Gajan
Gajan is a Hindu festival celebrated mostly
in the Indian state of West Bengal. Gajan
and Charak stand unique scenario of Bengal festivals and in today's modern age.
It is associated with such
deities as Shiva.
Hindus celebrate the festival mainly starting at the last week
of Choitro, continuing till last
day of the season Basanta (spring season),just before Bengali New Year.Although it is celebrated mostly in rural Bengal, the festival
is still celebrated in some parts of Kolkata city.
However interestingly its widely believed that Buddhists actually initiated the event in our region, but later Hindus started observing the day.The festival which is now called "Shiber Gajan", which closely means "Lord Shiva's worshiping and songs" was once called “Dharmer Gajan”. This Dharmathakur may have been originated from Dharmaraj of Buddhism.
However interestingly its widely believed that Buddhists actually initiated the event in our region, but later Hindus started observing the day.The festival which is now called "Shiber Gajan", which closely means "Lord Shiva's worshiping and songs" was once called “Dharmer Gajan”. This Dharmathakur may have been originated from Dharmaraj of Buddhism.
The
complete history of the festival is not known. An interesting fact is none of these festivities have any place in the
Hindu religions and its religious books. When these rituals were introduced,
farmers of the subcontinent were the part of lower caste of the society.
Different
events are organised throughout the day where people participate.Participants of this festival is known as Bhokta or sannyasi . Persons of any gender can be a participant. Gajan celebration is performed by the
devotees signifying marriages of the male forces of Shiva is married to
Harakali on this day. The sannyasis form the barjatri (bridegroom’s
party).
On the
other hand, Gajon is actually linked to persons who are related to agricultural
community,
directly or indirectly. They pray for the rains and better harvest. From the ancient period Shiv is
considered as the God of farmers in the subcontinent.
 |
| Banfore |
Banfora is one of the main part of Shiv Gajan. Banfora is a
painful ritual occurs on Nil Puja. A two to six-foot iron rod is been used as
Baan. Baans are pointed and sharp.
Experienced barbers are there to put baans in devotee’s mouth and other body
parts. After bathing, devotees start screaming the name of Lord Shiva.
 |
| Charak puja |
Chaitra
Sankranti cannot be completed without Charak Puja and Shiber Gajon. Before
the day of Charak Puja the Charak tree is cleaned with water. On the Sankranti
day devotees keep a shibalinga in a pot filled with water and place it in front
of the Charak tree, which they fondly call Buroshib.
A fallen Brahmin conducts this puja. This event takes place in open grounds. Some people known as Gajon sanyasi. Wearing red dresses and costumes of Shib, Parboti and other deities is found walking from one part to another part of the village. And sing different songs. These songs are known as Gajoner gaan.They pierce tongue and chest with needles and fix holders at the back to hang themselves with sharp hooks from Charak tree to demonstrate their ability to endure extreme pain.
Government banned such risky practice but still in many parts of our country people continue to arrange these events.
A fallen Brahmin conducts this puja. This event takes place in open grounds. Some people known as Gajon sanyasi. Wearing red dresses and costumes of Shib, Parboti and other deities is found walking from one part to another part of the village. And sing different songs. These songs are known as Gajoner gaan.They pierce tongue and chest with needles and fix holders at the back to hang themselves with sharp hooks from Charak tree to demonstrate their ability to endure extreme pain.
Government banned such risky practice but still in many parts of our country people continue to arrange these events.
 |
| village fairs |
Village fairs, especially the Gajoner mela, begin in the rural areas on the day of Chaitra Sankranti.These fairs are part and parcel of Bengali culture where people of all professions make sure their participation.Various agricultural products, traditional handicrafts, special kinds of food items, sweets, potteries, bangles, cane and iron products are the main attractions of these fairs.To entertain the visitors of the fair, rural singers sing different song and wearing masks, and rural dancers perform local dance.
