GAJAN ||
The last festival of Bengali year
by Soumo Das
Gajon festival in West Bengal has to be one of the most unique festivals. This festival is celebrated during the last week of month Chaitra, just before the Bengali new year. On this auspicious festival, the devotees dress up as various deities and perform various dances and other acts depicting scenes from the Hindu Mythology. This festival is known differently in different places in West Bengal.
Firstly in Bandel. Where people celebrate “Vel Vel”. This festival is celebrated to give tribute to Lord Murugan, who is depicted with a long spear or “vel”.The devotees perform rituals to fulfil their wishes, which include dreadful acts of piercing their body parts.
Secondly in Burdwan, Kurmun. Here Gajon is celebrated in a very strange manner where people take the decomposed dead skulls and play around with them. A large number of people gather around the fair area and enjoy the gruesome scene.
In a different area of West Bengal, people were assembled together and performed various rituals of hanging themselves up and piercing themselves. This marks the end of this festival on a very auspicious note, truly witnessing the essence of Bengali Culture.
This showcases our Cultural heritage and diversity, which we must respect and nurture in our hearts and mind.
I am a freelance photographer from Guskara, West Bengal, India. Currently living in Kolkata, West Bengal, India. I am trying all genres of Photography but mainly into the street, documentary photography. I started photography in my childhood days but took it seriously in 2014 and started learning about photography. Now, It's 2022 by profession I am an Animation Designer and by passion, I am a Photographer. I love to capture in the streets and want to tell the story behind the daily life struggle of people. I am still a learner and want to learn many more with all your support and blessings.
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