Gajan in various districts of West Bengal

      Gajan is celebrated in various ways in different districts of West Bengal. Each district posses a specific characteristic of Gajan festivity to boast upon. Following are the various ways in which of Gajan is celebrated in these districts:

Nabadwip District-

      The Gajan celebration at Nabadwip includes worship of seven forms of Shiva. At a time, the sanyasis pray at only one temple of Shiva but they do so with each of these forms. The sanyasis fast throughout the day and do not even drink water. In the evening, they break their fast by eating fruits and sweets.

      The ‘Buro Shib’ of Buro Shib Tala at Nabadwip is considered the most ancient among the rest of the temples of Shiva. During the start of the yatra, Buro Shib is bathed first which is follwed by bathing of the rest of the Shivas.

Bardhaman District-

      Kurmun, Palashi and Sena Palashi are one of the places, famous in Bardhaman, for their Gajan festival and fairs. Four days before the fair is set up, the localites take up the ‘sanyas vrata’ and begin their fast. They fast throughout the day and break the fast in the evening by consuming ‘hobbishi’ cooked at their homes.

      The main attraction of Bardhaman’s Gajan was believed to be when the sanyasis dance with ‘Naramundu’ (human skull) or a dead body of a child.

      The fair goes on till 7-10 days with many events in between including ‘Jatra’, puppet-show and musical performances.

South 24 Parganas District-

      Just like the other districts, the Gajan celebration is pretty standard in this district. As the Sanyasis gear up to worship and fast, the localites prepare for various events and functions of Gajan.

       The ‘Palagaan’ groups perform at these functions. There are certain groups called ‘Satyanarayan Gajan Dal’ and ‘Lakhhinarayan Gajan Dal’ which are majorly famous to sing  and perform during the festivities of Gajan.

Hooghly District-

      Almost like the other districts, the main role is played by the Sanyasis or the Bhaktas in the festivities of Gajan here as well. The Sanyasis are inclusive of almost all the caste groups. The rituals of Gajan are strictly follwed with the localites taking up the vrata and fasting for their wish-fulfilment.

      Sanyasis, belonging to lower castes, attempt the deadly rituals of ‘Banfoda’ and ‘Shikh foda’. They insert sharp needles and hooks on their body as an act of purifying of their body and soul.