve around the Teesta
River, which they worship as a Goddess. The Teesta flows down the snow-capped
peaks of Darjeeling, through the dense forests of Jalpaiguri. It then charts a
turbulent course through the lush scenery of Coochbehar, finally meeting the
Brahmaputra River in Bangladesh. This graceful dance is performed to invoke the
blessings of the River Goddess. The Dhol, Kanshi, Kartal and Mukhabanshi are
the instruments that accompany this invocatory dance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Jhumur Dance</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Jhumur songs and dance is one of the liveliest musical forms
of Purulia district of west Bengal, this is an elaborate dance, choreographed
and performed by professional artistes. Here lies its essential difference with
forms like the Santhali Dance. The dance is performed by girls while the boys
play the Dhol and Madol. This entertaining dance is performed on stage and
during road shows. Heavy make-up and ornate jewelers form part of the costume
of the Jhumur dancers. This secular dance form is accompanied by fast-paced and
cheerful Jhumur songs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The sensuous Nachni is an offshoot of the Jhumur Dance,
depicting the love of Radha (Nachni) and Krishna (Rasik).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bhadu</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">As the rains pour down on the red earth of Bengal, voices rise
in praise of Bhadreswari Ma, invoking her blessings for a good harvest.
Originating from the districts of Bakura, Purulia, West Burddhaman and Birbhum,
the Bhadu Dance is performed mainly during the Monsoon. The dance draws its
name from the Bengali month of Bhadra, when the monsoon showers drench the
earth. During the festival, Bhadreswari or Bhadu (goddess of crops) is invoked
by the villagers, seeking her blessings for an abundant harvest. The women of
the community, both married and unmarried perform the Bhadu Dance. The
unmarried girls pray for a loving husband while the married women pray to
Mother Earth to be blessed with children.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Bhadu festival is also celebrated in Chota Nagpur, where it
is known as ‘Karam Parab’.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Tushu</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">When we think of harvest songs in Bengali folk culture, we think
of Tushu. Tushu songs, originating from the districts of Bakura, Purulia &
Midnapore have similar features. The daily lives and relationships of the
villagers form the theme of this genre of songs. Family rows between rival
co-wives and between wives and their sisters-in-law find a place in Tushu
songs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Tushu songs being associated with harvesting always refer to the
householder’s wealth – ‘ghee of 32 cows’, ‘rice of fine paddy’, ‘pots of ghee
and gur’ are some of the expressions used. The villagers pray to the Folk
Goddess Tushu for prosperity. They ask for the Goddess’s blessings so that
their homes and the homes of their sons may overflow with wealth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Dhamail</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Dhamail is a folk dance performed by the married women of rural
Bengal. The women arrange themselves in a circle, around a certain object of
prayer, clapping to the beats of the song. While praying to the Sun God, a lit
diya, symbolizing the sun, is kept at the centre. The clapping brings a
rhythmic element into the otherwise slow-paced dance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Nabanna</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Nabanna is a ritualistic dance performed after the autumn harvest.
It is part of a religious ceremony associated with cultivation and harvesting.
The dance is an expression of the happiness of the farmers’ families after a
successful harvest. A special religious ceremony is held on the day the new
rice is eaten.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Noila Broto</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Farming is an integral part of the lives of villagers in rural
Bengal. After a day’s toil, the villagers often sing and dance as a welcome
break from their daily routine of labor and hard work. In most parts of rural
India, agriculture is still dependant on the rains. Noila Broto is a
traditional ode to the Rain Goddess, “Megh Kanya”. This prayer dance, involving
rituals and offerings, celebrates the arrival of the first monsoon clouds. The
farmers and their wives pray for a good monsoon that will bring forth an
abundant harvest of crop, ushering in prosperity and happiness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Baromashya</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Bengali community is known for the warm hospitality it
extends to visitors. When a guest arrives unannounced at a Bengali home, he is
greeted warmly and made to feel welcome, while the host makes every effort to
ensure a comfortable stay. The Baromashya songs and dances describe this
endearing quality of the simple folk of rural Bengal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bou Nritya</span></i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">This is a part of the traditional Badhubaran ceremony of
Srihatta. Bou Nritya enacts the custom of asking a new bride to dance; a
process of helping her shed her inhibitions. The dancers wear ornaments typical
of this region and drape the sari in a different way. The distinguishing
feature of this dance is that the dancers never lift their feet off the ground
during the entire performance. Through this dance of initiation, the new bride
is welcomed into her new family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Ganga Baidya</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Ganga Baidya is a dance of the snake charmers or Bedes of
Bengal. The dance gives expression to the daily lives, customs, hopes and
aspirations as well as the pains and tribulations of this sect of people of
rural Bengal. The Bedes were a nomadic tribe who moved from place to place,
earning their living by singing their songs and displaying acrobatic tricks –
with fire, knives, sticks and ropes. These worshippers of Ma Manasha use snakes
for a variety of tricks. Through their songs and dances, the fearless Bedes
sold snake venom and talismans to the villagers, promising them that these
would keep evil away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Lathi Dance</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">This is another notable form of folk dance which has a different
art of expression. This dance is performed to express different situations of
human life like remorse, celebration, anger, pain or love. The dance is
performed in the first ten days of the Muslim festival of Muharram.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Music of West Bengal</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The richness of Bengali culture also reflects in the music that
expresses the feeling of love, sadness, anxiety, motivation, devotion or
spirituality. The music of West Bengal also refers as Bangla Sangeet. Some of
the popular Music of Bengal are:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Classical Bangla Music</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The classical music of West Bengal is highly inspired by the
other forms of Indian classical music. The influence of Karnataka music has
significant influence on the classical music of Bengal. Like other classical
forms of music of this place also based on the musical modes called ‘Ragas’.
Themes of classical music have its root in Jaydev's Gitagovindam,
Rabindra-Sangeet, Shyama-Sangeet, Mangalgiti and Padavali kirtan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Rabindra Sangeet</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">This is one of the most popular kinds of Bangla music which was
created by the great poet and the Noble Laureate Rabindranath Tagore. These
songs are regarded as cultural treasures of Bengal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Artists/painters of West Bengal</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The <b>Bengal School of Art</b> commonly referred
as <b>Bengal School</b> was an influential art movement and a style
of painting that originated in Bengal, primarily Kolkata and Shantiniketan, and
flourished throughout India during the British Raj in the early 20th century.
Also known as 'Indian style of painting' in its early days, it was associated
with Indian nationalism (swadeshi) and led by Abanindranath Tagore (1871-1951),
but was also promoted and supported by British arts administrators like E.B
Havell the principal of the Government Collage of arts Kolkata from 1896;
eventually it led to the development of the modern Indian painting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">However Bengal continues to produce some of the best artists of
modern India. Among them the best known artists of present day Bengal are
Ganesh Pyne, Manishi Dey, Nirmal Dutta, Nilima Dutta, Jahar Dasgupta, Bikash
Bhattacharya Sudip Roy, Devajyoti Ray and Paresh Maiti<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Architecture of Bengal</span></u></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Bengal region, which includes the Republic of Bangladesh and
the Indian state of West Bengal, has many architectural relics and
monuments/temples dating back thousands of years.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bengal, a land of natural and cultural heritage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Temples of</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> <b>West Bengal an amazing
architectures;</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">1 <b>Bakranath Temple at Bakreswar</b> near Siuri in
West Bengal: Built in the Oriyan style, the large temple is the most important
of the several shrines in Bakreswar. Hot springs are another feature of
interest in this town.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">2 <b>Balrampur Jain Temple at Balrampur</b> near
Purulia in West Bengal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">3 <b>Bansuli Temple at Nannur</b> near Bolpur in West
Bengal: The temple site is like a mound, and the lowest level dates back to the
Gupta period.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">4 <b>Barakar Temples at Barakar</b> near Asansol in
West Bengal: Four stone temples in the North Indian Rekha style built in the
8th through the 15th century.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">5 <b>Bargabhima Temple at Tamluk</b> near Medinipur in
West Bengal: Large Temple to Shakti influenced by the Oriyan architecture style
displaying interesting engineering and architectural features.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">6 <b>Bhagwati Temple at Gourangpur</b> near Asansol in
West Bengal: A beautiful brick temple over 150 years old now deserted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">7 <b>Brindabanchandra Temple at Guptipara</b> near
Calcutta (Hooghly) in West Bengal: The biggest in the group of temples in
Guptipara.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">8 <b>Chaitanyadev Temple at Guptipara</b> near
Calcutta (Hooghly) in West Bengal: 17th century temple in the Bengali style of
architecture.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">9 <b>Chinese Temple at Achipur</b> near Calcutta in
West Bengal: Chinese temple with inscriptions dating back to the 18th century.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">10 <b>Dakshineswar Kali Temple at Calcutta</b> in West
Bengal: Famous 19th century Kali temple associated with Ramakrishna.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">11 <b>Dhirdham Temple at Darjeeling</b> in West
Bengal: Built along the lines of the Pasupathinath temple in Nepal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">12 <b>Dugdheshwar</b> Shiva Temple at Amaragarh near
Burddhaman in West Bengal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">13 <b>Ekteswara Temple at Ekteswara</b> near Bakura in
West Bengal: Famous Shiva temple that looks like a massive solid pillar near
the river Dwarkeshwar.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">14 <b>Hanseswari Temple at Bansberia</b> near Calcutta
in West Bengal: Dates back to the 19th century with ornate arches.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">15 <b>Jagannath Temple at Serampore</b> near Calcutta
in West Bengal: Large and ancient Jagannath temple famous for its rath yatra
second only to Puri.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">16 <b>Jain remains at Pakbira</b> near Bara Bazar
(Purulia) in West Bengal: Remains of numerous temples and images some about
2000 years old.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">17 <b>Jain Temple Ruins at Boram</b> near Jaipur in
West Bengal: Ruins of three identical Jain temples<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">18 <b>Jain Temples at Dulmi</b> near Purulia in West
Bengal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">19 <b>Jain Temples at Deoli</b> near Purulia in West
Bengal: Group of Jain temples, the largest of which has an image of Arhanath worshipped
by Hindus as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">20 <b>Jain temples and ruins at Chharra</b> near
Purulia in West Bengal: Old temples and ruins of Jain origin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">21 <b>Jateshwarnath Temple at Mahanad</b> near
Calcutta (Hooghly) in West Bengal: A center for Shiva and Shakti worship.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">22 <b>Jaya Deva Temple at Kenduli</b> near Bolpur in
West Bengal: Well known temple to Radha and Krishna dating back to the 12th
century - current structure over 200 years old.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">23 <b>Jor Bangala Temple at Bishnupur</b> near Bakura
in West Bengal: Specimen of remarkable sculpture and architecture.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">24 <b>Kalighat Temple at Calcutta</b> in West Bengal:
200 year old temple from which Calcutta is said to take its name.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">25 <b>Kalna Shiva Temples at Kalna</b> in West Bengal:
A group of 108 Shiva temples in concentric circles.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">26 <b>Kalyaneshwari Temple at Barakar</b> near Asansol
in West Bengal: This is a 500 year old temple a great center for Shakti
worship.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">27 <b>Kanak Durga Temple at Chikligarh</b> near
Medinipur in West Bengal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">28 <b>Kapil Muni Temple at Sagar Island</b> near
Diamond Harbor in West Bengal: Associated with the mythological descent of the
Ganges from the heavens (into the sea) and a site held in great reverence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">29 <b>Kiriteshwari Temple at Murhsidabad</b> near
Murshidbad in West Bengal: Regarded as one of the Shakthi Peeths this was once
a center of great importance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">30 <b>Krishnachandra Temple at Guptipara</b> near
Calcutta (Hooghly) in West Bengal: Located along with the Chaitanyadev,
Ramachandra and Brindabanchandra temples.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">31 <b>Krishnarjun Temple at Tamluk</b> near Medinipur
in West Bengal: Ancient temple - current structure built 400 years ago.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">32 <b>Lalji Temple at Chandrakona</b> near Medinipur
in West Bengal: 16th century temple built in Bengali style, enclosed by a high
wall with a gateway.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">33 <b>Malleswar Temple at Chandrakona</b> near
Medinipur in West Bengal: 60 feet high temple dating back to the 18th century,
with an even older shrine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">34 <b>Mankeshwar Mahadev Temple at Amaragarh</b> near Burddhaman
in West Bengal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">35 <b>Radha Kanta Jiu Temple at Rajbalhat</b> near
Calcutta (Hooghly) in West Bengal: A fine specimen of Bengali architecture
dating back to the 18th century.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">36 <b>Ramachandra Temple at Guptipara</b> near
Calcutta (Hooghly) in West Bengal: Fine red colored brick temple with a curved
roof, with brick panels carved with fine specimen of Bengali art.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">37 <b>Sarva Mangala Devi Temple at Garbeta</b> near
Medinipur in West Bengal: 16th-17th century temple in the Oriyan style
dedicated to Devi along with other temples within the fort.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">38 <b>Sheetalnath Jain Temple at Calcutta</b> in West
Bengal: 19th century temple - an ornate mass of mirrors, colored stones and
glass mosaics.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">39 <b>Shivakhya Devi Temple at Amaragarh</b> near Burddhaman
in West Bengal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">40 <b>Sidheswara Temple at Bahulara</b> near Onda in
West Bengal: Ancient Shiva temple in the Oriyan style with fine ornamentation
depicting replicas of the temple.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">41 <b>Suratheshwar Temple at Supur</b> near Bolpur in
West Bengal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">42 <b>Swayambhava Kali Temple at Bansberia</b> near
Calcutta (Hooghly) in West Bengal: Located near the Vishnu temple, this temple
dates back to the 18th century.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">43 <b>Syamaleswar Temple at Dantan</b> in West Bengal:
Ancient temple to Shiva in this town where there are 2 large tanks - the
Bidyadhar and Sarasankha.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">44 <b>Tarakeshwar Temple at Tarakeshwar</b> near
Calcutta (Hooghly) in West Bengal: A very well known temple in the Bengali
style of architecture attracting scores of pilgrims.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">45 <b>Temple Ruins at Chandrakona</b> at Chandrakon
near Medinipur in West Bengal: Ruins of several Oriyan styled temples now
abandoned.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">West
Bengal terra cotta temple architecture</span></u></b><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Although there is plenty of evidence of human settlement in Bengal
from prehistoric times but there are regrettable dearth of evidence. This is
because of the soil structure of Bengal The community being spread on the
alluvial plain of the mighty rivers of Ganges, Brahmaputra the whole region is
susceptible to flood and its resulting unsettling geographical pattern. The
only somewhat undulated regions being the western Chota Nagpur and the
Himalayan ridges of east and the north. This soil structure is reflected in the
building material chosen by the Bengali temple designers. Mainly the terra
cotta temples with elaborate surface decorations and lettering written in
nagari alphabets. The roof structure also has been the effect of the heavy
rainfall that the river delta and the Tarai experiences throughout the monsoon,
it has Ganges been curved effectively in most cases to get rid of the huge
amount of water as soon as possible and thereby increasing the lifetime of the
structure. The architectural evidence generally has been from the Gupta Empire
period onwards. There have been recent discoveries of plaques from the times of
Chandraketugarh and mahasthangarh throwing additional light on the
architectural styles of sunga and gupta periods. Apart from the Pahlavi and
Phamsana influence on the architectural style it is also closely connected to
the Bhanja style of temples from mayurbhanj district of Orissa But the temples
of south Bengal is a distinction due to its roofing style so unique and closely
related to the paddy roofed traditional building style of rural Bengal. Bishnupur
in the southern district Bakura of West Bengal has a remarkable set of such
temples which being built from the Malla dynasty are examples of this style.
Most of these temples are covered on the outer surface with terra cotta reliefs
which contains plenty of secular materials making these important to
reconstruct the social structure from these times.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The temple structures contain gabled roofs which are
colloquially called the chala, For example a gabled roof with an eight sided
pyramid structured roof with be called "ath chala" or literally the
eight faces of the roof. And frequently there is more than one tower in the
temple building. These are built of laterite and brick bringing them at the
mercy of severe weather conditions of southern Bengal .Dakshineswar Kali Temple
is one example of the Bhanja style while the additional small temples of Shiva
along the river bank are example of southern Bengal roof style though in much
smaller dimension.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bankura district is a land of temples. There are more historical temples inBishnupur than in any other place in West Bengal. There are several aspects oftemple art, architecture and construction that need to be considered.<br />
Almost all temples in Bishnupur town are Vaishnavite, but many of those scatteredin different areas of the district spread outside the town are Shaivite, with traces ofJainism and Buddhism. While some of the older temples were built of laterite, thearea has numerous brick built temples, some with exquisite terra cotta carvings.Terra cotta carvings are also found in some temples outside the district, as forexample at joy deb kenduli or Antpur, but the art of terra cotta carvings seems tohave flourished with the rise of the Rajas of Bishnupurand virtually died out withthe fading of their supremacy. Some of the earlier temples built by the BardhamanRaj have terra cotta carvings, possibly by artisans from Bankura district, but by thetime Rani Rashmoni decided to construct the Dakhinswar kali temple, in the mid-nineteenth century, the art of terra cotta carvings had obviously faded out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Terra
cotta Temples are the pride of Bishnupur, a small village in Bankura Districtof West Bengal. The Malla kings of the 16th-18th centuries constructed thesetemples, about 30 in all, in their devotion to Lord Krishna. This architecture
betrays influences of various ancient Indian styles as well as of Mughal andPersian designs. Ras-Manch, Shyamrai, Jor-Bangla, and Radha-Shyam are someof the most important of the Terracota Temples. The basic building material of
these temples is tiles made from the local red soil. The terracota tiles aredecorated with filigreed carvings that have Mughal, Persian or Indian lineage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Attraction of Bakura bishnupur</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Malleshwar Temple:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> Dedicated to Lord Shiva,
it is the oldest temple in Bishnupur.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Rasmancha:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> Built in the late 16th century by
King Bir Hambir, the temple has an unusual elongated paramedical tower,
surrounded by hut-shaped turrets. Idols were kept here for public worship
during Ras-utsav.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Pancha Ratna Temple of Shyam Raya:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> Built
in 1643 AD by King Raghunath Singha. The walls are richly decorated with
terracotta carvings featuring different aspects of Lord Krishna’s life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Jorebangla Temple of Keshta Raya:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> Built
by King Raghunath Singha Dev II in 1655 AD, the ornate terracotta carvings are
set off by the roof in the classic chala style of typical Bengal architecture.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Madanmohan Temple:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> King Durjana Singh Deva
built the temple in 1694 AD in the ekaratna style. It is a square flat-roofed
building with carved cornices, surmounted by a pinnacle. Impressive carvings on
the walls depict scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and the Puranas.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Kalachand Temple:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> It is of ekratna style
and is on the bank of Lal-bandh.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Mukutmonipur: </span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Mukutmonipur is 55Km away from Bakura
(a 2 hours drive) District Head Quarters and is situated at the confluence of
river Kangsabati and Kumari. Green forests and hillocks surround the vast
bluish tract of water. The undulating terrain along the southern edge of the
Kangsabati Water Reservoir extends as a three-dimensional necklace of green and
terracotta color. Tourists flock here for its stunning natural beauty.<br />
<b>Jhilimili: </b>Jhilimili is situated 70 Km away from Bakura Town. It is
a beautiful, undisturbed dense natural forest. The road from Ranibund to
Jhilimili offers a wonderful view of spectacular forests on varying heights on
both sides, finally reaching Jhilimili, which is mounted on the top of a
hillock.. The sparkle of micaceous soil adds to the beauty of the environment.<br />
<b>Susunia: </b>Susunia hill, 50 km from Bishnupur, is quite popular as a
trekking spot. It is also an important tourist spot for people who visit the
place to see "Dhara" (a natural spring) and Silialipi. Excavations
have revealed inscriptions dating back to the 4th century AD.<br />
<br />
Joyrambati, 44 km from Bishnupur, the birthplace of Sree Maa Sarada Devi, is a
holy town. The famous temple of Singha Bahani Devi is a special attraction.
Mayerepukur, in front of the residential house of Ma-Sarada is also a sight
worth visiting.<br />
<b>Sutan Forest: </b>Bakura is also popular for beautiful Tourist Spots
like Sutan, Near Ranibandh & Eco-Park ,Near Taldangra, both covered with
dense forest, decorated with small lakes and thrilling with wild animals. <b>Biharinath
Hill:</b> Biharinath, situated in the extreme northwest area of the district,
57 km away from Bakura town, thought to be an ancient centre of Jainism. The
height of the hill is 448 m is the highest hill in Bakura. Biharinath is very
rich in flora and fauna.<br />
Hyena, Pangolin, Chameleon, Racaphorus, though few in number, are still found
here.<br />
The place is known for its natural beauty.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Ganga</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The fisherman community of rural Bengal prays to Ganga Devi in
the month of Chaitra. Through their prayers and dances, they appease the
Goddess, so that she bestows blessings on them throughout the year. According
to great philosopher Aristotle all source of great human<br />
world knowledge and wisdom has come from the banks of holy Ganges river of
India.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Ganga Heritage Cruise West Bengal</span></u></b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The river Ganga passing through the state of West Bengal in
India has been an important trade route from time immemorial. It is through
this route trade was conducted with the early civilizations. Later when
European colonial powers came through this river they established trade posts
along the river. One can also find important places of pre colonial times also.
The aim of the Ganga Heritage Cruise, West Bengal is to discover these
historical places along with natural historical sites. The whole Ganga Heritage
Cruise, West Bengal stretches 260 km from Howrah to Murshidabad spanning seven
districts with picturesque rural Bengal. The cruise is conducted by a number of
cruise launches where staying and fooding facilities are well provided for.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The starting point is the town of Murshidabad the erstwhile
capital of Bengal. The town was founded by Nawab Murshid Quli Khan and its
prosperity was its silk center. With this silk trade came the European traders
but after the Battle of Plassey in 1757 the British founded the British
colonial empire. One of the important historical landmarks is Hazar Duari named
after the thousand doors of the palace though not all are real. It is now a
museum displaying rare books, military weapons, paintings, royal artifacts etc.
Other places are Katra Mosque housing the tomb of the founding Nawab,
Jorebangla a four terra-cotta temple complex and other historic places.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Next place is Mayapur the birth place of Shri Chaitanya who
started Vaishnavism five centuries ago and Nabadwip where Shri Chaitanya
propounded the Vaishnavism philosophy in 1485.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Then comes the town of Kalna with its famous 108 Shivlinga
temples build by the Maharaja of Burdwan in 1809. You can also visit the
beautiful terracotta temple of Pratapeswar temple built in 1849.Other important
sites are Shyamsunder Bati, Krishna Chandraji temple, Amli Briksha and Pancha
Bimsati temple.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Next comes the city of Chinsura the former Dutch trading post
established in 1656. Discover the Dutch colonial heritage. After that visiting
the city of Chandernagore, the erstwhile French settlement feels like being
transported to the 16th century with its beautiful esplanade by the river with
chairs. One can visit the house of Dupleix, the French Governor, the police
headquarters and the French Institute. And lastly the Ganga Heritage Cruise,
West Bengal stops at Belur the foundation of Ramkrishna Mission and a site for
an equally imposing temple.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Go onboard the Ganga Heritage Cruise, West Bengal which takes
you back in time and discover each stages of cultural, historical heritage of
Bengal in a comfortable journey through the romantic river Ganga. An
unforgettable experience! An incredible amazing Bengal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Climate and geography of west Bengal</span></u></b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The eastern state of West Bengal experiences a tropical type of
climate due to its geographical location. The state has diversity in
physiographic as it touches the Himalayas in the north and is bordered by the
Bay of Bengal in south. The northern districts remain cold throughout the year
and for that reason, the hill stations are favored by the tourists especially
during the summer months.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The climate of West Bengal is full of variation. The seasons in
West Bengal can be broadly categorized into summer, winter, autumn and rainy
seasons. The summer months in West Bengal span from mid of March to mid of
June. During this time, the average temperature is 38 degree to 45 degree.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The monsoon season in West Bengal is much awaited as the
landscape turns lush green after the monsoon showers. By the middle of June,
monsoon approaches the state and it is influenced by the winds blowing from Bay
of Bengal. The autumn season in West Bengal is welcomed with a number of
festive occasions. From September the festive mood commences and it is during
this cool and pleasant climate, the festival of Durga Puja is celebrated in
West Bengal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">During the winter season, the weather of West Bengal remains
very pleasant. The state experiences a mild cold climate while the temperature
drops very low in the hilly region of West Bengal. From about mid November,
winter approaches West Bengal and temperature rises not before the middle of
February. The temperature varies around 15 degree in these cold months.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The <b>Geography of West Bengal</b> is varied. The state of
West Bengal is situated in the eastern part of India. On the east lies Bangladesh.
Sikkim and Bhutan lie on the north of West Bengal. The state of Assam is
situated on the north east of West Bengal. Bihar and Jharkhand is situated on
the western side of the state. The geographical location of the state is 23
degree North latitude and 88 degree East longitude.<br />
<br />
As per details from Census 2011, West Bengal has population of 9.13 Crore, an
increase from figure of 8.02 Crore in 2001 census. Total population of West
Bengal as per 2011 census is 91,347,736 of which male and female are 46,927,389
and 44,420,347 respectively. In 2001, total population was 80,176,197 in which
males were 41,465,985 while females were 38,710,212. he total area of West
Bengal is 88,752 sq<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The population density of West Bengal per square kilometer is
904. Sex Ratio in West Bengal is 947 i.e. for each 1000 male, which is below
national average of 940 as per census 2011. In 2001, the sex ratio of female
was 934 per 1000 males in West Bengal.. The population of West Bengal is
predominated by the Bengali population. But immigration from different states
of India has enriched the population diversity of West Bengal.<br />
<br />
The topography of the state also varies from region to region. The northern
part of West Bengal touches the Himalayan range. The topography of West Bengal
alters as the Indo-Gangetic plain begins. The Gangetic plain is rich in
alluvial soil and thus is very fertile. This kind of soil is suitable for
agriculture. Further south, the deltaic plain or the Sunderban region is a very
important spot for tourism in West Bengal.<br />
<br />
The climate of West Bengal is full of variation. The state experiences a
tropical type of climate. The seasons in West Bengal can be broadly categorized
into summer, rainy, autumn and winter seasons.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Demography</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">According to the provisional results of 2011 national census,
West Bengal is the fourth most populous state in India with a population of
91,347,736 (7.55% of India's population). Majority of the population comprises
Bengali people. Marawaris, Behari and Oriya minorities are scattered throughout
the state. Communities of Sherpa’s and ethnic Tibetans can be found in<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Darjeeling Himalayan hill region .Darjeeling district has a
large number of Gurkha people of Nepalese origin. West Bengal is home to
indigenous tribal Adivasis such as Santhalis, Kol, Koch-Rajbonshi and Toto
tribe There are a small number of ethnic minorities primarily in the state
capital, including Chinese, Tamils, Gujarati, Anglo Indians, Armenians,
punjabis,and parsis. India's sole chaina town is in eastern Kolkata<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Religions in West Bengal</span></u></b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Religion<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Percent<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Hindu<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">72.5%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Muslim<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">25.2%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Others<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">2.3%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The official language is Bengali and English. Nepali is the
official language in three subdivisions of. Darjeeling district .As of 2001, in
descending order of number of speakers, the languages of the state are:
Bengali, , Hindi, Santali, Urdu Nepali, and .Oriya Languages such as Rajbangsi
and Ho are used in some parts of the state.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">As of 2001, Hinduism is the principal religion at 72.5% of the
total population, while Muslims comprise 25.2% of the total population, being
the second-largest community as also the largest minority group;Sikhism
Christianity and other religions make up the remainder. The state contributes
7.8% of India's population. The state's 2001–2011 decennial growth rate was
13.93%, lower than 1991–2001 growth rate of 17.8%, and also lower than the
national rate of 17.64%. The gender ratio is 947 females per 1000 males. As of
2011, West Bengal has a population density of 1,029 inhabitants per square
kilometer (2,670 /sq mi) making it the second-most densely populated state in
India, after Bihar.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The literacy rate is 77.08%, higher than the national rate of
74.04%.Data of 1995–1999 showed the life expectancy in the state was 63.4
years, higher than the national value of 61.7 years. About 72% of people live
in rural areas. The proportion of people living below the poverty line in
1999–2000 was 31.9% Scheduled Castes and Tribes form 28.6% and 5.8% of the
population respectively in rural areas, and 19.9% and 1.5% respectively in
urban areas. A study conducted in three districts of West Bengal found that
accessing private health services to treat illness had a catastrophic impact on
households. This indicates the value of public provision of health services to
mitigate against poverty and the impact of illness on poor households.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The crime rate in the state in 2004 was 82.6 per 100,000, which
was half of the national average .This is the fourth-lowest crime rate among
the 32 India. However, the state reported the highest rate of Special and Local
Laws (SLL) crimes. In reported crimes against women, the state showed a crime
rate of 7.1 compared to the national rate of 14.1. Some estimates state that
there are more than 60,000 brothel-based women and girls in prostitution in Kolkata.
The population of prostitutes in sonagachi constitutes mainly of a Nepalese,
Indians and BANGLADESHI. Some sources estimate there are 60,000 women in the
brothels of Kolkata. The largest prostitution area in city is SONAGACHI .West
Bengal was the first Indian state to constitute a Human Rights Commission of
its own<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Flora and fauna</span></u></b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Flora and Fauna of</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> West Bengal is rich in
flora and fauna and has diverse ecosystems because of its varying terrain from
the high altitudes to the sea level plains. Protected forests cover 4% of the
state area. There are 15 Wildlife Sanctuaries, 5 National Parks and 2 Tiger
Reserves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Sunder ban, in south Bengal, is home to the famous Tiger
Project – a conservatory effort to save the Bengal tigers from extinction. It
is an UNESCO world heritage site. Another similar project exists in Buxa in
north Bengal. Wildlife includes the Indian one horned rhinoceros, Indian
elephants, deer, bison, leopards, gaur, crocodiles and others. The state is
also rich in bird life. Migratory birds come to the state during the winter
months.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Conclusion</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">; <b><u>Bengali culture and its excellence</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Historically Bengal has a very rich cultural heritage. Bengal
is, indeed, noted for its rich culture in songs, music, drama, dances and
language. Its indigenous style of music, art, dance and drama is very rich.
Bengali is one of the oldest languages in the world. According to statistics,
jointly with Spanish, Bengali is the fourth largest language group in the
world, only surpassed by Chinese, English and Hindi It is the first of Indian
languages to develop western style secular fiction and drama. It originated
from the Indo-Aryan family of languages in the 7th century, thus making it
comparable to English, French and German. Bengali language is much older than
Hindi Urdu and even Portuguese, Spanish and many other established modern
languages.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">In the middle ages, Bengali was already a well-established
language with popular poets like Bidyapati, Chandidas, Daulat Kazi and Alawol.
It was during this period of middle ages that the famous Indian epics Ramayana
and Mahabharata were translated in lyric forms from Sanskrit into Bengali by
Krittibas and Kashiram Das respectively. This period also saw a rich output of
romantic songs, poems and dance centering on the love of Radha and Krishna.
These were simply superb in their wording, rhythm and style.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">However, things started changing rapidly about 200 years ago.
With the emergence of some great personalities like Iswar Chandra Vidyasagar
(1820-91), Michael Madhusudan Datta (1824-73) and Bankim Chatterjee (1838-94)
Bengali language and literature really got a new life. About one hundred and
forty years ago came the famous Bengali poet Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore
(1861-1941) and then rebel Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam appeared in 1899. These two
great Bengali poets have actually initiated a new era for Bengali language and
culture. Tagore represented this new era of cultural modernization; others
followed him almost as disciples. Palli Kabi Jasimuddin was also one of them.
Tagore was urban, sophisticated and universal; Nazrul exhibited his spirit of
protest and opposition to all social injustice, discrimination, oppression and
exploitation while Jasimuddin vastly remained rural and provincial in his
approach. Their common bond was their liberal outlook for secular Bengali
culture.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Music, songs, drama and dances are also part of rich Bengali
culture and there are three mainstreams of this Bengali Culture: folk, modern
and classical. Folk music mainly based is rural Bengal. It has been nurtured by
the village singers, musicians, actors and dancers. With sweet melodies,
touching words of love, tragedy and devotion, folk music is the most popular
form of music in all over Bengal. The best known forms of folk music are bhatiali,
Baul, bhawaia, jaari, marfati and murshidi. Lalan Fakir, Hasan Raja, Nirmalendu
Chowdhury, Abbasuddin Ahmed, Shachin Dev Burman, Purnadas Baul, Sadhan Bairagi
and Abdul Halim are some of the greatest names in Bengali folk music.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">On the other hand, the pioneers of modern Bengali music were,
indeed, the world famous Nobel Laureate poet Rabindranath Tagore and the rebel
poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. Tagore initiated a blend of East and West and Nazrul
experimented with the synthesis of folk and Middle Eastern strains.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bengal also shares the rich tradition of classical music of the
subcontinent. Indeed, Bengal has produced many musicians and maestros of
international repute like Ustad Alauddin Khan, Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, Pandit
Ajoy Chakrabarty and Pandit Ravi Shankar who have successfully made sitar and
sarode popular all over the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Before I conclude let me describe a few words about the musical
instruments which are also playing vital roles to promote the rich Bengali
culture and its excellence. The typical Bengali folk musical instruments are
Ektara (one string), Dotara (two, but actually four strings), Ghungur, Khol,
Mandira, Behala (violin) and Banshi (flute) and the classical musical
instruments are Sitar, Sarode, Tanpura, Shenai, Eshraj, Pakhwaj, Tabla and
Harmonium. Even now a large number of people in the villages of Bangladesh,
West Bengal and Tripura regularly listen to the folk drama called Jatra and the
age old melodic folk songs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bengali Performing Arts' aim is to promote this rich Bengali
cultural heritage and its excellence by organizing cultural programs round the
year throughout the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01022139079557847252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1446534558556192736.post-37505903840560260852012-09-06T10:24:00.006-07:002012-09-06T10:24:43.403-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bengal and Bengali culture<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bengal is situated in northeast part region of Indian
subcontinent at the apex of Bay of Bengal. The majority of Bengal is
inhabited by Bengali people who speak<b> </b>Bengali language. Today,
it is mainly divided between the sovereign land of peoples Republic of
Bangladesh <u>(</u>previously<u> </u>East Bengal / East Pakistan) and
the state of west Bengal. The region of Bengal is one of the most densely
populated regions on earth, with a population density exceeding 900/km. Most of
the Bengal region lies in the low-lying Ganges–Brahmaputra River delta or
Ganges delta, the world's largest delta. In the southern part of the delta lies
the<u> </u>Sundarbon —the world's largest mangrove forest and home of
the<u> </u>Bengal Tiger,<u> </u>though the population of the region
is mostly rural and agrarian. Two mega cites, Kolkata<u> </u>(previously
Calcutta) and DHAKA<u> </u>(previously Dacca), are located in Bengal.
The Bengal region is renowned for its rich literary and cultural heritage as well
as its immense contribution to the socio-cultural uplift of Indian society in
the form of the<u> </u>Bengal Renaissance, and revolutionary
activities during the Independence movement. West Bengal also (proposed
new English name: Paschimbanga) is a state in the eastern region of India and
is the nation's fourth-most populous region. It is also the seventh-most
populous sub-national entity in the world, with over 91 million inhabitants
covering a total area of 34,267 sq mi (88,750 km2), which is bordered by the
countries of Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh, and the Indian states of Orissa,
Jharkhand, Bihar, Sikkim, and Assam. The state capital is Kolkata (formerly
Calcutta). West Bengal encompasses two broad natural regions: the Gangetic
Plain in the south and the sub-Himalayan and Himalayan area in the north.
Bengal was divided in 1947 on religious lines into two separate entities: West
Bengal – a state of India – and East Bengal, which initially joined the new
nation of Pakistan, before becoming part of modern-day Bangladesh in
1971.Bengal was divided on religious and language lines. Bengali language
movement has played a very important role for its separate entity which
catalyzed the assertion of Bengali national identity in East Bengal and later
East Pakistan, and became a forerunner to Bengali nationalist movements, and
subsequently the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971. In Bangladesh, 21 February
is observed as language movement day, a national holiday. The shaheed miner
monument was constructed near Dhaka Medical College in memory of the movement
and its victims.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The saliency of Twenty First February has made the historic
movement for establishing Bengali as one of the State languages of Pakistan
synonymous with the 1952 phase of the Bengali language movement. However, the
movement for making Bengali as one of the State languages of the then Pakistan
was known as Bangla vasha andolon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bangla vasha andolon.<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">That spirit of 21th February (ekushey) has not diminished.
Rather, the radiant spirit of the twenty first February has remained ingrained
in the core of our hearts and souls even after the elapse of almost half of a
century of the historic Bengali language movement. People from all walks of life
still come out in thousands in the early hours of February twenty first and
mournfully trod the streets of Dhaka, and throng the Central Shaheed Miner
(Marty s Monument) for offering their heartfelt tributes to the fallen language
martyrs. Before depicting the cultures of Bengal, we must go to the historical
roots. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bengali</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> <b>Renaissance</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Bengal Renaissance refers to a social reform movement during
the nineteenth and early twentieth century’s in the region of Bengal in
Undivided India during the period of British rule. The Bengal renaissance can
be said to have started with Raja Ram Mohan Roy (1775–1833) and ended with
Rabindranath Tagore (1861–1941), although there have been many stalwarts
thereafter embodying particular aspects of the unique intellectual and creative
output Nineteenth century Bengal was a unique blend of religious and social
reformers, scholars, literary giants, journalists, patriotic orators and
scientists, all merging to form the image of a renaissance, and marked the
transition from the 'medieval' to the 'modern Bengal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">During this period, Bengal witnessed an intellectual awakening
that is in some way similar to the European Renaissance during the 16th
century, although Europeans of that age were not confronted with the challenge
and influence of alien colonialism. This movement questioned existing
orthodoxies, particularly with respect to women, marriage, the dowry system,
the caste system and religion. One of the earliest social movements that
emerged during this time was the Young Bengal movement that espoused
rationalism and atheism as the common denominators of civil conduct among upper
caste educated Hindus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The parallel socio-religious movement, the Brahmo Samaj,
developed during this time period and counted many of the leaders of the Bengal
Renaissance among its followers In the earlier years the Brahmo Samaj, like the
rest of society, could not however, conceptualize, in that feudal-colonial era,
a free India as it was influenced by the European Enlightenment (and its
bearers in India, the British Raj) although it traced its intellectual roots to
the Upanishads. Their version of Hinduism, or rather Universal Religion,
although devoid of practices like sati and polygamy that had crept into the
social aspects of Hindu life, was ultimately a rigid impersonal monotheistic
faith, which actually was quite distinct from the pluralistic and multifaceted
nature of the way the Hindu religion was practiced. Future leaders like Keshub
Chunder Sen were as much devotees of Christ, as they were of Brahma, Krishna or
the Buddha. It has been argued by some scholars that the Brahmo Samaj movement
never gained the support of the masses and remained restricted to the elite,
although Hindu society has accepted most of the social reform programs of the
Brahmo Samaj. It must also be acknowledged that many of the later Brahmas were
also leaders of the freedom movement.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The renaissance period after the Indian Rebellion of 1857 saw a
magnificent outburst of Bengali literature. While Ram Mohan Roy and Iswar Chandra
Vidyasagar were the pioneers, others like Bankim Chandra Chatterjee widened it
and built upon it .The first significant nationalist detour to the Bengal
Renaissance was given by the brilliant writings of Bankim Chandra Chatterjee.
Later writers of the period who introduced broad discussion of social problems
and more colloquial forms of Bengali into mainstream literature included the
great Saratchandra Chatterjee.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Tagore family, including Rabindranath Tagore, were leaders
of this period and had a particular interest in educational reform however
their contribution to the Bengal Renaissance was multi-faceted. Indeed,
Tagore's 1901 Bengali novella, Nastanirh was written as a critique of men who
professed to follow the ideals of the Renaissance, but failed to do so within
their own families. In many ways Rabindranath Tagore's writings (especially
poems and songs) can be seen as imbued with the spirit of the Upanishads. His
works repeatedly allude to Upanishadic ideas regarding soul, liberation, transmigration
and—perhaps most essentially—about a spirit that imbues all creation not unlike
the Upanishadic Brahman. Tagore's English translation of a set of poems titled
the Gitanjali won him the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1913. He was the first
Asian to win this award. That was the only example at the time but the
contribution of the Tagore family is enormous. The Bengal Renaissance saw the
emergence of pioneering Bengali scientists such as Jagadish Chandra Bose,
Satyendra Nath Bose, Upendranath Brahmachari and Meghnad Saha.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Etymology of Bengal/Bengali</span></u></b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The exact origin of the word Bangla or Bengal is unknown, though
it is believed to be derived from the Dravidian-speaking tribe Bang that
settled in the area around the year 1000 BC<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Vanga (Greater Bengal) was a kingdom during the times of
Mahabharata.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Other accounts speculate that the name is derived from Banga
which came from the Austric word "Bonga" meaning the Sun-god. The
word Banga and other words speculated to refer to Bengal (such as Anga) found
in ancient Indian texts including the Vedas, Jaina texts, the Mahabharata and
Puranas. The earliest reference to "Bangala" has been traced in the
Nesari plates (805 AD) of Rashtrakuta Govinda III which speak of Dharmapala as
the king of Vangala<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Some accounts claim that the word may derive from bhang, a
preparation of cannabis which is used in some religious ceremonies in Bengal.
Dravidians migrated to Bengal from the south, while Tibeto-Burman peoples
migrated from the Himalayas followed by the Indo-Aryans from north-western
India. The modern Bengali people are a blend of these people. Smaller numbers
of Pathans, Persians, Arabs and Turks also migrated to the region in the late
middle Ages while spreading Islam.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The age and history
of Bengal and Bengali culture is near about 1000 years old. Since the end of
Magadha Empire the Bengal religious-socio-cultural ceremonies held great
importance’s among the Bengalis. Ceremonies play the symbolic role of every
tradition handed over to the decedent’s generation after generation. Some
important ceremonies of Bengal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Annaprashan</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> is a social ritual among the Hindus, an
occasion when the baby breaks its baby food pattern to welcome home made food.
It is as well as a social introduction of the new member.'Annaprashan' is a
social ritual among the Hindus, an occasion when the baby breaks its baby food
pattern to welcome home-made food. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">It is as well as a
social introduction of the new member of the family in the community. Annaprashan
literally means feeding the baby rice for the first time. "Anna"
means food, especially rice while "prashan" means to feed.
Annaprashan gathers the importance of a religious ceremony. Arranged for the
Hindu child generally before teething, this ritual is separate for both boys
and girls.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Upanayana</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> is a Vedic ritual of Hinduism. It is an
important religious ritual in our society. Upanayana is performed only for
Brahmin boys. According to Vedic culture it is a second birth for
them..Upanayana is a Vedic ritual of Hinduism. It is an important religious
ritual in our society. Upanayana is performed only for Brahmin boys. According
to Vedic culture it is a second birth for them. Upanayana marks the beginning
of Bramhacharya.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Marriages</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> are made in heaven, goes the proverb. Two
people start of a new journey towards future, hand in hand, sharing at each
step new outlooks, responsibilities and love. Marriage is an auspicious
occasion among us. Arranged marriage is still a common <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bengali marriages are
a mixture of pure custom, tradition and religious beliefs. It is an occasion
where the entire family gather, take part in the typical Bengali ‘Adda’, regale
in fanfare and remain busy in making the necessary arrangements for the
invitees. Bengali culture must be searched and seen from the aspect of
festivals, literature, drama, music/dance, cousins, dress.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Literature</span></u></b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Bengali language boasts a rich literary heritage, shared
with neighboring Bangladesh. West Bengal has a long tradition in folk
literature, evidenced by the Charyapada, Mangalkavya, Shreekrishna Kirtana,
Thakurmar Jhuli, and stories related to Gopal Bhar. In the nineteenth and
twentieth century, Bengali literature was modernized in the works of authors
such as Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, Michael Madhusudan Dutt, Rabindranath
Tagore, Kazi Nazrul Islam, and Sharat Chandra Chattopadhyay. Coupled with
social reforms led by Ram Mohan Roy, Swami Vivekananda, and others, this
constituted a major part of the Bengal Renaissance The middle and latter parts of
the 20th century witnessed the arrival of post-modernism, as well as literary
movements such as those espoused by the Kallol movement, hungry lists and the
little magazines Jibanananda Das, Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay, Tarashankar
Bandopadhyay, Manik Bandopadhyay, Ashapurna Devi, Shirshendu Mukhopadhyay,
Buddhadeb Guha, Mahashweta Devi, Samaresh Majumdar, Sanjeev Chattopadhyay and
Sunil Gangopadhyay among others are well-known writers of the 20th century.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Theater and films</span></u></b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Among
other types of theater, West Bengal has a tradition of folk drama known as
jatra Kolkata is the home of the Bengali cinema industry, dubbed
"Toll wood" for Tollygong, where most of the state's film studios are
located. its long tradition of </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Art_film"><span style="color: #5d7d9d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">art films</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> includes globally acclaimed film directors such
as academy award -winning director Satyajit Roy, Ritwik ghatak, Mrinal
sen, tapan sinha, and contemporary directors such as </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aparna_Sen"><span style="color: #5d7d9d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Aparna</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> Sen, Buddhadeb Dasgupta, and Rituparna ghosh.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Cuisine<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">West Bengal shares its distinctive culinary tradition with
neighboring Bangladesh, and also borrows from other Indian states. Boiled rice
constitutes the staple food, and is served with a variety of vegetables, fried
as well with curry, thick lentil soups, and fish and meat preparations of
mutton and chicken, and more rarely pork and beef by certain groups. Sweetmeats
are mostly milk based, and consist of several delights including roshgulla,
sandesh, rasamalai, gulap jamun, kalo jamun, and chom-chom. Several other sweet
preparations are also available. Bengali cuisine is rich and varied with the
use of many specialized spices and flavors. Fish is the dominant source of
protein, cultivated in ponds and fished with nets in the fresh-water Rivers of
the Ganges delta. More than 40 types of mostly freshwater fish are common,
including carp, varieties like rui (rohu), katla, magur (catfish), chingŗi
(prawn or shrimp), as well as shuţki (dried sea fish) are popular. Salt water
fish (not sea fish though) and Ilish (hilsa ilisha) is very popular among
Bengalis, can be called an icon of Bengali cuisine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">DRESS</span></u></b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bengali women traditionally wear the sari, the shalwar kameez
and Western attire is gaining acceptance among younger women. Western-style
dress has greater acceptance among men, although the traditional dhoti and
kurta of men are seen during festivals. Like any other metropolis, Kolkata also
has an eclectic mix of western wears with a tinge of ethnic wears. People are
found dressed in jeans along with kurtas, or sari along with an overcoat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Festivals of West Bengal<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">West Bengal is a land
of festivals. There is a popular saying in Bengali ‘‘Baro Mase Tero Parban’: it
literally means thirteen festivals in twelve months. Almost all festivals of
all religions are celebrated here with equal religious sentiment and fervor.
The people of West Bengal strive hard to maintain the tradition and culture of
its land in the festivals they celebrate. A great number of fairs are also
organized. The most popular festival celebrated in West Bengal is Durga Puja
where all the people come out in the streets and celebrate this four day
festival. Other festivals celebrated in West Bengal are Kaali Puja, Basant
Panchami, Dushera, Bahi Dooj, Holi, Mahavir Jayanti, Buddha Jayanti, Rathyatra
and Christmas. Other events which have almost taken the form of festivals are
Rabindra Jayanti (birthday of Rabindranath Tagore), Birthday of Sri Ramakrishna
Paramahamsa and Birthday of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">List of Festivals in West Bengal:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Holi<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Birthday of Sri
Ramakrishna Paramahamsa<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Birthday of Netaji
Subhas Chandra Bose<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Rabindra Jayanti<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Durga Puja<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Basant Panchami<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bhai Dooj<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bera Utsav<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Kolkata Festival<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Folk culture of Bengal</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">West Bengal</span></u></b><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bengal, a land of fecundity and prosperity embraces all within
her fold. The varied hues of her rich culture color her songs, music and
literature. The numerous tribes and ethnic groups of Bengal have their own
distinctive folk arts, as varied and beautiful as the tribes themselves.
Bengal’s repertoire of folk songs with its lyrical appeal and richness, its
thematic diversity and range is a reflection of rural Bengals creativity and
imagination. As a traditional art form, folk dances of Bengal have gained immense
popularity and recognition over the years. The dances contain themes that range
from ritualistic to satirical and from allegorical to social. They involve
prayers, offerings, celebrations and odes. Usually performed during festive
seasons, or to mark a happy occasion, these dances ingrained in folk culture,
reflect local faith, tradition and custom. These dances encompass a broad
spectrum, from invoking the rain Gods for a good harvest to depicting
mythological events. In fact, some religious festivals are celebrated through
songs and dances that characterize devotion, prayer and worship. The dance
forms that have evolved from the martial arts depict events from the great
Indian epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. These vocal musical dances are
performed round the year on various occasions, at fairs and festivals and
religious conglomerations.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Some of the well known folk songs and dance of west Bengal
include:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Baul</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bengal, during the post medieval period, was a divided and
closed society. Ruled by religious strictures, Hindus and Muslims led
cloistered lives, against which grew a protest that took on the character of a
cult. The community of protesters could be identified by the robes they wore (a
long saffron-colored cloak called the alkhalla with a turban of the same
color), the one-stringed instrument or Ektara they always carried and the bells
they tied to their perpetually dancing feet. Sometimes the alkhalla would be
made of different pieces of cloth patched together. They were the Bauls, the creators
of a phenomenal music tradition that has survived and grown despite the ravages
of time. Apart from the expected bamboo flute, they developed a variety of
musical instruments like the Premjuri and Dotara, the Khamak and Goopi Jantro,
the Kartal and Dubki among others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Bauls are free wanderers. They are detached from the bondage
of society and family. They move from place to place, making a meager living
from the alms given to them by those who can plumb the profound depths of their
frugality. The Bauls belong to a sect with a distinctive mystic ideology of
their own and their songs spread the message of peace and universal
brotherhood. The word ‘Baul’ means mad, the madness that comes out of an
overwhelming love for the Infinite Self. The singers describe the transience of
mundane existence and the simple means to spiritual upliftment, though the root
of their philosophical theory rests in a deeper complex psychological
consciousness. Bauls are basically philanthropists, though sometimes satire from
day to day life finds a place in their songs. The Bauls have played a major
role in India’s freedom struggle when they moved from village to village in
rural Bengal with their songs stirring up a feeling of nationalism and pride in
our motherland among the illiterate village folk.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Both men and women (Bauls and Baulanis) are a part of this great
music tradition. For a long time, the Baulanis performed with the Bauls and
they did not have any separate identity. But in recent years Baulanis have
carved out their own foothold. The music of the Bauls had a significant
influence on Rabindranath Tagore. Today the Bauls’ songs can be heard in many
districts of West Bengal as their footsteps dot the muddy village lanes of
Bankura, Birbhum, Burddhaman, Nadia, Dinajpur and Murshidabad. Baul Sangeet has
always held a special place. It is basically a folk dialect of Bengali music
and highly spiritual in nature, but far away from religious dilution. This form
of music was developed by a group of mystic minstrels from Bengal who are
considered to be a syncretism group with music in their blood. In 2005 they
were declared as the 'Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of
Humanity' by UNESCO. Joydeb kenduli annual fair is considered to be the biggest
fair of Bauls at Birbhum district of west Bengal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Purulia Chhou dance</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Chhau dance of Purulia district is one of the most vibrant
and colorful art forms. Emerging from martial practice, the Purulia Chhau is a
vigorous form of dance drama that draws its themes from the two great Indian
epics, The Ramayana and The Mahabharata.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Masks and elaborate headgear are the ornamental apparels of the
Chhau dancers. The dance is believed to date back to over a century, though the
specific date of its origin cannot be definitely ascertained. The dance was
patronized by the royalty and landlords of the region. Since its inception, the
members of the Mahato, Kurmi, Bhumija, Deowa, Bhuama and Dom communities have
sustained this dance form. The dance is an essential part of the Gajan Festival,
a festival that celebrates the glories of Lord Shiva. Today, the dance is no
longer restricted to one particular time of the year. The Purulia Chhau dance
has been influenced by many dances of the district, like the Nata Jawaid Dance,
the Mahi Dance and the Nachni Dance. Even two relatively sophisticated dance
forms like the Jhumur and Bhadra Jhumur have influenced the Chhau Dance in its
tune and rhythm. The accompanying musical instruments include the Dhol, Dhamsa
and Shenai.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The dance commences with an invocation to Lord Ganesh. Then the
movements follow the nuances of the story. In a Chhau Dance the fight between
good and evil always culminates in the triumph of good over destructive evil.
The elaborate masks, the dazzling costumes, the rhythmic drum beatings and
shenai, characterize the Chhau Dance. A distinctive feature of this dance is
the acrobatic use of the body and the intricately crafted masks worn by the
dancers. Powerful movements, immense concentration and release of energy are
the other features of this dance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">In the villages the performance usually starts between 9.00 and
10.00 o’clock in the evening. As the night grows and the dance gains momentum,
there is an air of excitement all around. Communication between the performers
and the audience is a significant feature of this dance form. In the olden
days, the performance area used to be illuminated by torches that burnt
throughout the night. Over the years the dance has undergone evolutions in
form, stage craft, lighting and use of musical instruments.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The masks help the dancers to portray different characters.
There are masks depicting particular Gods and Goddesses, demons and monsters.
There are also interesting masks for different animals like the lion, tiger,
bear, monkey and so on. These finely-crafted masks are made by the painter
artistes of the district. With the face covered by a mask, it is left to the
dancers to emote using their bodies. Movements and postures therefore serve
both to portray emotions and make the dance lively.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">One of the most popular presentations of the Purulia Chhau Dance
is Mahisasur Mardini. Oppressed by the tyranny of the Mahisasura, the Gods pray
to Goddess Adyashakti Mahamaya who takes the form of Goddess Durga, Durga
tinashini and after a fierce battle with Asura, finally slays him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Santhali Dance</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Santhalis are an integral part of the folklore of Bengal.
The Santhali dance form is seen in the districts of Birbhum, Bakura, Malda and
Burddhaman. The Santhalis are born dancers. Dance is an integral part of all
festivities of the Santhali community. Musical accompaniment is provided by
instruments like the Madol, Flute, Dhamsa, Jhanj, Kartal and occasionally the
Shenai. The songs are typically based on Taal Madol Chhanda. Dances are usually
performed on a full moon night and are connected with the celebration of
certain rituals. A notable feature of the Santhali dances is the unison in
movement. The dancers stand in a line holding hands and move to the rhythm of
the madol. Usually the women take part in the dance and the men provide the
musical accompaniment. This is reflected in the words of a song, which
accompany the Dang Dance, a dance performed as a part of marriage rituals. The
boys carry two types of drums, the Madal and the Lagra. They sing to the girls
telling them: “Though the drums are heavy, we carry them around dancing all the
time”. The girls reply, “As we hear the beat of drums, we cannot stand still.
We lift our feet and begin to dance”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Simplicity of theme and language is what makes the Santhali
dances so endearing. Nowadays, Santhali men also take part in the dances, most
of which are seasonal and reflect the ritualistic life of the Santhali
community. Each dance form has its own distinctive rhythm and dance style. Some
of the popular dances include the Sohrai, which is a harvest dance, inviting
all the village folk to come out of their homes and join in the festivities,
and the Dasai, a dance performed just before the Durga Puja, when the Santhali
men go out to the neighboring villages, where they sing and dance to collect
donations of rice and alms.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Santhali dance reflects the beauty of rural Bengal and adds
color to the palette of the folk culture of the state.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Mundari dance</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The members of the Mundari community perform these dances on
different festive occasions, most of which are related to agriculture. The main
festival of the Mundari community is the Karam Puja. The dances of the Santhali
and Mundari communities are very close in style and form. The musical instruments
used by the two communities are also common.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Gambhira</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Gambhira, a popular annual festival of Malda District comprises
songs and dances closely related to agriculture and mythology. Performances
depict on one hand, the success, failure or annual production of crops, and on
the other tell stories about mythological figures. Depending on the theme,
dancers perform solo, duets or in groups, stepping in tune with the beat of
dhaks. Colorful masks representing Gods and Goddesses like Kalika, Chamunda, Rama,
Hanuman, Shiva and even animals and birds, make the performances both charming
and entertaining, while retaining the authenticity of this primitive dance
form.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The word Gambhira means ‘Devalaya’ or House of God. This
festival is very closely associated with Shiva Puja. In the different rituals
associated with Gambhira Puja we find an amalgamation of different religious
thoughts like Shaivism, Vaishnavism, Buddhism and Shaktiism. In Malda district,
where this festival is immensely popular, Shiva is also known as Gambhir, and
hence the festival associated with Shiv Puja is known as Gambhira. The Bengal
Drum or Dhak and the Gong or Kanshi are main musical instruments accompanying
this dance. Dancers tune their steps to the different beats of the Dhak, the intricate
patterns of their dance blending into the pulsating rhythm of festivity and
celebration. Over the years, poverty and social changes are forcing this dance,
which was once synonymous with grandeur, into oblivion. The Gambhira festival
begins with Agamani songs. The second day of the festival is called the Choto
Tamasha and the third day the Boro Tamasha. These days are devoted to Shiva and
Gouri Puja. Other popular dances of the Gambhira tradition include the Baan
Nritya (Arrow Dance) Bak Nritya (Stork Dance) Tapa Nritya (a dance performed by
the fishermen and fisherwomen using a special kind of bamboo basket known as
the Tapa which is used for catching the fish) and Kali Nritya (the dance of
Goddess Kalika).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Gajan</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Gajan is a very popular festival in some parts of Bengal. Gajan
songs are sung in praise of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati in the Bengali month
of Chaitra. Singing and dancing is an integral part of this celebration. The
dance is performed with great devotion and austerity. The dancers sometimes
dress up as Hara Parvati and move around the village, dancing to the
accompaniment of the Dhol, Kanshi and Flute. In Malda and Murshidabad, the
celebration is known as Bolan. The dancers undergo penance with a view to
attaining salvation and becoming free of worldly sufferings. This celebration
is observed during the latter part of the month of Chaitra. Being a festival of
austerity, the dancers often fast before a performance. The performance of this
Puja involves some harrowing rituals and is usually performed by the lower
castes. The involvement of the upper castes is limited to bowing down before
the lower castes for just this one time in the year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Durga Puja Dhak</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Utsav is synonymous with Durga Puja. The Bengali waits all year
round for the arrival of Devi Ma. It is a time for celebration and festivity,
and it is the sound of the Bengali Drum or the Dhak that joyously announces her
eagerly awaited arrival. It is the sound of the Dhak that captures the many
moods of the Devi, frenzied, calm, plaintive and nostalgic, and it is the sound
of the Dhak that also tells us it is time for her to return to her heavenly
abode. Every beat of the dhak is different and each of them holds a special
place in every Bengalis heart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Dhol Badan</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Dhol (a variation of the Bengali Drum) is an indispensable
musical instrument of the different festivals of Bengal. The musicians dance
and play the Dhol simultaneously.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bratachari – Raibense</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Raibense dance which is performed by a group of male dancers
is a part of the repertoire of the ‘Bratachari’ tradition of West Bengal. The
Raibense dance of ancient Bengal is a significant and authentic reminder that
the Bengalis were once renowned for their military prowess. The dance belongs
to a living tradition of the war dances of ancient Bengal. Rai means royal,
kingly and bansh or bansha means bamboo. This was used by the infantry soldiers
in the middle ages. This vigorous dance form includes mock fighting and
acrobatics. It speaks volumes about the valor of the people of ancient Bengal.
The Dhol and Kanshi are the main instruments used. The strident rhythmic notes
of the Dhol and the clanging of the Kanshi generate courage and daring in the
hearts of the dancers. No songs are sung or verses recited during this martial
dance. Instead, vigorous yells mark the various sectional movements. The
simplest costume, a dhoti (which is the traditional dress of Bengali men) is
worn with a strip of red cloth signifying spirit and valor. Shri Gursasaday
Dutt, ICS, was responsible was resurrecting this ancient group dance and
modifying it to its present form.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Bagdi, Bauri and Dom communities of Burddhaman, Birbhum
& Murshidabad districts, perform the dance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Stick Dance or Laghur Nritya<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Stick Dance or Laghur Nritya is another interesting martial
folk art form of West Bengal. The stick, which has from time immemorial been
used as a weapon of self-defense, is used in this dance. The long sticks not
only keep the beat of the dance, but are also used for the acrobatic feats,
which are an integral part of this dance form.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Ranapa Dance<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Ranapa is another martial form of dance, where the artistes
walk and dance on stilts. As the dancers display mock fights, they exhibit
their skills of balancing on stilts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Dhali & Paika Nritya<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">These two dances are heroic war dances and are performed by a
group of dancers. The dances are evocative of the valor and prowess of the
people who took part in the wars.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Dhali Dance, as the name implies, is the Shield Dance. It
was the war dance of the Dhali (Shield man) troupes in the armies of the
ancient potentates of Bengal. In the Dhali Dance, the spectacular movements are
formal and are more in the nature of athletic exercises. It is a dance of high
aesthetic value by virtue of its intricate maneuvers and ordered formations.
Being a war dance, it is not accompanied by any songs. This dance form
originated and flowered during the reign of Raja Pratapaditya of Jossore. After
winning a battle, the fatigued and exhausted solders starting dancing with
swords and shields in the cantonment to inspire them for the next war. It is
believed that Raja Pratapaditya maintained an army of highly skilled Dhali
soldiers. Over the years, the dance form has been modified extending to women
dancers as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Natua Dance</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Natua,</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> an ancient dance form, features in the Shiv Puranas. The
word Natua may have been derived from the name of Lord Nataraj. It is believed
that Nandi and Vringi, the associates of Lord Shiva were the first to perform
this dance during the time of Shiva’s marriage with Durga. This highly
acrobatic dance form involves many tricks with fire and is usually accompanied
by the beats of a Jai Dhak, the instrument which is said to have been created
by Lord Shiva. The dance is performed during the Charak Puja and occasionally
during marriages.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Kirtan Dance songs<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Kirtan music is the most widely practiced folk music (vocal
and dance) form of Bengal. The democratic nature of the dance, which unites
people of the whole village, irrespective of their caste or social standing is
its most striking feature. The dance is performed to the accompaniment of the
Dhol and Mridanga. The great spiritual leader, Shri Chaitanya Dev gave the
dance a national character.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Rabha Dances</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The women of the Rabha Community perform the Rabha Dances,
popular in the Northern part of Bengal. The men provide the musical
accompaniment, playing the Barangshi (a bamboo flute), Hem (a drum with two
faces), Dandi & Barding, (idiophones made from bamboo) and Karnal (a rare
tribal instrument made of bamboo and buffalo horn). The Rabha women have
different dances for different occasions, like the “Fai Nang Ning Mein” or
Welcome Dance, the “Braisar Pridan” or New Year’s Dance and “Larai Lunge” or
War Dance. The dancers depict the daily life of the community and embody the
merriment that enlivens all their festivals.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Chaibari Nritya</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Chaibari Nritya, as the name suggests, is a dance mastered
by the tea garden workers of Northern Bengal. The dancers, with their intricate
costumes and jewelers make for a picture perfect sight in the breathtaking
backdrop of the verdant tea gardens. The melodious music adds to the charm and
beauty of the dance..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Domphu Nritya</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Domphu is a musical instrument used by the Nepali community
settled in North Bengal. The Domphu Nritya takes its name from this traditional
instrument. The dances give expression to the joys, hopes and aspirations of
the community through this colorful folk dance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Kukri Nritya</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The<b>Kukri Nritya<u>,</u></b> also from North Bengal, is
performed by the girls of the community, as they ceremoniously hand over their
traditional weapon, the Kukri, to their brothers, before they set off for the
war.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Mech Dance</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Mech Dance is another popular dance form of North Bengal,
the land of forests, mountains and turbulent rivers. In this dance form, which
originated in Jalpaiguri district, we see and feel the inner rhythm which
pervades the simple life of the tribal people living in harmony with nature. There
are several variations of the Mech Dance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bagroomba is performed by the Mech women at spring festivals, the
colorful costumes used by the dancers are evocative of butterflies.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Chal Jhumgre Gele Nai is a war dance which is rhythmic and
martial in character.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">In the Mesa Glang Nai dance, performed by the Mech women, the
youth of the community is exhorted to be industrious and hardworking. The young
members of the community are reminded that they must always retain the purity
of their minds and bodies. This dance is performed as the women pluck flowers
for the ‘Kherai Puja’. They carry small bowls in their hand to collect the
flowers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Rajbanshi Dance</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Rajbanshi is one of the many tribes of North Bengal. The
lives of the people belonging to the Rajbanshi tribe revolve around the Teesta
River, which they worship as a Goddess. The Teesta flows down the snow-capped
peaks of Darjeeling, through the dense forests of Jalpaiguri. It then charts a
turbulent course through the lush scenery of Coochbehar, finally meeting the
Brahmaputra River in Bangladesh. This graceful dance is performed to invoke the
blessings of the River Goddess. The Dhol, Kanshi, Kartal and Mukhabanshi are
the instruments that accompany this invocatory dance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Jhumur Dance</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Jhumur songs and dance is one of the liveliest musical forms
of Purulia district of west Bengal, this is an elaborate dance, choreographed
and performed by professional artistes. Here lies its essential difference with
forms like the Santhali Dance. The dance is performed by girls while the boys
play the Dhol and Madol. This entertaining dance is performed on stage and
during road shows. Heavy make-up and ornate jewelers form part of the costume
of the Jhumur dancers. This secular dance form is accompanied by fast-paced and
cheerful Jhumur songs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The sensuous Nachni is an offshoot of the Jhumur Dance,
depicting the love of Radha (Nachni) and Krishna (Rasik).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bhadu</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">As the rains pour down on the red earth of Bengal, voices rise
in praise of Bhadreswari Ma, invoking her blessings for a good harvest.
Originating from the districts of Bakura, Purulia, West Burddhaman and Birbhum,
the Bhadu Dance is performed mainly during the Monsoon. The dance draws its
name from the Bengali month of Bhadra, when the monsoon showers drench the
earth. During the festival, Bhadreswari or Bhadu (goddess of crops) is invoked
by the villagers, seeking her blessings for an abundant harvest. The women of
the community, both married and unmarried perform the Bhadu Dance. The
unmarried girls pray for a loving husband while the married women pray to
Mother Earth to be blessed with children.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Bhadu festival is also celebrated in Chota Nagpur, where it
is known as ‘Karam Parab’.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Tushu</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">When we think of harvest songs in Bengali folk culture, we think
of Tushu. Tushu songs, originating from the districts of Bakura, Purulia &
Midnapore have similar features. The daily lives and relationships of the
villagers form the theme of this genre of songs. Family rows between rival
co-wives and between wives and their sisters-in-law find a place in Tushu
songs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Tushu songs being associated with harvesting always refer to the
householder’s wealth – ‘ghee of 32 cows’, ‘rice of fine paddy’, ‘pots of ghee
and gur’ are some of the expressions used. The villagers pray to the Folk
Goddess Tushu for prosperity. They ask for the Goddess’s blessings so that
their homes and the homes of their sons may overflow with wealth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Dhamail</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Dhamail is a folk dance performed by the married women of rural
Bengal. The women arrange themselves in a circle, around a certain object of
prayer, clapping to the beats of the song. While praying to the Sun God, a lit
diya, symbolizing the sun, is kept at the centre. The clapping brings a
rhythmic element into the otherwise slow-paced dance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Nabanna</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Nabanna is a ritualistic dance performed after the autumn harvest.
It is part of a religious ceremony associated with cultivation and harvesting.
The dance is an expression of the happiness of the farmers’ families after a
successful harvest. A special religious ceremony is held on the day the new
rice is eaten.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Noila Broto</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Farming is an integral part of the lives of villagers in rural
Bengal. After a day’s toil, the villagers often sing and dance as a welcome
break from their daily routine of labor and hard work. In most parts of rural
India, agriculture is still dependant on the rains. Noila Broto is a
traditional ode to the Rain Goddess, “Megh Kanya”. This prayer dance, involving
rituals and offerings, celebrates the arrival of the first monsoon clouds. The
farmers and their wives pray for a good monsoon that will bring forth an
abundant harvest of crop, ushering in prosperity and happiness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Baromashya</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Bengali community is known for the warm hospitality it
extends to visitors. When a guest arrives unannounced at a Bengali home, he is
greeted warmly and made to feel welcome, while the host makes every effort to
ensure a comfortable stay. The Baromashya songs and dances describe this
endearing quality of the simple folk of rural Bengal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bou Nritya</span></i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">This is a part of the traditional Badhubaran ceremony of
Srihatta. Bou Nritya enacts the custom of asking a new bride to dance; a
process of helping her shed her inhibitions. The dancers wear ornaments typical
of this region and drape the sari in a different way. The distinguishing
feature of this dance is that the dancers never lift their feet off the ground
during the entire performance. Through this dance of initiation, the new bride
is welcomed into her new family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Ganga Baidya</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Ganga Baidya is a dance of the snake charmers or Bedes of
Bengal. The dance gives expression to the daily lives, customs, hopes and
aspirations as well as the pains and tribulations of this sect of people of
rural Bengal. The Bedes were a nomadic tribe who moved from place to place,
earning their living by singing their songs and displaying acrobatic tricks –
with fire, knives, sticks and ropes. These worshippers of Ma Manasha use snakes
for a variety of tricks. Through their songs and dances, the fearless Bedes
sold snake venom and talismans to the villagers, promising them that these
would keep evil away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Lathi Dance</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">This is another notable form of folk dance which has a different
art of expression. This dance is performed to express different situations of
human life like remorse, celebration, anger, pain or love. The dance is
performed in the first ten days of the Muslim festival of Muharram.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Music of West Bengal</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The richness of Bengali culture also reflects in the music that
expresses the feeling of love, sadness, anxiety, motivation, devotion or
spirituality. The music of West Bengal also refers as Bangla Sangeet. Some of
the popular Music of Bengal are:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Classical Bangla Music</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The classical music of West Bengal is highly inspired by the
other forms of Indian classical music. The influence of Karnataka music has
significant influence on the classical music of Bengal. Like other classical
forms of music of this place also based on the musical modes called ‘Ragas’.
Themes of classical music have its root in Jaydev's Gitagovindam,
Rabindra-Sangeet, Shyama-Sangeet, Mangalgiti and Padavali kirtan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Rabindra Sangeet</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">This is one of the most popular kinds of Bangla music which was
created by the great poet and the Noble Laureate Rabindranath Tagore. These
songs are regarded as cultural treasures of Bengal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Artists/painters of West Bengal</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The <b>Bengal School of Art</b> commonly referred
as <b>Bengal School</b> was an influential art movement and a style
of painting that originated in Bengal, primarily Kolkata and Shantiniketan, and
flourished throughout India during the British Raj in the early 20th century.
Also known as 'Indian style of painting' in its early days, it was associated
with Indian nationalism (swadeshi) and led by Abanindranath Tagore (1871-1951),
but was also promoted and supported by British arts administrators like E.B
Havell the principal of the Government Collage of arts Kolkata from 1896;
eventually it led to the development of the modern Indian painting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">However Bengal continues to produce some of the best artists of
modern India. Among them the best known artists of present day Bengal are
Ganesh Pyne, Manishi Dey, Nirmal Dutta, Nilima Dutta, Jahar Dasgupta, Bikash
Bhattacharya Sudip Roy, Devajyoti Ray and Paresh Maiti<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Architecture of Bengal</span></u></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Bengal region, which includes the Republic of Bangladesh and
the Indian state of West Bengal, has many architectural relics and
monuments/temples dating back thousands of years.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bengal, a land of natural and cultural heritage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Temples of</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> <b>West Bengal an amazing
architectures;</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">1 <b>Bakranath Temple at Bakreswar</b> near Siuri in
West Bengal: Built in the Oriyan style, the large temple is the most important
of the several shrines in Bakreswar. Hot springs are another feature of
interest in this town.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">2 <b>Balrampur Jain Temple at Balrampur</b> near
Purulia in West Bengal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">3 <b>Bansuli Temple at Nannur</b> near Bolpur in West
Bengal: The temple site is like a mound, and the lowest level dates back to the
Gupta period.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">4 <b>Barakar Temples at Barakar</b> near Asansol in
West Bengal: Four stone temples in the North Indian Rekha style built in the
8th through the 15th century.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">5 <b>Bargabhima Temple at Tamluk</b> near Medinipur in
West Bengal: Large Temple to Shakti influenced by the Oriyan architecture style
displaying interesting engineering and architectural features.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">6 <b>Bhagwati Temple at Gourangpur</b> near Asansol in
West Bengal: A beautiful brick temple over 150 years old now deserted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">7 <b>Brindabanchandra Temple at Guptipara</b> near
Calcutta (Hooghly) in West Bengal: The biggest in the group of temples in
Guptipara.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">8 <b>Chaitanyadev Temple at Guptipara</b> near
Calcutta (Hooghly) in West Bengal: 17th century temple in the Bengali style of
architecture.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">9 <b>Chinese Temple at Achipur</b> near Calcutta in
West Bengal: Chinese temple with inscriptions dating back to the 18th century.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">10 <b>Dakshineswar Kali Temple at Calcutta</b> in West
Bengal: Famous 19th century Kali temple associated with Ramakrishna.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">11 <b>Dhirdham Temple at Darjeeling</b> in West
Bengal: Built along the lines of the Pasupathinath temple in Nepal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">12 <b>Dugdheshwar</b> Shiva Temple at Amaragarh near
Burddhaman in West Bengal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">13 <b>Ekteswara Temple at Ekteswara</b> near Bakura in
West Bengal: Famous Shiva temple that looks like a massive solid pillar near
the river Dwarkeshwar.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">14 <b>Hanseswari Temple at Bansberia</b> near Calcutta
in West Bengal: Dates back to the 19th century with ornate arches.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">15 <b>Jagannath Temple at Serampore</b> near Calcutta
in West Bengal: Large and ancient Jagannath temple famous for its rath yatra
second only to Puri.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">16 <b>Jain remains at Pakbira</b> near Bara Bazar
(Purulia) in West Bengal: Remains of numerous temples and images some about
2000 years old.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">17 <b>Jain Temple Ruins at Boram</b> near Jaipur in
West Bengal: Ruins of three identical Jain temples<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">18 <b>Jain Temples at Dulmi</b> near Purulia in West
Bengal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">19 <b>Jain Temples at Deoli</b> near Purulia in West
Bengal: Group of Jain temples, the largest of which has an image of Arhanath worshipped
by Hindus as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">20 <b>Jain temples and ruins at Chharra</b> near
Purulia in West Bengal: Old temples and ruins of Jain origin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">21 <b>Jateshwarnath Temple at Mahanad</b> near
Calcutta (Hooghly) in West Bengal: A center for Shiva and Shakti worship.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">22 <b>Jaya Deva Temple at Kenduli</b> near Bolpur in
West Bengal: Well known temple to Radha and Krishna dating back to the 12th
century - current structure over 200 years old.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">23 <b>Jor Bangala Temple at Bishnupur</b> near Bakura
in West Bengal: Specimen of remarkable sculpture and architecture.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">24 <b>Kalighat Temple at Calcutta</b> in West Bengal:
200 year old temple from which Calcutta is said to take its name.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">25 <b>Kalna Shiva Temples at Kalna</b> in West Bengal:
A group of 108 Shiva temples in concentric circles.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">26 <b>Kalyaneshwari Temple at Barakar</b> near Asansol
in West Bengal: This is a 500 year old temple a great center for Shakti
worship.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">27 <b>Kanak Durga Temple at Chikligarh</b> near
Medinipur in West Bengal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">28 <b>Kapil Muni Temple at Sagar Island</b> near
Diamond Harbor in West Bengal: Associated with the mythological descent of the
Ganges from the heavens (into the sea) and a site held in great reverence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">29 <b>Kiriteshwari Temple at Murhsidabad</b> near
Murshidbad in West Bengal: Regarded as one of the Shakthi Peeths this was once
a center of great importance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">30 <b>Krishnachandra Temple at Guptipara</b> near
Calcutta (Hooghly) in West Bengal: Located along with the Chaitanyadev,
Ramachandra and Brindabanchandra temples.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">31 <b>Krishnarjun Temple at Tamluk</b> near Medinipur
in West Bengal: Ancient temple - current structure built 400 years ago.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">32 <b>Lalji Temple at Chandrakona</b> near Medinipur
in West Bengal: 16th century temple built in Bengali style, enclosed by a high
wall with a gateway.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">33 <b>Malleswar Temple at Chandrakona</b> near
Medinipur in West Bengal: 60 feet high temple dating back to the 18th century,
with an even older shrine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">34 <b>Mankeshwar Mahadev Temple at Amaragarh</b> near Burddhaman
in West Bengal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">35 <b>Radha Kanta Jiu Temple at Rajbalhat</b> near
Calcutta (Hooghly) in West Bengal: A fine specimen of Bengali architecture
dating back to the 18th century.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">36 <b>Ramachandra Temple at Guptipara</b> near
Calcutta (Hooghly) in West Bengal: Fine red colored brick temple with a curved
roof, with brick panels carved with fine specimen of Bengali art.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">37 <b>Sarva Mangala Devi Temple at Garbeta</b> near
Medinipur in West Bengal: 16th-17th century temple in the Oriyan style
dedicated to Devi along with other temples within the fort.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">38 <b>Sheetalnath Jain Temple at Calcutta</b> in West
Bengal: 19th century temple - an ornate mass of mirrors, colored stones and
glass mosaics.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">39 <b>Shivakhya Devi Temple at Amaragarh</b> near Burddhaman
in West Bengal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">40 <b>Sidheswara Temple at Bahulara</b> near Onda in
West Bengal: Ancient Shiva temple in the Oriyan style with fine ornamentation
depicting replicas of the temple.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">41 <b>Suratheshwar Temple at Supur</b> near Bolpur in
West Bengal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">42 <b>Swayambhava Kali Temple at Bansberia</b> near
Calcutta (Hooghly) in West Bengal: Located near the Vishnu temple, this temple
dates back to the 18th century.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">43 <b>Syamaleswar Temple at Dantan</b> in West Bengal:
Ancient temple to Shiva in this town where there are 2 large tanks - the
Bidyadhar and Sarasankha.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">44 <b>Tarakeshwar Temple at Tarakeshwar</b> near
Calcutta (Hooghly) in West Bengal: A very well known temple in the Bengali
style of architecture attracting scores of pilgrims.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">45 <b>Temple Ruins at Chandrakona</b> at Chandrakon
near Medinipur in West Bengal: Ruins of several Oriyan styled temples now
abandoned.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">West
Bengal terra cotta temple architecture</span></u></b><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Although there is plenty of evidence of human settlement in Bengal
from prehistoric times but there are regrettable dearth of evidence. This is
because of the soil structure of Bengal The community being spread on the
alluvial plain of the mighty rivers of Ganges, Brahmaputra the whole region is
susceptible to flood and its resulting unsettling geographical pattern. The
only somewhat undulated regions being the western Chota Nagpur and the
Himalayan ridges of east and the north. This soil structure is reflected in the
building material chosen by the Bengali temple designers. Mainly the terra
cotta temples with elaborate surface decorations and lettering written in
nagari alphabets. The roof structure also has been the effect of the heavy
rainfall that the river delta and the Tarai experiences throughout the monsoon,
it has Ganges been curved effectively in most cases to get rid of the huge
amount of water as soon as possible and thereby increasing the lifetime of the
structure. The architectural evidence generally has been from the Gupta Empire
period onwards. There have been recent discoveries of plaques from the times of
Chandraketugarh and mahasthangarh throwing additional light on the
architectural styles of sunga and gupta periods. Apart from the Pahlavi and
Phamsana influence on the architectural style it is also closely connected to
the Bhanja style of temples from mayurbhanj district of Orissa But the temples
of south Bengal is a distinction due to its roofing style so unique and closely
related to the paddy roofed traditional building style of rural Bengal. Bishnupur
in the southern district Bakura of West Bengal has a remarkable set of such
temples which being built from the Malla dynasty are examples of this style.
Most of these temples are covered on the outer surface with terra cotta reliefs
which contains plenty of secular materials making these important to
reconstruct the social structure from these times.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The temple structures contain gabled roofs which are
colloquially called the chala, For example a gabled roof with an eight sided
pyramid structured roof with be called "ath chala" or literally the
eight faces of the roof. And frequently there is more than one tower in the
temple building. These are built of laterite and brick bringing them at the
mercy of severe weather conditions of southern Bengal .Dakshineswar Kali Temple
is one example of the Bhanja style while the additional small temples of Shiva
along the river bank are example of southern Bengal roof style though in much
smaller dimension.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bankura district is a land of temples. There are more historical temples inBishnupur than in any other place in West Bengal. There are several aspects oftemple art, architecture and construction that need to be considered.<br />
Almost all temples in Bishnupur town are Vaishnavite, but many of those scatteredin different areas of the district spread outside the town are Shaivite, with traces ofJainism and Buddhism. While some of the older temples were built of laterite, thearea has numerous brick built temples, some with exquisite terra cotta carvings.Terra cotta carvings are also found in some temples outside the district, as forexample at joy deb kenduli or Antpur, but the art of terra cotta carvings seems tohave flourished with the rise of the Rajas of Bishnupurand virtually died out withthe fading of their supremacy. Some of the earlier temples built by the BardhamanRaj have terra cotta carvings, possibly by artisans from Bankura district, but by thetime Rani Rashmoni decided to construct the Dakhinswar kali temple, in the mid-nineteenth century, the art of terra cotta carvings had obviously faded out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Terra
cotta Temples are the pride of Bishnupur, a small village in Bankura Districtof West Bengal. The Malla kings of the 16th-18th centuries constructed thesetemples, about 30 in all, in their devotion to Lord Krishna. This architecture
betrays influences of various ancient Indian styles as well as of Mughal andPersian designs. Ras-Manch, Shyamrai, Jor-Bangla, and Radha-Shyam are someof the most important of the Terracota Temples. The basic building material of
these temples is tiles made from the local red soil. The terracota tiles aredecorated with filigreed carvings that have Mughal, Persian or Indian lineage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Attraction of Bakura bishnupur</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Malleshwar Temple:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> Dedicated to Lord Shiva,
it is the oldest temple in Bishnupur.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Rasmancha:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> Built in the late 16th century by
King Bir Hambir, the temple has an unusual elongated paramedical tower,
surrounded by hut-shaped turrets. Idols were kept here for public worship
during Ras-utsav.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Pancha Ratna Temple of Shyam Raya:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> Built
in 1643 AD by King Raghunath Singha. The walls are richly decorated with
terracotta carvings featuring different aspects of Lord Krishna’s life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Jorebangla Temple of Keshta Raya:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> Built
by King Raghunath Singha Dev II in 1655 AD, the ornate terracotta carvings are
set off by the roof in the classic chala style of typical Bengal architecture.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Madanmohan Temple:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> King Durjana Singh Deva
built the temple in 1694 AD in the ekaratna style. It is a square flat-roofed
building with carved cornices, surmounted by a pinnacle. Impressive carvings on
the walls depict scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and the Puranas.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Kalachand Temple:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> It is of ekratna style
and is on the bank of Lal-bandh.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Mukutmonipur: </span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Mukutmonipur is 55Km away from Bakura
(a 2 hours drive) District Head Quarters and is situated at the confluence of
river Kangsabati and Kumari. Green forests and hillocks surround the vast
bluish tract of water. The undulating terrain along the southern edge of the
Kangsabati Water Reservoir extends as a three-dimensional necklace of green and
terracotta color. Tourists flock here for its stunning natural beauty.<br />
<b>Jhilimili: </b>Jhilimili is situated 70 Km away from Bakura Town. It is
a beautiful, undisturbed dense natural forest. The road from Ranibund to
Jhilimili offers a wonderful view of spectacular forests on varying heights on
both sides, finally reaching Jhilimili, which is mounted on the top of a
hillock.. The sparkle of micaceous soil adds to the beauty of the environment.<br />
<b>Susunia: </b>Susunia hill, 50 km from Bishnupur, is quite popular as a
trekking spot. It is also an important tourist spot for people who visit the
place to see "Dhara" (a natural spring) and Silialipi. Excavations
have revealed inscriptions dating back to the 4th century AD.<br />
<br />
Joyrambati, 44 km from Bishnupur, the birthplace of Sree Maa Sarada Devi, is a
holy town. The famous temple of Singha Bahani Devi is a special attraction.
Mayerepukur, in front of the residential house of Ma-Sarada is also a sight
worth visiting.<br />
<b>Sutan Forest: </b>Bakura is also popular for beautiful Tourist Spots
like Sutan, Near Ranibandh & Eco-Park ,Near Taldangra, both covered with
dense forest, decorated with small lakes and thrilling with wild animals. <b>Biharinath
Hill:</b> Biharinath, situated in the extreme northwest area of the district,
57 km away from Bakura town, thought to be an ancient centre of Jainism. The
height of the hill is 448 m is the highest hill in Bakura. Biharinath is very
rich in flora and fauna.<br />
Hyena, Pangolin, Chameleon, Racaphorus, though few in number, are still found
here.<br />
The place is known for its natural beauty.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Ganga</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The fisherman community of rural Bengal prays to Ganga Devi in
the month of Chaitra. Through their prayers and dances, they appease the
Goddess, so that she bestows blessings on them throughout the year. According
to great philosopher Aristotle all source of great human<br />
world knowledge and wisdom has come from the banks of holy Ganges river of
India.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Ganga Heritage Cruise West Bengal</span></u></b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The river Ganga passing through the state of West Bengal in
India has been an important trade route from time immemorial. It is through
this route trade was conducted with the early civilizations. Later when
European colonial powers came through this river they established trade posts
along the river. One can also find important places of pre colonial times also.
The aim of the Ganga Heritage Cruise, West Bengal is to discover these
historical places along with natural historical sites. The whole Ganga Heritage
Cruise, West Bengal stretches 260 km from Howrah to Murshidabad spanning seven
districts with picturesque rural Bengal. The cruise is conducted by a number of
cruise launches where staying and fooding facilities are well provided for.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The starting point is the town of Murshidabad the erstwhile
capital of Bengal. The town was founded by Nawab Murshid Quli Khan and its
prosperity was its silk center. With this silk trade came the European traders
but after the Battle of Plassey in 1757 the British founded the British
colonial empire. One of the important historical landmarks is Hazar Duari named
after the thousand doors of the palace though not all are real. It is now a
museum displaying rare books, military weapons, paintings, royal artifacts etc.
Other places are Katra Mosque housing the tomb of the founding Nawab,
Jorebangla a four terra-cotta temple complex and other historic places.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Next place is Mayapur the birth place of Shri Chaitanya who
started Vaishnavism five centuries ago and Nabadwip where Shri Chaitanya
propounded the Vaishnavism philosophy in 1485.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Then comes the town of Kalna with its famous 108 Shivlinga
temples build by the Maharaja of Burdwan in 1809. You can also visit the
beautiful terracotta temple of Pratapeswar temple built in 1849.Other important
sites are Shyamsunder Bati, Krishna Chandraji temple, Amli Briksha and Pancha
Bimsati temple.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Next comes the city of Chinsura the former Dutch trading post
established in 1656. Discover the Dutch colonial heritage. After that visiting
the city of Chandernagore, the erstwhile French settlement feels like being
transported to the 16th century with its beautiful esplanade by the river with
chairs. One can visit the house of Dupleix, the French Governor, the police
headquarters and the French Institute. And lastly the Ganga Heritage Cruise,
West Bengal stops at Belur the foundation of Ramkrishna Mission and a site for
an equally imposing temple.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Go onboard the Ganga Heritage Cruise, West Bengal which takes
you back in time and discover each stages of cultural, historical heritage of
Bengal in a comfortable journey through the romantic river Ganga. An
unforgettable experience! An incredible amazing Bengal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Climate and geography of west Bengal</span></u></b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The eastern state of West Bengal experiences a tropical type of
climate due to its geographical location. The state has diversity in
physiographic as it touches the Himalayas in the north and is bordered by the
Bay of Bengal in south. The northern districts remain cold throughout the year
and for that reason, the hill stations are favored by the tourists especially
during the summer months.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The climate of West Bengal is full of variation. The seasons in
West Bengal can be broadly categorized into summer, winter, autumn and rainy
seasons. The summer months in West Bengal span from mid of March to mid of
June. During this time, the average temperature is 38 degree to 45 degree.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The monsoon season in West Bengal is much awaited as the
landscape turns lush green after the monsoon showers. By the middle of June,
monsoon approaches the state and it is influenced by the winds blowing from Bay
of Bengal. The autumn season in West Bengal is welcomed with a number of
festive occasions. From September the festive mood commences and it is during
this cool and pleasant climate, the festival of Durga Puja is celebrated in
West Bengal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">During the winter season, the weather of West Bengal remains
very pleasant. The state experiences a mild cold climate while the temperature
drops very low in the hilly region of West Bengal. From about mid November,
winter approaches West Bengal and temperature rises not before the middle of
February. The temperature varies around 15 degree in these cold months.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The <b>Geography of West Bengal</b> is varied. The state of
West Bengal is situated in the eastern part of India. On the east lies Bangladesh.
Sikkim and Bhutan lie on the north of West Bengal. The state of Assam is
situated on the north east of West Bengal. Bihar and Jharkhand is situated on
the western side of the state. The geographical location of the state is 23
degree North latitude and 88 degree East longitude.<br />
<br />
As per details from Census 2011, West Bengal has population of 9.13 Crore, an
increase from figure of 8.02 Crore in 2001 census. Total population of West
Bengal as per 2011 census is 91,347,736 of which male and female are 46,927,389
and 44,420,347 respectively. In 2001, total population was 80,176,197 in which
males were 41,465,985 while females were 38,710,212. he total area of West
Bengal is 88,752 sq<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The population density of West Bengal per square kilometer is
904. Sex Ratio in West Bengal is 947 i.e. for each 1000 male, which is below
national average of 940 as per census 2011. In 2001, the sex ratio of female
was 934 per 1000 males in West Bengal.. The population of West Bengal is
predominated by the Bengali population. But immigration from different states
of India has enriched the population diversity of West Bengal.<br />
<br />
The topography of the state also varies from region to region. The northern
part of West Bengal touches the Himalayan range. The topography of West Bengal
alters as the Indo-Gangetic plain begins. The Gangetic plain is rich in
alluvial soil and thus is very fertile. This kind of soil is suitable for
agriculture. Further south, the deltaic plain or the Sunderban region is a very
important spot for tourism in West Bengal.<br />
<br />
The climate of West Bengal is full of variation. The state experiences a
tropical type of climate. The seasons in West Bengal can be broadly categorized
into summer, rainy, autumn and winter seasons.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Demography</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">According to the provisional results of 2011 national census,
West Bengal is the fourth most populous state in India with a population of
91,347,736 (7.55% of India's population). Majority of the population comprises
Bengali people. Marawaris, Behari and Oriya minorities are scattered throughout
the state. Communities of Sherpa’s and ethnic Tibetans can be found in<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Darjeeling Himalayan hill region .Darjeeling district has a
large number of Gurkha people of Nepalese origin. West Bengal is home to
indigenous tribal Adivasis such as Santhalis, Kol, Koch-Rajbonshi and Toto
tribe There are a small number of ethnic minorities primarily in the state
capital, including Chinese, Tamils, Gujarati, Anglo Indians, Armenians,
punjabis,and parsis. India's sole chaina town is in eastern Kolkata<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Religions in West Bengal</span></u></b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Religion<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Percent<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Hindu<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">72.5%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Muslim<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">25.2%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Others<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">2.3%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The official language is Bengali and English. Nepali is the
official language in three subdivisions of. Darjeeling district .As of 2001, in
descending order of number of speakers, the languages of the state are:
Bengali, , Hindi, Santali, Urdu Nepali, and .Oriya Languages such as Rajbangsi
and Ho are used in some parts of the state.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">As of 2001, Hinduism is the principal religion at 72.5% of the
total population, while Muslims comprise 25.2% of the total population, being
the second-largest community as also the largest minority group;Sikhism
Christianity and other religions make up the remainder. The state contributes
7.8% of India's population. The state's 2001–2011 decennial growth rate was
13.93%, lower than 1991–2001 growth rate of 17.8%, and also lower than the
national rate of 17.64%. The gender ratio is 947 females per 1000 males. As of
2011, West Bengal has a population density of 1,029 inhabitants per square
kilometer (2,670 /sq mi) making it the second-most densely populated state in
India, after Bihar.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The literacy rate is 77.08%, higher than the national rate of
74.04%.Data of 1995–1999 showed the life expectancy in the state was 63.4
years, higher than the national value of 61.7 years. About 72% of people live
in rural areas. The proportion of people living below the poverty line in
1999–2000 was 31.9% Scheduled Castes and Tribes form 28.6% and 5.8% of the
population respectively in rural areas, and 19.9% and 1.5% respectively in
urban areas. A study conducted in three districts of West Bengal found that
accessing private health services to treat illness had a catastrophic impact on
households. This indicates the value of public provision of health services to
mitigate against poverty and the impact of illness on poor households.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The crime rate in the state in 2004 was 82.6 per 100,000, which
was half of the national average .This is the fourth-lowest crime rate among
the 32 India. However, the state reported the highest rate of Special and Local
Laws (SLL) crimes. In reported crimes against women, the state showed a crime
rate of 7.1 compared to the national rate of 14.1. Some estimates state that
there are more than 60,000 brothel-based women and girls in prostitution in Kolkata.
The population of prostitutes in sonagachi constitutes mainly of a Nepalese,
Indians and BANGLADESHI. Some sources estimate there are 60,000 women in the
brothels of Kolkata. The largest prostitution area in city is SONAGACHI .West
Bengal was the first Indian state to constitute a Human Rights Commission of
its own<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Flora and fauna</span></u></b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Flora and Fauna of</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> West Bengal is rich in
flora and fauna and has diverse ecosystems because of its varying terrain from
the high altitudes to the sea level plains. Protected forests cover 4% of the
state area. There are 15 Wildlife Sanctuaries, 5 National Parks and 2 Tiger
Reserves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Sunder ban, in south Bengal, is home to the famous Tiger
Project – a conservatory effort to save the Bengal tigers from extinction. It
is an UNESCO world heritage site. Another similar project exists in Buxa in
north Bengal. Wildlife includes the Indian one horned rhinoceros, Indian
elephants, deer, bison, leopards, gaur, crocodiles and others. The state is
also rich in bird life. Migratory birds come to the state during the winter
months.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Conclusion</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">; <b><u>Bengali culture and its excellence</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Historically Bengal has a very rich cultural heritage. Bengal
is, indeed, noted for its rich culture in songs, music, drama, dances and
language. Its indigenous style of music, art, dance and drama is very rich.
Bengali is one of the oldest languages in the world. According to statistics,
jointly with Spanish, Bengali is the fourth largest language group in the
world, only surpassed by Chinese, English and Hindi It is the first of Indian
languages to develop western style secular fiction and drama. It originated
from the Indo-Aryan family of languages in the 7th century, thus making it
comparable to English, French and German. Bengali language is much older than
Hindi Urdu and even Portuguese, Spanish and many other established modern
languages.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">In the middle ages, Bengali was already a well-established
language with popular poets like Bidyapati, Chandidas, Daulat Kazi and Alawol.
It was during this period of middle ages that the famous Indian epics Ramayana
and Mahabharata were translated in lyric forms from Sanskrit into Bengali by
Krittibas and Kashiram Das respectively. This period also saw a rich output of
romantic songs, poems and dance centering on the love of Radha and Krishna.
These were simply superb in their wording, rhythm and style.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">However, things started changing rapidly about 200 years ago.
With the emergence of some great personalities like Iswar Chandra Vidyasagar
(1820-91), Michael Madhusudan Datta (1824-73) and Bankim Chatterjee (1838-94)
Bengali language and literature really got a new life. About one hundred and
forty years ago came the famous Bengali poet Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore
(1861-1941) and then rebel Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam appeared in 1899. These two
great Bengali poets have actually initiated a new era for Bengali language and
culture. Tagore represented this new era of cultural modernization; others
followed him almost as disciples. Palli Kabi Jasimuddin was also one of them.
Tagore was urban, sophisticated and universal; Nazrul exhibited his spirit of
protest and opposition to all social injustice, discrimination, oppression and
exploitation while Jasimuddin vastly remained rural and provincial in his
approach. Their common bond was their liberal outlook for secular Bengali
culture.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Music, songs, drama and dances are also part of rich Bengali
culture and there are three mainstreams of this Bengali Culture: folk, modern
and classical. Folk music mainly based is rural Bengal. It has been nurtured by
the village singers, musicians, actors and dancers. With sweet melodies,
touching words of love, tragedy and devotion, folk music is the most popular
form of music in all over Bengal. The best known forms of folk music are bhatiali,
Baul, bhawaia, jaari, marfati and murshidi. Lalan Fakir, Hasan Raja, Nirmalendu
Chowdhury, Abbasuddin Ahmed, Shachin Dev Burman, Purnadas Baul, Sadhan Bairagi
and Abdul Halim are some of the greatest names in Bengali folk music.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">On the other hand, the pioneers of modern Bengali music were,
indeed, the world famous Nobel Laureate poet Rabindranath Tagore and the rebel
poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. Tagore initiated a blend of East and West and Nazrul
experimented with the synthesis of folk and Middle Eastern strains.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bengal also shares the rich tradition of classical music of the
subcontinent. Indeed, Bengal has produced many musicians and maestros of
international repute like Ustad Alauddin Khan, Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, Pandit
Ajoy Chakrabarty and Pandit Ravi Shankar who have successfully made sitar and
sarode popular all over the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Before I conclude let me describe a few words about the musical
instruments which are also playing vital roles to promote the rich Bengali
culture and its excellence. The typical Bengali folk musical instruments are
Ektara (one string), Dotara (two, but actually four strings), Ghungur, Khol,
Mandira, Behala (violin) and Banshi (flute) and the classical musical
instruments are Sitar, Sarode, Tanpura, Shenai, Eshraj, Pakhwaj, Tabla and
Harmonium. Even now a large number of people in the villages of Bangladesh,
West Bengal and Tripura regularly listen to the folk drama called Jatra and the
age old melodic folk songs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bengali Performing Arts' aim is to promote this rich Bengali
cultural heritage and its excellence by organizing cultural programs round the
year throughout the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01022139079557847252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1446534558556192736.post-35984330058794006582012-09-06T10:24:00.002-07:002012-09-06T10:24:17.379-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bengal and Bengali culture<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bengal is situated in northeast part region of Indian
subcontinent at the apex of Bay of Bengal. The majority of Bengal is
inhabited by Bengali people who speak<b> </b>Bengali language. Today,
it is mainly divided between the sovereign land of peoples Republic of
Bangladesh <u>(</u>previously<u> </u>East Bengal / East Pakistan) and
the state of west Bengal. The region of Bengal is one of the most densely
populated regions on earth, with a population density exceeding 900/km. Most of
the Bengal region lies in the low-lying Ganges–Brahmaputra River delta or
Ganges delta, the world's largest delta. In the southern part of the delta lies
the<u> </u>Sundarbon —the world's largest mangrove forest and home of
the<u> </u>Bengal Tiger,<u> </u>though the population of the region
is mostly rural and agrarian. Two mega cites, Kolkata<u> </u>(previously
Calcutta) and DHAKA<u> </u>(previously Dacca), are located in Bengal.
The Bengal region is renowned for its rich literary and cultural heritage as well
as its immense contribution to the socio-cultural uplift of Indian society in
the form of the<u> </u>Bengal Renaissance, and revolutionary
activities during the Independence movement. West Bengal also (proposed
new English name: Paschimbanga) is a state in the eastern region of India and
is the nation's fourth-most populous region. It is also the seventh-most
populous sub-national entity in the world, with over 91 million inhabitants
covering a total area of 34,267 sq mi (88,750 km2), which is bordered by the
countries of Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh, and the Indian states of Orissa,
Jharkhand, Bihar, Sikkim, and Assam. The state capital is Kolkata (formerly
Calcutta). West Bengal encompasses two broad natural regions: the Gangetic
Plain in the south and the sub-Himalayan and Himalayan area in the north.
Bengal was divided in 1947 on religious lines into two separate entities: West
Bengal – a state of India – and East Bengal, which initially joined the new
nation of Pakistan, before becoming part of modern-day Bangladesh in
1971.Bengal was divided on religious and language lines. Bengali language
movement has played a very important role for its separate entity which
catalyzed the assertion of Bengali national identity in East Bengal and later
East Pakistan, and became a forerunner to Bengali nationalist movements, and
subsequently the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971. In Bangladesh, 21 February
is observed as language movement day, a national holiday. The shaheed miner
monument was constructed near Dhaka Medical College in memory of the movement
and its victims.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The saliency of Twenty First February has made the historic
movement for establishing Bengali as one of the State languages of Pakistan
synonymous with the 1952 phase of the Bengali language movement. However, the
movement for making Bengali as one of the State languages of the then Pakistan
was known as Bangla vasha andolon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bangla vasha andolon.<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">That spirit of 21th February (ekushey) has not diminished.
Rather, the radiant spirit of the twenty first February has remained ingrained
in the core of our hearts and souls even after the elapse of almost half of a
century of the historic Bengali language movement. People from all walks of life
still come out in thousands in the early hours of February twenty first and
mournfully trod the streets of Dhaka, and throng the Central Shaheed Miner
(Marty s Monument) for offering their heartfelt tributes to the fallen language
martyrs. Before depicting the cultures of Bengal, we must go to the historical
roots. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bengali</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> <b>Renaissance</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Bengal Renaissance refers to a social reform movement during
the nineteenth and early twentieth century’s in the region of Bengal in
Undivided India during the period of British rule. The Bengal renaissance can
be said to have started with Raja Ram Mohan Roy (1775–1833) and ended with
Rabindranath Tagore (1861–1941), although there have been many stalwarts
thereafter embodying particular aspects of the unique intellectual and creative
output Nineteenth century Bengal was a unique blend of religious and social
reformers, scholars, literary giants, journalists, patriotic orators and
scientists, all merging to form the image of a renaissance, and marked the
transition from the 'medieval' to the 'modern Bengal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">During this period, Bengal witnessed an intellectual awakening
that is in some way similar to the European Renaissance during the 16th
century, although Europeans of that age were not confronted with the challenge
and influence of alien colonialism. This movement questioned existing
orthodoxies, particularly with respect to women, marriage, the dowry system,
the caste system and religion. One of the earliest social movements that
emerged during this time was the Young Bengal movement that espoused
rationalism and atheism as the common denominators of civil conduct among upper
caste educated Hindus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The parallel socio-religious movement, the Brahmo Samaj,
developed during this time period and counted many of the leaders of the Bengal
Renaissance among its followers In the earlier years the Brahmo Samaj, like the
rest of society, could not however, conceptualize, in that feudal-colonial era,
a free India as it was influenced by the European Enlightenment (and its
bearers in India, the British Raj) although it traced its intellectual roots to
the Upanishads. Their version of Hinduism, or rather Universal Religion,
although devoid of practices like sati and polygamy that had crept into the
social aspects of Hindu life, was ultimately a rigid impersonal monotheistic
faith, which actually was quite distinct from the pluralistic and multifaceted
nature of the way the Hindu religion was practiced. Future leaders like Keshub
Chunder Sen were as much devotees of Christ, as they were of Brahma, Krishna or
the Buddha. It has been argued by some scholars that the Brahmo Samaj movement
never gained the support of the masses and remained restricted to the elite,
although Hindu society has accepted most of the social reform programs of the
Brahmo Samaj. It must also be acknowledged that many of the later Brahmas were
also leaders of the freedom movement.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The renaissance period after the Indian Rebellion of 1857 saw a
magnificent outburst of Bengali literature. While Ram Mohan Roy and Iswar Chandra
Vidyasagar were the pioneers, others like Bankim Chandra Chatterjee widened it
and built upon it .The first significant nationalist detour to the Bengal
Renaissance was given by the brilliant writings of Bankim Chandra Chatterjee.
Later writers of the period who introduced broad discussion of social problems
and more colloquial forms of Bengali into mainstream literature included the
great Saratchandra Chatterjee.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Tagore family, including Rabindranath Tagore, were leaders
of this period and had a particular interest in educational reform however
their contribution to the Bengal Renaissance was multi-faceted. Indeed,
Tagore's 1901 Bengali novella, Nastanirh was written as a critique of men who
professed to follow the ideals of the Renaissance, but failed to do so within
their own families. In many ways Rabindranath Tagore's writings (especially
poems and songs) can be seen as imbued with the spirit of the Upanishads. His
works repeatedly allude to Upanishadic ideas regarding soul, liberation, transmigration
and—perhaps most essentially—about a spirit that imbues all creation not unlike
the Upanishadic Brahman. Tagore's English translation of a set of poems titled
the Gitanjali won him the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1913. He was the first
Asian to win this award. That was the only example at the time but the
contribution of the Tagore family is enormous. The Bengal Renaissance saw the
emergence of pioneering Bengali scientists such as Jagadish Chandra Bose,
Satyendra Nath Bose, Upendranath Brahmachari and Meghnad Saha.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Etymology of Bengal/Bengali</span></u></b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The exact origin of the word Bangla or Bengal is unknown, though
it is believed to be derived from the Dravidian-speaking tribe Bang that
settled in the area around the year 1000 BC<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Vanga (Greater Bengal) was a kingdom during the times of
Mahabharata.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Other accounts speculate that the name is derived from Banga
which came from the Austric word "Bonga" meaning the Sun-god. The
word Banga and other words speculated to refer to Bengal (such as Anga) found
in ancient Indian texts including the Vedas, Jaina texts, the Mahabharata and
Puranas. The earliest reference to "Bangala" has been traced in the
Nesari plates (805 AD) of Rashtrakuta Govinda III which speak of Dharmapala as
the king of Vangala<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Some accounts claim that the word may derive from bhang, a
preparation of cannabis which is used in some religious ceremonies in Bengal.
Dravidians migrated to Bengal from the south, while Tibeto-Burman peoples
migrated from the Himalayas followed by the Indo-Aryans from north-western
India. The modern Bengali people are a blend of these people. Smaller numbers
of Pathans, Persians, Arabs and Turks also migrated to the region in the late
middle Ages while spreading Islam.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The age and history
of Bengal and Bengali culture is near about 1000 years old. Since the end of
Magadha Empire the Bengal religious-socio-cultural ceremonies held great
importance’s among the Bengalis. Ceremonies play the symbolic role of every
tradition handed over to the decedent’s generation after generation. Some
important ceremonies of Bengal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Annaprashan</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> is a social ritual among the Hindus, an
occasion when the baby breaks its baby food pattern to welcome home made food.
It is as well as a social introduction of the new member.'Annaprashan' is a
social ritual among the Hindus, an occasion when the baby breaks its baby food
pattern to welcome home-made food. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">It is as well as a
social introduction of the new member of the family in the community. Annaprashan
literally means feeding the baby rice for the first time. "Anna"
means food, especially rice while "prashan" means to feed.
Annaprashan gathers the importance of a religious ceremony. Arranged for the
Hindu child generally before teething, this ritual is separate for both boys
and girls.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Upanayana</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> is a Vedic ritual of Hinduism. It is an
important religious ritual in our society. Upanayana is performed only for
Brahmin boys. According to Vedic culture it is a second birth for
them..Upanayana is a Vedic ritual of Hinduism. It is an important religious
ritual in our society. Upanayana is performed only for Brahmin boys. According
to Vedic culture it is a second birth for them. Upanayana marks the beginning
of Bramhacharya.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Marriages</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> are made in heaven, goes the proverb. Two
people start of a new journey towards future, hand in hand, sharing at each
step new outlooks, responsibilities and love. Marriage is an auspicious
occasion among us. Arranged marriage is still a common <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bengali marriages are
a mixture of pure custom, tradition and religious beliefs. It is an occasion
where the entire family gather, take part in the typical Bengali ‘Adda’, regale
in fanfare and remain busy in making the necessary arrangements for the
invitees. Bengali culture must be searched and seen from the aspect of
festivals, literature, drama, music/dance, cousins, dress.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Literature</span></u></b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Bengali language boasts a rich literary heritage, shared
with neighboring Bangladesh. West Bengal has a long tradition in folk
literature, evidenced by the Charyapada, Mangalkavya, Shreekrishna Kirtana,
Thakurmar Jhuli, and stories related to Gopal Bhar. In the nineteenth and
twentieth century, Bengali literature was modernized in the works of authors
such as Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, Michael Madhusudan Dutt, Rabindranath
Tagore, Kazi Nazrul Islam, and Sharat Chandra Chattopadhyay. Coupled with
social reforms led by Ram Mohan Roy, Swami Vivekananda, and others, this
constituted a major part of the Bengal Renaissance The middle and latter parts of
the 20th century witnessed the arrival of post-modernism, as well as literary
movements such as those espoused by the Kallol movement, hungry lists and the
little magazines Jibanananda Das, Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay, Tarashankar
Bandopadhyay, Manik Bandopadhyay, Ashapurna Devi, Shirshendu Mukhopadhyay,
Buddhadeb Guha, Mahashweta Devi, Samaresh Majumdar, Sanjeev Chattopadhyay and
Sunil Gangopadhyay among others are well-known writers of the 20th century.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Theater and films</span></u></b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Among
other types of theater, West Bengal has a tradition of folk drama known as
jatra Kolkata is the home of the Bengali cinema industry, dubbed
"Toll wood" for Tollygong, where most of the state's film studios are
located. its long tradition of </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Art_film"><span style="color: #5d7d9d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">art films</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> includes globally acclaimed film directors such
as academy award -winning director Satyajit Roy, Ritwik ghatak, Mrinal
sen, tapan sinha, and contemporary directors such as </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aparna_Sen"><span style="color: #5d7d9d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Aparna</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> Sen, Buddhadeb Dasgupta, and Rituparna ghosh.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Cuisine<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">West Bengal shares its distinctive culinary tradition with
neighboring Bangladesh, and also borrows from other Indian states. Boiled rice
constitutes the staple food, and is served with a variety of vegetables, fried
as well with curry, thick lentil soups, and fish and meat preparations of
mutton and chicken, and more rarely pork and beef by certain groups. Sweetmeats
are mostly milk based, and consist of several delights including roshgulla,
sandesh, rasamalai, gulap jamun, kalo jamun, and chom-chom. Several other sweet
preparations are also available. Bengali cuisine is rich and varied with the
use of many specialized spices and flavors. Fish is the dominant source of
protein, cultivated in ponds and fished with nets in the fresh-water Rivers of
the Ganges delta. More than 40 types of mostly freshwater fish are common,
including carp, varieties like rui (rohu), katla, magur (catfish), chingŗi
(prawn or shrimp), as well as shuţki (dried sea fish) are popular. Salt water
fish (not sea fish though) and Ilish (hilsa ilisha) is very popular among
Bengalis, can be called an icon of Bengali cuisine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">DRESS</span></u></b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bengali women traditionally wear the sari, the shalwar kameez
and Western attire is gaining acceptance among younger women. Western-style
dress has greater acceptance among men, although the traditional dhoti and
kurta of men are seen during festivals. Like any other metropolis, Kolkata also
has an eclectic mix of western wears with a tinge of ethnic wears. People are
found dressed in jeans along with kurtas, or sari along with an overcoat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Festivals of West Bengal<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">West Bengal is a land
of festivals. There is a popular saying in Bengali ‘‘Baro Mase Tero Parban’: it
literally means thirteen festivals in twelve months. Almost all festivals of
all religions are celebrated here with equal religious sentiment and fervor.
The people of West Bengal strive hard to maintain the tradition and culture of
its land in the festivals they celebrate. A great number of fairs are also
organized. The most popular festival celebrated in West Bengal is Durga Puja
where all the people come out in the streets and celebrate this four day
festival. Other festivals celebrated in West Bengal are Kaali Puja, Basant
Panchami, Dushera, Bahi Dooj, Holi, Mahavir Jayanti, Buddha Jayanti, Rathyatra
and Christmas. Other events which have almost taken the form of festivals are
Rabindra Jayanti (birthday of Rabindranath Tagore), Birthday of Sri Ramakrishna
Paramahamsa and Birthday of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">List of Festivals in West Bengal:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Holi<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Birthday of Sri
Ramakrishna Paramahamsa<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Birthday of Netaji
Subhas Chandra Bose<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Rabindra Jayanti<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Durga Puja<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Basant Panchami<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Dushera<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bhai Dooj<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Holi<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Mahavir Jayanti<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bera Utsav<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Kolkata Festival<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">IST may<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Folk culture of Bengal</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">West Bengal</span></u></b><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bengal, a land of fecundity and prosperity embraces all within
her fold. The varied hues of her rich culture color her songs, music and
literature. The numerous tribes and ethnic groups of Bengal have their own
distinctive folk arts, as varied and beautiful as the tribes themselves.
Bengal’s repertoire of folk songs with its lyrical appeal and richness, its
thematic diversity and range is a reflection of rural Bengals creativity and
imagination. As a traditional art form, folk dances of Bengal have gained immense
popularity and recognition over the years. The dances contain themes that range
from ritualistic to satirical and from allegorical to social. They involve
prayers, offerings, celebrations and odes. Usually performed during festive
seasons, or to mark a happy occasion, these dances ingrained in folk culture,
reflect local faith, tradition and custom. These dances encompass a broad
spectrum, from invoking the rain Gods for a good harvest to depicting
mythological events. In fact, some religious festivals are celebrated through
songs and dances that characterize devotion, prayer and worship. The dance
forms that have evolved from the martial arts depict events from the great
Indian epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. These vocal musical dances are
performed round the year on various occasions, at fairs and festivals and
religious conglomerations.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Some of the well known folk songs and dance of west Bengal
include:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Baul</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bengal, during the post medieval period, was a divided and
closed society. Ruled by religious strictures, Hindus and Muslims led
cloistered lives, against which grew a protest that took on the character of a
cult. The community of protesters could be identified by the robes they wore (a
long saffron-colored cloak called the alkhalla with a turban of the same
color), the one-stringed instrument or Ektara they always carried and the bells
they tied to their perpetually dancing feet. Sometimes the alkhalla would be
made of different pieces of cloth patched together. They were the Bauls, the creators
of a phenomenal music tradition that has survived and grown despite the ravages
of time. Apart from the expected bamboo flute, they developed a variety of
musical instruments like the Premjuri and Dotara, the Khamak and Goopi Jantro,
the Kartal and Dubki among others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Bauls are free wanderers. They are detached from the bondage
of society and family. They move from place to place, making a meager living
from the alms given to them by those who can plumb the profound depths of their
frugality. The Bauls belong to a sect with a distinctive mystic ideology of
their own and their songs spread the message of peace and universal
brotherhood. The word ‘Baul’ means mad, the madness that comes out of an
overwhelming love for the Infinite Self. The singers describe the transience of
mundane existence and the simple means to spiritual upliftment, though the root
of their philosophical theory rests in a deeper complex psychological
consciousness. Bauls are basically philanthropists, though sometimes satire from
day to day life finds a place in their songs. The Bauls have played a major
role in India’s freedom struggle when they moved from village to village in
rural Bengal with their songs stirring up a feeling of nationalism and pride in
our motherland among the illiterate village folk.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Both men and women (Bauls and Baulanis) are a part of this great
music tradition. For a long time, the Baulanis performed with the Bauls and
they did not have any separate identity. But in recent years Baulanis have
carved out their own foothold. The music of the Bauls had a significant
influence on Rabindranath Tagore. Today the Bauls’ songs can be heard in many
districts of West Bengal as their footsteps dot the muddy village lanes of
Bankura, Birbhum, Burddhaman, Nadia, Dinajpur and Murshidabad. Baul Sangeet has
always held a special place. It is basically a folk dialect of Bengali music
and highly spiritual in nature, but far away from religious dilution. This form
of music was developed by a group of mystic minstrels from Bengal who are
considered to be a syncretism group with music in their blood. In 2005 they
were declared as the 'Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of
Humanity' by UNESCO. Joydeb kenduli annual fair is considered to be the biggest
fair of Bauls at Birbhum district of west Bengal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Purulia Chhou dance</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Chhau dance of Purulia district is one of the most vibrant
and colorful art forms. Emerging from martial practice, the Purulia Chhau is a
vigorous form of dance drama that draws its themes from the two great Indian
epics, The Ramayana and The Mahabharata.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Masks and elaborate headgear are the ornamental apparels of the
Chhau dancers. The dance is believed to date back to over a century, though the
specific date of its origin cannot be definitely ascertained. The dance was
patronized by the royalty and landlords of the region. Since its inception, the
members of the Mahato, Kurmi, Bhumija, Deowa, Bhuama and Dom communities have
sustained this dance form. The dance is an essential part of the Gajan Festival,
a festival that celebrates the glories of Lord Shiva. Today, the dance is no
longer restricted to one particular time of the year. The Purulia Chhau dance
has been influenced by many dances of the district, like the Nata Jawaid Dance,
the Mahi Dance and the Nachni Dance. Even two relatively sophisticated dance
forms like the Jhumur and Bhadra Jhumur have influenced the Chhau Dance in its
tune and rhythm. The accompanying musical instruments include the Dhol, Dhamsa
and Shenai.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The dance commences with an invocation to Lord Ganesh. Then the
movements follow the nuances of the story. In a Chhau Dance the fight between
good and evil always culminates in the triumph of good over destructive evil.
The elaborate masks, the dazzling costumes, the rhythmic drum beatings and
shenai, characterize the Chhau Dance. A distinctive feature of this dance is
the acrobatic use of the body and the intricately crafted masks worn by the
dancers. Powerful movements, immense concentration and release of energy are
the other features of this dance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">In the villages the performance usually starts between 9.00 and
10.00 o’clock in the evening. As the night grows and the dance gains momentum,
there is an air of excitement all around. Communication between the performers
and the audience is a significant feature of this dance form. In the olden
days, the performance area used to be illuminated by torches that burnt
throughout the night. Over the years the dance has undergone evolutions in
form, stage craft, lighting and use of musical instruments.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The masks help the dancers to portray different characters.
There are masks depicting particular Gods and Goddesses, demons and monsters.
There are also interesting masks for different animals like the lion, tiger,
bear, monkey and so on. These finely-crafted masks are made by the painter
artistes of the district. With the face covered by a mask, it is left to the
dancers to emote using their bodies. Movements and postures therefore serve
both to portray emotions and make the dance lively.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">One of the most popular presentations of the Purulia Chhau Dance
is Mahisasur Mardini. Oppressed by the tyranny of the Mahisasura, the Gods pray
to Goddess Adyashakti Mahamaya who takes the form of Goddess Durga, Durga
tinashini and after a fierce battle with Asura, finally slays him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Santhali Dance</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Santhalis are an integral part of the folklore of Bengal.
The Santhali dance form is seen in the districts of Birbhum, Bakura, Malda and
Burddhaman. The Santhalis are born dancers. Dance is an integral part of all
festivities of the Santhali community. Musical accompaniment is provided by
instruments like the Madol, Flute, Dhamsa, Jhanj, Kartal and occasionally the
Shenai. The songs are typically based on Taal Madol Chhanda. Dances are usually
performed on a full moon night and are connected with the celebration of
certain rituals. A notable feature of the Santhali dances is the unison in
movement. The dancers stand in a line holding hands and move to the rhythm of
the madol. Usually the women take part in the dance and the men provide the
musical accompaniment. This is reflected in the words of a song, which
accompany the Dang Dance, a dance performed as a part of marriage rituals. The
boys carry two types of drums, the Madal and the Lagra. They sing to the girls
telling them: “Though the drums are heavy, we carry them around dancing all the
time”. The girls reply, “As we hear the beat of drums, we cannot stand still.
We lift our feet and begin to dance”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Simplicity of theme and language is what makes the Santhali
dances so endearing. Nowadays, Santhali men also take part in the dances, most
of which are seasonal and reflect the ritualistic life of the Santhali
community. Each dance form has its own distinctive rhythm and dance style. Some
of the popular dances include the Sohrai, which is a harvest dance, inviting
all the village folk to come out of their homes and join in the festivities,
and the Dasai, a dance performed just before the Durga Puja, when the Santhali
men go out to the neighboring villages, where they sing and dance to collect
donations of rice and alms.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Santhali dance reflects the beauty of rural Bengal and adds
color to the palette of the folk culture of the state.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Mundari dance</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The members of the Mundari community perform these dances on
different festive occasions, most of which are related to agriculture. The main
festival of the Mundari community is the Karam Puja. The dances of the Santhali
and Mundari communities are very close in style and form. The musical instruments
used by the two communities are also common.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Gambhira</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Gambhira, a popular annual festival of Malda District comprises
songs and dances closely related to agriculture and mythology. Performances
depict on one hand, the success, failure or annual production of crops, and on
the other tell stories about mythological figures. Depending on the theme,
dancers perform solo, duets or in groups, stepping in tune with the beat of
dhaks. Colorful masks representing Gods and Goddesses like Kalika, Chamunda, Rama,
Hanuman, Shiva and even animals and birds, make the performances both charming
and entertaining, while retaining the authenticity of this primitive dance
form.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The word Gambhira means ‘Devalaya’ or House of God. This
festival is very closely associated with Shiva Puja. In the different rituals
associated with Gambhira Puja we find an amalgamation of different religious
thoughts like Shaivism, Vaishnavism, Buddhism and Shaktiism. In Malda district,
where this festival is immensely popular, Shiva is also known as Gambhir, and
hence the festival associated with Shiv Puja is known as Gambhira. The Bengal
Drum or Dhak and the Gong or Kanshi are main musical instruments accompanying
this dance. Dancers tune their steps to the different beats of the Dhak, the intricate
patterns of their dance blending into the pulsating rhythm of festivity and
celebration. Over the years, poverty and social changes are forcing this dance,
which was once synonymous with grandeur, into oblivion. The Gambhira festival
begins with Agamani songs. The second day of the festival is called the Choto
Tamasha and the third day the Boro Tamasha. These days are devoted to Shiva and
Gouri Puja. Other popular dances of the Gambhira tradition include the Baan
Nritya (Arrow Dance) Bak Nritya (Stork Dance) Tapa Nritya (a dance performed by
the fishermen and fisherwomen using a special kind of bamboo basket known as
the Tapa which is used for catching the fish) and Kali Nritya (the dance of
Goddess Kalika).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Gajan</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Gajan is a very popular festival in some parts of Bengal. Gajan
songs are sung in praise of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati in the Bengali month
of Chaitra. Singing and dancing is an integral part of this celebration. The
dance is performed with great devotion and austerity. The dancers sometimes
dress up as Hara Parvati and move around the village, dancing to the
accompaniment of the Dhol, Kanshi and Flute. In Malda and Murshidabad, the
celebration is known as Bolan. The dancers undergo penance with a view to
attaining salvation and becoming free of worldly sufferings. This celebration
is observed during the latter part of the month of Chaitra. Being a festival of
austerity, the dancers often fast before a performance. The performance of this
Puja involves some harrowing rituals and is usually performed by the lower
castes. The involvement of the upper castes is limited to bowing down before
the lower castes for just this one time in the year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Durga Puja Dhak</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Utsav is synonymous with Durga Puja. The Bengali waits all year
round for the arrival of Devi Ma. It is a time for celebration and festivity,
and it is the sound of the Bengali Drum or the Dhak that joyously announces her
eagerly awaited arrival. It is the sound of the Dhak that captures the many
moods of the Devi, frenzied, calm, plaintive and nostalgic, and it is the sound
of the Dhak that also tells us it is time for her to return to her heavenly
abode. Every beat of the dhak is different and each of them holds a special
place in every Bengalis heart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Dhol Badan</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Dhol (a variation of the Bengali Drum) is an indispensable
musical instrument of the different festivals of Bengal. The musicians dance
and play the Dhol simultaneously.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bratachari – Raibense</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Raibense dance which is performed by a group of male dancers
is a part of the repertoire of the ‘Bratachari’ tradition of West Bengal. The
Raibense dance of ancient Bengal is a significant and authentic reminder that
the Bengalis were once renowned for their military prowess. The dance belongs
to a living tradition of the war dances of ancient Bengal. Rai means royal,
kingly and bansh or bansha means bamboo. This was used by the infantry soldiers
in the middle ages. This vigorous dance form includes mock fighting and
acrobatics. It speaks volumes about the valor of the people of ancient Bengal.
The Dhol and Kanshi are the main instruments used. The strident rhythmic notes
of the Dhol and the clanging of the Kanshi generate courage and daring in the
hearts of the dancers. No songs are sung or verses recited during this martial
dance. Instead, vigorous yells mark the various sectional movements. The
simplest costume, a dhoti (which is the traditional dress of Bengali men) is
worn with a strip of red cloth signifying spirit and valor. Shri Gursasaday
Dutt, ICS, was responsible was resurrecting this ancient group dance and
modifying it to its present form.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Bagdi, Bauri and Dom communities of Burddhaman, Birbhum
& Murshidabad districts, perform the dance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Stick Dance or Laghur Nritya<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Stick Dance or Laghur Nritya is another interesting martial
folk art form of West Bengal. The stick, which has from time immemorial been
used as a weapon of self-defense, is used in this dance. The long sticks not
only keep the beat of the dance, but are also used for the acrobatic feats,
which are an integral part of this dance form.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Ranapa Dance<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Ranapa is another martial form of dance, where the artistes
walk and dance on stilts. As the dancers display mock fights, they exhibit
their skills of balancing on stilts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Dhali & Paika Nritya<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">These two dances are heroic war dances and are performed by a
group of dancers. The dances are evocative of the valor and prowess of the
people who took part in the wars.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Dhali Dance, as the name implies, is the Shield Dance. It
was the war dance of the Dhali (Shield man) troupes in the armies of the
ancient potentates of Bengal. In the Dhali Dance, the spectacular movements are
formal and are more in the nature of athletic exercises. It is a dance of high
aesthetic value by virtue of its intricate maneuvers and ordered formations.
Being a war dance, it is not accompanied by any songs. This dance form
originated and flowered during the reign of Raja Pratapaditya of Jossore. After
winning a battle, the fatigued and exhausted solders starting dancing with
swords and shields in the cantonment to inspire them for the next war. It is
believed that Raja Pratapaditya maintained an army of highly skilled Dhali
soldiers. Over the years, the dance form has been modified extending to women
dancers as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Natua Dance</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Natua,</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> an ancient dance form, features in the Shiv Puranas. The
word Natua may have been derived from the name of Lord Nataraj. It is believed
that Nandi and Vringi, the associates of Lord Shiva were the first to perform
this dance during the time of Shiva’s marriage with Durga. This highly
acrobatic dance form involves many tricks with fire and is usually accompanied
by the beats of a Jai Dhak, the instrument which is said to have been created
by Lord Shiva. The dance is performed during the Charak Puja and occasionally
during marriages.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Kirtan Dance songs<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Kirtan music is the most widely practiced folk music (vocal
and dance) form of Bengal. The democratic nature of the dance, which unites
people of the whole village, irrespective of their caste or social standing is
its most striking feature. The dance is performed to the accompaniment of the
Dhol and Mridanga. The great spiritual leader, Shri Chaitanya Dev gave the
dance a national character.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Rabha Dances</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The women of the Rabha Community perform the Rabha Dances,
popular in the Northern part of Bengal. The men provide the musical
accompaniment, playing the Barangshi (a bamboo flute), Hem (a drum with two
faces), Dandi & Barding, (idiophones made from bamboo) and Karnal (a rare
tribal instrument made of bamboo and buffalo horn). The Rabha women have
different dances for different occasions, like the “Fai Nang Ning Mein” or
Welcome Dance, the “Braisar Pridan” or New Year’s Dance and “Larai Lunge” or
War Dance. The dancers depict the daily life of the community and embody the
merriment that enlivens all their festivals.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Chaibari Nritya</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Chaibari Nritya, as the name suggests, is a dance mastered
by the tea garden workers of Northern Bengal. The dancers, with their intricate
costumes and jewelers make for a picture perfect sight in the breathtaking
backdrop of the verdant tea gardens. The melodious music adds to the charm and
beauty of the dance..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Domphu Nritya</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Domphu is a musical instrument used by the Nepali community
settled in North Bengal. The Domphu Nritya takes its name from this traditional
instrument. The dances give expression to the joys, hopes and aspirations of
the community through this colorful folk dance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Kukri Nritya</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The<b>Kukri Nritya<u>,</u></b> also from North Bengal, is
performed by the girls of the community, as they ceremoniously hand over their
traditional weapon, the Kukri, to their brothers, before they set off for the
war.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Mech Dance</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Mech Dance is another popular dance form of North Bengal,
the land of forests, mountains and turbulent rivers. In this dance form, which
originated in Jalpaiguri district, we see and feel the inner rhythm which
pervades the simple life of the tribal people living in harmony with nature. There
are several variations of the Mech Dance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bagroomba is performed by the Mech women at spring festivals, the
colorful costumes used by the dancers are evocative of butterflies.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Chal Jhumgre Gele Nai is a war dance which is rhythmic and
martial in character.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">In the Mesa Glang Nai dance, performed by the Mech women, the
youth of the community is exhorted to be industrious and hardworking. The young
members of the community are reminded that they must always retain the purity
of their minds and bodies. This dance is performed as the women pluck flowers
for the ‘Kherai Puja’. They carry small bowls in their hand to collect the
flowers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Rajbanshi Dance</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Rajbanshi is one of the many tribes of North Bengal. The
lives of the people belonging to the Rajbanshi tribe revolve around the Teesta
River, which they worship as a Goddess. The Teesta flows down the snow-capped
peaks of Darjeeling, through the dense forests of Jalpaiguri. It then charts a
turbulent course through the lush scenery of Coochbehar, finally meeting the
Brahmaputra River in Bangladesh. This graceful dance is performed to invoke the
blessings of the River Goddess. The Dhol, Kanshi, Kartal and Mukhabanshi are
the instruments that accompany this invocatory dance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Jhumur Dance</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Jhumur songs and dance is one of the liveliest musical forms
of Purulia district of west Bengal, this is an elaborate dance, choreographed
and performed by professional artistes. Here lies its essential difference with
forms like the Santhali Dance. The dance is performed by girls while the boys
play the Dhol and Madol. This entertaining dance is performed on stage and
during road shows. Heavy make-up and ornate jewelers form part of the costume
of the Jhumur dancers. This secular dance form is accompanied by fast-paced and
cheerful Jhumur songs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The sensuous Nachni is an offshoot of the Jhumur Dance,
depicting the love of Radha (Nachni) and Krishna (Rasik).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bhadu</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">As the rains pour down on the red earth of Bengal, voices rise
in praise of Bhadreswari Ma, invoking her blessings for a good harvest.
Originating from the districts of Bakura, Purulia, West Burddhaman and Birbhum,
the Bhadu Dance is performed mainly during the Monsoon. The dance draws its
name from the Bengali month of Bhadra, when the monsoon showers drench the
earth. During the festival, Bhadreswari or Bhadu (goddess of crops) is invoked
by the villagers, seeking her blessings for an abundant harvest. The women of
the community, both married and unmarried perform the Bhadu Dance. The
unmarried girls pray for a loving husband while the married women pray to
Mother Earth to be blessed with children.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Bhadu festival is also celebrated in Chota Nagpur, where it
is known as ‘Karam Parab’.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Tushu</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">When we think of harvest songs in Bengali folk culture, we think
of Tushu. Tushu songs, originating from the districts of Bakura, Purulia &
Midnapore have similar features. The daily lives and relationships of the
villagers form the theme of this genre of songs. Family rows between rival
co-wives and between wives and their sisters-in-law find a place in Tushu
songs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Tushu songs being associated with harvesting always refer to the
householder’s wealth – ‘ghee of 32 cows’, ‘rice of fine paddy’, ‘pots of ghee
and gur’ are some of the expressions used. The villagers pray to the Folk
Goddess Tushu for prosperity. They ask for the Goddess’s blessings so that
their homes and the homes of their sons may overflow with wealth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Dhamail</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Dhamail is a folk dance performed by the married women of rural
Bengal. The women arrange themselves in a circle, around a certain object of
prayer, clapping to the beats of the song. While praying to the Sun God, a lit
diya, symbolizing the sun, is kept at the centre. The clapping brings a
rhythmic element into the otherwise slow-paced dance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Nabanna</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Nabanna is a ritualistic dance performed after the autumn harvest.
It is part of a religious ceremony associated with cultivation and harvesting.
The dance is an expression of the happiness of the farmers’ families after a
successful harvest. A special religious ceremony is held on the day the new
rice is eaten.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Noila Broto</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Farming is an integral part of the lives of villagers in rural
Bengal. After a day’s toil, the villagers often sing and dance as a welcome
break from their daily routine of labor and hard work. In most parts of rural
India, agriculture is still dependant on the rains. Noila Broto is a
traditional ode to the Rain Goddess, “Megh Kanya”. This prayer dance, involving
rituals and offerings, celebrates the arrival of the first monsoon clouds. The
farmers and their wives pray for a good monsoon that will bring forth an
abundant harvest of crop, ushering in prosperity and happiness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Baromashya</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Bengali community is known for the warm hospitality it
extends to visitors. When a guest arrives unannounced at a Bengali home, he is
greeted warmly and made to feel welcome, while the host makes every effort to
ensure a comfortable stay. The Baromashya songs and dances describe this
endearing quality of the simple folk of rural Bengal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bou Nritya</span></i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">This is a part of the traditional Badhubaran ceremony of
Srihatta. Bou Nritya enacts the custom of asking a new bride to dance; a
process of helping her shed her inhibitions. The dancers wear ornaments typical
of this region and drape the sari in a different way. The distinguishing
feature of this dance is that the dancers never lift their feet off the ground
during the entire performance. Through this dance of initiation, the new bride
is welcomed into her new family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Ganga Baidya</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Ganga Baidya is a dance of the snake charmers or Bedes of
Bengal. The dance gives expression to the daily lives, customs, hopes and
aspirations as well as the pains and tribulations of this sect of people of
rural Bengal. The Bedes were a nomadic tribe who moved from place to place,
earning their living by singing their songs and displaying acrobatic tricks –
with fire, knives, sticks and ropes. These worshippers of Ma Manasha use snakes
for a variety of tricks. Through their songs and dances, the fearless Bedes
sold snake venom and talismans to the villagers, promising them that these
would keep evil away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Lathi Dance</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">This is another notable form of folk dance which has a different
art of expression. This dance is performed to express different situations of
human life like remorse, celebration, anger, pain or love. The dance is
performed in the first ten days of the Muslim festival of Muharram.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Music of West Bengal</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The richness of Bengali culture also reflects in the music that
expresses the feeling of love, sadness, anxiety, motivation, devotion or
spirituality. The music of West Bengal also refers as Bangla Sangeet. Some of
the popular Music of Bengal are:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Classical Bangla Music</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The classical music of West Bengal is highly inspired by the
other forms of Indian classical music. The influence of Karnataka music has
significant influence on the classical music of Bengal. Like other classical
forms of music of this place also based on the musical modes called ‘Ragas’.
Themes of classical music have its root in Jaydev's Gitagovindam,
Rabindra-Sangeet, Shyama-Sangeet, Mangalgiti and Padavali kirtan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Rabindra Sangeet</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">This is one of the most popular kinds of Bangla music which was
created by the great poet and the Noble Laureate Rabindranath Tagore. These
songs are regarded as cultural treasures of Bengal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Artists/painters of West Bengal</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The <b>Bengal School of Art</b> commonly referred
as <b>Bengal School</b> was an influential art movement and a style
of painting that originated in Bengal, primarily Kolkata and Shantiniketan, and
flourished throughout India during the British Raj in the early 20th century.
Also known as 'Indian style of painting' in its early days, it was associated
with Indian nationalism (swadeshi) and led by Abanindranath Tagore (1871-1951),
but was also promoted and supported by British arts administrators like E.B
Havell the principal of the Government Collage of arts Kolkata from 1896;
eventually it led to the development of the modern Indian painting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">However Bengal continues to produce some of the best artists of
modern India. Among them the best known artists of present day Bengal are
Ganesh Pyne, Manishi Dey, Nirmal Dutta, Nilima Dutta, Jahar Dasgupta, Bikash
Bhattacharya Sudip Roy, Devajyoti Ray and Paresh Maiti<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Architecture of Bengal</span></u></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Bengal region, which includes the Republic of Bangladesh and
the Indian state of West Bengal, has many architectural relics and
monuments/temples dating back thousands of years.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bengal, a land of natural and cultural heritage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Temples of</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> <b>West Bengal an amazing
architectures;</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">1 <b>Bakranath Temple at Bakreswar</b> near Siuri in
West Bengal: Built in the Oriyan style, the large temple is the most important
of the several shrines in Bakreswar. Hot springs are another feature of
interest in this town.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">2 <b>Balrampur Jain Temple at Balrampur</b> near
Purulia in West Bengal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">3 <b>Bansuli Temple at Nannur</b> near Bolpur in West
Bengal: The temple site is like a mound, and the lowest level dates back to the
Gupta period.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">4 <b>Barakar Temples at Barakar</b> near Asansol in
West Bengal: Four stone temples in the North Indian Rekha style built in the
8th through the 15th century.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">5 <b>Bargabhima Temple at Tamluk</b> near Medinipur in
West Bengal: Large Temple to Shakti influenced by the Oriyan architecture style
displaying interesting engineering and architectural features.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">6 <b>Bhagwati Temple at Gourangpur</b> near Asansol in
West Bengal: A beautiful brick temple over 150 years old now deserted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">7 <b>Brindabanchandra Temple at Guptipara</b> near
Calcutta (Hooghly) in West Bengal: The biggest in the group of temples in
Guptipara.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">8 <b>Chaitanyadev Temple at Guptipara</b> near
Calcutta (Hooghly) in West Bengal: 17th century temple in the Bengali style of
architecture.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">9 <b>Chinese Temple at Achipur</b> near Calcutta in
West Bengal: Chinese temple with inscriptions dating back to the 18th century.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">10 <b>Dakshineswar Kali Temple at Calcutta</b> in West
Bengal: Famous 19th century Kali temple associated with Ramakrishna.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">11 <b>Dhirdham Temple at Darjeeling</b> in West
Bengal: Built along the lines of the Pasupathinath temple in Nepal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">12 <b>Dugdheshwar</b> Shiva Temple at Amaragarh near
Burddhaman in West Bengal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">13 <b>Ekteswara Temple at Ekteswara</b> near Bakura in
West Bengal: Famous Shiva temple that looks like a massive solid pillar near
the river Dwarkeshwar.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">14 <b>Hanseswari Temple at Bansberia</b> near Calcutta
in West Bengal: Dates back to the 19th century with ornate arches.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">15 <b>Jagannath Temple at Serampore</b> near Calcutta
in West Bengal: Large and ancient Jagannath temple famous for its rath yatra
second only to Puri.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">16 <b>Jain remains at Pakbira</b> near Bara Bazar
(Purulia) in West Bengal: Remains of numerous temples and images some about
2000 years old.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">17 <b>Jain Temple Ruins at Boram</b> near Jaipur in
West Bengal: Ruins of three identical Jain temples<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">18 <b>Jain Temples at Dulmi</b> near Purulia in West
Bengal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">19 <b>Jain Temples at Deoli</b> near Purulia in West
Bengal: Group of Jain temples, the largest of which has an image of Arhanath worshipped
by Hindus as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">20 <b>Jain temples and ruins at Chharra</b> near
Purulia in West Bengal: Old temples and ruins of Jain origin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">21 <b>Jateshwarnath Temple at Mahanad</b> near
Calcutta (Hooghly) in West Bengal: A center for Shiva and Shakti worship.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">22 <b>Jaya Deva Temple at Kenduli</b> near Bolpur in
West Bengal: Well known temple to Radha and Krishna dating back to the 12th
century - current structure over 200 years old.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">23 <b>Jor Bangala Temple at Bishnupur</b> near Bakura
in West Bengal: Specimen of remarkable sculpture and architecture.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">24 <b>Kalighat Temple at Calcutta</b> in West Bengal:
200 year old temple from which Calcutta is said to take its name.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">25 <b>Kalna Shiva Temples at Kalna</b> in West Bengal:
A group of 108 Shiva temples in concentric circles.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">26 <b>Kalyaneshwari Temple at Barakar</b> near Asansol
in West Bengal: This is a 500 year old temple a great center for Shakti
worship.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">27 <b>Kanak Durga Temple at Chikligarh</b> near
Medinipur in West Bengal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">28 <b>Kapil Muni Temple at Sagar Island</b> near
Diamond Harbor in West Bengal: Associated with the mythological descent of the
Ganges from the heavens (into the sea) and a site held in great reverence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">29 <b>Kiriteshwari Temple at Murhsidabad</b> near
Murshidbad in West Bengal: Regarded as one of the Shakthi Peeths this was once
a center of great importance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">30 <b>Krishnachandra Temple at Guptipara</b> near
Calcutta (Hooghly) in West Bengal: Located along with the Chaitanyadev,
Ramachandra and Brindabanchandra temples.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">31 <b>Krishnarjun Temple at Tamluk</b> near Medinipur
in West Bengal: Ancient temple - current structure built 400 years ago.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">32 <b>Lalji Temple at Chandrakona</b> near Medinipur
in West Bengal: 16th century temple built in Bengali style, enclosed by a high
wall with a gateway.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">33 <b>Malleswar Temple at Chandrakona</b> near
Medinipur in West Bengal: 60 feet high temple dating back to the 18th century,
with an even older shrine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">34 <b>Mankeshwar Mahadev Temple at Amaragarh</b> near Burddhaman
in West Bengal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">35 <b>Radha Kanta Jiu Temple at Rajbalhat</b> near
Calcutta (Hooghly) in West Bengal: A fine specimen of Bengali architecture
dating back to the 18th century.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">36 <b>Ramachandra Temple at Guptipara</b> near
Calcutta (Hooghly) in West Bengal: Fine red colored brick temple with a curved
roof, with brick panels carved with fine specimen of Bengali art.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">37 <b>Sarva Mangala Devi Temple at Garbeta</b> near
Medinipur in West Bengal: 16th-17th century temple in the Oriyan style
dedicated to Devi along with other temples within the fort.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">38 <b>Sheetalnath Jain Temple at Calcutta</b> in West
Bengal: 19th century temple - an ornate mass of mirrors, colored stones and
glass mosaics.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">39 <b>Shivakhya Devi Temple at Amaragarh</b> near Burddhaman
in West Bengal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">40 <b>Sidheswara Temple at Bahulara</b> near Onda in
West Bengal: Ancient Shiva temple in the Oriyan style with fine ornamentation
depicting replicas of the temple.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">41 <b>Suratheshwar Temple at Supur</b> near Bolpur in
West Bengal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">42 <b>Swayambhava Kali Temple at Bansberia</b> near
Calcutta (Hooghly) in West Bengal: Located near the Vishnu temple, this temple
dates back to the 18th century.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">43 <b>Syamaleswar Temple at Dantan</b> in West Bengal:
Ancient temple to Shiva in this town where there are 2 large tanks - the
Bidyadhar and Sarasankha.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">44 <b>Tarakeshwar Temple at Tarakeshwar</b> near
Calcutta (Hooghly) in West Bengal: A very well known temple in the Bengali
style of architecture attracting scores of pilgrims.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">45 <b>Temple Ruins at Chandrakona</b> at Chandrakon
near Medinipur in West Bengal: Ruins of several Oriyan styled temples now
abandoned.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">West
Bengal terra cotta temple architecture</span></u></b><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Although there is plenty of evidence of human settlement in Bengal
from prehistoric times but there are regrettable dearth of evidence. This is
because of the soil structure of Bengal The community being spread on the
alluvial plain of the mighty rivers of Ganges, Brahmaputra the whole region is
susceptible to flood and its resulting unsettling geographical pattern. The
only somewhat undulated regions being the western Chota Nagpur and the
Himalayan ridges of east and the north. This soil structure is reflected in the
building material chosen by the Bengali temple designers. Mainly the terra
cotta temples with elaborate surface decorations and lettering written in
nagari alphabets. The roof structure also has been the effect of the heavy
rainfall that the river delta and the Tarai experiences throughout the monsoon,
it has Ganges been curved effectively in most cases to get rid of the huge
amount of water as soon as possible and thereby increasing the lifetime of the
structure. The architectural evidence generally has been from the Gupta Empire
period onwards. There have been recent discoveries of plaques from the times of
Chandraketugarh and mahasthangarh throwing additional light on the
architectural styles of sunga and gupta periods. Apart from the Pahlavi and
Phamsana influence on the architectural style it is also closely connected to
the Bhanja style of temples from mayurbhanj district of Orissa But the temples
of south Bengal is a distinction due to its roofing style so unique and closely
related to the paddy roofed traditional building style of rural Bengal. Bishnupur
in the southern district Bakura of West Bengal has a remarkable set of such
temples which being built from the Malla dynasty are examples of this style.
Most of these temples are covered on the outer surface with terra cotta reliefs
which contains plenty of secular materials making these important to
reconstruct the social structure from these times.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The temple structures contain gabled roofs which are
colloquially called the chala, For example a gabled roof with an eight sided
pyramid structured roof with be called "ath chala" or literally the
eight faces of the roof. And frequently there is more than one tower in the
temple building. These are built of laterite and brick bringing them at the
mercy of severe weather conditions of southern Bengal .Dakshineswar Kali Temple
is one example of the Bhanja style while the additional small temples of Shiva
along the river bank are example of southern Bengal roof style though in much
smaller dimension.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bankura district is a land of temples. There are more historical temples inBishnupur than in any other place in West Bengal. There are several aspects oftemple art, architecture and construction that need to be considered.<br />
Almost all temples in Bishnupur town are Vaishnavite, but many of those scatteredin different areas of the district spread outside the town are Shaivite, with traces ofJainism and Buddhism. While some of the older temples were built of laterite, thearea has numerous brick built temples, some with exquisite terra cotta carvings.Terra cotta carvings are also found in some temples outside the district, as forexample at joy deb kenduli or Antpur, but the art of terra cotta carvings seems tohave flourished with the rise of the Rajas of Bishnupurand virtually died out withthe fading of their supremacy. Some of the earlier temples built by the BardhamanRaj have terra cotta carvings, possibly by artisans from Bankura district, but by thetime Rani Rashmoni decided to construct the Dakhinswar kali temple, in the mid-nineteenth century, the art of terra cotta carvings had obviously faded out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Terra
cotta Temples are the pride of Bishnupur, a small village in Bankura Districtof West Bengal. The Malla kings of the 16th-18th centuries constructed thesetemples, about 30 in all, in their devotion to Lord Krishna. This architecture
betrays influences of various ancient Indian styles as well as of Mughal andPersian designs. Ras-Manch, Shyamrai, Jor-Bangla, and Radha-Shyam are someof the most important of the Terracota Temples. The basic building material of
these temples is tiles made from the local red soil. The terracota tiles aredecorated with filigreed carvings that have Mughal, Persian or Indian lineage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Attraction of Bakura bishnupur</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Malleshwar Temple:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> Dedicated to Lord Shiva,
it is the oldest temple in Bishnupur.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Rasmancha:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> Built in the late 16th century by
King Bir Hambir, the temple has an unusual elongated paramedical tower,
surrounded by hut-shaped turrets. Idols were kept here for public worship
during Ras-utsav.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Pancha Ratna Temple of Shyam Raya:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> Built
in 1643 AD by King Raghunath Singha. The walls are richly decorated with
terracotta carvings featuring different aspects of Lord Krishna’s life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Jorebangla Temple of Keshta Raya:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> Built
by King Raghunath Singha Dev II in 1655 AD, the ornate terracotta carvings are
set off by the roof in the classic chala style of typical Bengal architecture.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Madanmohan Temple:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> King Durjana Singh Deva
built the temple in 1694 AD in the ekaratna style. It is a square flat-roofed
building with carved cornices, surmounted by a pinnacle. Impressive carvings on
the walls depict scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and the Puranas.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Kalachand Temple:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> It is of ekratna style
and is on the bank of Lal-bandh.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Mukutmonipur: </span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Mukutmonipur is 55Km away from Bakura
(a 2 hours drive) District Head Quarters and is situated at the confluence of
river Kangsabati and Kumari. Green forests and hillocks surround the vast
bluish tract of water. The undulating terrain along the southern edge of the
Kangsabati Water Reservoir extends as a three-dimensional necklace of green and
terracotta color. Tourists flock here for its stunning natural beauty.<br />
<b>Jhilimili: </b>Jhilimili is situated 70 Km away from Bakura Town. It is
a beautiful, undisturbed dense natural forest. The road from Ranibund to
Jhilimili offers a wonderful view of spectacular forests on varying heights on
both sides, finally reaching Jhilimili, which is mounted on the top of a
hillock.. The sparkle of micaceous soil adds to the beauty of the environment.<br />
<b>Susunia: </b>Susunia hill, 50 km from Bishnupur, is quite popular as a
trekking spot. It is also an important tourist spot for people who visit the
place to see "Dhara" (a natural spring) and Silialipi. Excavations
have revealed inscriptions dating back to the 4th century AD.<br />
<br />
Joyrambati, 44 km from Bishnupur, the birthplace of Sree Maa Sarada Devi, is a
holy town. The famous temple of Singha Bahani Devi is a special attraction.
Mayerepukur, in front of the residential house of Ma-Sarada is also a sight
worth visiting.<br />
<b>Sutan Forest: </b>Bakura is also popular for beautiful Tourist Spots
like Sutan, Near Ranibandh & Eco-Park ,Near Taldangra, both covered with
dense forest, decorated with small lakes and thrilling with wild animals. <b>Biharinath
Hill:</b> Biharinath, situated in the extreme northwest area of the district,
57 km away from Bakura town, thought to be an ancient centre of Jainism. The
height of the hill is 448 m is the highest hill in Bakura. Biharinath is very
rich in flora and fauna.<br />
Hyena, Pangolin, Chameleon, Racaphorus, though few in number, are still found
here.<br />
The place is known for its natural beauty.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Ganga</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The fisherman community of rural Bengal prays to Ganga Devi in
the month of Chaitra. Through their prayers and dances, they appease the
Goddess, so that she bestows blessings on them throughout the year. According
to great philosopher Aristotle all source of great human<br />
world knowledge and wisdom has come from the banks of holy Ganges river of
India.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Ganga Heritage Cruise West Bengal</span></u></b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The river Ganga passing through the state of West Bengal in
India has been an important trade route from time immemorial. It is through
this route trade was conducted with the early civilizations. Later when
European colonial powers came through this river they established trade posts
along the river. One can also find important places of pre colonial times also.
The aim of the Ganga Heritage Cruise, West Bengal is to discover these
historical places along with natural historical sites. The whole Ganga Heritage
Cruise, West Bengal stretches 260 km from Howrah to Murshidabad spanning seven
districts with picturesque rural Bengal. The cruise is conducted by a number of
cruise launches where staying and fooding facilities are well provided for.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The starting point is the town of Murshidabad the erstwhile
capital of Bengal. The town was founded by Nawab Murshid Quli Khan and its
prosperity was its silk center. With this silk trade came the European traders
but after the Battle of Plassey in 1757 the British founded the British
colonial empire. One of the important historical landmarks is Hazar Duari named
after the thousand doors of the palace though not all are real. It is now a
museum displaying rare books, military weapons, paintings, royal artifacts etc.
Other places are Katra Mosque housing the tomb of the founding Nawab,
Jorebangla a four terra-cotta temple complex and other historic places.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Next place is Mayapur the birth place of Shri Chaitanya who
started Vaishnavism five centuries ago and Nabadwip where Shri Chaitanya
propounded the Vaishnavism philosophy in 1485.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Then comes the town of Kalna with its famous 108 Shivlinga
temples build by the Maharaja of Burdwan in 1809. You can also visit the
beautiful terracotta temple of Pratapeswar temple built in 1849.Other important
sites are Shyamsunder Bati, Krishna Chandraji temple, Amli Briksha and Pancha
Bimsati temple.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Next comes the city of Chinsura the former Dutch trading post
established in 1656. Discover the Dutch colonial heritage. After that visiting
the city of Chandernagore, the erstwhile French settlement feels like being
transported to the 16th century with its beautiful esplanade by the river with
chairs. One can visit the house of Dupleix, the French Governor, the police
headquarters and the French Institute. And lastly the Ganga Heritage Cruise,
West Bengal stops at Belur the foundation of Ramkrishna Mission and a site for
an equally imposing temple.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Go onboard the Ganga Heritage Cruise, West Bengal which takes
you back in time and discover each stages of cultural, historical heritage of
Bengal in a comfortable journey through the romantic river Ganga. An
unforgettable experience! An incredible amazing Bengal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Climate and geography of west Bengal</span></u></b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The eastern state of West Bengal experiences a tropical type of
climate due to its geographical location. The state has diversity in
physiographic as it touches the Himalayas in the north and is bordered by the
Bay of Bengal in south. The northern districts remain cold throughout the year
and for that reason, the hill stations are favored by the tourists especially
during the summer months.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The climate of West Bengal is full of variation. The seasons in
West Bengal can be broadly categorized into summer, winter, autumn and rainy
seasons. The summer months in West Bengal span from mid of March to mid of
June. During this time, the average temperature is 38 degree to 45 degree.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The monsoon season in West Bengal is much awaited as the
landscape turns lush green after the monsoon showers. By the middle of June,
monsoon approaches the state and it is influenced by the winds blowing from Bay
of Bengal. The autumn season in West Bengal is welcomed with a number of
festive occasions. From September the festive mood commences and it is during
this cool and pleasant climate, the festival of Durga Puja is celebrated in
West Bengal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">During the winter season, the weather of West Bengal remains
very pleasant. The state experiences a mild cold climate while the temperature
drops very low in the hilly region of West Bengal. From about mid November,
winter approaches West Bengal and temperature rises not before the middle of
February. The temperature varies around 15 degree in these cold months.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The <b>Geography of West Bengal</b> is varied. The state of
West Bengal is situated in the eastern part of India. On the east lies Bangladesh.
Sikkim and Bhutan lie on the north of West Bengal. The state of Assam is
situated on the north east of West Bengal. Bihar and Jharkhand is situated on
the western side of the state. The geographical location of the state is 23
degree North latitude and 88 degree East longitude.<br />
<br />
As per details from Census 2011, West Bengal has population of 9.13 Crore, an
increase from figure of 8.02 Crore in 2001 census. Total population of West
Bengal as per 2011 census is 91,347,736 of which male and female are 46,927,389
and 44,420,347 respectively. In 2001, total population was 80,176,197 in which
males were 41,465,985 while females were 38,710,212. he total area of West
Bengal is 88,752 sq<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The population density of West Bengal per square kilometer is
904. Sex Ratio in West Bengal is 947 i.e. for each 1000 male, which is below
national average of 940 as per census 2011. In 2001, the sex ratio of female
was 934 per 1000 males in West Bengal.. The population of West Bengal is
predominated by the Bengali population. But immigration from different states
of India has enriched the population diversity of West Bengal.<br />
<br />
The topography of the state also varies from region to region. The northern
part of West Bengal touches the Himalayan range. The topography of West Bengal
alters as the Indo-Gangetic plain begins. The Gangetic plain is rich in
alluvial soil and thus is very fertile. This kind of soil is suitable for
agriculture. Further south, the deltaic plain or the Sunderban region is a very
important spot for tourism in West Bengal.<br />
<br />
The climate of West Bengal is full of variation. The state experiences a
tropical type of climate. The seasons in West Bengal can be broadly categorized
into summer, rainy, autumn and winter seasons.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Demography</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">According to the provisional results of 2011 national census,
West Bengal is the fourth most populous state in India with a population of
91,347,736 (7.55% of India's population). Majority of the population comprises
Bengali people. Marawaris, Behari and Oriya minorities are scattered throughout
the state. Communities of Sherpa’s and ethnic Tibetans can be found in<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Darjeeling Himalayan hill region .Darjeeling district has a
large number of Gurkha people of Nepalese origin. West Bengal is home to
indigenous tribal Adivasis such as Santhalis, Kol, Koch-Rajbonshi and Toto
tribe There are a small number of ethnic minorities primarily in the state
capital, including Chinese, Tamils, Gujarati, Anglo Indians, Armenians,
punjabis,and parsis. India's sole chaina town is in eastern Kolkata<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Religions in West Bengal</span></u></b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Religion<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Percent<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Hindu<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">72.5%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Muslim<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">25.2%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Others<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">2.3%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The official language is Bengali and English. Nepali is the
official language in three subdivisions of. Darjeeling district .As of 2001, in
descending order of number of speakers, the languages of the state are:
Bengali, , Hindi, Santali, Urdu Nepali, and .Oriya Languages such as Rajbangsi
and Ho are used in some parts of the state.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">As of 2001, Hinduism is the principal religion at 72.5% of the
total population, while Muslims comprise 25.2% of the total population, being
the second-largest community as also the largest minority group;Sikhism
Christianity and other religions make up the remainder. The state contributes
7.8% of India's population. The state's 2001–2011 decennial growth rate was
13.93%, lower than 1991–2001 growth rate of 17.8%, and also lower than the
national rate of 17.64%. The gender ratio is 947 females per 1000 males. As of
2011, West Bengal has a population density of 1,029 inhabitants per square
kilometer (2,670 /sq mi) making it the second-most densely populated state in
India, after Bihar.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The literacy rate is 77.08%, higher than the national rate of
74.04%.Data of 1995–1999 showed the life expectancy in the state was 63.4
years, higher than the national value of 61.7 years. About 72% of people live
in rural areas. The proportion of people living below the poverty line in
1999–2000 was 31.9% Scheduled Castes and Tribes form 28.6% and 5.8% of the
population respectively in rural areas, and 19.9% and 1.5% respectively in
urban areas. A study conducted in three districts of West Bengal found that
accessing private health services to treat illness had a catastrophic impact on
households. This indicates the value of public provision of health services to
mitigate against poverty and the impact of illness on poor households.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The crime rate in the state in 2004 was 82.6 per 100,000, which
was half of the national average .This is the fourth-lowest crime rate among
the 32 India. However, the state reported the highest rate of Special and Local
Laws (SLL) crimes. In reported crimes against women, the state showed a crime
rate of 7.1 compared to the national rate of 14.1. Some estimates state that
there are more than 60,000 brothel-based women and girls in prostitution in Kolkata.
The population of prostitutes in sonagachi constitutes mainly of a Nepalese,
Indians and BANGLADESHI. Some sources estimate there are 60,000 women in the
brothels of Kolkata. The largest prostitution area in city is SONAGACHI .West
Bengal was the first Indian state to constitute a Human Rights Commission of
its own<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Flora and fauna</span></u></b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Flora and Fauna of</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> West Bengal is rich in
flora and fauna and has diverse ecosystems because of its varying terrain from
the high altitudes to the sea level plains. Protected forests cover 4% of the
state area. There are 15 Wildlife Sanctuaries, 5 National Parks and 2 Tiger
Reserves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Sunder ban, in south Bengal, is home to the famous Tiger
Project – a conservatory effort to save the Bengal tigers from extinction. It
is an UNESCO world heritage site. Another similar project exists in Buxa in
north Bengal. Wildlife includes the Indian one horned rhinoceros, Indian
elephants, deer, bison, leopards, gaur, crocodiles and others. The state is
also rich in bird life. Migratory birds come to the state during the winter
months.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Conclusion</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">; <b><u>Bengali culture and its excellence</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Historically Bengal has a very rich cultural heritage. Bengal
is, indeed, noted for its rich culture in songs, music, drama, dances and
language. Its indigenous style of music, art, dance and drama is very rich.
Bengali is one of the oldest languages in the world. According to statistics,
jointly with Spanish, Bengali is the fourth largest language group in the
world, only surpassed by Chinese, English and Hindi It is the first of Indian
languages to develop western style secular fiction and drama. It originated
from the Indo-Aryan family of languages in the 7th century, thus making it
comparable to English, French and German. Bengali language is much older than
Hindi Urdu and even Portuguese, Spanish and many other established modern
languages.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">In the middle ages, Bengali was already a well-established
language with popular poets like Bidyapati, Chandidas, Daulat Kazi and Alawol.
It was during this period of middle ages that the famous Indian epics Ramayana
and Mahabharata were translated in lyric forms from Sanskrit into Bengali by
Krittibas and Kashiram Das respectively. This period also saw a rich output of
romantic songs, poems and dance centering on the love of Radha and Krishna.
These were simply superb in their wording, rhythm and style.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">However, things started changing rapidly about 200 years ago.
With the emergence of some great personalities like Iswar Chandra Vidyasagar
(1820-91), Michael Madhusudan Datta (1824-73) and Bankim Chatterjee (1838-94)
Bengali language and literature really got a new life. About one hundred and
forty years ago came the famous Bengali poet Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore
(1861-1941) and then rebel Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam appeared in 1899. These two
great Bengali poets have actually initiated a new era for Bengali language and
culture. Tagore represented this new era of cultural modernization; others
followed him almost as disciples. Palli Kabi Jasimuddin was also one of them.
Tagore was urban, sophisticated and universal; Nazrul exhibited his spirit of
protest and opposition to all social injustice, discrimination, oppression and
exploitation while Jasimuddin vastly remained rural and provincial in his
approach. Their common bond was their liberal outlook for secular Bengali
culture.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Music, songs, drama and dances are also part of rich Bengali
culture and there are three mainstreams of this Bengali Culture: folk, modern
and classical. Folk music mainly based is rural Bengal. It has been nurtured by
the village singers, musicians, actors and dancers. With sweet melodies,
touching words of love, tragedy and devotion, folk music is the most popular
form of music in all over Bengal. The best known forms of folk music are bhatiali,
Baul, bhawaia, jaari, marfati and murshidi. Lalan Fakir, Hasan Raja, Nirmalendu
Chowdhury, Abbasuddin Ahmed, Shachin Dev Burman, Purnadas Baul, Sadhan Bairagi
and Abdul Halim are some of the greatest names in Bengali folk music.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">On the other hand, the pioneers of modern Bengali music were,
indeed, the world famous Nobel Laureate poet Rabindranath Tagore and the rebel
poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. Tagore initiated a blend of East and West and Nazrul
experimented with the synthesis of folk and Middle Eastern strains.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bengal also shares the rich tradition of classical music of the
subcontinent. Indeed, Bengal has produced many musicians and maestros of
international repute like Ustad Alauddin Khan, Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, Pandit
Ajoy Chakrabarty and Pandit Ravi Shankar who have successfully made sitar and
sarode popular all over the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Before I conclude let me describe a few words about the musical
instruments which are also playing vital roles to promote the rich Bengali
culture and its excellence. The typical Bengali folk musical instruments are
Ektara (one string), Dotara (two, but actually four strings), Ghungur, Khol,
Mandira, Behala (violin) and Banshi (flute) and the classical musical
instruments are Sitar, Sarode, Tanpura, Shenai, Eshraj, Pakhwaj, Tabla and
Harmonium. Even now a large number of people in the villages of Bangladesh,
West Bengal and Tripura regularly listen to the folk drama called Jatra and the
age old melodic folk songs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bengali Performing Arts' aim is to promote this rich Bengali
cultural heritage and its excellence by organizing cultural programs round the
year throughout the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01022139079557847252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1446534558556192736.post-63332942708695740872012-09-06T10:23:00.005-07:002012-09-06T10:23:50.401-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bengal and Bengali culture<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bengal is situated in northeast part region of Indian
subcontinent at the apex of Bay of Bengal. The majority of Bengal is
inhabited by Bengali people who speak<b> </b>Bengali language. Today,
it is mainly divided between the sovereign land of peoples Republic of
Bangladesh <u>(</u>previously<u> </u>East Bengal / East Pakistan) and
the state of west Bengal. The region of Bengal is one of the most densely
populated regions on earth, with a population density exceeding 900/km. Most of
the Bengal region lies in the low-lying Ganges–Brahmaputra River delta or
Ganges delta, the world's largest delta. In the southern part of the delta lies
the<u> </u>Sundarbon —the world's largest mangrove forest and home of
the<u> </u>Bengal Tiger,<u> </u>though the population of the region
is mostly rural and agrarian. Two mega cites, Kolkata<u> </u>(previously
Calcutta) and DHAKA<u> </u>(previously Dacca), are located in Bengal.
The Bengal region is renowned for its rich literary and cultural heritage as well
as its immense contribution to the socio-cultural uplift of Indian society in
the form of the<u> </u>Bengal Renaissance, and revolutionary
activities during the Independence movement. West Bengal also (proposed
new English name: Paschimbanga) is a state in the eastern region of India and
is the nation's fourth-most populous region. It is also the seventh-most
populous sub-national entity in the world, with over 91 million inhabitants
covering a total area of 34,267 sq mi (88,750 km2), which is bordered by the
countries of Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh, and the Indian states of Orissa,
Jharkhand, Bihar, Sikkim, and Assam. The state capital is Kolkata (formerly
Calcutta). West Bengal encompasses two broad natural regions: the Gangetic
Plain in the south and the sub-Himalayan and Himalayan area in the north.
Bengal was divided in 1947 on religious lines into two separate entities: West
Bengal – a state of India – and East Bengal, which initially joined the new
nation of Pakistan, before becoming part of modern-day Bangladesh in
1971.Bengal was divided on religious and language lines. Bengali language
movement has played a very important role for its separate entity which
catalyzed the assertion of Bengali national identity in East Bengal and later
East Pakistan, and became a forerunner to Bengali nationalist movements, and
subsequently the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971. In Bangladesh, 21 February
is observed as language movement day, a national holiday. The shaheed miner
monument was constructed near Dhaka Medical College in memory of the movement
and its victims.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The saliency of Twenty First February has made the historic
movement for establishing Bengali as one of the State languages of Pakistan
synonymous with the 1952 phase of the Bengali language movement. However, the
movement for making Bengali as one of the State languages of the then Pakistan
was known as Bangla vasha andolon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bangla vasha andolon.<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">That spirit of 21th February (ekushey) has not diminished.
Rather, the radiant spirit of the twenty first February has remained ingrained
in the core of our hearts and souls even after the elapse of almost half of a
century of the historic Bengali language movement. People from all walks of life
still come out in thousands in the early hours of February twenty first and
mournfully trod the streets of Dhaka, and throng the Central Shaheed Miner
(Marty s Monument) for offering their heartfelt tributes to the fallen language
martyrs. Before depicting the cultures of Bengal, we must go to the historical
roots. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bengali</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> <b>Renaissance</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Bengal Renaissance refers to a social reform movement during
the nineteenth and early twentieth century’s in the region of Bengal in
Undivided India during the period of British rule. The Bengal renaissance can
be said to have started with Raja Ram Mohan Roy (1775–1833) and ended with
Rabindranath Tagore (1861–1941), although there have been many stalwarts
thereafter embodying particular aspects of the unique intellectual and creative
output Nineteenth century Bengal was a unique blend of religious and social
reformers, scholars, literary giants, journalists, patriotic orators and
scientists, all merging to form the image of a renaissance, and marked the
transition from the 'medieval' to the 'modern Bengal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">During this period, Bengal witnessed an intellectual awakening
that is in some way similar to the European Renaissance during the 16th
century, although Europeans of that age were not confronted with the challenge
and influence of alien colonialism. This movement questioned existing
orthodoxies, particularly with respect to women, marriage, the dowry system,
the caste system and religion. One of the earliest social movements that
emerged during this time was the Young Bengal movement that espoused
rationalism and atheism as the common denominators of civil conduct among upper
caste educated Hindus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The parallel socio-religious movement, the Brahmo Samaj,
developed during this time period and counted many of the leaders of the Bengal
Renaissance among its followers In the earlier years the Brahmo Samaj, like the
rest of society, could not however, conceptualize, in that feudal-colonial era,
a free India as it was influenced by the European Enlightenment (and its
bearers in India, the British Raj) although it traced its intellectual roots to
the Upanishads. Their version of Hinduism, or rather Universal Religion,
although devoid of practices like sati and polygamy that had crept into the
social aspects of Hindu life, was ultimately a rigid impersonal monotheistic
faith, which actually was quite distinct from the pluralistic and multifaceted
nature of the way the Hindu religion was practiced. Future leaders like Keshub
Chunder Sen were as much devotees of Christ, as they were of Brahma, Krishna or
the Buddha. It has been argued by some scholars that the Brahmo Samaj movement
never gained the support of the masses and remained restricted to the elite,
although Hindu society has accepted most of the social reform programs of the
Brahmo Samaj. It must also be acknowledged that many of the later Brahmas were
also leaders of the freedom movement.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The renaissance period after the Indian Rebellion of 1857 saw a
magnificent outburst of Bengali literature. While Ram Mohan Roy and Iswar Chandra
Vidyasagar were the pioneers, others like Bankim Chandra Chatterjee widened it
and built upon it .The first significant nationalist detour to the Bengal
Renaissance was given by the brilliant writings of Bankim Chandra Chatterjee.
Later writers of the period who introduced broad discussion of social problems
and more colloquial forms of Bengali into mainstream literature included the
great Saratchandra Chatterjee.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Tagore family, including Rabindranath Tagore, were leaders
of this period and had a particular interest in educational reform however
their contribution to the Bengal Renaissance was multi-faceted. Indeed,
Tagore's 1901 Bengali novella, Nastanirh was written as a critique of men who
professed to follow the ideals of the Renaissance, but failed to do so within
their own families. In many ways Rabindranath Tagore's writings (especially
poems and songs) can be seen as imbued with the spirit of the Upanishads. His
works repeatedly allude to Upanishadic ideas regarding soul, liberation, transmigration
and—perhaps most essentially—about a spirit that imbues all creation not unlike
the Upanishadic Brahman. Tagore's English translation of a set of poems titled
the Gitanjali won him the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1913. He was the first
Asian to win this award. That was the only example at the time but the
contribution of the Tagore family is enormous. The Bengal Renaissance saw the
emergence of pioneering Bengali scientists such as Jagadish Chandra Bose,
Satyendra Nath Bose, Upendranath Brahmachari and Meghnad Saha.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Etymology of Bengal/Bengali</span></u></b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The exact origin of the word Bangla or Bengal is unknown, though
it is believed to be derived from the Dravidian-speaking tribe Bang that
settled in the area around the year 1000 BC<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Vanga (Greater Bengal) was a kingdom during the times of
Mahabharata.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Other accounts speculate that the name is derived from Banga
which came from the Austric word "Bonga" meaning the Sun-god. The
word Banga and other words speculated to refer to Bengal (such as Anga) found
in ancient Indian texts including the Vedas, Jaina texts, the Mahabharata and
Puranas. The earliest reference to "Bangala" has been traced in the
Nesari plates (805 AD) of Rashtrakuta Govinda III which speak of Dharmapala as
the king of Vangala<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Some accounts claim that the word may derive from bhang, a
preparation of cannabis which is used in some religious ceremonies in Bengal.
Dravidians migrated to Bengal from the south, while Tibeto-Burman peoples
migrated from the Himalayas followed by the Indo-Aryans from north-western
India. The modern Bengali people are a blend of these people. Smaller numbers
of Pathans, Persians, Arabs and Turks also migrated to the region in the late
middle Ages while spreading Islam.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The age and history
of Bengal and Bengali culture is near about 1000 years old. Since the end of
Magadha Empire the Bengal religious-socio-cultural ceremonies held great
importance’s among the Bengalis. Ceremonies play the symbolic role of every
tradition handed over to the decedent’s generation after generation. Some
important ceremonies of Bengal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Annaprashan</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> is a social ritual among the Hindus, an
occasion when the baby breaks its baby food pattern to welcome home made food.
It is as well as a social introduction of the new member.'Annaprashan' is a
social ritual among the Hindus, an occasion when the baby breaks its baby food
pattern to welcome home-made food. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">It is as well as a
social introduction of the new member of the family in the community. Annaprashan
literally means feeding the baby rice for the first time. "Anna"
means food, especially rice while "prashan" means to feed.
Annaprashan gathers the importance of a religious ceremony. Arranged for the
Hindu child generally before teething, this ritual is separate for both boys
and girls.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Upanayana</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> is a Vedic ritual of Hinduism. It is an
important religious ritual in our society. Upanayana is performed only for
Brahmin boys. According to Vedic culture it is a second birth for
them..Upanayana is a Vedic ritual of Hinduism. It is an important religious
ritual in our society. Upanayana is performed only for Brahmin boys. According
to Vedic culture it is a second birth for them. Upanayana marks the beginning
of Bramhacharya.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Marriages</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> are made in heaven, goes the proverb. Two
people start of a new journey towards future, hand in hand, sharing at each
step new outlooks, responsibilities and love. Marriage is an auspicious
occasion among us. Arranged marriage is still a common <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bengali marriages are
a mixture of pure custom, tradition and religious beliefs. It is an occasion
where the entire family gather, take part in the typical Bengali ‘Adda’, regale
in fanfare and remain busy in making the necessary arrangements for the
invitees. Bengali culture must be searched and seen from the aspect of
festivals, literature, drama, music/dance, cousins, dress.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Literature</span></u></b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Bengali language boasts a rich literary heritage, shared
with neighboring Bangladesh. West Bengal has a long tradition in folk
literature, evidenced by the Charyapada, Mangalkavya, Shreekrishna Kirtana,
Thakurmar Jhuli, and stories related to Gopal Bhar. In the nineteenth and
twentieth century, Bengali literature was modernized in the works of authors
such as Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, Michael Madhusudan Dutt, Rabindranath
Tagore, Kazi Nazrul Islam, and Sharat Chandra Chattopadhyay. Coupled with
social reforms led by Ram Mohan Roy, Swami Vivekananda, and others, this
constituted a major part of the Bengal Renaissance The middle and latter parts of
the 20th century witnessed the arrival of post-modernism, as well as literary
movements such as those espoused by the Kallol movement, hungry lists and the
little magazines Jibanananda Das, Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay, Tarashankar
Bandopadhyay, Manik Bandopadhyay, Ashapurna Devi, Shirshendu Mukhopadhyay,
Buddhadeb Guha, Mahashweta Devi, Samaresh Majumdar, Sanjeev Chattopadhyay and
Sunil Gangopadhyay among others are well-known writers of the 20th century.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Theater and films</span></u></b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Among
other types of theater, West Bengal has a tradition of folk drama known as
jatra Kolkata is the home of the Bengali cinema industry, dubbed
"Toll wood" for Tollygong, where most of the state's film studios are
located. its long tradition of </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Art_film"><span style="color: #5d7d9d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">art films</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> includes globally acclaimed film directors such
as academy award -winning director Satyajit Roy, Ritwik ghatak, Mrinal
sen, tapan sinha, and contemporary directors such as </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aparna_Sen"><span style="color: #5d7d9d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Aparna</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> Sen, Buddhadeb Dasgupta, and Rituparna ghosh.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Cuisine<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">West Bengal shares its distinctive culinary tradition with
neighboring Bangladesh, and also borrows from other Indian states. Boiled rice
constitutes the staple food, and is served with a variety of vegetables, fried
as well with curry, thick lentil soups, and fish and meat preparations of
mutton and chicken, and more rarely pork and beef by certain groups. Sweetmeats
are mostly milk based, and consist of several delights including roshgulla,
sandesh, rasamalai, gulap jamun, kalo jamun, and chom-chom. Several other sweet
preparations are also available. Bengali cuisine is rich and varied with the
use of many specialized spices and flavors. Fish is the dominant source of
protein, cultivated in ponds and fished with nets in the fresh-water Rivers of
the Ganges delta. More than 40 types of mostly freshwater fish are common,
including carp, varieties like rui (rohu), katla, magur (catfish), chingŗi
(prawn or shrimp), as well as shuţki (dried sea fish) are popular. Salt water
fish (not sea fish though) and Ilish (hilsa ilisha) is very popular among
Bengalis, can be called an icon of Bengali cuisine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">DRESS</span></u></b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bengali women traditionally wear the sari, the shalwar kameez
and Western attire is gaining acceptance among younger women. Western-style
dress has greater acceptance among men, although the traditional dhoti and
kurta of men are seen during festivals. Like any other metropolis, Kolkata also
has an eclectic mix of western wears with a tinge of ethnic wears. People are
found dressed in jeans along with kurtas, or sari along with an overcoat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Festivals of West Bengal<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">West Bengal is a land
of festivals. There is a popular saying in Bengali ‘‘Baro Mase Tero Parban’: it
literally means thirteen festivals in twelve months. Almost all festivals of
all religions are celebrated here with equal religious sentiment and fervor.
The people of West Bengal strive hard to maintain the tradition and culture of
its land in the festivals they celebrate. A great number of fairs are also
organized. The most popular festival celebrated in West Bengal is Durga Puja
where all the people come out in the streets and celebrate this four day
festival. Other festivals celebrated in West Bengal are Kaali Puja, Basant
Panchami, Dushera, Bahi Dooj, Holi, Mahavir Jayanti, Buddha Jayanti, Rathyatra
and Christmas. Other events which have almost taken the form of festivals are
Rabindra Jayanti (birthday of Rabindranath Tagore), Birthday of Sri Ramakrishna
Paramahamsa and Birthday of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">List of Festivals in West Bengal:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Holi<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Birthday of Sri
Ramakrishna Paramahamsa<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Birthday of Netaji
Subhas Chandra Bose<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Rabindra Jayanti<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Durga Puja<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Basant Panchami<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Dushera<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bhai Dooj<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Holi<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Mahavir Jayanti<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Buddha Jayanti<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Rathyatra<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Rakhi<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bera Utsav<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Kolkata Festival<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">IST may<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Folk culture of Bengal</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">West Bengal</span></u></b><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bengal, a land of fecundity and prosperity embraces all within
her fold. The varied hues of her rich culture color her songs, music and
literature. The numerous tribes and ethnic groups of Bengal have their own
distinctive folk arts, as varied and beautiful as the tribes themselves.
Bengal’s repertoire of folk songs with its lyrical appeal and richness, its
thematic diversity and range is a reflection of rural Bengals creativity and
imagination. As a traditional art form, folk dances of Bengal have gained immense
popularity and recognition over the years. The dances contain themes that range
from ritualistic to satirical and from allegorical to social. They involve
prayers, offerings, celebrations and odes. Usually performed during festive
seasons, or to mark a happy occasion, these dances ingrained in folk culture,
reflect local faith, tradition and custom. These dances encompass a broad
spectrum, from invoking the rain Gods for a good harvest to depicting
mythological events. In fact, some religious festivals are celebrated through
songs and dances that characterize devotion, prayer and worship. The dance
forms that have evolved from the martial arts depict events from the great
Indian epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. These vocal musical dances are
performed round the year on various occasions, at fairs and festivals and
religious conglomerations.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Some of the well known folk songs and dance of west Bengal
include:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Baul</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bengal, during the post medieval period, was a divided and
closed society. Ruled by religious strictures, Hindus and Muslims led
cloistered lives, against which grew a protest that took on the character of a
cult. The community of protesters could be identified by the robes they wore (a
long saffron-colored cloak called the alkhalla with a turban of the same
color), the one-stringed instrument or Ektara they always carried and the bells
they tied to their perpetually dancing feet. Sometimes the alkhalla would be
made of different pieces of cloth patched together. They were the Bauls, the creators
of a phenomenal music tradition that has survived and grown despite the ravages
of time. Apart from the expected bamboo flute, they developed a variety of
musical instruments like the Premjuri and Dotara, the Khamak and Goopi Jantro,
the Kartal and Dubki among others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Bauls are free wanderers. They are detached from the bondage
of society and family. They move from place to place, making a meager living
from the alms given to them by those who can plumb the profound depths of their
frugality. The Bauls belong to a sect with a distinctive mystic ideology of
their own and their songs spread the message of peace and universal
brotherhood. The word ‘Baul’ means mad, the madness that comes out of an
overwhelming love for the Infinite Self. The singers describe the transience of
mundane existence and the simple means to spiritual upliftment, though the root
of their philosophical theory rests in a deeper complex psychological
consciousness. Bauls are basically philanthropists, though sometimes satire from
day to day life finds a place in their songs. The Bauls have played a major
role in India’s freedom struggle when they moved from village to village in
rural Bengal with their songs stirring up a feeling of nationalism and pride in
our motherland among the illiterate village folk.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Both men and women (Bauls and Baulanis) are a part of this great
music tradition. For a long time, the Baulanis performed with the Bauls and
they did not have any separate identity. But in recent years Baulanis have
carved out their own foothold. The music of the Bauls had a significant
influence on Rabindranath Tagore. Today the Bauls’ songs can be heard in many
districts of West Bengal as their footsteps dot the muddy village lanes of
Bankura, Birbhum, Burddhaman, Nadia, Dinajpur and Murshidabad. Baul Sangeet has
always held a special place. It is basically a folk dialect of Bengali music
and highly spiritual in nature, but far away from religious dilution. This form
of music was developed by a group of mystic minstrels from Bengal who are
considered to be a syncretism group with music in their blood. In 2005 they
were declared as the 'Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of
Humanity' by UNESCO. Joydeb kenduli annual fair is considered to be the biggest
fair of Bauls at Birbhum district of west Bengal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Purulia Chhou dance</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Chhau dance of Purulia district is one of the most vibrant
and colorful art forms. Emerging from martial practice, the Purulia Chhau is a
vigorous form of dance drama that draws its themes from the two great Indian
epics, The Ramayana and The Mahabharata.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Masks and elaborate headgear are the ornamental apparels of the
Chhau dancers. The dance is believed to date back to over a century, though the
specific date of its origin cannot be definitely ascertained. The dance was
patronized by the royalty and landlords of the region. Since its inception, the
members of the Mahato, Kurmi, Bhumija, Deowa, Bhuama and Dom communities have
sustained this dance form. The dance is an essential part of the Gajan Festival,
a festival that celebrates the glories of Lord Shiva. Today, the dance is no
longer restricted to one particular time of the year. The Purulia Chhau dance
has been influenced by many dances of the district, like the Nata Jawaid Dance,
the Mahi Dance and the Nachni Dance. Even two relatively sophisticated dance
forms like the Jhumur and Bhadra Jhumur have influenced the Chhau Dance in its
tune and rhythm. The accompanying musical instruments include the Dhol, Dhamsa
and Shenai.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The dance commences with an invocation to Lord Ganesh. Then the
movements follow the nuances of the story. In a Chhau Dance the fight between
good and evil always culminates in the triumph of good over destructive evil.
The elaborate masks, the dazzling costumes, the rhythmic drum beatings and
shenai, characterize the Chhau Dance. A distinctive feature of this dance is
the acrobatic use of the body and the intricately crafted masks worn by the
dancers. Powerful movements, immense concentration and release of energy are
the other features of this dance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">In the villages the performance usually starts between 9.00 and
10.00 o’clock in the evening. As the night grows and the dance gains momentum,
there is an air of excitement all around. Communication between the performers
and the audience is a significant feature of this dance form. In the olden
days, the performance area used to be illuminated by torches that burnt
throughout the night. Over the years the dance has undergone evolutions in
form, stage craft, lighting and use of musical instruments.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The masks help the dancers to portray different characters.
There are masks depicting particular Gods and Goddesses, demons and monsters.
There are also interesting masks for different animals like the lion, tiger,
bear, monkey and so on. These finely-crafted masks are made by the painter
artistes of the district. With the face covered by a mask, it is left to the
dancers to emote using their bodies. Movements and postures therefore serve
both to portray emotions and make the dance lively.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">One of the most popular presentations of the Purulia Chhau Dance
is Mahisasur Mardini. Oppressed by the tyranny of the Mahisasura, the Gods pray
to Goddess Adyashakti Mahamaya who takes the form of Goddess Durga, Durga
tinashini and after a fierce battle with Asura, finally slays him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Santhali Dance</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Santhalis are an integral part of the folklore of Bengal.
The Santhali dance form is seen in the districts of Birbhum, Bakura, Malda and
Burddhaman. The Santhalis are born dancers. Dance is an integral part of all
festivities of the Santhali community. Musical accompaniment is provided by
instruments like the Madol, Flute, Dhamsa, Jhanj, Kartal and occasionally the
Shenai. The songs are typically based on Taal Madol Chhanda. Dances are usually
performed on a full moon night and are connected with the celebration of
certain rituals. A notable feature of the Santhali dances is the unison in
movement. The dancers stand in a line holding hands and move to the rhythm of
the madol. Usually the women take part in the dance and the men provide the
musical accompaniment. This is reflected in the words of a song, which
accompany the Dang Dance, a dance performed as a part of marriage rituals. The
boys carry two types of drums, the Madal and the Lagra. They sing to the girls
telling them: “Though the drums are heavy, we carry them around dancing all the
time”. The girls reply, “As we hear the beat of drums, we cannot stand still.
We lift our feet and begin to dance”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Simplicity of theme and language is what makes the Santhali
dances so endearing. Nowadays, Santhali men also take part in the dances, most
of which are seasonal and reflect the ritualistic life of the Santhali
community. Each dance form has its own distinctive rhythm and dance style. Some
of the popular dances include the Sohrai, which is a harvest dance, inviting
all the village folk to come out of their homes and join in the festivities,
and the Dasai, a dance performed just before the Durga Puja, when the Santhali
men go out to the neighboring villages, where they sing and dance to collect
donations of rice and alms.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Santhali dance reflects the beauty of rural Bengal and adds
color to the palette of the folk culture of the state.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Mundari dance</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The members of the Mundari community perform these dances on
different festive occasions, most of which are related to agriculture. The main
festival of the Mundari community is the Karam Puja. The dances of the Santhali
and Mundari communities are very close in style and form. The musical instruments
used by the two communities are also common.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Gambhira</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Gambhira, a popular annual festival of Malda District comprises
songs and dances closely related to agriculture and mythology. Performances
depict on one hand, the success, failure or annual production of crops, and on
the other tell stories about mythological figures. Depending on the theme,
dancers perform solo, duets or in groups, stepping in tune with the beat of
dhaks. Colorful masks representing Gods and Goddesses like Kalika, Chamunda, Rama,
Hanuman, Shiva and even animals and birds, make the performances both charming
and entertaining, while retaining the authenticity of this primitive dance
form.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The word Gambhira means ‘Devalaya’ or House of God. This
festival is very closely associated with Shiva Puja. In the different rituals
associated with Gambhira Puja we find an amalgamation of different religious
thoughts like Shaivism, Vaishnavism, Buddhism and Shaktiism. In Malda district,
where this festival is immensely popular, Shiva is also known as Gambhir, and
hence the festival associated with Shiv Puja is known as Gambhira. The Bengal
Drum or Dhak and the Gong or Kanshi are main musical instruments accompanying
this dance. Dancers tune their steps to the different beats of the Dhak, the intricate
patterns of their dance blending into the pulsating rhythm of festivity and
celebration. Over the years, poverty and social changes are forcing this dance,
which was once synonymous with grandeur, into oblivion. The Gambhira festival
begins with Agamani songs. The second day of the festival is called the Choto
Tamasha and the third day the Boro Tamasha. These days are devoted to Shiva and
Gouri Puja. Other popular dances of the Gambhira tradition include the Baan
Nritya (Arrow Dance) Bak Nritya (Stork Dance) Tapa Nritya (a dance performed by
the fishermen and fisherwomen using a special kind of bamboo basket known as
the Tapa which is used for catching the fish) and Kali Nritya (the dance of
Goddess Kalika).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Gajan</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Gajan is a very popular festival in some parts of Bengal. Gajan
songs are sung in praise of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati in the Bengali month
of Chaitra. Singing and dancing is an integral part of this celebration. The
dance is performed with great devotion and austerity. The dancers sometimes
dress up as Hara Parvati and move around the village, dancing to the
accompaniment of the Dhol, Kanshi and Flute. In Malda and Murshidabad, the
celebration is known as Bolan. The dancers undergo penance with a view to
attaining salvation and becoming free of worldly sufferings. This celebration
is observed during the latter part of the month of Chaitra. Being a festival of
austerity, the dancers often fast before a performance. The performance of this
Puja involves some harrowing rituals and is usually performed by the lower
castes. The involvement of the upper castes is limited to bowing down before
the lower castes for just this one time in the year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Durga Puja Dhak</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Utsav is synonymous with Durga Puja. The Bengali waits all year
round for the arrival of Devi Ma. It is a time for celebration and festivity,
and it is the sound of the Bengali Drum or the Dhak that joyously announces her
eagerly awaited arrival. It is the sound of the Dhak that captures the many
moods of the Devi, frenzied, calm, plaintive and nostalgic, and it is the sound
of the Dhak that also tells us it is time for her to return to her heavenly
abode. Every beat of the dhak is different and each of them holds a special
place in every Bengalis heart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Dhol Badan</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Dhol (a variation of the Bengali Drum) is an indispensable
musical instrument of the different festivals of Bengal. The musicians dance
and play the Dhol simultaneously.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bratachari – Raibense</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Raibense dance which is performed by a group of male dancers
is a part of the repertoire of the ‘Bratachari’ tradition of West Bengal. The
Raibense dance of ancient Bengal is a significant and authentic reminder that
the Bengalis were once renowned for their military prowess. The dance belongs
to a living tradition of the war dances of ancient Bengal. Rai means royal,
kingly and bansh or bansha means bamboo. This was used by the infantry soldiers
in the middle ages. This vigorous dance form includes mock fighting and
acrobatics. It speaks volumes about the valor of the people of ancient Bengal.
The Dhol and Kanshi are the main instruments used. The strident rhythmic notes
of the Dhol and the clanging of the Kanshi generate courage and daring in the
hearts of the dancers. No songs are sung or verses recited during this martial
dance. Instead, vigorous yells mark the various sectional movements. The
simplest costume, a dhoti (which is the traditional dress of Bengali men) is
worn with a strip of red cloth signifying spirit and valor. Shri Gursasaday
Dutt, ICS, was responsible was resurrecting this ancient group dance and
modifying it to its present form.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Bagdi, Bauri and Dom communities of Burddhaman, Birbhum
& Murshidabad districts, perform the dance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Stick Dance or Laghur Nritya<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Stick Dance or Laghur Nritya is another interesting martial
folk art form of West Bengal. The stick, which has from time immemorial been
used as a weapon of self-defense, is used in this dance. The long sticks not
only keep the beat of the dance, but are also used for the acrobatic feats,
which are an integral part of this dance form.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Ranapa Dance<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Ranapa is another martial form of dance, where the artistes
walk and dance on stilts. As the dancers display mock fights, they exhibit
their skills of balancing on stilts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Dhali & Paika Nritya<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">These two dances are heroic war dances and are performed by a
group of dancers. The dances are evocative of the valor and prowess of the
people who took part in the wars.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Dhali Dance, as the name implies, is the Shield Dance. It
was the war dance of the Dhali (Shield man) troupes in the armies of the
ancient potentates of Bengal. In the Dhali Dance, the spectacular movements are
formal and are more in the nature of athletic exercises. It is a dance of high
aesthetic value by virtue of its intricate maneuvers and ordered formations.
Being a war dance, it is not accompanied by any songs. This dance form
originated and flowered during the reign of Raja Pratapaditya of Jossore. After
winning a battle, the fatigued and exhausted solders starting dancing with
swords and shields in the cantonment to inspire them for the next war. It is
believed that Raja Pratapaditya maintained an army of highly skilled Dhali
soldiers. Over the years, the dance form has been modified extending to women
dancers as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Natua Dance</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Natua,</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> an ancient dance form, features in the Shiv Puranas. The
word Natua may have been derived from the name of Lord Nataraj. It is believed
that Nandi and Vringi, the associates of Lord Shiva were the first to perform
this dance during the time of Shiva’s marriage with Durga. This highly
acrobatic dance form involves many tricks with fire and is usually accompanied
by the beats of a Jai Dhak, the instrument which is said to have been created
by Lord Shiva. The dance is performed during the Charak Puja and occasionally
during marriages.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Kirtan Dance songs<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Kirtan music is the most widely practiced folk music (vocal
and dance) form of Bengal. The democratic nature of the dance, which unites
people of the whole village, irrespective of their caste or social standing is
its most striking feature. The dance is performed to the accompaniment of the
Dhol and Mridanga. The great spiritual leader, Shri Chaitanya Dev gave the
dance a national character.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Rabha Dances</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The women of the Rabha Community perform the Rabha Dances,
popular in the Northern part of Bengal. The men provide the musical
accompaniment, playing the Barangshi (a bamboo flute), Hem (a drum with two
faces), Dandi & Barding, (idiophones made from bamboo) and Karnal (a rare
tribal instrument made of bamboo and buffalo horn). The Rabha women have
different dances for different occasions, like the “Fai Nang Ning Mein” or
Welcome Dance, the “Braisar Pridan” or New Year’s Dance and “Larai Lunge” or
War Dance. The dancers depict the daily life of the community and embody the
merriment that enlivens all their festivals.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Chaibari Nritya</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Chaibari Nritya, as the name suggests, is a dance mastered
by the tea garden workers of Northern Bengal. The dancers, with their intricate
costumes and jewelers make for a picture perfect sight in the breathtaking
backdrop of the verdant tea gardens. The melodious music adds to the charm and
beauty of the dance..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Domphu Nritya</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Domphu is a musical instrument used by the Nepali community
settled in North Bengal. The Domphu Nritya takes its name from this traditional
instrument. The dances give expression to the joys, hopes and aspirations of
the community through this colorful folk dance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Kukri Nritya</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The<b>Kukri Nritya<u>,</u></b> also from North Bengal, is
performed by the girls of the community, as they ceremoniously hand over their
traditional weapon, the Kukri, to their brothers, before they set off for the
war.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Mech Dance</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Mech Dance is another popular dance form of North Bengal,
the land of forests, mountains and turbulent rivers. In this dance form, which
originated in Jalpaiguri district, we see and feel the inner rhythm which
pervades the simple life of the tribal people living in harmony with nature. There
are several variations of the Mech Dance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bagroomba is performed by the Mech women at spring festivals, the
colorful costumes used by the dancers are evocative of butterflies.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Chal Jhumgre Gele Nai is a war dance which is rhythmic and
martial in character.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">In the Mesa Glang Nai dance, performed by the Mech women, the
youth of the community is exhorted to be industrious and hardworking. The young
members of the community are reminded that they must always retain the purity
of their minds and bodies. This dance is performed as the women pluck flowers
for the ‘Kherai Puja’. They carry small bowls in their hand to collect the
flowers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Rajbanshi Dance</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Rajbanshi is one of the many tribes of North Bengal. The
lives of the people belonging to the Rajbanshi tribe revolve around the Teesta
River, which they worship as a Goddess. The Teesta flows down the snow-capped
peaks of Darjeeling, through the dense forests of Jalpaiguri. It then charts a
turbulent course through the lush scenery of Coochbehar, finally meeting the
Brahmaputra River in Bangladesh. This graceful dance is performed to invoke the
blessings of the River Goddess. The Dhol, Kanshi, Kartal and Mukhabanshi are
the instruments that accompany this invocatory dance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Jhumur Dance</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Jhumur songs and dance is one of the liveliest musical forms
of Purulia district of west Bengal, this is an elaborate dance, choreographed
and performed by professional artistes. Here lies its essential difference with
forms like the Santhali Dance. The dance is performed by girls while the boys
play the Dhol and Madol. This entertaining dance is performed on stage and
during road shows. Heavy make-up and ornate jewelers form part of the costume
of the Jhumur dancers. This secular dance form is accompanied by fast-paced and
cheerful Jhumur songs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The sensuous Nachni is an offshoot of the Jhumur Dance,
depicting the love of Radha (Nachni) and Krishna (Rasik).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bhadu</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">As the rains pour down on the red earth of Bengal, voices rise
in praise of Bhadreswari Ma, invoking her blessings for a good harvest.
Originating from the districts of Bakura, Purulia, West Burddhaman and Birbhum,
the Bhadu Dance is performed mainly during the Monsoon. The dance draws its
name from the Bengali month of Bhadra, when the monsoon showers drench the
earth. During the festival, Bhadreswari or Bhadu (goddess of crops) is invoked
by the villagers, seeking her blessings for an abundant harvest. The women of
the community, both married and unmarried perform the Bhadu Dance. The
unmarried girls pray for a loving husband while the married women pray to
Mother Earth to be blessed with children.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Bhadu festival is also celebrated in Chota Nagpur, where it
is known as ‘Karam Parab’.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Tushu</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">When we think of harvest songs in Bengali folk culture, we think
of Tushu. Tushu songs, originating from the districts of Bakura, Purulia &
Midnapore have similar features. The daily lives and relationships of the
villagers form the theme of this genre of songs. Family rows between rival
co-wives and between wives and their sisters-in-law find a place in Tushu
songs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Tushu songs being associated with harvesting always refer to the
householder’s wealth – ‘ghee of 32 cows’, ‘rice of fine paddy’, ‘pots of ghee
and gur’ are some of the expressions used. The villagers pray to the Folk
Goddess Tushu for prosperity. They ask for the Goddess’s blessings so that
their homes and the homes of their sons may overflow with wealth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Dhamail</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Dhamail is a folk dance performed by the married women of rural
Bengal. The women arrange themselves in a circle, around a certain object of
prayer, clapping to the beats of the song. While praying to the Sun God, a lit
diya, symbolizing the sun, is kept at the centre. The clapping brings a
rhythmic element into the otherwise slow-paced dance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Nabanna</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Nabanna is a ritualistic dance performed after the autumn harvest.
It is part of a religious ceremony associated with cultivation and harvesting.
The dance is an expression of the happiness of the farmers’ families after a
successful harvest. A special religious ceremony is held on the day the new
rice is eaten.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Noila Broto</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Farming is an integral part of the lives of villagers in rural
Bengal. After a day’s toil, the villagers often sing and dance as a welcome
break from their daily routine of labor and hard work. In most parts of rural
India, agriculture is still dependant on the rains. Noila Broto is a
traditional ode to the Rain Goddess, “Megh Kanya”. This prayer dance, involving
rituals and offerings, celebrates the arrival of the first monsoon clouds. The
farmers and their wives pray for a good monsoon that will bring forth an
abundant harvest of crop, ushering in prosperity and happiness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Baromashya</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Bengali community is known for the warm hospitality it
extends to visitors. When a guest arrives unannounced at a Bengali home, he is
greeted warmly and made to feel welcome, while the host makes every effort to
ensure a comfortable stay. The Baromashya songs and dances describe this
endearing quality of the simple folk of rural Bengal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bou Nritya</span></i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">This is a part of the traditional Badhubaran ceremony of
Srihatta. Bou Nritya enacts the custom of asking a new bride to dance; a
process of helping her shed her inhibitions. The dancers wear ornaments typical
of this region and drape the sari in a different way. The distinguishing
feature of this dance is that the dancers never lift their feet off the ground
during the entire performance. Through this dance of initiation, the new bride
is welcomed into her new family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Ganga Baidya</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Ganga Baidya is a dance of the snake charmers or Bedes of
Bengal. The dance gives expression to the daily lives, customs, hopes and
aspirations as well as the pains and tribulations of this sect of people of
rural Bengal. The Bedes were a nomadic tribe who moved from place to place,
earning their living by singing their songs and displaying acrobatic tricks –
with fire, knives, sticks and ropes. These worshippers of Ma Manasha use snakes
for a variety of tricks. Through their songs and dances, the fearless Bedes
sold snake venom and talismans to the villagers, promising them that these
would keep evil away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Lathi Dance</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">This is another notable form of folk dance which has a different
art of expression. This dance is performed to express different situations of
human life like remorse, celebration, anger, pain or love. The dance is
performed in the first ten days of the Muslim festival of Muharram.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Music of West Bengal</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The richness of Bengali culture also reflects in the music that
expresses the feeling of love, sadness, anxiety, motivation, devotion or
spirituality. The music of West Bengal also refers as Bangla Sangeet. Some of
the popular Music of Bengal are:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Classical Bangla Music</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The classical music of West Bengal is highly inspired by the
other forms of Indian classical music. The influence of Karnataka music has
significant influence on the classical music of Bengal. Like other classical
forms of music of this place also based on the musical modes called ‘Ragas’.
Themes of classical music have its root in Jaydev's Gitagovindam,
Rabindra-Sangeet, Shyama-Sangeet, Mangalgiti and Padavali kirtan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Rabindra Sangeet</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">This is one of the most popular kinds of Bangla music which was
created by the great poet and the Noble Laureate Rabindranath Tagore. These
songs are regarded as cultural treasures of Bengal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Artists/painters of West Bengal</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The <b>Bengal School of Art</b> commonly referred
as <b>Bengal School</b> was an influential art movement and a style
of painting that originated in Bengal, primarily Kolkata and Shantiniketan, and
flourished throughout India during the British Raj in the early 20th century.
Also known as 'Indian style of painting' in its early days, it was associated
with Indian nationalism (swadeshi) and led by Abanindranath Tagore (1871-1951),
but was also promoted and supported by British arts administrators like E.B
Havell the principal of the Government Collage of arts Kolkata from 1896;
eventually it led to the development of the modern Indian painting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">However Bengal continues to produce some of the best artists of
modern India. Among them the best known artists of present day Bengal are
Ganesh Pyne, Manishi Dey, Nirmal Dutta, Nilima Dutta, Jahar Dasgupta, Bikash
Bhattacharya Sudip Roy, Devajyoti Ray and Paresh Maiti<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Architecture of Bengal</span></u></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Bengal region, which includes the Republic of Bangladesh and
the Indian state of West Bengal, has many architectural relics and
monuments/temples dating back thousands of years.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bengal, a land of natural and cultural heritage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Temples of</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> <b>West Bengal an amazing
architectures;</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">1 <b>Bakranath Temple at Bakreswar</b> near Siuri in
West Bengal: Built in the Oriyan style, the large temple is the most important
of the several shrines in Bakreswar. Hot springs are another feature of
interest in this town.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">2 <b>Balrampur Jain Temple at Balrampur</b> near
Purulia in West Bengal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">3 <b>Bansuli Temple at Nannur</b> near Bolpur in West
Bengal: The temple site is like a mound, and the lowest level dates back to the
Gupta period.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">4 <b>Barakar Temples at Barakar</b> near Asansol in
West Bengal: Four stone temples in the North Indian Rekha style built in the
8th through the 15th century.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">5 <b>Bargabhima Temple at Tamluk</b> near Medinipur in
West Bengal: Large Temple to Shakti influenced by the Oriyan architecture style
displaying interesting engineering and architectural features.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">6 <b>Bhagwati Temple at Gourangpur</b> near Asansol in
West Bengal: A beautiful brick temple over 150 years old now deserted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">7 <b>Brindabanchandra Temple at Guptipara</b> near
Calcutta (Hooghly) in West Bengal: The biggest in the group of temples in
Guptipara.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">8 <b>Chaitanyadev Temple at Guptipara</b> near
Calcutta (Hooghly) in West Bengal: 17th century temple in the Bengali style of
architecture.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">9 <b>Chinese Temple at Achipur</b> near Calcutta in
West Bengal: Chinese temple with inscriptions dating back to the 18th century.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">10 <b>Dakshineswar Kali Temple at Calcutta</b> in West
Bengal: Famous 19th century Kali temple associated with Ramakrishna.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">11 <b>Dhirdham Temple at Darjeeling</b> in West
Bengal: Built along the lines of the Pasupathinath temple in Nepal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">12 <b>Dugdheshwar</b> Shiva Temple at Amaragarh near
Burddhaman in West Bengal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">13 <b>Ekteswara Temple at Ekteswara</b> near Bakura in
West Bengal: Famous Shiva temple that looks like a massive solid pillar near
the river Dwarkeshwar.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">14 <b>Hanseswari Temple at Bansberia</b> near Calcutta
in West Bengal: Dates back to the 19th century with ornate arches.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">15 <b>Jagannath Temple at Serampore</b> near Calcutta
in West Bengal: Large and ancient Jagannath temple famous for its rath yatra
second only to Puri.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">16 <b>Jain remains at Pakbira</b> near Bara Bazar
(Purulia) in West Bengal: Remains of numerous temples and images some about
2000 years old.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">17 <b>Jain Temple Ruins at Boram</b> near Jaipur in
West Bengal: Ruins of three identical Jain temples<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">18 <b>Jain Temples at Dulmi</b> near Purulia in West
Bengal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">19 <b>Jain Temples at Deoli</b> near Purulia in West
Bengal: Group of Jain temples, the largest of which has an image of Arhanath worshipped
by Hindus as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">20 <b>Jain temples and ruins at Chharra</b> near
Purulia in West Bengal: Old temples and ruins of Jain origin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">21 <b>Jateshwarnath Temple at Mahanad</b> near
Calcutta (Hooghly) in West Bengal: A center for Shiva and Shakti worship.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">22 <b>Jaya Deva Temple at Kenduli</b> near Bolpur in
West Bengal: Well known temple to Radha and Krishna dating back to the 12th
century - current structure over 200 years old.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">23 <b>Jor Bangala Temple at Bishnupur</b> near Bakura
in West Bengal: Specimen of remarkable sculpture and architecture.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">24 <b>Kalighat Temple at Calcutta</b> in West Bengal:
200 year old temple from which Calcutta is said to take its name.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">25 <b>Kalna Shiva Temples at Kalna</b> in West Bengal:
A group of 108 Shiva temples in concentric circles.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">26 <b>Kalyaneshwari Temple at Barakar</b> near Asansol
in West Bengal: This is a 500 year old temple a great center for Shakti
worship.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">27 <b>Kanak Durga Temple at Chikligarh</b> near
Medinipur in West Bengal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">28 <b>Kapil Muni Temple at Sagar Island</b> near
Diamond Harbor in West Bengal: Associated with the mythological descent of the
Ganges from the heavens (into the sea) and a site held in great reverence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">29 <b>Kiriteshwari Temple at Murhsidabad</b> near
Murshidbad in West Bengal: Regarded as one of the Shakthi Peeths this was once
a center of great importance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">30 <b>Krishnachandra Temple at Guptipara</b> near
Calcutta (Hooghly) in West Bengal: Located along with the Chaitanyadev,
Ramachandra and Brindabanchandra temples.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">31 <b>Krishnarjun Temple at Tamluk</b> near Medinipur
in West Bengal: Ancient temple - current structure built 400 years ago.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">32 <b>Lalji Temple at Chandrakona</b> near Medinipur
in West Bengal: 16th century temple built in Bengali style, enclosed by a high
wall with a gateway.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">33 <b>Malleswar Temple at Chandrakona</b> near
Medinipur in West Bengal: 60 feet high temple dating back to the 18th century,
with an even older shrine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">34 <b>Mankeshwar Mahadev Temple at Amaragarh</b> near Burddhaman
in West Bengal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">35 <b>Radha Kanta Jiu Temple at Rajbalhat</b> near
Calcutta (Hooghly) in West Bengal: A fine specimen of Bengali architecture
dating back to the 18th century.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">36 <b>Ramachandra Temple at Guptipara</b> near
Calcutta (Hooghly) in West Bengal: Fine red colored brick temple with a curved
roof, with brick panels carved with fine specimen of Bengali art.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">37 <b>Sarva Mangala Devi Temple at Garbeta</b> near
Medinipur in West Bengal: 16th-17th century temple in the Oriyan style
dedicated to Devi along with other temples within the fort.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">38 <b>Sheetalnath Jain Temple at Calcutta</b> in West
Bengal: 19th century temple - an ornate mass of mirrors, colored stones and
glass mosaics.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">39 <b>Shivakhya Devi Temple at Amaragarh</b> near Burddhaman
in West Bengal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">40 <b>Sidheswara Temple at Bahulara</b> near Onda in
West Bengal: Ancient Shiva temple in the Oriyan style with fine ornamentation
depicting replicas of the temple.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">41 <b>Suratheshwar Temple at Supur</b> near Bolpur in
West Bengal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">42 <b>Swayambhava Kali Temple at Bansberia</b> near
Calcutta (Hooghly) in West Bengal: Located near the Vishnu temple, this temple
dates back to the 18th century.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">43 <b>Syamaleswar Temple at Dantan</b> in West Bengal:
Ancient temple to Shiva in this town where there are 2 large tanks - the
Bidyadhar and Sarasankha.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">44 <b>Tarakeshwar Temple at Tarakeshwar</b> near
Calcutta (Hooghly) in West Bengal: A very well known temple in the Bengali
style of architecture attracting scores of pilgrims.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">45 <b>Temple Ruins at Chandrakona</b> at Chandrakon
near Medinipur in West Bengal: Ruins of several Oriyan styled temples now
abandoned.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">West
Bengal terra cotta temple architecture</span></u></b><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Although there is plenty of evidence of human settlement in Bengal
from prehistoric times but there are regrettable dearth of evidence. This is
because of the soil structure of Bengal The community being spread on the
alluvial plain of the mighty rivers of Ganges, Brahmaputra the whole region is
susceptible to flood and its resulting unsettling geographical pattern. The
only somewhat undulated regions being the western Chota Nagpur and the
Himalayan ridges of east and the north. This soil structure is reflected in the
building material chosen by the Bengali temple designers. Mainly the terra
cotta temples with elaborate surface decorations and lettering written in
nagari alphabets. The roof structure also has been the effect of the heavy
rainfall that the river delta and the Tarai experiences throughout the monsoon,
it has Ganges been curved effectively in most cases to get rid of the huge
amount of water as soon as possible and thereby increasing the lifetime of the
structure. The architectural evidence generally has been from the Gupta Empire
period onwards. There have been recent discoveries of plaques from the times of
Chandraketugarh and mahasthangarh throwing additional light on the
architectural styles of sunga and gupta periods. Apart from the Pahlavi and
Phamsana influence on the architectural style it is also closely connected to
the Bhanja style of temples from mayurbhanj district of Orissa But the temples
of south Bengal is a distinction due to its roofing style so unique and closely
related to the paddy roofed traditional building style of rural Bengal. Bishnupur
in the southern district Bakura of West Bengal has a remarkable set of such
temples which being built from the Malla dynasty are examples of this style.
Most of these temples are covered on the outer surface with terra cotta reliefs
which contains plenty of secular materials making these important to
reconstruct the social structure from these times.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The temple structures contain gabled roofs which are
colloquially called the chala, For example a gabled roof with an eight sided
pyramid structured roof with be called "ath chala" or literally the
eight faces of the roof. And frequently there is more than one tower in the
temple building. These are built of laterite and brick bringing them at the
mercy of severe weather conditions of southern Bengal .Dakshineswar Kali Temple
is one example of the Bhanja style while the additional small temples of Shiva
along the river bank are example of southern Bengal roof style though in much
smaller dimension.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bankura district is a land of temples. There are more historical temples inBishnupur than in any other place in West Bengal. There are several aspects oftemple art, architecture and construction that need to be considered.<br />
Almost all temples in Bishnupur town are Vaishnavite, but many of those scatteredin different areas of the district spread outside the town are Shaivite, with traces ofJainism and Buddhism. While some of the older temples were built of laterite, thearea has numerous brick built temples, some with exquisite terra cotta carvings.Terra cotta carvings are also found in some temples outside the district, as forexample at joy deb kenduli or Antpur, but the art of terra cotta carvings seems tohave flourished with the rise of the Rajas of Bishnupurand virtually died out withthe fading of their supremacy. Some of the earlier temples built by the BardhamanRaj have terra cotta carvings, possibly by artisans from Bankura district, but by thetime Rani Rashmoni decided to construct the Dakhinswar kali temple, in the mid-nineteenth century, the art of terra cotta carvings had obviously faded out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Terra
cotta Temples are the pride of Bishnupur, a small village in Bankura Districtof West Bengal. The Malla kings of the 16th-18th centuries constructed thesetemples, about 30 in all, in their devotion to Lord Krishna. This architecture
betrays influences of various ancient Indian styles as well as of Mughal andPersian designs. Ras-Manch, Shyamrai, Jor-Bangla, and Radha-Shyam are someof the most important of the Terracota Temples. The basic building material of
these temples is tiles made from the local red soil. The terracota tiles aredecorated with filigreed carvings that have Mughal, Persian or Indian lineage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Attraction of Bakura bishnupur</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Malleshwar Temple:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> Dedicated to Lord Shiva,
it is the oldest temple in Bishnupur.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Rasmancha:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> Built in the late 16th century by
King Bir Hambir, the temple has an unusual elongated paramedical tower,
surrounded by hut-shaped turrets. Idols were kept here for public worship
during Ras-utsav.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Pancha Ratna Temple of Shyam Raya:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> Built
in 1643 AD by King Raghunath Singha. The walls are richly decorated with
terracotta carvings featuring different aspects of Lord Krishna’s life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Jorebangla Temple of Keshta Raya:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> Built
by King Raghunath Singha Dev II in 1655 AD, the ornate terracotta carvings are
set off by the roof in the classic chala style of typical Bengal architecture.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Madanmohan Temple:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> King Durjana Singh Deva
built the temple in 1694 AD in the ekaratna style. It is a square flat-roofed
building with carved cornices, surmounted by a pinnacle. Impressive carvings on
the walls depict scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and the Puranas.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Kalachand Temple:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> It is of ekratna style
and is on the bank of Lal-bandh.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Mukutmonipur: </span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Mukutmonipur is 55Km away from Bakura
(a 2 hours drive) District Head Quarters and is situated at the confluence of
river Kangsabati and Kumari. Green forests and hillocks surround the vast
bluish tract of water. The undulating terrain along the southern edge of the
Kangsabati Water Reservoir extends as a three-dimensional necklace of green and
terracotta color. Tourists flock here for its stunning natural beauty.<br />
<b>Jhilimili: </b>Jhilimili is situated 70 Km away from Bakura Town. It is
a beautiful, undisturbed dense natural forest. The road from Ranibund to
Jhilimili offers a wonderful view of spectacular forests on varying heights on
both sides, finally reaching Jhilimili, which is mounted on the top of a
hillock.. The sparkle of micaceous soil adds to the beauty of the environment.<br />
<b>Susunia: </b>Susunia hill, 50 km from Bishnupur, is quite popular as a
trekking spot. It is also an important tourist spot for people who visit the
place to see "Dhara" (a natural spring) and Silialipi. Excavations
have revealed inscriptions dating back to the 4th century AD.<br />
<br />
Joyrambati, 44 km from Bishnupur, the birthplace of Sree Maa Sarada Devi, is a
holy town. The famous temple of Singha Bahani Devi is a special attraction.
Mayerepukur, in front of the residential house of Ma-Sarada is also a sight
worth visiting.<br />
<b>Sutan Forest: </b>Bakura is also popular for beautiful Tourist Spots
like Sutan, Near Ranibandh & Eco-Park ,Near Taldangra, both covered with
dense forest, decorated with small lakes and thrilling with wild animals. <b>Biharinath
Hill:</b> Biharinath, situated in the extreme northwest area of the district,
57 km away from Bakura town, thought to be an ancient centre of Jainism. The
height of the hill is 448 m is the highest hill in Bakura. Biharinath is very
rich in flora and fauna.<br />
Hyena, Pangolin, Chameleon, Racaphorus, though few in number, are still found
here.<br />
The place is known for its natural beauty.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Ganga</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The fisherman community of rural Bengal prays to Ganga Devi in
the month of Chaitra. Through their prayers and dances, they appease the
Goddess, so that she bestows blessings on them throughout the year. According
to great philosopher Aristotle all source of great human<br />
world knowledge and wisdom has come from the banks of holy Ganges river of
India.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Ganga Heritage Cruise West Bengal</span></u></b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The river Ganga passing through the state of West Bengal in
India has been an important trade route from time immemorial. It is through
this route trade was conducted with the early civilizations. Later when
European colonial powers came through this river they established trade posts
along the river. One can also find important places of pre colonial times also.
The aim of the Ganga Heritage Cruise, West Bengal is to discover these
historical places along with natural historical sites. The whole Ganga Heritage
Cruise, West Bengal stretches 260 km from Howrah to Murshidabad spanning seven
districts with picturesque rural Bengal. The cruise is conducted by a number of
cruise launches where staying and fooding facilities are well provided for.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The starting point is the town of Murshidabad the erstwhile
capital of Bengal. The town was founded by Nawab Murshid Quli Khan and its
prosperity was its silk center. With this silk trade came the European traders
but after the Battle of Plassey in 1757 the British founded the British
colonial empire. One of the important historical landmarks is Hazar Duari named
after the thousand doors of the palace though not all are real. It is now a
museum displaying rare books, military weapons, paintings, royal artifacts etc.
Other places are Katra Mosque housing the tomb of the founding Nawab,
Jorebangla a four terra-cotta temple complex and other historic places.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Next place is Mayapur the birth place of Shri Chaitanya who
started Vaishnavism five centuries ago and Nabadwip where Shri Chaitanya
propounded the Vaishnavism philosophy in 1485.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Then comes the town of Kalna with its famous 108 Shivlinga
temples build by the Maharaja of Burdwan in 1809. You can also visit the
beautiful terracotta temple of Pratapeswar temple built in 1849.Other important
sites are Shyamsunder Bati, Krishna Chandraji temple, Amli Briksha and Pancha
Bimsati temple.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Next comes the city of Chinsura the former Dutch trading post
established in 1656. Discover the Dutch colonial heritage. After that visiting
the city of Chandernagore, the erstwhile French settlement feels like being
transported to the 16th century with its beautiful esplanade by the river with
chairs. One can visit the house of Dupleix, the French Governor, the police
headquarters and the French Institute. And lastly the Ganga Heritage Cruise,
West Bengal stops at Belur the foundation of Ramkrishna Mission and a site for
an equally imposing temple.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Go onboard the Ganga Heritage Cruise, West Bengal which takes
you back in time and discover each stages of cultural, historical heritage of
Bengal in a comfortable journey through the romantic river Ganga. An
unforgettable experience! An incredible amazing Bengal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Climate and geography of west Bengal</span></u></b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The eastern state of West Bengal experiences a tropical type of
climate due to its geographical location. The state has diversity in
physiographic as it touches the Himalayas in the north and is bordered by the
Bay of Bengal in south. The northern districts remain cold throughout the year
and for that reason, the hill stations are favored by the tourists especially
during the summer months.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The climate of West Bengal is full of variation. The seasons in
West Bengal can be broadly categorized into summer, winter, autumn and rainy
seasons. The summer months in West Bengal span from mid of March to mid of
June. During this time, the average temperature is 38 degree to 45 degree.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The monsoon season in West Bengal is much awaited as the
landscape turns lush green after the monsoon showers. By the middle of June,
monsoon approaches the state and it is influenced by the winds blowing from Bay
of Bengal. The autumn season in West Bengal is welcomed with a number of
festive occasions. From September the festive mood commences and it is during
this cool and pleasant climate, the festival of Durga Puja is celebrated in
West Bengal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">During the winter season, the weather of West Bengal remains
very pleasant. The state experiences a mild cold climate while the temperature
drops very low in the hilly region of West Bengal. From about mid November,
winter approaches West Bengal and temperature rises not before the middle of
February. The temperature varies around 15 degree in these cold months.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The <b>Geography of West Bengal</b> is varied. The state of
West Bengal is situated in the eastern part of India. On the east lies Bangladesh.
Sikkim and Bhutan lie on the north of West Bengal. The state of Assam is
situated on the north east of West Bengal. Bihar and Jharkhand is situated on
the western side of the state. The geographical location of the state is 23
degree North latitude and 88 degree East longitude.<br />
<br />
As per details from Census 2011, West Bengal has population of 9.13 Crore, an
increase from figure of 8.02 Crore in 2001 census. Total population of West
Bengal as per 2011 census is 91,347,736 of which male and female are 46,927,389
and 44,420,347 respectively. In 2001, total population was 80,176,197 in which
males were 41,465,985 while females were 38,710,212. he total area of West
Bengal is 88,752 sq<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The population density of West Bengal per square kilometer is
904. Sex Ratio in West Bengal is 947 i.e. for each 1000 male, which is below
national average of 940 as per census 2011. In 2001, the sex ratio of female
was 934 per 1000 males in West Bengal.. The population of West Bengal is
predominated by the Bengali population. But immigration from different states
of India has enriched the population diversity of West Bengal.<br />
<br />
The topography of the state also varies from region to region. The northern
part of West Bengal touches the Himalayan range. The topography of West Bengal
alters as the Indo-Gangetic plain begins. The Gangetic plain is rich in
alluvial soil and thus is very fertile. This kind of soil is suitable for
agriculture. Further south, the deltaic plain or the Sunderban region is a very
important spot for tourism in West Bengal.<br />
<br />
The climate of West Bengal is full of variation. The state experiences a
tropical type of climate. The seasons in West Bengal can be broadly categorized
into summer, rainy, autumn and winter seasons.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Demography</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">According to the provisional results of 2011 national census,
West Bengal is the fourth most populous state in India with a population of
91,347,736 (7.55% of India's population). Majority of the population comprises
Bengali people. Marawaris, Behari and Oriya minorities are scattered throughout
the state. Communities of Sherpa’s and ethnic Tibetans can be found in<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Darjeeling Himalayan hill region .Darjeeling district has a
large number of Gurkha people of Nepalese origin. West Bengal is home to
indigenous tribal Adivasis such as Santhalis, Kol, Koch-Rajbonshi and Toto
tribe There are a small number of ethnic minorities primarily in the state
capital, including Chinese, Tamils, Gujarati, Anglo Indians, Armenians,
punjabis,and parsis. India's sole chaina town is in eastern Kolkata<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Religions in West Bengal</span></u></b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Religion<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Percent<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Hindu<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">72.5%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Muslim<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">25.2%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Others<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">2.3%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The official language is Bengali and English. Nepali is the
official language in three subdivisions of. Darjeeling district .As of 2001, in
descending order of number of speakers, the languages of the state are:
Bengali, , Hindi, Santali, Urdu Nepali, and .Oriya Languages such as Rajbangsi
and Ho are used in some parts of the state.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">As of 2001, Hinduism is the principal religion at 72.5% of the
total population, while Muslims comprise 25.2% of the total population, being
the second-largest community as also the largest minority group;Sikhism
Christianity and other religions make up the remainder. The state contributes
7.8% of India's population. The state's 2001–2011 decennial growth rate was
13.93%, lower than 1991–2001 growth rate of 17.8%, and also lower than the
national rate of 17.64%. The gender ratio is 947 females per 1000 males. As of
2011, West Bengal has a population density of 1,029 inhabitants per square
kilometer (2,670 /sq mi) making it the second-most densely populated state in
India, after Bihar.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The literacy rate is 77.08%, higher than the national rate of
74.04%.Data of 1995–1999 showed the life expectancy in the state was 63.4
years, higher than the national value of 61.7 years. About 72% of people live
in rural areas. The proportion of people living below the poverty line in
1999–2000 was 31.9% Scheduled Castes and Tribes form 28.6% and 5.8% of the
population respectively in rural areas, and 19.9% and 1.5% respectively in
urban areas. A study conducted in three districts of West Bengal found that
accessing private health services to treat illness had a catastrophic impact on
households. This indicates the value of public provision of health services to
mitigate against poverty and the impact of illness on poor households.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The crime rate in the state in 2004 was 82.6 per 100,000, which
was half of the national average .This is the fourth-lowest crime rate among
the 32 India. However, the state reported the highest rate of Special and Local
Laws (SLL) crimes. In reported crimes against women, the state showed a crime
rate of 7.1 compared to the national rate of 14.1. Some estimates state that
there are more than 60,000 brothel-based women and girls in prostitution in Kolkata.
The population of prostitutes in sonagachi constitutes mainly of a Nepalese,
Indians and BANGLADESHI. Some sources estimate there are 60,000 women in the
brothels of Kolkata. The largest prostitution area in city is SONAGACHI .West
Bengal was the first Indian state to constitute a Human Rights Commission of
its own<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Flora and fauna</span></u></b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Flora and Fauna of</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> West Bengal is rich in
flora and fauna and has diverse ecosystems because of its varying terrain from
the high altitudes to the sea level plains. Protected forests cover 4% of the
state area. There are 15 Wildlife Sanctuaries, 5 National Parks and 2 Tiger
Reserves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Sunder ban, in south Bengal, is home to the famous Tiger
Project – a conservatory effort to save the Bengal tigers from extinction. It
is an UNESCO world heritage site. Another similar project exists in Buxa in
north Bengal. Wildlife includes the Indian one horned rhinoceros, Indian
elephants, deer, bison, leopards, gaur, crocodiles and others. The state is
also rich in bird life. Migratory birds come to the state during the winter
months.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Conclusion</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">; <b><u>Bengali culture and its excellence</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Historically Bengal has a very rich cultural heritage. Bengal
is, indeed, noted for its rich culture in songs, music, drama, dances and
language. Its indigenous style of music, art, dance and drama is very rich.
Bengali is one of the oldest languages in the world. According to statistics,
jointly with Spanish, Bengali is the fourth largest language group in the
world, only surpassed by Chinese, English and Hindi It is the first of Indian
languages to develop western style secular fiction and drama. It originated
from the Indo-Aryan family of languages in the 7th century, thus making it
comparable to English, French and German. Bengali language is much older than
Hindi Urdu and even Portuguese, Spanish and many other established modern
languages.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">In the middle ages, Bengali was already a well-established
language with popular poets like Bidyapati, Chandidas, Daulat Kazi and Alawol.
It was during this period of middle ages that the famous Indian epics Ramayana
and Mahabharata were translated in lyric forms from Sanskrit into Bengali by
Krittibas and Kashiram Das respectively. This period also saw a rich output of
romantic songs, poems and dance centering on the love of Radha and Krishna.
These were simply superb in their wording, rhythm and style.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">However, things started changing rapidly about 200 years ago.
With the emergence of some great personalities like Iswar Chandra Vidyasagar
(1820-91), Michael Madhusudan Datta (1824-73) and Bankim Chatterjee (1838-94)
Bengali language and literature really got a new life. About one hundred and
forty years ago came the famous Bengali poet Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore
(1861-1941) and then rebel Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam appeared in 1899. These two
great Bengali poets have actually initiated a new era for Bengali language and
culture. Tagore represented this new era of cultural modernization; others
followed him almost as disciples. Palli Kabi Jasimuddin was also one of them.
Tagore was urban, sophisticated and universal; Nazrul exhibited his spirit of
protest and opposition to all social injustice, discrimination, oppression and
exploitation while Jasimuddin vastly remained rural and provincial in his
approach. Their common bond was their liberal outlook for secular Bengali
culture.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Music, songs, drama and dances are also part of rich Bengali
culture and there are three mainstreams of this Bengali Culture: folk, modern
and classical. Folk music mainly based is rural Bengal. It has been nurtured by
the village singers, musicians, actors and dancers. With sweet melodies,
touching words of love, tragedy and devotion, folk music is the most popular
form of music in all over Bengal. The best known forms of folk music are bhatiali,
Baul, bhawaia, jaari, marfati and murshidi. Lalan Fakir, Hasan Raja, Nirmalendu
Chowdhury, Abbasuddin Ahmed, Shachin Dev Burman, Purnadas Baul, Sadhan Bairagi
and Abdul Halim are some of the greatest names in Bengali folk music.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">On the other hand, the pioneers of modern Bengali music were,
indeed, the world famous Nobel Laureate poet Rabindranath Tagore and the rebel
poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. Tagore initiated a blend of East and West and Nazrul
experimented with the synthesis of folk and Middle Eastern strains.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bengal also shares the rich tradition of classical music of the
subcontinent. Indeed, Bengal has produced many musicians and maestros of
international repute like Ustad Alauddin Khan, Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, Pandit
Ajoy Chakrabarty and Pandit Ravi Shankar who have successfully made sitar and
sarode popular all over the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Before I conclude let me describe a few words about the musical
instruments which are also playing vital roles to promote the rich Bengali
culture and its excellence. The typical Bengali folk musical instruments are
Ektara (one string), Dotara (two, but actually four strings), Ghungur, Khol,
Mandira, Behala (violin) and Banshi (flute) and the classical musical
instruments are Sitar, Sarode, Tanpura, Shenai, Eshraj, Pakhwaj, Tabla and
Harmonium. Even now a large number of people in the villages of Bangladesh,
West Bengal and Tripura regularly listen to the folk drama called Jatra and the
age old melodic folk songs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bengali Performing Arts' aim is to promote this rich Bengali
cultural heritage and its excellence by organizing cultural programs round the
year throughout the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01022139079557847252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1446534558556192736.post-81528553558036089152012-09-06T10:23:00.001-07:002012-09-06T10:23:28.813-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bengal and Bengali culture<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bengal is situated in northeast part region of Indian
subcontinent at the apex of Bay of Bengal. The majority of Bengal is
inhabited by Bengali people who speak<b> </b>Bengali language. Today,
it is mainly divided between the sovereign land of peoples Republic of
Bangladesh <u>(</u>previously<u> </u>East Bengal / East Pakistan) and
the state of west Bengal. The region of Bengal is one of the most densely
populated regions on earth, with a population density exceeding 900/km. Most of
the Bengal region lies in the low-lying Ganges–Brahmaputra River delta or
Ganges delta, the world's largest delta. In the southern part of the delta lies
the<u> </u>Sundarbon —the world's largest mangrove forest and home of
the<u> </u>Bengal Tiger,<u> </u>though the population of the region
is mostly rural and agrarian. Two mega cites, Kolkata<u> </u>(previously
Calcutta) and DHAKA<u> </u>(previously Dacca), are located in Bengal.
The Bengal region is renowned for its rich literary and cultural heritage as well
as its immense contribution to the socio-cultural uplift of Indian society in
the form of the<u> </u>Bengal Renaissance, and revolutionary
activities during the Independence movement. West Bengal also (proposed
new English name: Paschimbanga) is a state in the eastern region of India and
is the nation's fourth-most populous region. It is also the seventh-most
populous sub-national entity in the world, with over 91 million inhabitants
covering a total area of 34,267 sq mi (88,750 km2), which is bordered by the
countries of Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh, and the Indian states of Orissa,
Jharkhand, Bihar, Sikkim, and Assam. The state capital is Kolkata (formerly
Calcutta). West Bengal encompasses two broad natural regions: the Gangetic
Plain in the south and the sub-Himalayan and Himalayan area in the north.
Bengal was divided in 1947 on religious lines into two separate entities: West
Bengal – a state of India – and East Bengal, which initially joined the new
nation of Pakistan, before becoming part of modern-day Bangladesh in
1971.Bengal was divided on religious and language lines. Bengali language
movement has played a very important role for its separate entity which
catalyzed the assertion of Bengali national identity in East Bengal and later
East Pakistan, and became a forerunner to Bengali nationalist movements, and
subsequently the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971. In Bangladesh, 21 February
is observed as language movement day, a national holiday. The shaheed miner
monument was constructed near Dhaka Medical College in memory of the movement
and its victims.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The saliency of Twenty First February has made the historic
movement for establishing Bengali as one of the State languages of Pakistan
synonymous with the 1952 phase of the Bengali language movement. However, the
movement for making Bengali as one of the State languages of the then Pakistan
was known as Bangla vasha andolon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bangla vasha andolon.<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">That spirit of 21th February (ekushey) has not diminished.
Rather, the radiant spirit of the twenty first February has remained ingrained
in the core of our hearts and souls even after the elapse of almost half of a
century of the historic Bengali language movement. People from all walks of life
still come out in thousands in the early hours of February twenty first and
mournfully trod the streets of Dhaka, and throng the Central Shaheed Miner
(Marty s Monument) for offering their heartfelt tributes to the fallen language
martyrs. Before depicting the cultures of Bengal, we must go to the historical
roots. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bengali</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> <b>Renaissance</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Bengal Renaissance refers to a social reform movement during
the nineteenth and early twentieth century’s in the region of Bengal in
Undivided India during the period of British rule. The Bengal renaissance can
be said to have started with Raja Ram Mohan Roy (1775–1833) and ended with
Rabindranath Tagore (1861–1941), although there have been many stalwarts
thereafter embodying particular aspects of the unique intellectual and creative
output Nineteenth century Bengal was a unique blend of religious and social
reformers, scholars, literary giants, journalists, patriotic orators and
scientists, all merging to form the image of a renaissance, and marked the
transition from the 'medieval' to the 'modern Bengal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">During this period, Bengal witnessed an intellectual awakening
that is in some way similar to the European Renaissance during the 16th
century, although Europeans of that age were not confronted with the challenge
and influence of alien colonialism. This movement questioned existing
orthodoxies, particularly with respect to women, marriage, the dowry system,
the caste system and religion. One of the earliest social movements that
emerged during this time was the Young Bengal movement that espoused
rationalism and atheism as the common denominators of civil conduct among upper
caste educated Hindus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The parallel socio-religious movement, the Brahmo Samaj,
developed during this time period and counted many of the leaders of the Bengal
Renaissance among its followers In the earlier years the Brahmo Samaj, like the
rest of society, could not however, conceptualize, in that feudal-colonial era,
a free India as it was influenced by the European Enlightenment (and its
bearers in India, the British Raj) although it traced its intellectual roots to
the Upanishads. Their version of Hinduism, or rather Universal Religion,
although devoid of practices like sati and polygamy that had crept into the
social aspects of Hindu life, was ultimately a rigid impersonal monotheistic
faith, which actually was quite distinct from the pluralistic and multifaceted
nature of the way the Hindu religion was practiced. Future leaders like Keshub
Chunder Sen were as much devotees of Christ, as they were of Brahma, Krishna or
the Buddha. It has been argued by some scholars that the Brahmo Samaj movement
never gained the support of the masses and remained restricted to the elite,
although Hindu society has accepted most of the social reform programs of the
Brahmo Samaj. It must also be acknowledged that many of the later Brahmas were
also leaders of the freedom movement.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The renaissance period after the Indian Rebellion of 1857 saw a
magnificent outburst of Bengali literature. While Ram Mohan Roy and Iswar Chandra
Vidyasagar were the pioneers, others like Bankim Chandra Chatterjee widened it
and built upon it .The first significant nationalist detour to the Bengal
Renaissance was given by the brilliant writings of Bankim Chandra Chatterjee.
Later writers of the period who introduced broad discussion of social problems
and more colloquial forms of Bengali into mainstream literature included the
great Saratchandra Chatterjee.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Tagore family, including Rabindranath Tagore, were leaders
of this period and had a particular interest in educational reform however
their contribution to the Bengal Renaissance was multi-faceted. Indeed,
Tagore's 1901 Bengali novella, Nastanirh was written as a critique of men who
professed to follow the ideals of the Renaissance, but failed to do so within
their own families. In many ways Rabindranath Tagore's writings (especially
poems and songs) can be seen as imbued with the spirit of the Upanishads. His
works repeatedly allude to Upanishadic ideas regarding soul, liberation, transmigration
and—perhaps most essentially—about a spirit that imbues all creation not unlike
the Upanishadic Brahman. Tagore's English translation of a set of poems titled
the Gitanjali won him the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1913. He was the first
Asian to win this award. That was the only example at the time but the
contribution of the Tagore family is enormous. The Bengal Renaissance saw the
emergence of pioneering Bengali scientists such as Jagadish Chandra Bose,
Satyendra Nath Bose, Upendranath Brahmachari and Meghnad Saha.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Etymology of Bengal/Bengali</span></u></b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The exact origin of the word Bangla or Bengal is unknown, though
it is believed to be derived from the Dravidian-speaking tribe Bang that
settled in the area around the year 1000 BC<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Vanga (Greater Bengal) was a kingdom during the times of
Mahabharata.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Other accounts speculate that the name is derived from Banga
which came from the Austric word "Bonga" meaning the Sun-god. The
word Banga and other words speculated to refer to Bengal (such as Anga) found
in ancient Indian texts including the Vedas, Jaina texts, the Mahabharata and
Puranas. The earliest reference to "Bangala" has been traced in the
Nesari plates (805 AD) of Rashtrakuta Govinda III which speak of Dharmapala as
the king of Vangala<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Some accounts claim that the word may derive from bhang, a
preparation of cannabis which is used in some religious ceremonies in Bengal.
Dravidians migrated to Bengal from the south, while Tibeto-Burman peoples
migrated from the Himalayas followed by the Indo-Aryans from north-western
India. The modern Bengali people are a blend of these people. Smaller numbers
of Pathans, Persians, Arabs and Turks also migrated to the region in the late
middle Ages while spreading Islam.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The age and history
of Bengal and Bengali culture is near about 1000 years old. Since the end of
Magadha Empire the Bengal religious-socio-cultural ceremonies held great
importance’s among the Bengalis. Ceremonies play the symbolic role of every
tradition handed over to the decedent’s generation after generation. Some
important ceremonies of Bengal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Annaprashan</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> is a social ritual among the Hindus, an
occasion when the baby breaks its baby food pattern to welcome home made food.
It is as well as a social introduction of the new member.'Annaprashan' is a
social ritual among the Hindus, an occasion when the baby breaks its baby food
pattern to welcome home-made food. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">It is as well as a
social introduction of the new member of the family in the community. Annaprashan
literally means feeding the baby rice for the first time. "Anna"
means food, especially rice while "prashan" means to feed.
Annaprashan gathers the importance of a religious ceremony. Arranged for the
Hindu child generally before teething, this ritual is separate for both boys
and girls.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Upanayana</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> is a Vedic ritual of Hinduism. It is an
important religious ritual in our society. Upanayana is performed only for
Brahmin boys. According to Vedic culture it is a second birth for
them..Upanayana is a Vedic ritual of Hinduism. It is an important religious
ritual in our society. Upanayana is performed only for Brahmin boys. According
to Vedic culture it is a second birth for them. Upanayana marks the beginning
of Bramhacharya.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Marriages</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> are made in heaven, goes the proverb. Two
people start of a new journey towards future, hand in hand, sharing at each
step new outlooks, responsibilities and love. Marriage is an auspicious
occasion among us. Arranged marriage is still a common <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bengali marriages are
a mixture of pure custom, tradition and religious beliefs. It is an occasion
where the entire family gather, take part in the typical Bengali ‘Adda’, regale
in fanfare and remain busy in making the necessary arrangements for the
invitees. Bengali culture must be searched and seen from the aspect of
festivals, literature, drama, music/dance, cousins, dress.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Literature</span></u></b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Bengali language boasts a rich literary heritage, shared
with neighboring Bangladesh. West Bengal has a long tradition in folk
literature, evidenced by the Charyapada, Mangalkavya, Shreekrishna Kirtana,
Thakurmar Jhuli, and stories related to Gopal Bhar. In the nineteenth and
twentieth century, Bengali literature was modernized in the works of authors
such as Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, Michael Madhusudan Dutt, Rabindranath
Tagore, Kazi Nazrul Islam, and Sharat Chandra Chattopadhyay. Coupled with
social reforms led by Ram Mohan Roy, Swami Vivekananda, and others, this
constituted a major part of the Bengal Renaissance The middle and latter parts of
the 20th century witnessed the arrival of post-modernism, as well as literary
movements such as those espoused by the Kallol movement, hungry lists and the
little magazines Jibanananda Das, Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay, Tarashankar
Bandopadhyay, Manik Bandopadhyay, Ashapurna Devi, Shirshendu Mukhopadhyay,
Buddhadeb Guha, Mahashweta Devi, Samaresh Majumdar, Sanjeev Chattopadhyay and
Sunil Gangopadhyay among others are well-known writers of the 20th century.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Theater and films</span></u></b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Among
other types of theater, West Bengal has a tradition of folk drama known as
jatra Kolkata is the home of the Bengali cinema industry, dubbed
"Toll wood" for Tollygong, where most of the state's film studios are
located. its long tradition of </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Art_film"><span style="color: #5d7d9d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">art films</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> includes globally acclaimed film directors such
as academy award -winning director Satyajit Roy, Ritwik ghatak, Mrinal
sen, tapan sinha, and contemporary directors such as </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aparna_Sen"><span style="color: #5d7d9d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Aparna</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> Sen, Buddhadeb Dasgupta, and Rituparna ghosh.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Cuisine<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">West Bengal shares its distinctive culinary tradition with
neighboring Bangladesh, and also borrows from other Indian states. Boiled rice
constitutes the staple food, and is served with a variety of vegetables, fried
as well with curry, thick lentil soups, and fish and meat preparations of
mutton and chicken, and more rarely pork and beef by certain groups. Sweetmeats
are mostly milk based, and consist of several delights including roshgulla,
sandesh, rasamalai, gulap jamun, kalo jamun, and chom-chom. Several other sweet
preparations are also available. Bengali cuisine is rich and varied with the
use of many specialized spices and flavors. Fish is the dominant source of
protein, cultivated in ponds and fished with nets in the fresh-water Rivers of
the Ganges delta. More than 40 types of mostly freshwater fish are common,
including carp, varieties like rui (rohu), katla, magur (catfish), chingŗi
(prawn or shrimp), as well as shuţki (dried sea fish) are popular. Salt water
fish (not sea fish though) and Ilish (hilsa ilisha) is very popular among
Bengalis, can be called an icon of Bengali cuisine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">DRESS</span></u></b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bengali women traditionally wear the sari, the shalwar kameez
and Western attire is gaining acceptance among younger women. Western-style
dress has greater acceptance among men, although the traditional dhoti and
kurta of men are seen during festivals. Like any other metropolis, Kolkata also
has an eclectic mix of western wears with a tinge of ethnic wears. People are
found dressed in jeans along with kurtas, or sari along with an overcoat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Festivals of West Bengal<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">West Bengal is a land
of festivals. There is a popular saying in Bengali ‘‘Baro Mase Tero Parban’: it
literally means thirteen festivals in twelve months. Almost all festivals of
all religions are celebrated here with equal religious sentiment and fervor.
The people of West Bengal strive hard to maintain the tradition and culture of
its land in the festivals they celebrate. A great number of fairs are also
organized. The most popular festival celebrated in West Bengal is Durga Puja
where all the people come out in the streets and celebrate this four day
festival. Other festivals celebrated in West Bengal are Kaali Puja, Basant
Panchami, Dushera, Bahi Dooj, Holi, Mahavir Jayanti, Buddha Jayanti, Rathyatra
and Christmas. Other events which have almost taken the form of festivals are
Rabindra Jayanti (birthday of Rabindranath Tagore), Birthday of Sri Ramakrishna
Paramahamsa and Birthday of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">List of Festivals in West Bengal:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Holi<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Birthday of Sri
Ramakrishna Paramahamsa<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Birthday of Netaji
Subhas Chandra Bose<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Rabindra Jayanti<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Folk culture of Bengal</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">West Bengal</span></u></b><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bengal, a land of fecundity and prosperity embraces all within
her fold. The varied hues of her rich culture color her songs, music and
literature. The numerous tribes and ethnic groups of Bengal have their own
distinctive folk arts, as varied and beautiful as the tribes themselves.
Bengal’s repertoire of folk songs with its lyrical appeal and richness, its
thematic diversity and range is a reflection of rural Bengals creativity and
imagination. As a traditional art form, folk dances of Bengal have gained immense
popularity and recognition over the years. The dances contain themes that range
from ritualistic to satirical and from allegorical to social. They involve
prayers, offerings, celebrations and odes. Usually performed during festive
seasons, or to mark a happy occasion, these dances ingrained in folk culture,
reflect local faith, tradition and custom. These dances encompass a broad
spectrum, from invoking the rain Gods for a good harvest to depicting
mythological events. In fact, some religious festivals are celebrated through
songs and dances that characterize devotion, prayer and worship. The dance
forms that have evolved from the martial arts depict events from the great
Indian epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. These vocal musical dances are
performed round the year on various occasions, at fairs and festivals and
religious conglomerations.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Some of the well known folk songs and dance of west Bengal
include:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Baul</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bengal, during the post medieval period, was a divided and
closed society. Ruled by religious strictures, Hindus and Muslims led
cloistered lives, against which grew a protest that took on the character of a
cult. The community of protesters could be identified by the robes they wore (a
long saffron-colored cloak called the alkhalla with a turban of the same
color), the one-stringed instrument or Ektara they always carried and the bells
they tied to their perpetually dancing feet. Sometimes the alkhalla would be
made of different pieces of cloth patched together. They were the Bauls, the creators
of a phenomenal music tradition that has survived and grown despite the ravages
of time. Apart from the expected bamboo flute, they developed a variety of
musical instruments like the Premjuri and Dotara, the Khamak and Goopi Jantro,
the Kartal and Dubki among others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Bauls are free wanderers. They are detached from the bondage
of society and family. They move from place to place, making a meager living
from the alms given to them by those who can plumb the profound depths of their
frugality. The Bauls belong to a sect with a distinctive mystic ideology of
their own and their songs spread the message of peace and universal
brotherhood. The word ‘Baul’ means mad, the madness that comes out of an
overwhelming love for the Infinite Self. The singers describe the transience of
mundane existence and the simple means to spiritual upliftment, though the root
of their philosophical theory rests in a deeper complex psychological
consciousness. Bauls are basically philanthropists, though sometimes satire from
day to day life finds a place in their songs. The Bauls have played a major
role in India’s freedom struggle when they moved from village to village in
rural Bengal with their songs stirring up a feeling of nationalism and pride in
our motherland among the illiterate village folk.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Both men and women (Bauls and Baulanis) are a part of this great
music tradition. For a long time, the Baulanis performed with the Bauls and
they did not have any separate identity. But in recent years Baulanis have
carved out their own foothold. The music of the Bauls had a significant
influence on Rabindranath Tagore. Today the Bauls’ songs can be heard in many
districts of West Bengal as their footsteps dot the muddy village lanes of
Bankura, Birbhum, Burddhaman, Nadia, Dinajpur and Murshidabad. Baul Sangeet has
always held a special place. It is basically a folk dialect of Bengali music
and highly spiritual in nature, but far away from religious dilution. This form
of music was developed by a group of mystic minstrels from Bengal who are
considered to be a syncretism group with music in their blood. In 2005 they
were declared as the 'Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of
Humanity' by UNESCO. Joydeb kenduli annual fair is considered to be the biggest
fair of Bauls at Birbhum district of west Bengal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Purulia Chhou dance</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Chhau dance of Purulia district is one of the most vibrant
and colorful art forms. Emerging from martial practice, the Purulia Chhau is a
vigorous form of dance drama that draws its themes from the two great Indian
epics, The Ramayana and The Mahabharata.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Masks and elaborate headgear are the ornamental apparels of the
Chhau dancers. The dance is believed to date back to over a century, though the
specific date of its origin cannot be definitely ascertained. The dance was
patronized by the royalty and landlords of the region. Since its inception, the
members of the Mahato, Kurmi, Bhumija, Deowa, Bhuama and Dom communities have
sustained this dance form. The dance is an essential part of the Gajan Festival,
a festival that celebrates the glories of Lord Shiva. Today, the dance is no
longer restricted to one particular time of the year. The Purulia Chhau dance
has been influenced by many dances of the district, like the Nata Jawaid Dance,
the Mahi Dance and the Nachni Dance. Even two relatively sophisticated dance
forms like the Jhumur and Bhadra Jhumur have influenced the Chhau Dance in its
tune and rhythm. The accompanying musical instruments include the Dhol, Dhamsa
and Shenai.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The dance commences with an invocation to Lord Ganesh. Then the
movements follow the nuances of the story. In a Chhau Dance the fight between
good and evil always culminates in the triumph of good over destructive evil.
The elaborate masks, the dazzling costumes, the rhythmic drum beatings and
shenai, characterize the Chhau Dance. A distinctive feature of this dance is
the acrobatic use of the body and the intricately crafted masks worn by the
dancers. Powerful movements, immense concentration and release of energy are
the other features of this dance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">In the villages the performance usually starts between 9.00 and
10.00 o’clock in the evening. As the night grows and the dance gains momentum,
there is an air of excitement all around. Communication between the performers
and the audience is a significant feature of this dance form. In the olden
days, the performance area used to be illuminated by torches that burnt
throughout the night. Over the years the dance has undergone evolutions in
form, stage craft, lighting and use of musical instruments.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The masks help the dancers to portray different characters.
There are masks depicting particular Gods and Goddesses, demons and monsters.
There are also interesting masks for different animals like the lion, tiger,
bear, monkey and so on. These finely-crafted masks are made by the painter
artistes of the district. With the face covered by a mask, it is left to the
dancers to emote using their bodies. Movements and postures therefore serve
both to portray emotions and make the dance lively.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">One of the most popular presentations of the Purulia Chhau Dance
is Mahisasur Mardini. Oppressed by the tyranny of the Mahisasura, the Gods pray
to Goddess Adyashakti Mahamaya who takes the form of Goddess Durga, Durga
tinashini and after a fierce battle with Asura, finally slays him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Santhali Dance</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Santhalis are an integral part of the folklore of Bengal.
The Santhali dance form is seen in the districts of Birbhum, Bakura, Malda and
Burddhaman. The Santhalis are born dancers. Dance is an integral part of all
festivities of the Santhali community. Musical accompaniment is provided by
instruments like the Madol, Flute, Dhamsa, Jhanj, Kartal and occasionally the
Shenai. The songs are typically based on Taal Madol Chhanda. Dances are usually
performed on a full moon night and are connected with the celebration of
certain rituals. A notable feature of the Santhali dances is the unison in
movement. The dancers stand in a line holding hands and move to the rhythm of
the madol. Usually the women take part in the dance and the men provide the
musical accompaniment. This is reflected in the words of a song, which
accompany the Dang Dance, a dance performed as a part of marriage rituals. The
boys carry two types of drums, the Madal and the Lagra. They sing to the girls
telling them: “Though the drums are heavy, we carry them around dancing all the
time”. The girls reply, “As we hear the beat of drums, we cannot stand still.
We lift our feet and begin to dance”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Simplicity of theme and language is what makes the Santhali
dances so endearing. Nowadays, Santhali men also take part in the dances, most
of which are seasonal and reflect the ritualistic life of the Santhali
community. Each dance form has its own distinctive rhythm and dance style. Some
of the popular dances include the Sohrai, which is a harvest dance, inviting
all the village folk to come out of their homes and join in the festivities,
and the Dasai, a dance performed just before the Durga Puja, when the Santhali
men go out to the neighboring villages, where they sing and dance to collect
donations of rice and alms.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Santhali dance reflects the beauty of rural Bengal and adds
color to the palette of the folk culture of the state.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Mundari dance</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The members of the Mundari community perform these dances on
different festive occasions, most of which are related to agriculture. The main
festival of the Mundari community is the Karam Puja. The dances of the Santhali
and Mundari communities are very close in style and form. The musical instruments
used by the two communities are also common.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Gambhira</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Gambhira, a popular annual festival of Malda District comprises
songs and dances closely related to agriculture and mythology. Performances
depict on one hand, the success, failure or annual production of crops, and on
the other tell stories about mythological figures. Depending on the theme,
dancers perform solo, duets or in groups, stepping in tune with the beat of
dhaks. Colorful masks representing Gods and Goddesses like Kalika, Chamunda, Rama,
Hanuman, Shiva and even animals and birds, make the performances both charming
and entertaining, while retaining the authenticity of this primitive dance
form.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The word Gambhira means ‘Devalaya’ or House of God. This
festival is very closely associated with Shiva Puja. In the different rituals
associated with Gambhira Puja we find an amalgamation of different religious
thoughts like Shaivism, Vaishnavism, Buddhism and Shaktiism. In Malda district,
where this festival is immensely popular, Shiva is also known as Gambhir, and
hence the festival associated with Shiv Puja is known as Gambhira. The Bengal
Drum or Dhak and the Gong or Kanshi are main musical instruments accompanying
this dance. Dancers tune their steps to the different beats of the Dhak, the intricate
patterns of their dance blending into the pulsating rhythm of festivity and
celebration. Over the years, poverty and social changes are forcing this dance,
which was once synonymous with grandeur, into oblivion. The Gambhira festival
begins with Agamani songs. The second day of the festival is called the Choto
Tamasha and the third day the Boro Tamasha. These days are devoted to Shiva and
Gouri Puja. Other popular dances of the Gambhira tradition include the Baan
Nritya (Arrow Dance) Bak Nritya (Stork Dance) Tapa Nritya (a dance performed by
the fishermen and fisherwomen using a special kind of bamboo basket known as
the Tapa which is used for catching the fish) and Kali Nritya (the dance of
Goddess Kalika).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Gajan</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Gajan is a very popular festival in some parts of Bengal. Gajan
songs are sung in praise of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati in the Bengali month
of Chaitra. Singing and dancing is an integral part of this celebration. The
dance is performed with great devotion and austerity. The dancers sometimes
dress up as Hara Parvati and move around the village, dancing to the
accompaniment of the Dhol, Kanshi and Flute. In Malda and Murshidabad, the
celebration is known as Bolan. The dancers undergo penance with a view to
attaining salvation and becoming free of worldly sufferings. This celebration
is observed during the latter part of the month of Chaitra. Being a festival of
austerity, the dancers often fast before a performance. The performance of this
Puja involves some harrowing rituals and is usually performed by the lower
castes. The involvement of the upper castes is limited to bowing down before
the lower castes for just this one time in the year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Durga Puja Dhak</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Utsav is synonymous with Durga Puja. The Bengali waits all year
round for the arrival of Devi Ma. It is a time for celebration and festivity,
and it is the sound of the Bengali Drum or the Dhak that joyously announces her
eagerly awaited arrival. It is the sound of the Dhak that captures the many
moods of the Devi, frenzied, calm, plaintive and nostalgic, and it is the sound
of the Dhak that also tells us it is time for her to return to her heavenly
abode. Every beat of the dhak is different and each of them holds a special
place in every Bengalis heart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Dhol Badan</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Dhol (a variation of the Bengali Drum) is an indispensable
musical instrument of the different festivals of Bengal. The musicians dance
and play the Dhol simultaneously.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bratachari – Raibense</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Raibense dance which is performed by a group of male dancers
is a part of the repertoire of the ‘Bratachari’ tradition of West Bengal. The
Raibense dance of ancient Bengal is a significant and authentic reminder that
the Bengalis were once renowned for their military prowess. The dance belongs
to a living tradition of the war dances of ancient Bengal. Rai means royal,
kingly and bansh or bansha means bamboo. This was used by the infantry soldiers
in the middle ages. This vigorous dance form includes mock fighting and
acrobatics. It speaks volumes about the valor of the people of ancient Bengal.
The Dhol and Kanshi are the main instruments used. The strident rhythmic notes
of the Dhol and the clanging of the Kanshi generate courage and daring in the
hearts of the dancers. No songs are sung or verses recited during this martial
dance. Instead, vigorous yells mark the various sectional movements. The
simplest costume, a dhoti (which is the traditional dress of Bengali men) is
worn with a strip of red cloth signifying spirit and valor. Shri Gursasaday
Dutt, ICS, was responsible was resurrecting this ancient group dance and
modifying it to its present form.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Bagdi, Bauri and Dom communities of Burddhaman, Birbhum
& Murshidabad districts, perform the dance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Stick Dance or Laghur Nritya<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Stick Dance or Laghur Nritya is another interesting martial
folk art form of West Bengal. The stick, which has from time immemorial been
used as a weapon of self-defense, is used in this dance. The long sticks not
only keep the beat of the dance, but are also used for the acrobatic feats,
which are an integral part of this dance form.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Ranapa Dance<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Ranapa is another martial form of dance, where the artistes
walk and dance on stilts. As the dancers display mock fights, they exhibit
their skills of balancing on stilts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Dhali & Paika Nritya<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">These two dances are heroic war dances and are performed by a
group of dancers. The dances are evocative of the valor and prowess of the
people who took part in the wars.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Dhali Dance, as the name implies, is the Shield Dance. It
was the war dance of the Dhali (Shield man) troupes in the armies of the
ancient potentates of Bengal. In the Dhali Dance, the spectacular movements are
formal and are more in the nature of athletic exercises. It is a dance of high
aesthetic value by virtue of its intricate maneuvers and ordered formations.
Being a war dance, it is not accompanied by any songs. This dance form
originated and flowered during the reign of Raja Pratapaditya of Jossore. After
winning a battle, the fatigued and exhausted solders starting dancing with
swords and shields in the cantonment to inspire them for the next war. It is
believed that Raja Pratapaditya maintained an army of highly skilled Dhali
soldiers. Over the years, the dance form has been modified extending to women
dancers as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Natua Dance</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Natua,</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> an ancient dance form, features in the Shiv Puranas. The
word Natua may have been derived from the name of Lord Nataraj. It is believed
that Nandi and Vringi, the associates of Lord Shiva were the first to perform
this dance during the time of Shiva’s marriage with Durga. This highly
acrobatic dance form involves many tricks with fire and is usually accompanied
by the beats of a Jai Dhak, the instrument which is said to have been created
by Lord Shiva. The dance is performed during the Charak Puja and occasionally
during marriages.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Kirtan Dance songs<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Kirtan music is the most widely practiced folk music (vocal
and dance) form of Bengal. The democratic nature of the dance, which unites
people of the whole village, irrespective of their caste or social standing is
its most striking feature. The dance is performed to the accompaniment of the
Dhol and Mridanga. The great spiritual leader, Shri Chaitanya Dev gave the
dance a national character.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Rabha Dances</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The women of the Rabha Community perform the Rabha Dances,
popular in the Northern part of Bengal. The men provide the musical
accompaniment, playing the Barangshi (a bamboo flute), Hem (a drum with two
faces), Dandi & Barding, (idiophones made from bamboo) and Karnal (a rare
tribal instrument made of bamboo and buffalo horn). The Rabha women have
different dances for different occasions, like the “Fai Nang Ning Mein” or
Welcome Dance, the “Braisar Pridan” or New Year’s Dance and “Larai Lunge” or
War Dance. The dancers depict the daily life of the community and embody the
merriment that enlivens all their festivals.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Chaibari Nritya</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Chaibari Nritya, as the name suggests, is a dance mastered
by the tea garden workers of Northern Bengal. The dancers, with their intricate
costumes and jewelers make for a picture perfect sight in the breathtaking
backdrop of the verdant tea gardens. The melodious music adds to the charm and
beauty of the dance..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Domphu Nritya</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Domphu is a musical instrument used by the Nepali community
settled in North Bengal. The Domphu Nritya takes its name from this traditional
instrument. The dances give expression to the joys, hopes and aspirations of
the community through this colorful folk dance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Kukri Nritya</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The<b>Kukri Nritya<u>,</u></b> also from North Bengal, is
performed by the girls of the community, as they ceremoniously hand over their
traditional weapon, the Kukri, to their brothers, before they set off for the
war.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Mech Dance</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Mech Dance is another popular dance form of North Bengal,
the land of forests, mountains and turbulent rivers. In this dance form, which
originated in Jalpaiguri district, we see and feel the inner rhythm which
pervades the simple life of the tribal people living in harmony with nature. There
are several variations of the Mech Dance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bagroomba is performed by the Mech women at spring festivals, the
colorful costumes used by the dancers are evocative of butterflies.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Chal Jhumgre Gele Nai is a war dance which is rhythmic and
martial in character.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">In the Mesa Glang Nai dance, performed by the Mech women, the
youth of the community is exhorted to be industrious and hardworking. The young
members of the community are reminded that they must always retain the purity
of their minds and bodies. This dance is performed as the women pluck flowers
for the ‘Kherai Puja’. They carry small bowls in their hand to collect the
flowers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Rajbanshi Dance</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Rajbanshi is one of the many tribes of North Bengal. The
lives of the people belonging to the Rajbanshi tribe revolve around the Teesta
River, which they worship as a Goddess. The Teesta flows down the snow-capped
peaks of Darjeeling, through the dense forests of Jalpaiguri. It then charts a
turbulent course through the lush scenery of Coochbehar, finally meeting the
Brahmaputra River in Bangladesh. This graceful dance is performed to invoke the
blessings of the River Goddess. The Dhol, Kanshi, Kartal and Mukhabanshi are
the instruments that accompany this invocatory dance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Jhumur Dance</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Jhumur songs and dance is one of the liveliest musical forms
of Purulia district of west Bengal, this is an elaborate dance, choreographed
and performed by professional artistes. Here lies its essential difference with
forms like the Santhali Dance. The dance is performed by girls while the boys
play the Dhol and Madol. This entertaining dance is performed on stage and
during road shows. Heavy make-up and ornate jewelers form part of the costume
of the Jhumur dancers. This secular dance form is accompanied by fast-paced and
cheerful Jhumur songs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The sensuous Nachni is an offshoot of the Jhumur Dance,
depicting the love of Radha (Nachni) and Krishna (Rasik).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bhadu</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">As the rains pour down on the red earth of Bengal, voices rise
in praise of Bhadreswari Ma, invoking her blessings for a good harvest.
Originating from the districts of Bakura, Purulia, West Burddhaman and Birbhum,
the Bhadu Dance is performed mainly during the Monsoon. The dance draws its
name from the Bengali month of Bhadra, when the monsoon showers drench the
earth. During the festival, Bhadreswari or Bhadu (goddess of crops) is invoked
by the villagers, seeking her blessings for an abundant harvest. The women of
the community, both married and unmarried perform the Bhadu Dance. The
unmarried girls pray for a loving husband while the married women pray to
Mother Earth to be blessed with children.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Bhadu festival is also celebrated in Chota Nagpur, where it
is known as ‘Karam Parab’.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Tushu</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">When we think of harvest songs in Bengali folk culture, we think
of Tushu. Tushu songs, originating from the districts of Bakura, Purulia &
Midnapore have similar features. The daily lives and relationships of the
villagers form the theme of this genre of songs. Family rows between rival
co-wives and between wives and their sisters-in-law find a place in Tushu
songs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Tushu songs being associated with harvesting always refer to the
householder’s wealth – ‘ghee of 32 cows’, ‘rice of fine paddy’, ‘pots of ghee
and gur’ are some of the expressions used. The villagers pray to the Folk
Goddess Tushu for prosperity. They ask for the Goddess’s blessings so that
their homes and the homes of their sons may overflow with wealth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Dhamail</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Dhamail is a folk dance performed by the married women of rural
Bengal. The women arrange themselves in a circle, around a certain object of
prayer, clapping to the beats of the song. While praying to the Sun God, a lit
diya, symbolizing the sun, is kept at the centre. The clapping brings a
rhythmic element into the otherwise slow-paced dance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Nabanna</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Nabanna is a ritualistic dance performed after the autumn harvest.
It is part of a religious ceremony associated with cultivation and harvesting.
The dance is an expression of the happiness of the farmers’ families after a
successful harvest. A special religious ceremony is held on the day the new
rice is eaten.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Noila Broto</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Farming is an integral part of the lives of villagers in rural
Bengal. After a day’s toil, the villagers often sing and dance as a welcome
break from their daily routine of labor and hard work. In most parts of rural
India, agriculture is still dependant on the rains. Noila Broto is a
traditional ode to the Rain Goddess, “Megh Kanya”. This prayer dance, involving
rituals and offerings, celebrates the arrival of the first monsoon clouds. The
farmers and their wives pray for a good monsoon that will bring forth an
abundant harvest of crop, ushering in prosperity and happiness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Baromashya</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Bengali community is known for the warm hospitality it
extends to visitors. When a guest arrives unannounced at a Bengali home, he is
greeted warmly and made to feel welcome, while the host makes every effort to
ensure a comfortable stay. The Baromashya songs and dances describe this
endearing quality of the simple folk of rural Bengal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bou Nritya</span></i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">This is a part of the traditional Badhubaran ceremony of
Srihatta. Bou Nritya enacts the custom of asking a new bride to dance; a
process of helping her shed her inhibitions. The dancers wear ornaments typical
of this region and drape the sari in a different way. The distinguishing
feature of this dance is that the dancers never lift their feet off the ground
during the entire performance. Through this dance of initiation, the new bride
is welcomed into her new family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Ganga Baidya</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Ganga Baidya is a dance of the snake charmers or Bedes of
Bengal. The dance gives expression to the daily lives, customs, hopes and
aspirations as well as the pains and tribulations of this sect of people of
rural Bengal. The Bedes were a nomadic tribe who moved from place to place,
earning their living by singing their songs and displaying acrobatic tricks –
with fire, knives, sticks and ropes. These worshippers of Ma Manasha use snakes
for a variety of tricks. Through their songs and dances, the fearless Bedes
sold snake venom and talismans to the villagers, promising them that these
would keep evil away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Lathi Dance</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">This is another notable form of folk dance which has a different
art of expression. This dance is performed to express different situations of
human life like remorse, celebration, anger, pain or love. The dance is
performed in the first ten days of the Muslim festival of Muharram.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Music of West Bengal</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The richness of Bengali culture also reflects in the music that
expresses the feeling of love, sadness, anxiety, motivation, devotion or
spirituality. The music of West Bengal also refers as Bangla Sangeet. Some of
the popular Music of Bengal are:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Classical Bangla Music</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The classical music of West Bengal is highly inspired by the
other forms of Indian classical music. The influence of Karnataka music has
significant influence on the classical music of Bengal. Like other classical
forms of music of this place also based on the musical modes called ‘Ragas’.
Themes of classical music have its root in Jaydev's Gitagovindam,
Rabindra-Sangeet, Shyama-Sangeet, Mangalgiti and Padavali kirtan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Rabindra Sangeet</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">This is one of the most popular kinds of Bangla music which was
created by the great poet and the Noble Laureate Rabindranath Tagore. These
songs are regarded as cultural treasures of Bengal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Artists/painters of West Bengal</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The <b>Bengal School of Art</b> commonly referred
as <b>Bengal School</b> was an influential art movement and a style
of painting that originated in Bengal, primarily Kolkata and Shantiniketan, and
flourished throughout India during the British Raj in the early 20th century.
Also known as 'Indian style of painting' in its early days, it was associated
with Indian nationalism (swadeshi) and led by Abanindranath Tagore (1871-1951),
but was also promoted and supported by British arts administrators like E.B
Havell the principal of the Government Collage of arts Kolkata from 1896;
eventually it led to the development of the modern Indian painting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">However Bengal continues to produce some of the best artists of
modern India. Among them the best known artists of present day Bengal are
Ganesh Pyne, Manishi Dey, Nirmal Dutta, Nilima Dutta, Jahar Dasgupta, Bikash
Bhattacharya Sudip Roy, Devajyoti Ray and Paresh Maiti<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Architecture of Bengal</span></u></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Bengal region, which includes the Republic of Bangladesh and
the Indian state of West Bengal, has many architectural relics and
monuments/temples dating back thousands of years.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bengal, a land of natural and cultural heritage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Temples of</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> <b>West Bengal an amazing
architectures;</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">1 <b>Bakranath Temple at Bakreswar</b> near Siuri in
West Bengal: Built in the Oriyan style, the large temple is the most important
of the several shrines in Bakreswar. Hot springs are another feature of
interest in this town.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">2 <b>Balrampur Jain Temple at Balrampur</b> near
Purulia in West Bengal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">3 <b>Bansuli Temple at Nannur</b> near Bolpur in West
Bengal: The temple site is like a mound, and the lowest level dates back to the
Gupta period.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">4 <b>Barakar Temples at Barakar</b> near Asansol in
West Bengal: Four stone temples in the North Indian Rekha style built in the
8th through the 15th century.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">5 <b>Bargabhima Temple at Tamluk</b> near Medinipur in
West Bengal: Large Temple to Shakti influenced by the Oriyan architecture style
displaying interesting engineering and architectural features.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">6 <b>Bhagwati Temple at Gourangpur</b> near Asansol in
West Bengal: A beautiful brick temple over 150 years old now deserted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">7 <b>Brindabanchandra Temple at Guptipara</b> near
Calcutta (Hooghly) in West Bengal: The biggest in the group of temples in
Guptipara.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">8 <b>Chaitanyadev Temple at Guptipara</b> near
Calcutta (Hooghly) in West Bengal: 17th century temple in the Bengali style of
architecture.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">9 <b>Chinese Temple at Achipur</b> near Calcutta in
West Bengal: Chinese temple with inscriptions dating back to the 18th century.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">10 <b>Dakshineswar Kali Temple at Calcutta</b> in West
Bengal: Famous 19th century Kali temple associated with Ramakrishna.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">11 <b>Dhirdham Temple at Darjeeling</b> in West
Bengal: Built along the lines of the Pasupathinath temple in Nepal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">12 <b>Dugdheshwar</b> Shiva Temple at Amaragarh near
Burddhaman in West Bengal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">13 <b>Ekteswara Temple at Ekteswara</b> near Bakura in
West Bengal: Famous Shiva temple that looks like a massive solid pillar near
the river Dwarkeshwar.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">14 <b>Hanseswari Temple at Bansberia</b> near Calcutta
in West Bengal: Dates back to the 19th century with ornate arches.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">15 <b>Jagannath Temple at Serampore</b> near Calcutta
in West Bengal: Large and ancient Jagannath temple famous for its rath yatra
second only to Puri.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">16 <b>Jain remains at Pakbira</b> near Bara Bazar
(Purulia) in West Bengal: Remains of numerous temples and images some about
2000 years old.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">17 <b>Jain Temple Ruins at Boram</b> near Jaipur in
West Bengal: Ruins of three identical Jain temples<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">18 <b>Jain Temples at Dulmi</b> near Purulia in West
Bengal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">19 <b>Jain Temples at Deoli</b> near Purulia in West
Bengal: Group of Jain temples, the largest of which has an image of Arhanath worshipped
by Hindus as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">20 <b>Jain temples and ruins at Chharra</b> near
Purulia in West Bengal: Old temples and ruins of Jain origin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">21 <b>Jateshwarnath Temple at Mahanad</b> near
Calcutta (Hooghly) in West Bengal: A center for Shiva and Shakti worship.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">22 <b>Jaya Deva Temple at Kenduli</b> near Bolpur in
West Bengal: Well known temple to Radha and Krishna dating back to the 12th
century - current structure over 200 years old.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">23 <b>Jor Bangala Temple at Bishnupur</b> near Bakura
in West Bengal: Specimen of remarkable sculpture and architecture.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">24 <b>Kalighat Temple at Calcutta</b> in West Bengal:
200 year old temple from which Calcutta is said to take its name.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">25 <b>Kalna Shiva Temples at Kalna</b> in West Bengal:
A group of 108 Shiva temples in concentric circles.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">26 <b>Kalyaneshwari Temple at Barakar</b> near Asansol
in West Bengal: This is a 500 year old temple a great center for Shakti
worship.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">27 <b>Kanak Durga Temple at Chikligarh</b> near
Medinipur in West Bengal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">28 <b>Kapil Muni Temple at Sagar Island</b> near
Diamond Harbor in West Bengal: Associated with the mythological descent of the
Ganges from the heavens (into the sea) and a site held in great reverence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">29 <b>Kiriteshwari Temple at Murhsidabad</b> near
Murshidbad in West Bengal: Regarded as one of the Shakthi Peeths this was once
a center of great importance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">30 <b>Krishnachandra Temple at Guptipara</b> near
Calcutta (Hooghly) in West Bengal: Located along with the Chaitanyadev,
Ramachandra and Brindabanchandra temples.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">31 <b>Krishnarjun Temple at Tamluk</b> near Medinipur
in West Bengal: Ancient temple - current structure built 400 years ago.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">32 <b>Lalji Temple at Chandrakona</b> near Medinipur
in West Bengal: 16th century temple built in Bengali style, enclosed by a high
wall with a gateway.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">33 <b>Malleswar Temple at Chandrakona</b> near
Medinipur in West Bengal: 60 feet high temple dating back to the 18th century,
with an even older shrine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">34 <b>Mankeshwar Mahadev Temple at Amaragarh</b> near Burddhaman
in West Bengal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">35 <b>Radha Kanta Jiu Temple at Rajbalhat</b> near
Calcutta (Hooghly) in West Bengal: A fine specimen of Bengali architecture
dating back to the 18th century.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">36 <b>Ramachandra Temple at Guptipara</b> near
Calcutta (Hooghly) in West Bengal: Fine red colored brick temple with a curved
roof, with brick panels carved with fine specimen of Bengali art.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">37 <b>Sarva Mangala Devi Temple at Garbeta</b> near
Medinipur in West Bengal: 16th-17th century temple in the Oriyan style
dedicated to Devi along with other temples within the fort.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">38 <b>Sheetalnath Jain Temple at Calcutta</b> in West
Bengal: 19th century temple - an ornate mass of mirrors, colored stones and
glass mosaics.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">39 <b>Shivakhya Devi Temple at Amaragarh</b> near Burddhaman
in West Bengal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">40 <b>Sidheswara Temple at Bahulara</b> near Onda in
West Bengal: Ancient Shiva temple in the Oriyan style with fine ornamentation
depicting replicas of the temple.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">41 <b>Suratheshwar Temple at Supur</b> near Bolpur in
West Bengal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">42 <b>Swayambhava Kali Temple at Bansberia</b> near
Calcutta (Hooghly) in West Bengal: Located near the Vishnu temple, this temple
dates back to the 18th century.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">43 <b>Syamaleswar Temple at Dantan</b> in West Bengal:
Ancient temple to Shiva in this town where there are 2 large tanks - the
Bidyadhar and Sarasankha.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">44 <b>Tarakeshwar Temple at Tarakeshwar</b> near
Calcutta (Hooghly) in West Bengal: A very well known temple in the Bengali
style of architecture attracting scores of pilgrims.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">45 <b>Temple Ruins at Chandrakona</b> at Chandrakon
near Medinipur in West Bengal: Ruins of several Oriyan styled temples now
abandoned.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">West
Bengal terra cotta temple architecture</span></u></b><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Although there is plenty of evidence of human settlement in Bengal
from prehistoric times but there are regrettable dearth of evidence. This is
because of the soil structure of Bengal The community being spread on the
alluvial plain of the mighty rivers of Ganges, Brahmaputra the whole region is
susceptible to flood and its resulting unsettling geographical pattern. The
only somewhat undulated regions being the western Chota Nagpur and the
Himalayan ridges of east and the north. This soil structure is reflected in the
building material chosen by the Bengali temple designers. Mainly the terra
cotta temples with elaborate surface decorations and lettering written in
nagari alphabets. The roof structure also has been the effect of the heavy
rainfall that the river delta and the Tarai experiences throughout the monsoon,
it has Ganges been curved effectively in most cases to get rid of the huge
amount of water as soon as possible and thereby increasing the lifetime of the
structure. The architectural evidence generally has been from the Gupta Empire
period onwards. There have been recent discoveries of plaques from the times of
Chandraketugarh and mahasthangarh throwing additional light on the
architectural styles of sunga and gupta periods. Apart from the Pahlavi and
Phamsana influence on the architectural style it is also closely connected to
the Bhanja style of temples from mayurbhanj district of Orissa But the temples
of south Bengal is a distinction due to its roofing style so unique and closely
related to the paddy roofed traditional building style of rural Bengal. Bishnupur
in the southern district Bakura of West Bengal has a remarkable set of such
temples which being built from the Malla dynasty are examples of this style.
Most of these temples are covered on the outer surface with terra cotta reliefs
which contains plenty of secular materials making these important to
reconstruct the social structure from these times.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The temple structures contain gabled roofs which are
colloquially called the chala, For example a gabled roof with an eight sided
pyramid structured roof with be called "ath chala" or literally the
eight faces of the roof. And frequently there is more than one tower in the
temple building. These are built of laterite and brick bringing them at the
mercy of severe weather conditions of southern Bengal .Dakshineswar Kali Temple
is one example of the Bhanja style while the additional small temples of Shiva
along the river bank are example of southern Bengal roof style though in much
smaller dimension.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bankura district is a land of temples. There are more historical temples inBishnupur than in any other place in West Bengal. There are several aspects oftemple art, architecture and construction that need to be considered.<br />
Almost all temples in Bishnupur town are Vaishnavite, but many of those scatteredin different areas of the district spread outside the town are Shaivite, with traces ofJainism and Buddhism. While some of the older temples were built of laterite, thearea has numerous brick built temples, some with exquisite terra cotta carvings.Terra cotta carvings are also found in some temples outside the district, as forexample at joy deb kenduli or Antpur, but the art of terra cotta carvings seems tohave flourished with the rise of the Rajas of Bishnupurand virtually died out withthe fading of their supremacy. Some of the earlier temples built by the BardhamanRaj have terra cotta carvings, possibly by artisans from Bankura district, but by thetime Rani Rashmoni decided to construct the Dakhinswar kali temple, in the mid-nineteenth century, the art of terra cotta carvings had obviously faded out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Terra
cotta Temples are the pride of Bishnupur, a small village in Bankura Districtof West Bengal. The Malla kings of the 16th-18th centuries constructed thesetemples, about 30 in all, in their devotion to Lord Krishna. This architecture
betrays influences of various ancient Indian styles as well as of Mughal andPersian designs. Ras-Manch, Shyamrai, Jor-Bangla, and Radha-Shyam are someof the most important of the Terracota Temples. The basic building material of
these temples is tiles made from the local red soil. The terracota tiles aredecorated with filigreed carvings that have Mughal, Persian or Indian lineage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Attraction of Bakura bishnupur</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Malleshwar Temple:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> Dedicated to Lord Shiva,
it is the oldest temple in Bishnupur.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Rasmancha:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> Built in the late 16th century by
King Bir Hambir, the temple has an unusual elongated paramedical tower,
surrounded by hut-shaped turrets. Idols were kept here for public worship
during Ras-utsav.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Pancha Ratna Temple of Shyam Raya:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> Built
in 1643 AD by King Raghunath Singha. The walls are richly decorated with
terracotta carvings featuring different aspects of Lord Krishna’s life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Jorebangla Temple of Keshta Raya:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> Built
by King Raghunath Singha Dev II in 1655 AD, the ornate terracotta carvings are
set off by the roof in the classic chala style of typical Bengal architecture.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Madanmohan Temple:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> King Durjana Singh Deva
built the temple in 1694 AD in the ekaratna style. It is a square flat-roofed
building with carved cornices, surmounted by a pinnacle. Impressive carvings on
the walls depict scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and the Puranas.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Kalachand Temple:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> It is of ekratna style
and is on the bank of Lal-bandh.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Mukutmonipur: </span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Mukutmonipur is 55Km away from Bakura
(a 2 hours drive) District Head Quarters and is situated at the confluence of
river Kangsabati and Kumari. Green forests and hillocks surround the vast
bluish tract of water. The undulating terrain along the southern edge of the
Kangsabati Water Reservoir extends as a three-dimensional necklace of green and
terracotta color. Tourists flock here for its stunning natural beauty.<br />
<b>Jhilimili: </b>Jhilimili is situated 70 Km away from Bakura Town. It is
a beautiful, undisturbed dense natural forest. The road from Ranibund to
Jhilimili offers a wonderful view of spectacular forests on varying heights on
both sides, finally reaching Jhilimili, which is mounted on the top of a
hillock.. The sparkle of micaceous soil adds to the beauty of the environment.<br />
<b>Susunia: </b>Susunia hill, 50 km from Bishnupur, is quite popular as a
trekking spot. It is also an important tourist spot for people who visit the
place to see "Dhara" (a natural spring) and Silialipi. Excavations
have revealed inscriptions dating back to the 4th century AD.<br />
<br />
Joyrambati, 44 km from Bishnupur, the birthplace of Sree Maa Sarada Devi, is a
holy town. The famous temple of Singha Bahani Devi is a special attraction.
Mayerepukur, in front of the residential house of Ma-Sarada is also a sight
worth visiting.<br />
<b>Sutan Forest: </b>Bakura is also popular for beautiful Tourist Spots
like Sutan, Near Ranibandh & Eco-Park ,Near Taldangra, both covered with
dense forest, decorated with small lakes and thrilling with wild animals. <b>Biharinath
Hill:</b> Biharinath, situated in the extreme northwest area of the district,
57 km away from Bakura town, thought to be an ancient centre of Jainism. The
height of the hill is 448 m is the highest hill in Bakura. Biharinath is very
rich in flora and fauna.<br />
Hyena, Pangolin, Chameleon, Racaphorus, though few in number, are still found
here.<br />
The place is known for its natural beauty.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Ganga</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The fisherman community of rural Bengal prays to Ganga Devi in
the month of Chaitra. Through their prayers and dances, they appease the
Goddess, so that she bestows blessings on them throughout the year. According
to great philosopher Aristotle all source of great human<br />
world knowledge and wisdom has come from the banks of holy Ganges river of
India.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Ganga Heritage Cruise West Bengal</span></u></b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The river Ganga passing through the state of West Bengal in
India has been an important trade route from time immemorial. It is through
this route trade was conducted with the early civilizations. Later when
European colonial powers came through this river they established trade posts
along the river. One can also find important places of pre colonial times also.
The aim of the Ganga Heritage Cruise, West Bengal is to discover these
historical places along with natural historical sites. The whole Ganga Heritage
Cruise, West Bengal stretches 260 km from Howrah to Murshidabad spanning seven
districts with picturesque rural Bengal. The cruise is conducted by a number of
cruise launches where staying and fooding facilities are well provided for.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The starting point is the town of Murshidabad the erstwhile
capital of Bengal. The town was founded by Nawab Murshid Quli Khan and its
prosperity was its silk center. With this silk trade came the European traders
but after the Battle of Plassey in 1757 the British founded the British
colonial empire. One of the important historical landmarks is Hazar Duari named
after the thousand doors of the palace though not all are real. It is now a
museum displaying rare books, military weapons, paintings, royal artifacts etc.
Other places are Katra Mosque housing the tomb of the founding Nawab,
Jorebangla a four terra-cotta temple complex and other historic places.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Next place is Mayapur the birth place of Shri Chaitanya who
started Vaishnavism five centuries ago and Nabadwip where Shri Chaitanya
propounded the Vaishnavism philosophy in 1485.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Then comes the town of Kalna with its famous 108 Shivlinga
temples build by the Maharaja of Burdwan in 1809. You can also visit the
beautiful terracotta temple of Pratapeswar temple built in 1849.Other important
sites are Shyamsunder Bati, Krishna Chandraji temple, Amli Briksha and Pancha
Bimsati temple.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Next comes the city of Chinsura the former Dutch trading post
established in 1656. Discover the Dutch colonial heritage. After that visiting
the city of Chandernagore, the erstwhile French settlement feels like being
transported to the 16th century with its beautiful esplanade by the river with
chairs. One can visit the house of Dupleix, the French Governor, the police
headquarters and the French Institute. And lastly the Ganga Heritage Cruise,
West Bengal stops at Belur the foundation of Ramkrishna Mission and a site for
an equally imposing temple.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Go onboard the Ganga Heritage Cruise, West Bengal which takes
you back in time and discover each stages of cultural, historical heritage of
Bengal in a comfortable journey through the romantic river Ganga. An
unforgettable experience! An incredible amazing Bengal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Climate and geography of west Bengal</span></u></b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The eastern state of West Bengal experiences a tropical type of
climate due to its geographical location. The state has diversity in
physiographic as it touches the Himalayas in the north and is bordered by the
Bay of Bengal in south. The northern districts remain cold throughout the year
and for that reason, the hill stations are favored by the tourists especially
during the summer months.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The climate of West Bengal is full of variation. The seasons in
West Bengal can be broadly categorized into summer, winter, autumn and rainy
seasons. The summer months in West Bengal span from mid of March to mid of
June. During this time, the average temperature is 38 degree to 45 degree.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The monsoon season in West Bengal is much awaited as the
landscape turns lush green after the monsoon showers. By the middle of June,
monsoon approaches the state and it is influenced by the winds blowing from Bay
of Bengal. The autumn season in West Bengal is welcomed with a number of
festive occasions. From September the festive mood commences and it is during
this cool and pleasant climate, the festival of Durga Puja is celebrated in
West Bengal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">During the winter season, the weather of West Bengal remains
very pleasant. The state experiences a mild cold climate while the temperature
drops very low in the hilly region of West Bengal. From about mid November,
winter approaches West Bengal and temperature rises not before the middle of
February. The temperature varies around 15 degree in these cold months.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The <b>Geography of West Bengal</b> is varied. The state of
West Bengal is situated in the eastern part of India. On the east lies Bangladesh.
Sikkim and Bhutan lie on the north of West Bengal. The state of Assam is
situated on the north east of West Bengal. Bihar and Jharkhand is situated on
the western side of the state. The geographical location of the state is 23
degree North latitude and 88 degree East longitude.<br />
<br />
As per details from Census 2011, West Bengal has population of 9.13 Crore, an
increase from figure of 8.02 Crore in 2001 census. Total population of West
Bengal as per 2011 census is 91,347,736 of which male and female are 46,927,389
and 44,420,347 respectively. In 2001, total population was 80,176,197 in which
males were 41,465,985 while females were 38,710,212. he total area of West
Bengal is 88,752 sq<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The population density of West Bengal per square kilometer is
904. Sex Ratio in West Bengal is 947 i.e. for each 1000 male, which is below
national average of 940 as per census 2011. In 2001, the sex ratio of female
was 934 per 1000 males in West Bengal.. The population of West Bengal is
predominated by the Bengali population. But immigration from different states
of India has enriched the population diversity of West Bengal.<br />
<br />
The topography of the state also varies from region to region. The northern
part of West Bengal touches the Himalayan range. The topography of West Bengal
alters as the Indo-Gangetic plain begins. The Gangetic plain is rich in
alluvial soil and thus is very fertile. This kind of soil is suitable for
agriculture. Further south, the deltaic plain or the Sunderban region is a very
important spot for tourism in West Bengal.<br />
<br />
The climate of West Bengal is full of variation. The state experiences a
tropical type of climate. The seasons in West Bengal can be broadly categorized
into summer, rainy, autumn and winter seasons.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Demography</span></u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">According to the provisional results of 2011 national census,
West Bengal is the fourth most populous state in India with a population of
91,347,736 (7.55% of India's population). Majority of the population comprises
Bengali people. Marawaris, Behari and Oriya minorities are scattered throughout
the state. Communities of Sherpa’s and ethnic Tibetans can be found in<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Darjeeling Himalayan hill region .Darjeeling district has a
large number of Gurkha people of Nepalese origin. West Bengal is home to
indigenous tribal Adivasis such as Santhalis, Kol, Koch-Rajbonshi and Toto
tribe There are a small number of ethnic minorities primarily in the state
capital, including Chinese, Tamils, Gujarati, Anglo Indians, Armenians,
punjabis,and parsis. India's sole chaina town is in eastern Kolkata<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Religions in West Bengal</span></u></b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Religion<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Percent<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Hindu<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">72.5%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Muslim<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">25.2%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Others<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">2.3%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The official language is Bengali and English. Nepali is the
official language in three subdivisions of. Darjeeling district .As of 2001, in
descending order of number of speakers, the languages of the state are:
Bengali, , Hindi, Santali, Urdu Nepali, and .Oriya Languages such as Rajbangsi
and Ho are used in some parts of the state.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">As of 2001, Hinduism is the principal religion at 72.5% of the
total population, while Muslims comprise 25.2% of the total population, being
the second-largest community as also the largest minority group;Sikhism
Christianity and other religions make up the remainder. The state contributes
7.8% of India's population. The state's 2001–2011 decennial growth rate was
13.93%, lower than 1991–2001 growth rate of 17.8%, and also lower than the
national rate of 17.64%. The gender ratio is 947 females per 1000 males. As of
2011, West Bengal has a population density of 1,029 inhabitants per square
kilometer (2,670 /sq mi) making it the second-most densely populated state in
India, after Bihar.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The literacy rate is 77.08%, higher than the national rate of
74.04%.Data of 1995–1999 showed the life expectancy in the state was 63.4
years, higher than the national value of 61.7 years. About 72% of people live
in rural areas. The proportion of people living below the poverty line in
1999–2000 was 31.9% Scheduled Castes and Tribes form 28.6% and 5.8% of the
population respectively in rural areas, and 19.9% and 1.5% respectively in
urban areas. A study conducted in three districts of West Bengal found that
accessing private health services to treat illness had a catastrophic impact on
households. This indicates the value of public provision of health services to
mitigate against poverty and the impact of illness on poor households.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The crime rate in the state in 2004 was 82.6 per 100,000, which
was half of the national average .This is the fourth-lowest crime rate among
the 32 India. However, the state reported the highest rate of Special and Local
Laws (SLL) crimes. In reported crimes against women, the state showed a crime
rate of 7.1 compared to the national rate of 14.1. Some estimates state that
there are more than 60,000 brothel-based women and girls in prostitution in Kolkata.
The population of prostitutes in sonagachi constitutes mainly of a Nepalese,
Indians and BANGLADESHI. Some sources estimate there are 60,000 women in the
brothels of Kolkata. The largest prostitution area in city is SONAGACHI .West
Bengal was the first Indian state to constitute a Human Rights Commission of
its own<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Flora and fauna</span></u></b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Flora and Fauna of</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"> West Bengal is rich in
flora and fauna and has diverse ecosystems because of its varying terrain from
the high altitudes to the sea level plains. Protected forests cover 4% of the
state area. There are 15 Wildlife Sanctuaries, 5 National Parks and 2 Tiger
Reserves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">The Sunder ban, in south Bengal, is home to the famous Tiger
Project – a conservatory effort to save the Bengal tigers from extinction. It
is an UNESCO world heritage site. Another similar project exists in Buxa in
north Bengal. Wildlife includes the Indian one horned rhinoceros, Indian
elephants, deer, bison, leopards, gaur, crocodiles and others. The state is
also rich in bird life. Migratory birds come to the state during the winter
months.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Conclusion</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">; <b><u>Bengali culture and its excellence</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Historically Bengal has a very rich cultural heritage. Bengal
is, indeed, noted for its rich culture in songs, music, drama, dances and
language. Its indigenous style of music, art, dance and drama is very rich.
Bengali is one of the oldest languages in the world. According to statistics,
jointly with Spanish, Bengali is the fourth largest language group in the
world, only surpassed by Chinese, English and Hindi It is the first of Indian
languages to develop western style secular fiction and drama. It originated
from the Indo-Aryan family of languages in the 7th century, thus making it
comparable to English, French and German. Bengali language is much older than
Hindi Urdu and even Portuguese, Spanish and many other established modern
languages.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">In the middle ages, Bengali was already a well-established
language with popular poets like Bidyapati, Chandidas, Daulat Kazi and Alawol.
It was during this period of middle ages that the famous Indian epics Ramayana
and Mahabharata were translated in lyric forms from Sanskrit into Bengali by
Krittibas and Kashiram Das respectively. This period also saw a rich output of
romantic songs, poems and dance centering on the love of Radha and Krishna.
These were simply superb in their wording, rhythm and style.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">However, things started changing rapidly about 200 years ago.
With the emergence of some great personalities like Iswar Chandra Vidyasagar
(1820-91), Michael Madhusudan Datta (1824-73) and Bankim Chatterjee (1838-94)
Bengali language and literature really got a new life. About one hundred and
forty years ago came the famous Bengali poet Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore
(1861-1941) and then rebel Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam appeared in 1899. These two
great Bengali poets have actually initiated a new era for Bengali language and
culture. Tagore represented this new era of cultural modernization; others
followed him almost as disciples. Palli Kabi Jasimuddin was also one of them.
Tagore was urban, sophisticated and universal; Nazrul exhibited his spirit of
protest and opposition to all social injustice, discrimination, oppression and
exploitation while Jasimuddin vastly remained rural and provincial in his
approach. Their common bond was their liberal outlook for secular Bengali
culture.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Music, songs, drama and dances are also part of rich Bengali
culture and there are three mainstreams of this Bengali Culture: folk, modern
and classical. Folk music mainly based is rural Bengal. It has been nurtured by
the village singers, musicians, actors and dancers. With sweet melodies,
touching words of love, tragedy and devotion, folk music is the most popular
form of music in all over Bengal. The best known forms of folk music are bhatiali,
Baul, bhawaia, jaari, marfati and murshidi. Lalan Fakir, Hasan Raja, Nirmalendu
Chowdhury, Abbasuddin Ahmed, Shachin Dev Burman, Purnadas Baul, Sadhan Bairagi
and Abdul Halim are some of the greatest names in Bengali folk music.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">On the other hand, the pioneers of modern Bengali music were,
indeed, the world famous Nobel Laureate poet Rabindranath Tagore and the rebel
poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. Tagore initiated a blend of East and West and Nazrul
experimented with the synthesis of folk and Middle Eastern strains.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bengal also shares the rich tradition of classical music of the
subcontinent. Indeed, Bengal has produced many musicians and maestros of
international repute like Ustad Alauddin Khan, Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, Pandit
Ajoy Chakrabarty and Pandit Ravi Shankar who have successfully made sitar and
sarode popular all over the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Before I conclude let me describe a few words about the musical
instruments which are also playing vital roles to promote the rich Bengali
culture and its excellence. The typical Bengali folk musical instruments are
Ektara (one string), Dotara (two, but actually four strings), Ghungur, Khol,
Mandira, Behala (violin) and Banshi (flute) and the classical musical
instruments are Sitar, Sarode, Tanpura, Shenai, Eshraj, Pakhwaj, Tabla and
Harmonium. Even now a large number of people in the villages of Bangladesh,
West Bengal and Tripura regularly listen to the folk drama called Jatra and the
age old melodic folk songs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Bengali Performing Arts' aim is to promote this rich Bengali
cultural heritage and its excellence by organizing cultural programs round the
year throughout the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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