Festivals of Autumn in Bengal, 3rd Term Project Work (Class-IX)

Festivals of Autumn in Bengal

The Season of Autumn is the festive season in Bengal. This is the season of many pujas, beginning with Ganesh Chaturthi, followed by Vishwakarma Puja. September, October and Gregorian calendar month square measure the 3 months within the Indian calendar once festivals square measure followed by alternative festivals and rejoicing ne'er ends. The weather starts cooling by this time. The rains have just stopped. The nature is in its full bloom. Flowers, fruits and vegetables are in abundance and of course that gives a reason to rejoice in forms of various festivals.

👉 NAVARATRI

By the top of September and within the starting of October comes the 9 days and 9 nights' festivities known as the Navaratri. This festival is celebrated for nine continuous days. These 9 nights the folks worship the Shakti and her forms. Temples are decorated and deities are worshipped. Some folks conjointly keep quick for 9 days and a few refrain from having non eater food and alcoholic drinks. The festival is celebrated all around the country although in different ways and is termed differently; the basic reason remains the same.

Actually India celebrates two Navaratris. This one is known as the Sharadiya or the Akalbodhan. Legend says that Goddess of Shakti is to be worshipped during the Vasant Navaratri. But Ram wanted to worship the Goddess at this time, a wrong time of the year, before his war with Ravan. So he invoked the Goddess and worshipped her. Since then this Navaratri has become more famous. More so as Ram won over the demon king Ravan on the tenth day.

👉 GANDHI JAYANTI

The birthday of the great Indian leader, on October 2nd, called as the father of the Indian Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, is the third and last national festival celebrated by India. Homage is paid to the great leader by various dignitaries on this day. All religion prayers are held and people enjoy a holiday.

👉 DURGA PUJA

Next, comes the much-awaited Durga Puja, often called Durgotsav or Sharodotsav. By the term “Sharodotsav” (Autumn Festivals) – we generally denote Durga Puja and Lakshmi Puja. “Mahalaya” (meaning the abode of happiness) is the day to offer homage to the ancestors who have demised. It is an Amavasya or a No-Moon Day. This day marks the beginning of “Devi Paksh”. According to the folklore, on this day, Goddess Durga begins her journey to the earth, her paternal home from the home of her in-laws. The entire fortnight from Prathama (the first day after Mahalaya) to Lakshmi Puja is called the “Devi Paksh” (meaning “the fortnight of the Goddess”). Though the entire Puja is for ten days, but nowadays, except for the orthodox families, the other pujas arranged by Puja committees, housing societies and clubs are usually for the last five days. Shashti, Saptami, Ashthami, Nabami and Dashami. The last day is called Vijaya Dashami that means the Day of Victory of good over evil.

Nowadays “Sarvajanin” Pujas go for various themes and the Pandals are constructed in harmony with the theme. While on one hand a new touch of artistry is given to the idol of the goddess, on the other hand valuable messages for the betterment of human civilization and society are also conveyed through such thematic representations.

The time of departure of the Goddess with her children (Lord Ganesh, Lord Kaartik, Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Saraswati) brings sorrow in the eyes of the devotees. The statues (Pratima) along with the garlands and the holy urn (Kalash) are immersed in a water body, usually the holy river Ganges or its tributaries (as all the rivers are also worshiped in Hinduism)

This is the season to remember our childhood days of fun, frolic, shopping, the special goodies prepared at home, eating out, pandal-hopping, “sindur-khela” (smearing vermilion on each other among married women) and “kolakuli” (mutual embrace among men). Sweets are exchanged as a token of good wishes, between families and friends. The young touch the feet of the elderly people asking their blessings.

👉 DUSSEHRA

The grand finale to the nine day festivities of Navaratri is the Dussehra. It is said that Prince Ram of Ayodhya won over the demon King Ravan on this very day. This is also considered as the last day of exile of the Pandavas in the epic of Mahabharat. It is celebrated all over India as one of the most pious days according to the Hindu religion. Huge effigies of the demon King Ravan and his son and brother are made and then burnt. People wear new clothes and rejoice and make sweets and distribute them. It is known Dussehra, Vijaya Dashami and Dussehra in various parts of the country but celebrated with equal enthusiasm. The festival marks the win of good over the evil.

👉 DIWALI

The most famous and also the most awaited festival of the Indians falling in late October and early November is the festival of lights, Diwali or Deepavali. This festival of lights means triumph of the good over the evil. It falls in late October or early November every year and is celebrated by all with great enthusiasm. People specially buy new clothes, renovate or colour their houses. A variety of dishes, sweet and spicy, both are made. People burn crackers and hang lanterns in front of their doors. According to legends after killing the demon King Ravana, Ram, came back home after an exile of 14years. That was the time during Diwali. It is also said that Krishna also killed Narak, the demon on this day.

The Goddess of wealth is worshipped on this day. This festival falls on the darkest night of the year; therefore innumerous lamps are lit all around India to wipe out the darkness. Two days later fall the festival of Bhai Duj, Bhai phota, or Bhau bij. The sisters worship Gods and pray for their brothers' well-being on this day. A celebration of lights, sweets and colours is what Diwali is all about.

👉 GURUPURAB

The first full phase of the moon night falling when Diwali is that the Nanak Jayanti; that's the birthday of the primary Sikh Guru. The Sikh community everywhere Republic of India celebrates this competition with nice exuberance. They burn fruity and beautify their homes with lights.

👉 RAMZAN EID

This competition celebrated by the Muslims varies in dates. Sometimes it's going to fall in summer whereas someday in winter. It is believed that God conveyed the message of Koran to Hazarat Mohammed through Gabriel in the days of Ramzan. The whole month of Ramzan is sacred. All through this month the devout Muslims keep strict quick throughout the day. After sunset, Namaz is offered and then the fast is broken. It begins with the new moon and terminates with next new moon. The end of the world is understood because the Id - ul- fitr. This day is celebrated by the people. People wear new garments, prepare sweets and greet each other.

👉 CHRISTMAS

The only festival falling within the last month of the calendar is Christmas. The festival is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ to Virgin Mary. The Christian community of India celebrates this festival with all the glitter and glamour. Churches are lighted up, bakery shops and houses are decorated. People buy new clothes and eat goodies. Carols are sung and Santa Clause entertains children. Mass and sermons are held in the Church and whole air is filled up with festivity which in some places lingers till the New Year dawns.

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