East Indian Festivals
Durga Puja
Durga Puja is one of the most significant festivals in East India, particularly in West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha. It commemorates the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura and symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. Elaborate pandals (temporary structures) are set up, depicting scenes from Hindu mythology, and beautifully crafted idols of Goddess Durga are worshipped with grandeur and fervor. The festival spans over several days, culminating in Vijayadashami, where the idols are immersed in water.
Rath Yatra
Rath Yatra, also known as the Chariot Festival, is celebrated predominantly in Puri, Odisha. It involves the procession of Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra, in grand chariots. Devotees pull the elaborately decorated chariots through the streets, accompanied by chanting and singing. The festival attracts millions of pilgrims and tourists from around the world.
Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja is a traditional festival observed mainly in Bihar, Jharkhand, and parts of Uttar Pradesh. It is dedicated to the worship of the Sun God, Surya, and Chhathi Maiya (Goddess Usha). Devotees offer prayers to the setting and rising sun, standing in water and observing rigorous rituals, including fasting and offering prasad (offerings) of fruits and sweets. Chhath Puja is celebrated with great reverence and is marked by its simplicity and devotion to nature.
Poush Mela
Poush Mela is an annual fair held in Santiniketan, West Bengal, in December, celebrating the harvest season and the birth anniversary of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. The fair showcases folk music and dance performances, traditional crafts, and Bengali cuisine. It is a vibrant celebration of art, culture, and heritage, drawing artists, craftsmen, and visitors from all over the country.
Raja Parba
Raja Parba is a festival celebrated in Odisha, particularly by women, to honor Mother Earth and fertility. It marks the onset of the agricultural monsoon season and is observed with rituals and festivities over three days. Women dress up in traditional attire, play games, swing on decorated rope swings (dolabedi), and enjoy special delicacies like pitha (rice cakes) and sweets. Raja Parba is a time for joyous celebration and bonding within communities.
