Dussera, Sivarathri, Charhak : Festivals of Bengal
Dussera at Bengal
Dussera festival is celebrated in Bengal in Mid-Summer and for the worship of the Ganga. People of Bengal offer worship to River Ganga (Bhagirathi) and used to take ceremonial bath in the river. They distribute food & money to beggars all along the banks of mother Ganga.Sivaratri at Bengal
God of Gods and known as Hindu Pantheon, Lord Shiva accounts his puja on a new moon night in around February-March. This occasion is known as Shivarathri and on this very day & Night thousands of devotee/pilgrims gathered in Shiva Temples. Temples like Tarakeshwar (Hooghly), Dakshineswar(North 24-Pgs) attracts thousands of pilgrims who started to gather from the evening as the puja scheduled at night. Shiva is also known as Neelkantha (Blue Throated). Some of the region of Bengal, where scheduled castes and tribal are in major part of population, celebrates this puja month-log with Fairs.Charhak at Bengal
Tribal and Scheduled Castes ('unclean' occupations) - celebrates Charhak festival on the last day of Bengali Year. This is been the scariest festival as tribal throw themselves on the planks (studded with nails, glasses, wires), hangs on the bar by their skin, which pierced with a skew. Charhak festival attracts thousands of viewers to see the awe-inspiring scene of scary acts (self-mortification). This festival isn't limited to Tribal and Scheduled Castes, upper Castes Women observe fasts on the day and then offer a prayer to Shiva. In Bankura, Birbhum, Midnapore - fairs are arranged to sell toys, clowns in farcical dresses, chanting rugged doggerels and other handiwork of artisans.
Regards,
Anindya(Andy)