West Bengal | Famous Traditions, Cultures, and Food | Complete West Bengal Tour | 2021

Famous Traditions, Culture, and Food of West Bengal

West Bengal is a state in eastern India, between the Himalayas and the Bay of Bengal. Its capital, Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), retains architectural and cultural remnants of its past as an East India Company trading post and capital of the British Raj. The city's colonial landmarks include the government buildings around B.B.D. Bagh Square, and the iconic Victoria Memorial, dedicated to Britain's queen.

By NSS IIT Bombay
Mahesh Bhupati
Hamdhan Bin Abdul Azeez

[indianencyclopedia]

Throughout the world, West Bengal is known for its plethora of festivals. The culture of West Bengal too is enriched by the festivals and also multiple rituals and rites are associated with these festivals. Durga Puja is the prime festival of the state. It commemorates the annual visit of Goddess Durga with her four children, namely Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha and Kartikaya to her parent's home on earth from her celestial residence on Mount Kailas. Bengalis celebrate it with new clothes and other gifts. The puja goes on for five days, commencing with the ritualistic induction of the Goddess. The ceremony of worship continues for three days and ends with the dousing of the effigy in a river or a pond on the 'Vijaya Dashami'.