Chaitra Sankranti, the last day of the Bengali calendar, marks the end of the Bengali year and the beginning of a new one. It is celebrated with various rituals and festivities, including bathing, charity, fasting, and worship. The day is associated with the worship of Lord Shiva and the celebration of the Charak Puja, a significant part of the Gajan festival.
Rituals and Traditions
According to Hindu scriptures and local customs, bathing, charity, fasting, and worship on Chaitra Sankranti are considered auspicious. The day is also associated with the worship of Lord Shiva and the celebration of the Charak Puja, a significant part of the Gajan festival. The Charak Puja involves various physical feats, such as hanging from a tree, piercing the body with iron rods, and walking on broken glass, although many of these dangerous practices have been banned in recent times.
Food and Festivities
Chaitra Sankranti is also celebrated with special foods, including chhatu, chida, yogurt, puffed rice, khoi, sesame seeds, and coconut. The most important part of the meal is the consumption of 14 different types of vegetables, including at least one bitter vegetable like gimashaak. Fish and meat are not allowed on this day.
Historical Significance
Chaitra Sankranti has been celebrated in Bengal for a long time, with fairs and markets set up in various places. The day was also associated with the hope for rain and a good harvest, as the scorching heat of summer would give way to the monsoon season. The celebration of Chaitra Sankranti has evolved over time, with the focus shifting from the end of the year to the beginning of the new year.
Modern Celebrations
Today, Chaitra Sankranti is celebrated by people of all religions in Bengal, with fairs and markets set up in various places. The day is also associated with the hope for rain and a good harvest, as the scorching heat of summer would give way to the monsoon season. The celebration of Chaitra Sankranti has evolved over time, with the focus shifting from the end of the year to the beginning of the new year.
