As Indians, people have made progress in the various spheres of life, whether it is language, literature, art and architecture, science or religion. This happened because; some of the Indians never had to start afresh. They have had always made use of and develop work depending upon the work of their ancestors. And the generations followed.

A language is required for communicating with each other. But, generations of Indians never had to script their own language for themselves. It was given to them for becoming a part of the society. Various contributions and additions on language since India’s Independence gradually became an asset to the following generations. This however, is a never-ending process. It is a precious possession unique to Indians and is known as Indian culture.

Yes, India has its own unique culture. This culture is their way of life. One may be curious to know about the uniqueness of this culture and find out the characteristics.

Some of the intellectual and social aspects of people are included in the Indian culture. It takes the aesthetic instinct as well as spiritual Indian culture is as many sided as life. It includes intellectual and social aspects of any human being. It also takes the aesthetic instincts and spiritual impulses into account. It apparently affects the subconscious for shaping a character in the Indian People. India, however, is a country with several diversities. Indians have different food habits and dressing patterns. There are different dance forms and music within this nation. Indians also follow different religions and practice different rituals. These rituals or festivals form a dynamic character of Indian culture. These festivals act as a cementing force among the Indians.

Indian festival brings life to state of enthusiasm. Besides Pongal or Mahasankranti, Shivaratri, Dussera, Diwali; Durga Puja is one of the greatest festivals of India. It is grandly celebrated in Bengal and amongst the Bengalis across the world. During the royal era of the undivided Indian Calcutta, the first celebration of Durga Puja took place in Raja Naba Krishna Deb’s palace, Shovabazar Rajbari. However, the rural Benagl also did not go far behind making Durga Puja big. One of the oldest Durga Puja celebration in rural Bengal is still held in Chanduli, held under the auspices of Mitra bari Debottor estate. And here, Goddess Durga is visible two hands, instead of the ten normally.

The festival representing the divine feminine energy or shakti of Devi Maa, remained the same whether inj the villages or cities. And, no artificiality is involved in the making of the pandals and idols in villages. Pandals are made with a blend of simplicity and creativity of the artisans. The pandals are decorated with “solar shaaj”, the idols are carved out of mud and clay and later adorned with different types of ornaments and clothes. Unlike the modern outlook of this festival in the cities, folk or baul singing features the cultural sourjon of the festivities in the villages. Hence, when a fellow Bengali is ever asked about the specialties of Durga Puja, they will first have a hearty laughter, and respond “Everthing is special” about Durga Puja . The Puja fever grips every Bengali’s heart in the city irrespective of age, caste, class and gender. With incomprehensible emotions of togetherness the Bengalis welcome Goddess Durga with her children, along with the mighty demon Mahisasura.

This five days extravaganza not merely about glorious feasting and worship. It is also the time when Bengali beauties dress up in their best possible way to go pandal hopping with their friends and families. Bengali women, whether in a village or in city prefer buying new sarees for Durga Puja. As wearing new and gaudy apparels is part of the Bengali cultural festivities. Traditional Bengali Silk and cotton sarees are most important buys for this season.

Traditional Bengali Cotton Sarees or Banglar Tant, under the royal guidance became well known in around Dhaka. The art of “Tant” weaving went in the state of ruins under influence of the British government. However, with the division of Bengal many weavers settled themselves in Hooghly, Nadia and Burdwan district of Bengal. And the art of “Tant” weaving was revived with the government’s aid.

Today, generations of skilled craftsmen deftly weave the cotton to thread, to thus weave them into “Tant” saree. These sarees are known for the thick border, decorative “pallu” and they are intricately woven with floral, paisley and other artistic motifs.

The quintessential white and red border Traditional Bengali cotton sarees are extremely common amongst Bengali women. However, women in the younger generation are spoilt for the choice of colours from green to gold, thereby making these must buys for Durga Puja celebration.

The post Durga Puja in the “Tant” tradition of Bengal appeared first on Kiukart Blog - Celebrate Craftsmanship.