1. INTRODUCTION
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 Bengali language. Today, it is mainly divided between the sovereign
land of peoples Republic of Bangladesh (previously 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
910/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 Sundarbon —the world's largest mangrove forest and home of the
Bengal Tiger, though the population of the region is mostly rural and agrarian.
The culture of West Bengal is an Indian Culture which has its roots in the
Bengali literature, music, fine arts, drama and cinema. People of West Bengal
share their cultural heritage with the neighbouring Bangladesh (erstwhile known
as East Bengal). West Bengal and Bangladesh together form the historical and
geographical region of Bengal, with common linguistic and ethnic backgrounds.
Besides the common cultural characteristics, different geographic regions of
West Bengal have subtle as well as more pronounced variations between each
other, with Darjeeling Himalayan hill region showing particularly different
cultural aspect.

2. History of West Bengal
The present culture of Bengal has its roots in the history of the state. In
the past, Bengal kept shuffling between the hands of various rulers, making it
exposed to different cultures. Mauryans, Guptas and Palas were succeeded by
Sena Dynasty, who lost Bengal to Qutb-Din-Ibaq, the Sultan of Delhi. After the
death of Aurangzeb, Bengal became independent, with Muslim governors
running the administration. The Battle of Plassey, in 1757, saw Siraj-ud-daul,
the last independent ruler of Bengal, being defeated by the British. In 1947, with
the independence of India, Bengal was divided into East and West Bengal, with
the former being given to Pakistan and the latter being made a part of India.
When India gained independence in 1947, Bengal was partitioned along
religious lines. The western part went to India (and was named West Bengal)
while the eastern part joined Pakistan as a province called East Bengal (later
renamed East Pakistan, giving rise to independent Bangladesh in 1971)

3. Population
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. The population density of West Bengal
per square kilometre 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.
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 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
Climate and geography of west Bengal

4. The eastern state of West Bengal experiences atropical 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.
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.
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.
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.
Mt. Kanchanjangha (8586 mitre)
Bengal and Bengali culture

5. 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 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.
West Bengal's capital Kolkata - as the former capital of India - was the
birthplace of modern Indian literary and artistic thought, and is referred to as the

6. "cultural [or literary] capital of India". The presence of paras, which are
neighbourhoods that possess a strong sense of community, is characteristic of
West Bengal. Typically, each para has its own community club and, on
occasion, a playing field. Residents engage in addas, or leisurely chats, that
often take the form of freestyle intellectual conversation. West Bengal has a
long tradition of popular literature, music and drama largely based on Bengali
folklore and Hindu epics and Puranas.
Religion, especially Hinduism, the
principal religion at 72.5% of the
total population, plays a vital role
in the culture of West Bengal.
Durga Puja, a five-day annual
autumnal celebration of Hindu
goddess Durga’s victory over
Mahishasura, a Minotaur-like
demon, is the biggest festival of the state. The Festival of Kali, the guardian
deity of Bengal, is also celebrated with great enthusiasm. Other important
festivals include the seasonal festivals introduced by Rabindranath Tagore, book
fairs, film and drama festivals and traditional village fairs etc.
West Bengal is home to two of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites
(Sundarban National Park and Darjeeling Himalayan Railway).
Etymology of Bengal/Bengali

7. 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 Vanga (Greater Bengal) was a kingdom during the
times of Mahabharata. 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 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. 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.
Important ceremonies of Bengal

8. Annaprashan :-
Annaprashan 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. 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.
Upanayana :-
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
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.
Marriage :-

9. Marriages 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
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, cuisines, and dress.
A Bengali wedding (Bengali: বিয়ে, বিিাহ) includes many rituals and
ceremonies that can span several days. In most cases, it starts with the paka
kotha(final word) ceremony (the official fixation of wedding day and ends with
the Bou Bhat ceremony (the wedding reception, a day after the marriage,
usually arranged by the groom's family). Though the rituals differ with the
various districts of Bengal, among Hindus, it is usually classified into two: the
Ghoti and Bangal rituals.
"Paka-dekha" or "patri-patro" :-
Through a ceremony called 'paka-dekha' (in case of Ghotis) or patri-patro,
usually observed by Bangals, the alliance is formalized so final wedding
preparations can proceed in due course with confidence that it is indeed
intentional and assured to take place. Paka-dekha is celebrated on a day when
both families convene at either side's home to fix the final date and time of day
(the lagno) of the marriage, and entertain any demands made by the groom's
family in order to ensure that the bride's future is well assured. Sometimes
priests may also officiate, documenting the marriage's specifications for
legal/government purposes, and setting the details on paper (or in current-day
digital form) and signing it from both sides' present eldest guardians.
Videography or static photography can be used to record the details for posterity
in lieu of paper documentation. After the legal formalities, it's time for all to
enjoy the sweet rasgullas and 'misti-doi' (yogurt), treats generally catered by the
groom's side.

10. Turmeric ceremony :-
It begins with the Nandi mukh ceremony, when a priest, a pandit, or
sometimes simply the eldest male family member or their proxy pays tribute to
the deceased ancestors of both sides' parents' fathers through an elaborate pooja
ritual, requesting their holy spirits to bless the couple to-be. Nandi mukh is a
prayer whereby the extended family takes the blessings of the forefathers who
have passed away. This ritual is followed by the turmeric ceremonies or gaye
holud (Bengali: গায়ে হলুদ gaee holud, lit. "yellowing the body") take place
before the wedding ceremony. There is one turmeric ceremony for the bride and
another for the groom. For the bride's gaye holud, the groom's family - except
the groom himself - travel in procession to the bride's home. They carry with
them the bride's wedding dress/outfit, some wedding decorations including
turmeric paste (that has lightly touched the groom's body), candy/sweetmeats
and gifts. They also take a large Rohu fish decorated as a bride. After the two
'yellowing ceremonies,' the bride and groom are bathed in the water that the
women had fetched from the waterway (the river Ganga, if possible) early that
morning. There are local variations on this tradition, such as providing a
specific number of fish to the party responsible for cooking them, and hence the
best time to deliver the fresh fish to the groom's family.
Wedding ceremony :-
The wedding ceremony (Bengali: বিিাহ or বিয়ে bibaho/bie) follows the
GAYE HOLUD (lit., "turmeric is applied to the skin") ceremonies. The
wedding ceremony is arranged by the bride's family. The groom, along with his
friends and family (Borjatri), traditionally arrive later in the evening.

11. The groom is sent a car from the bride's side and he rides inside it with
two elder male relatives, one from the bride's side and another from his own
family (called his Borkorta), as well as the youngest male member from his
family dressed as a groom, (called his Neet bor similar to the "best man" in
western traditions). Before leaving for the wedding venue, the groom is blessed
by his mother and he formally seeks her permission to begin a new life with his
soon-to-be "better half." The groom's mother traditionally does not attend the
wedding, as that was believed to negatively impact her son's married life.
Instead, she awaits at home with some other ladies for her son and daughter-in-
law ('Bouma').
When the groom arrives, the bride's elder female relatives welcome him
with the auspicious sound of conch-shells and ululation. Then the bride's mother
ceremonially washes the wheels of the groom's car with Ganga water, feeds him
sweets and admires him through the 'Bor-boron' ceremony.
The bride's family then gifts the groom with the wedding attire, which
includes a 'jore' (silk shawl), 'dhoti' and 'topor', a headdress made of pith and
zari.The groom must wear these items for the duration of the wedding rituals. It
is also noteworthy that the wood required for the wedding yajna is brought by
the groom's family, signifying the former's authoritative role over the entire
ritual.
There are purohits from both families and the wedding is conducted in the
form of dialogue between them using Sanskrit mantras. While the groom
participates in the main wedding ritual from the outset, the bride joins it much
later after she arrives accompanied by her brothers (if any) and friends, who are
seated on a wooden seat called 'piri' for the ceremony. This ritual symbolizes
the medieval ideas of considering a daughter as a burden for the family,

12. although nowadays it is merely practised as a formality, and daughters are
afforded affections equal to that given sons.
This is followed by the Saat paak, in which the bride encircles the groom
seven times, as he remains seated on the 'piri' while covering her face with betel
leaves.
Next comes the Shubhodrishti, when the bride finally removes the leaves
from her face and their eyes meet. This ritual is accompanied by ululation and
blowing of conch shells. The wedding is presided over by the bride's eldest male
relative, who performs the Kanya sampradaan (Bengali: কন্যাসম্প্রদান্
konnasomprodan lit. "Giving the bride").
Finally it comes the Sindurdaan, when the groom covers the bride's
forehead/maang with sindoor. It is then that they are considered socially married
and one.
After putting the sindoor, the bride's forehead is covered by a saree,
called the 'lojja bostro,' which is gifted by the groom himself.
The 'mala boldol' or exchanging of garlands gives the wedding (seven
times encircling the yajna fire or Agni dev,the Fire God). The loose ends of the
bride and groom's dresses are tied in a knot called 'jor bandha' or 'gat bandhan,'
and this is done by the groom's sister, whilst the bride's brother assists the
couple in offering anjali of 'khoi' to the Fire God.
Next, a grand feast called 'Preetibhoj' ensues in which all guests present
partake. After all the preceding rituals are complete, the couple sits side-by-side
and cannot open the knot by which they have been tied together. Then follows
the bashorghor, which is an informal and friendly interaction between younger
relatives and friends from both sides, and it continues throughout the night (akin
to the western "wedding reception"). The elders usually refrain from attending
this event. Basor Raat starts after midnight if the wedding ceremony is over by
evening. Most Hindu Bengali marriage events are held in the evening.
The next morning (preferably
before noon), the couple make their
way from the wedding venue to the
groom's home for the Ghotis, though
for Bangals, a "Bashi Biya" or
"Chaturtha-mangal" is held, and the

13. couple leaves for the groom's house after evening. This is known as the vidaai
ceremony, and the bride makes an offering of rice called "Kanakanjali" to her
mother, thereby clearing any and all debts that she had incurred during her years
at her paternal home—although "Kanakanjali" is not done in every Bengali
marriage. While it symbolizes the end of celebrations for the bride's family, it
marks the beginning of the second phase of celebrations to be organized by the
groom's family. On reaching home, the couple is welcomed by the groom's
mother and all other members, in a ritual called 'Bouboron'. Then the elders
make gifts of gold to the bride. The bride is then asked to walk with her feet
dipped in aalta on a sari, and her footprints are regarded as those of Lakshmi
entering the groom's house. She is then shown the kitchen, store-room and all
other things signifying prosperity, wealth and happiness of her new family. This
day is also known as "Kaalratri," and on it the bride and groom are not allowed
to even see each other, as Kaalratri was the very night when Behula's husband
was bitten by a serpent, as stated in the Manasamangal Kavya.
After "Kaalratri" when the bride is greeted by the groom in the morning
of "Bou Bhaat" a ritual called "Bhaat Kapor" is initiated by the groom where he
gifts the bride with essential accessories of a married woman, sari and other
auspicious things on a plate of silver (these items are given by husband only and
not by in-laws of bride), nowadays they also use other metals like brass etc. this
signifies that the groom would hence be taking care of all the needs and
requirements of his bride from that day onwards, this also signifies the
domination of the male individual in the old vedic society.After receiving all
these items from her husband the bride takes blessing from her husband and
hence begins the rituals of "Bou Bhaat".

14. Bou Bhaat :-
The following day,i.e.,the second day of the bride at her new home is
celebrated as Bou Bhaat as on this day,she serves Rice with Ghee to all her in-
laws at lunch.The evening is celebrated as a reception party,where all the distant
relatives along with the close ones from the groom's side are invited and
introduced to the bride.The bride's family members 'Konyajatri' also attend the
reception with 'tatwo'(gtifts of clothes,sweetmeats, jewellery,and all other
essentials for the bride and her in-laws).A grand feast is carried out called
'Preetibhoj'- It is a gala dinner to introduce the Bride to the society and the
whole of the family. In the old days the dinner was all prepared by the family
themselves. Sweet was made at home by 'Vien'. Friends and neighbors used to
volunteer to distribute the food, which was usually done on banana leaves.But
now the Catering Service has taken over the whole initiative.
Phul Shojja :-
In the flower bed ceremony (Bengali: ফু ল শয্যা ful shôjja, lit. "Flower
bed"), the bride wears a lot of floral ornaments presented by the bride's family,
and their marriage bed is decorated with flowers by the groom's family. This is
the night of consummation.
Oshto mongola :-
Eight days after marriage, the couple visits the bride's house and spends
three nights there. It is accompanied by relentless feasting, and opening of the
'Gatbandhan' that had been tied on their day of marriage.
Among the Bengali Hindus this ritual is known as "Fira-jatra".

15. Flower Bed
Literature
The Bengali language boasts a rich literary heritage, shared with
neighbour 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 wellknown writers of the 20th century.

16. Bengali literature (Bengali: িাাংলা সাবহত্য, Bangla Sahityô) denotes the
body of writings in the Bengali language. The earliest extant work in Bengali
literature is the Charyapada, a collection of Buddhist mystic songs dating back
to the 10th and 11th centuries. Thereafter, the timeline of Bengali literature is
divided into two periods- medieval (1360-1800) and modern (after 1800).
Novels were introduced to Bengali literature in the mid-19th century.
Rabindranath Tagore, poet, playwright, novelist, painter, essayist, musician, and
social reformer, is the best known figure of Bengali literature to the world. He
won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1913. After the post-partition era, Bengali
literature comprises literature of erstwhile East Pakistan and modern-day
Bangladesh and of West Bengal.
Theatre and films
Among other types of theatre, West Bengal has a tradition of folk drama
known as jatra Kolkata is the home of the Bengali cinema industry, dubbed
"Tollywood" for Tollygong, where most of the state's film studios are located.
Its long tradition of art films includes globally acclaimed film directors such as
Satyajit Roy, Ritwik ghatak, Mrinal sen, Tapan Sinha, and contemporary
directors such as Aparna Sen, Buddhadeb Dasgupta, and Rituparno ghosh.
During the period 1952-1975, Bengali cinema enjoyed a large, even
disproportionate, representation in Indian cinema, and produced film directors
like Satyajit Ray, who was an Academy Honorary Award winner, and the
recipient of India's and France's greatest civilian honours, the Bharat Ratna and
Legion of Honor respectively, and Mrinal Sen, who is the recipient of the
French distinction of Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters and the
Russian Order of Friendship.
Rabindranath & Kavi Najrul

17. The most well-known Bengali actor to date has been Uttam Kumar; he
and co-star Suchitra Sen were known as The Eternal Pair in the early 1950s.
Soumitra Chatterjee is a notable actor, having acted in several Satyajit Ray
films, and considered as a rival to Uttam Kumar in the 1960s. He is famous for
the characterization of Feluda in Sonar Kella (1974) and Joy Baba Felunath
(1978), written and directed by Ray. One of the most well-known Bengali
actresses was Sharmila Tagore, who debuted in Ray's The World of Apu, and
became a major actress in Bengali cinema as well as Bollywood. Utpal Dutt is
internationally known for his acting in movies and plays, especially
Shakespearean plays.
The pioneers in Bengali film music include Raichand Boral, Pankaj
Mullick and K. C. Dey, all associated with New Theatres Calcutta. The greatest
composers of the golden era included Robin Chatterjee, Sudhin Dasgupta,
Nachiketa Ghosh, Hemant Kumar etc. Other famous playback singers in
Bengali film music were Hemanta Mukherjee, Shyamal Mitra, Manna Dey,
Sandhya Mukhopadhyay, Utpala Sen, Anup Ghoshal, Haimanti Shukla,
Arundhati Holme Chowdhury, Geeta Dutt, Alka Yagnik, Kumar Sanu, Udit
Narayan, Kavita Krishnamurthy, Sadhna Sargam, Abhijeet Bhattacharya,
Shreya Ghoshal, Shaan, Babul Supriyo, Sonu Nigam and Kishore Kumar.
Cuisine
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 roshogulla, sandesh, rasamalai,
gulab 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.
The traditional society of Bengal has
always been heavily agrarian. Rice is the
staple, with many regions growing speciality
rice varieties. Domestic cattle (especially the

18. water buffalo) are common, more for agriculture than large scale dairy farming.
Milk is an important source of nutrition, and also a key ingredient in Bengal’s
plethora of desserts. Also, as one would expect, ordinary food served at home is
different from that served during social functions and festivals, and again very
different from what might be served at a larger gathering (e.g., a marriage feast).
Bengalis are somewhat unique in their food habits in that nearly every
community will eat meat or fish. In most parts of the Indian subcontinent,
individual castes and communities have their own food habits; this is not true of
Bengal. There is remarkable similarity in eating styles across social strata, with
the Hindu upper caste Brahmins sharing a diet very similar to the trading or
princely castes. Fish, goat, mutton and chicken are commonly eaten across
social strata; the only exception is beef, which if ever, is restricted to Muslim
communities.
An abundant land provides for an abundant table. The nature and variety
of dishes found in Bengali cooking are unique even in India. Fresh sweet water
fish is one of its most distinctive features; Bengal’s countless rivers, ponds and
lakes teem with innumerable varieties of fish such as roui, ilish, koi or pabda.
Prawns, shrimp and crabs also abound. Almost every village in Bengal has
ponds used for pisciculture, and at least one meal a day is certain to have a fish
course.
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.
Fish is the dominant kind of protein in Bengali cuisine and is cultivated in
ponds and fished with nets in the freshwater rivers of the Ganges Delta. Almost
every part of the fish (except scales, fins, and innards) is eaten; unlike other
regions, the head is particularly preferred. Other spare bits of the fish are
usually used to flavour curries and dals.
More than forty types of mostly freshwater fish are common, including
carp varieties like rui (rohu), koi (climbing perch), the wriggling catfish

19. family—tangra, magur, shingi—pabda (the pink-bellied Indian butter fish),
katla, ilish (ilish), as well as shuţki (small dried sea fish). Chingri (prawn) is a
particular favourite and comes in many varieties—kucho (tiny shrimp), bagda
(tiger prawns) or galda (Scampi).
The Chinese of Kolkata originally settled into a village called Achipur
south of Kolkata in the late 18th century, later moving into the city and finally
into its present home in Tangra at the eastern edge of Kolkata. Chinese food
available at almost every street corner in Kolkata nowadays, thanks to the taste,
quick cooking procedure, and no similarity with the original Chinese recipe
other than the use of Soy Sauce. The introduction of the fabled taste maker
monosodium glutamate came along with sweet corn, much later, and got
infused into what is widely popular as "Kolkata Chinese", or "Indian Chinese".
The cuisine is characterised as much by what is missing – mushrooms, for
instance, are not found in Bengal—as by what is there such as a far greater use
of pork than other Indian cuisines. As the Chinese opened restaurants for
Bengalis, they spiced up the bland Cantonese sauces with sliced chillies and hot
sauces, creating unique dishes such as Chicken sweet corn soup, Chilli Chicken
and Manchurian; they apparently made up these names to attract customers.
DRESS
Costumes of Bengal represent the rich traditional culture of the region.
While Punjabi form and Dhoti are common dresses among men, women love to
wear saree. Colourful dresses can be found in different cities, town and villages
throughout Bengal. Exciting dresses make the place really astonishing. These
traditional and cultural dresses are exported throughout India and other parts of
the world. There are many importers who are interested in buying Bengali
dresses.
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.

20. Dhotis are commonly worn by Hindu Men. The dress is a long loincloth
made of silk or cotton. Dhoti forms a traditional dress for men in West Bengal.
Previously, Dhotis are prevalent only in white colour but nowadays different
colours of Dhotis available in the market. You can pick anyone of them as per
your favourite colour choice and other matching stuff.
Lungi is also like dhoti which is widely known for a traditional dress for
men. It is worn around the waist just like dhoti. Men living in villages usually
wear it on regular basis. So, it can be called as their main outfit.
Punjabis are loosely fitted clothing that reach close to the knees. There
are available in wide verities and can be found in various colours. These are like
Kurtas worn by men in North India. Punjabis are normally made of cotton or
silk.
Festivals of West Bengal
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 fervour. 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.
List of Festivals in West Bengal:

21.  Holi
 Birthday of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa
 Birthday of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose
 Rabindra Jayanti (Birthday of Rabindranth Tagore)
 Durga Puja
 Basant Panchami (Saraswati Puja)
 Dushera
 Bhai Dooj
 Mahavir Jayanti
 Buddha Jayanti
 Rathyatra
 Rakhi
 Christmas
 Kolkata Festival
 1st May
DURGA PUJA
Durga Puja (Bengali: দুগগা পূজা or Assamese: দুগগা পূজা "Worship of Durga"), also
referred to as Durgotsava (Bengali: দুযগগাৎসি "Festival of Durga") or
Sharadotsav is an annual Hindu festival in South Asia that celebrates worship of
the Hindu goddess Durga. It refers to all the six days observed as Mahalaya,
Shashthi, Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami, Maha Nabami and Vijayadashami.
The dates of Durga Puja celebrations are set according to the traditional Hindu
calendar and the fortnight corresponding to the festival is called Devi Paksha,
("Fortnight of the Goddess"). Devi Paksha is preceded by Mahalaya, the last
day of the previous fortnight Pitri Paksha, "Fortnight of the Forefathers"), and is
ended on Kojagori Lokkhi Puja ("Worship of Goddess Lakshmi on Kojagori
Full Moon Night").

22. Durga Puja festival marks the victory of Goddess Durga over the evil buffalo
demon Mahishasura. Thus, Durga Puja festival epitomises the victory of Good
over Evil.
Durga Puja also includes the worship of Shiva, who is Durga's consort (Durga is
an aspect of Goddess Parvati), in addition to Lakshmi, Saraswati with Ganesha
and Kartikeya, who are considered to be Durga's children. Worship of mother
nature is done, through nine types of plant (called "Kala Bou"), including a
plantain (banana) tree, which represent nine divine forms of Goddess Durga.
Modern traditions have come to include the display of decorated pandals and
artistically depicted sculptures (murti) of Durga, exchange of Vijaya greetings
and publication of Puja Annuals.
According to the sloka, Durga is omnipresent as the embodiment of power,
intelligence, peace, wealth, morality etc. A part of Durga Sloka is as follows:
“ Ya Devi sarva bhuteshu Matri rupena samsthita
Ya Devi sarva bhuteshu Shakti rupena samsthita
Ya Devi sarva bhutesu Shanti rupena samsthita
Namestasyai Namestasyai Namestasyai Namoh Namah ”
Creation of the sculptures :-
The entire process of creation of the sculptures (murti) from the collection of
clay to the ornamentation is a holy process, supervised by rites and other rituals.
On the Hindu date of Akshaya Tritiya when the Ratha Yatra is held, clay for the
sculptures is collected from the banks of a river, preferably the Ganges. There is
age-old custom of collecting a handful of soil (punya mati) from the nishiddho
pallis of Calcutta, literally 'forbidden territories', where sex workers live, and
adding it to the clay mixture which goes into the making of the Durga sculpture.
After the required rites, the clay is transported. An important event is 'Chakkhu
Daan', literally donation of the eyes. Starting with Devi Durga, the eyes of the
sculptures are painted on Mahalaya or the first day of the pujas. Before painting
on the eyes, the artisans fast for a day and eat only vegetarian food.An artisan
painting the sculpture's eyes at Kumortuli. Many Pujas in and around Kolkata

23. buy their sculptures from Kumartuli (also Kumortuli), an artisans' town in north
Calcutta.
Theme-based pujas and pandals :-
Pandals and sculptures inspired by a particular theme have been the hallmark of
many community or Sarbajanin Pujas in Kolkata since the 1990s. Puja
committees decide on a particular theme, whose elements are incorporated into
the pandal and the sculptures. Popular themes include ancient civilisations like
the Egyptians or Incas. Contemporary subjects like the Titanic and Harry
Potter have also been the subject in some pandals.
The design and decoration is usually done by art and architecture students based
in the city. The budget required for such theme-based pujas is often higher than
traditional pujas. They attract crowds and are well received. Inspired by
Kolkata, theme-based pandals are becoming popular in cities in neighbouring
states. Experimentation with the sculptures does not happen much outside
Kolkata.

24. In Kolkata alone more than two thousand pandals are set up, all
clamouring for the admiration and praise of the populace. The city is adorned
with lights. People from all over the country visit the city at this time, and every
night is one mad carnival where thousands of people go 'pandal-hopping' with
their friends and family. Traffic comes to a standstill, and indeed, most people
abandon their vehicles to travel by foot after a point. A special task force is
deployed to control law and order. Durga Puja in Kolkata is often referred to as
the Rio Carnival of the Eastern Hemisphere. One such Durga Puja of Kolkata
which is worth mentioning is Manicktalla Chaltabagan Lohapatty Durga
Puja.All throughout Kolkata, or rather, West Bengal, on the last day(dussehra),
people take lamps which have fire in them and dance in front of the goddess.
Durga Puja Dhak :-
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.

25. Folk culture of Bengal
Bengal, a land of fecundity and prosperity embraces all within her fold.
The varied hues of her rich culture colour 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. Usually performed during festive seasons, or to mark a happy occasion.
The Folk 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. 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.
Some of the well-known folk songs and dance of West Bengal include:
Baul :-
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. 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.

26. Purulia Chhou dance :-
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.
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.
Santhali Dance :-
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.

27. Gajan :-
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.
Jhumur Dance
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.
Nabanna
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.

28. Music of West Bengal
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:
Classical Bangla Music
The classical music of West Bengal is highly inspiredby 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.
Rabindra Sangeet
Rabindra Sangeet (Bengali: রিীন্দ্রসঙ্গীত্ Robindro shonggit,) also known as
Tagore Songs, are songs written and composed by Rabindranath Tagore. They
have distinctive characteristics in the music of Bengal, popular in India and
Bangladesh. It is characterised by its distinctive rendition while singing which
includes a significant amount of ornamentations like meend, murki,etc. and is
filled with expressions of romanticism. The music is mostly based on
Hindustani classical music and folk music of Bengal.

29. Temples of West Bengal
Dakshineswar Kali Temple at Calcutta in West Bengal: Famous 19th century
Kali temple associated with Ramakrishna.
Hanseswari Temple at Bansberia near Calcutta in West Bengal: Dates back to
the 19th century with ornate arches.
Jagannath Temple at Serampore near Calcutta in West Bengal: Large and
ancient Jagannath temple famous for its rath yatra second only to Puri.
Jaya Deva Temple at Kenduli near Bolpur in West Bengal: Well known
temple to Radha and Krishna dating back to the 12th century – current structure
over 200 years old.
Kalighat Temple at Calcutta in West Bengal: 200 year old temple from which
Calcutta is said to take its name.
Kapil Muni Temple at Sagar Island 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.
Tarakeshwar Temple at Tarakeshwar near Calcutta (Hooghly) in West
Bengal: A very well known temple in the Bengali style of architecture attracting
scores of pilgrims.
Madanmohan Temple: 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.
Mukutmonipur: 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.

30. Ganga Heritage Cruise West Bengal
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.
Conclusion
The musical melody, dancing, culinary delights and exquisite lifestyle are what
that make the culture of WestBengal so rich and embellished. So it can be
easily said that culture of WestBengal is symbolic concoction of modernity and
tradition, richness and simplicity. 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 byChinese, 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.
In the middle ages, Bengali was already a well established language with
popular poets like Bidyapati, Chandidas, Daulat Kazi and Alawol. Itwas 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 entering on the love of Radha and Krishna.
These were simply superb in their wording, rhythm and style. Bengal also
shares the rich tradition of classical music of the subcontinent. Indeed, Bengal

31. 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 sarodepopular all over the
world.
Bengali culture knows to accept various thoughts fromvarious culture. It
enriches itself by all other thoughts, possetiveideas. And that’s makes the
culture vast. The Bengali festival are a option to get the wholefamily and
relatives together, sharing their happiness, love, ideas. It welcomes everyone
to enjoy with them. The Bengali song Rabindra Sangeet, folk songs enriches the
culture of the India. This gives India a very respecting place all among the
world.
Thus Bengali culture enriches itself and the Indian culture as a whole and makes
India a proud country.
Bibliography
 www.westbengaltourism.gov.in
 en.wikipedia.org
 www.tripadvisor.in
 www.google.co.in
 www.bengaltourism.in