Tag: Customs & Rituals

Customs and rituals are traditional practices and behaviors that are followed by a particular community or society. They often have symbolic meanings and serve various purposes, such as expressing beliefs, reinforcing social bonds, marking significant events or transitions, and providing a sense of identity and continuity.

Nabapatrika: When Nine Sacred Leaves Bring the Goddess Home

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Cultural Currents17 Comments

As autumn begins in Bengal, Durga Puja brings joy and festivity with rituals like Nabapatrika, representing Goddess Durga through nine sacred plants. This tradition, unique to Bengal, honors fertility and nature and reflects familial bonds in a charming folktale. Although overshadowed by idol worship, Nabapatrika endures, emphasizing ecological reverence and the cyclical essence of life. It intertwines culture and spirituality, vital to the rich tapestry of Durga Puja celebrations, celebrating the triumph over evil and community.

Durga Puja in Varanasi: Traditions & Memories

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Cultural Currents7 Comments

Durga Puja in India transforms the atmosphere into a vibrant celebration of the Goddess Durga, embodying divine feminine power. A personal experience in Varanasi highlighted the city's rich traditions and spiritual energy, driven by family connections and rituals like Kumari Puja. This journey created cherished memories filled with devotion, joy, and cultural heritage, while anticipation for the upcoming festivities stirs emotions once more.

Kumbh Mela 2019: A Journey of Faith & Tradition

On By Judhajit RoychoudhuryIn Cultural Currents23 Comments

In January, we attended a wedding in Varanasi and fulfilled my mother's wish to bathe in the Triveni Sangam during Mauni Amavasya. This brought back memories of our 2013 pilgrimage to the Maha Kumbh Mela. The Mela, recognized by UNESCO, attracts millions seeking spiritual purification. Our experience was enriched by the inclusive participation of the Kinnar Akhada. The massive event showcased a seamless blend of tradition and modernity, leaving a profound impact on our spiritual journey.

khovar wall painting

Khovar: Murals of Memory & Matriarchal Wisdom in Jharkhand

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Cultural Currents26 Comments

While traveling from Ranchi to Delhi, the author observed a replica Adivasi hut adorned with Sohrai and Khovar paintings at Birsa Munda airport. Khovar, a historical mural painting tradition originating from the Hazaribagh region of Jharkhand, India, is used to decorate wedding rooms and is considered to bring good fortune. This distinct art form, now recognised by a Geographical Indication tag, reflects matriarchal roots and a deep bond with nature, even adapting to changing times by being created on paper and cloth.

Diwali Then and Now: A Journey Through Light, Memory, & Meaning

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Cultural Currents24 Comments

I reflect on nostalgic childhood memories of Diwali, contrasting the festival's communal joy and artisan importance with today's commercialization and digital greetings. While modern conveniences alter traditions, the author urges a return to meaningful connections, preserving the festival's intimate spirit through conscious efforts to maintain its richness amidst evolving societal changes.

Jamai Shoshthi: Of Love, Feasts, & Life’s Little Twists

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Cultural Currents29 Comments

Jamai Shoshthi is a cherished Bengali festival celebrating the son-in-law, highlighting familial love and togetherness. Held on the sixth day of the waxing moon in Jyestha, it symbolises respect and gratitude among families, featuring festive feasts centred around traditional dishes like Ilish maach. The festival reflects deep cultural bonds, though personal experiences can bring unexpected challenges. Ultimately, Jamai Shoshthi serves as a reminder of the importance of family and love through both joyous and trying moments.

Manda Festival: Walking on Fire, Walking in Faith

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Cultural Currents15 Comments

The Manda festival, celebrated in Jharkhand, follows the Sarhul festival, and is a fervent prayer for rain and prosperity. Devotees walk barefoot on hot coals, symbolizing unwavering faith, and seeking divine intervention for a bountiful harvest. As villages congregate to witness this sacred ritual, the festival embodies the enduring belief that Lord Shiva watches over his devotees. In the face of adversity, the festival emerges as a beacon of hope and a testament to the enduring spirit of faith and resilience.

Ram Navami Procession in Ranchi

Ram Navami in Ranchi: When Faith Turns into a River of Devotion

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Cultural Currents10 Comments

The Ram Navami festival in Ranchi embodies a vibrant communal celebration of Lord Rama's birth, marked by the spirited Ratha Yatra and martial displays from local akharas. The city transforms, adorned with saffron flags and lively hymns, drawing people together across diverse backgrounds. At the heart of festivities is Albert Ekka Chowk, where unity and devotion flourish, culminating in a profound experience that highlights the enduring legacy of faith and righteousness.

Bhoot Chaturdashi: Bengal’s Own Night of Spirits & Light

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Cultural Currents20 Comments

Bhoot Chaturdashi, celebrated in Bengal during late autumn, honors ancestral spirits through rituals like lighting fourteen earthen lamps and consuming fourteen leafy greens. This reflective observance, linked to folklore and protection, emphasizes the connection between life and death, nature, and the significance of remembering one's heritage amid the changing world.