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.

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)

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

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

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

"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

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

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 :-

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: বি�য়ে�, বি���হ) 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.

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: গা�য়ে� 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: বি���হ or বি�য়ে� 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.

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,

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: কন্যা �সম্প্রদ�ন্যা 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 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".

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 লু 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".

Flower Bed

LiteratureThe 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.

Bengali literature (Bengali: ���লু� স�বিহত্য , 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.

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.

Rabindranath & Kavi Najrul

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 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 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.

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 Fe stivals in West Bengal:

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: দগা�� পূ�জা� or Assamese: দগা�� পূ�জা� "Worship of Durga"), also referred to as Durgotsava (Bengali: দয়েগা��ৎস� "Festival of Durga") orSharadotsav 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").

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 samsthitaYa Devi sarva bhuteshu Shakti rupena samsthitaYa Devi sarva bhutesu Shanti rupena samsthitaNamestasyai 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 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.

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.

Folk culture of BengalBengal, 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.

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.

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.

Music of West BengalThe 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: র��ন্দ্রসঙ্গী�ত্য 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.

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.

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.

ConclusionThe musical melody, dancing, culinary delights and exquisite lifestyle are what that make the culture of West Bengal so rich and embellished. So it can be easily said that culture of West Bengal 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 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 HindiUrdu 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 has produced many musicians and maestros of international repute like Ustad Alauddin Khan, Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, Pandit Ajoy Chakrabarty and PanditRavi Shankar who have successfully made sitar and sarode popular all over the world. Bengali culture knows to accept various thoughts from various culture. It enriches itself by all other thoughts, possetive ideas. And that’s makes the culture vast. The Bengali festival are a option to get the whole family 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