WEST BENGAL West Bengal is the state situated in the eastern part of the state known as the land of Rabindra Nath Tagore . This is a state ...
WEST BENGAL
West Bengal is the state situated in the eastern part of the state known as the land of Rabindra Nath Tagore. This is a state lies between the Himalayas and the Bay of Bengal. West Bengal shared its boundaries with the states like Orissa, Jharkhand, Bihar, Sikkim and Assam. The state also shared its boundaries with the neighboring countries like Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan. It is the fourteenth largest state of India covering the total area of about 34,267 sq meter with Kolkata as the capital of the state. West Bengal is the only Indian state which has the Himalayas, The Duars forests and the vast beaches of the Bay of Bengal called the Accident of Geography. West Bengal holds the sixth-largest state economy in India with the GSDP of US$ 180 billion and per capita income of about US$ 1,600.
- OTHER INFORMATIONS
- Mother Nation - India 🇮🇳
- Established on - 26 Jan 1950.
- Official Language - Bengali , English.
- Other Language - Hindi , Nepali , Urdu etc.
- Mammal - Fishing Cat 🐠
- Bird - White - throated Kingfisher
- Flower - Night flowering Jasmine 🌺
- Tree - Chatim Tree 🌳
HISTORY
The History of the West Bengal is very vast and unique. The name of Bengal or Bangla is derived from the ancient kingdom of Vanga or Banga. The reference of the state is occurred in the ancient Sanskrit Literature. The early history of the state is came into existence until 3rd century BCE, at the time of Mauryan Empire inherited by the Emperor Ashoka. After many years of rule, when the declined of the Mauryan Empire in 4th Century, the region was captured by the Gupta Empire of Samundra Gupta. After Gupta Empire, it was captured by the Pala kingdom. After the rule of Pala Dynasty till 13th century. The Delhi sultanate captured the regions till Mughal Empire started ruled over India.
In 1600, the East India Company reached India from Bengal and after the Revolt of 1857, the British gain the power and ruled over India for many years. With the unlimited struggle and sacrifices, Onn 15 Of August 1947, India became independent nation. After 1947, the merger of native princely states began which ended with the final reorganization in 1956 ( as per recommendations of the State Reorganization Act in 1956) when some Bengali speaking areas of a neighbouring State were transferred to West Bengal.
CULTURE OF WEST BENGAL
West Bengal is the state which holds and preserved their cultural and traditional values. The majority of the West Bengal's people lived in Rural areas. The rest of the population lived in the urban areas. In West Bengal, the majority of the people are Hindus ( more than Three - fourth of the population). While Muslims are the second most followed religions of the state. The rest are Sikhs and the Christians. The people of the state speaks Bengali, also the official language of the state. Other languages are Hindi, Urdu and Nepali.
The popular dance of the state are Gaudiya dance and Lathi Dance. The popular music of the state are Rabindra Sangeet and Baul Shyama Sangeet. The Cultural and the beauty of the state find in the every corner of the state. the popular destinations, food and festivals of the state remind the ethnic and ancient culture of the state.
POPULAR DESTINATION OF WEST BENGAL
West Bengal is famous for its popular Destinations which give you and unforgettable memories and when you explore the place, you find the beauty of the state. So lets discuss about the popular destinations of West Bengal.
1. KOLKATA.
Kolkata is the capital of West Bengal and the second biggest city of India. Kolkata is popularly known as the City of Joy. It is also known as the Cultural Capital of India. Kolkata is famous for its elegant British Raj Buildings, Sprawling Gardens, Historical architecture. The state is the home of the famous poets, writers, film producers and Nobel prize winners. Kolkata possessed all the necessary factors to be one of the finest place to visit not only in West Bengal but in India.
There are several places to visit when you explore the Cultural Capital of India are:-
- Dakshineshwar kali Temple.
- Howrah Bridge.
- Victoria Memorial.
- Eden Garden.
- Marble Palace Mansion.
- Park Street.
2. SUNDERBANS.
Sundarbans is one of the largest Delta in the world and also the world's largest Mangrove Forest. The River Matla that divides Sundarbans Reserved Forest into Sundarbans Tiger Reserved and Reserved forests of South 24 Parganas Forest Divisions. Sundarbans is bounded by River Muriganga on the west and Harinbhahga and Raimangal river in the east. It is the Boisphere Reserved that has received the recognition of UNESCO under its Man and Biosphere (MAB) programme in November 2001. It is to be noticed that Sundarban Tiger Reserve has the highest tiger population in the world.
There are several places to explore when you visit Sundarbans are -
- Sundarbans National Park.
- Sajnekhali Bird Sanctuary.
- Sudhanyakhali Watch Tower.
- Netidhopani.
3. DARJEELING.
Darjeeling is one of the most famous Hill-Station of West Bengal. Darjeeling is the place which give Bengal its unique identity. Darjeeling is the place provides the best scenic beauty and gives you mind pleasuring feel. Darjeeling is famous for the Tea Estate throughout the world. The place is also famous for Red Rhododendrons, White Magnolias, Birds of different species and toy train which is one of the major attraction of the place. You can enjoy the rides like trekking and River Rafting.
There are several places to explore when you visit the Darjeeling are :-
- Kanchenjunga.
- Tiger Hills.
- Everest Museum.
- Peace Pagoda.
- Sandakphu.
- Batasia Loop.
4. SANTINIKETAN.
Santiniketan is one of the most popular place situated in the Bolpur of Birbhum District of West Bengal. It is popularly known as the Treasure Trove of Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore. It is said that Rabindranath Tagore founded an Ashram here in 1863 and become the initiator of Bramho samaj. You found many ancient sculpture, paintings of Rabindranath Tagore, Nandlal Bose, Binodbehari. Many visitors came every year to visit the place.
There are several places to explore when you visit Santiniketan :-
- Visva Bharti University.
- Tagore's Ashram.
- Amar Kutir.
- Ballavpur Wildlife Sanctuary.
POPULAR FOOD OF WEST BENGAL
West Bengal is famous for its variety of food which gives you an unforgettable taste to mouth. So lets discuss about the popular food of West Bengal.
1. SHUKTO.
Shukto is one of the most popular dish of West Bengal. This dish proved that in Bengal people loved fish as well as the other vegetables. Shukto is the dish made of combination of different vegetables like Brinjals, Bitter Gourd, Crunchy Drumsticks and Bori. Mixed with traditional spices and milk to the curry of the dish thick. This is the best having dish in the Bengali cuisine.
2. SANDESH.
Sandesh is the most popular sweet dish of Bengali cuisine found in the every corner of the state. The flavour of the dish is neither over sweety in taste thus allowing people with non- sweet tooth can enjoy too. The dish is made up of Khoya, a version of condensed milk and very pleasant in taste. If you will ever come to this state a sweet loving person, must try this dish.
3. TANGRA MACHER JHOL.
As we all know about Bengal, Tangra Macher Jhol is one of the most popular dish of the state. This is one of the most eated variety of the fish dishes. The Tangra fishis basically the cat fish found in the fresh water. The fish is prepared with fresh fish with traditional spices and thin curry to enhance the taste. This is served with rice and make the deadly combination.
4. ALUR DOM.
Alur Dom is one of the most popular dish of the Bengal cooked in every house of the state. The people of the state made this dish in various different methods. This diah is made up of potatoes roasted in many spices which gives this dish mind blowing taste. It is commonly eaten with Luchi, another Bengali cuisine which enhance the taste of the Alur Dom.
POPULAR FESTIVALS OF WEST BENGAL
West Bengal is famous for its popular festivals and celebrate with full of joy and excitement. So lets discuss about the popular festivals of West Bengal.
1. DURGA PUJA.
Durga puja is one of the most famous festival celebrate in India especially in West Bengal.The holy festival is dedicated to goddess Durga. This festival is celebrated on the victory of good over evil. People have believed that goddess Durga defeated the demon Mahisasura after the long battle of 10 days. This festival is celebrated in the month of between September to October. Many devotees came every year to worship the Mahisasura Mandini (goddess Durga).
2. BHAI PHOTA.
Bhai Phota is famous festival celebrated in the Bengal every year in the month of November. This festival is similar to Raksha Bandhan.On this day sisters put kumkum tika on the forehead of her brother and offer sweets to him and wishes for his long life and brother promised to safe her in every problems. In other words this festival is the Bengali version of Raksha Bandhan.
3. POUSH SANKRANTI.
In West Bengal, Makar sankraanti is celebrated as Poush Sankranti. The name of the festival is derived from the month of harvesting, Poush. The duration of the festival is 3 days where all section of the society together celebrate this festival. On this day the famous dish of the state named Pataliand Khejurer Gur is prepared. These sweets are made with coconut, rice flour, palm, jaggery. This festival is very famous and celebrated with full of joy and happiness.
4. JAMAI SHOSHTI.
Jamai Soshti is one of the most famous celebrate in the West Bengal. Jamai is a term referred to Son-in-law. This festival is celebrated to commemorate the relationship between Son-in-law and Mother-in-law. On this day the Jamai go to his Mother-in-law and seek blessings for a healthy life and future. The celebration held in every house of the state.The Mother-in-law made many delicious dish for her Son-in-law as per ritual. This festival is celebrated in the month of May or june.
These are the factors mentioned above shows the vast cultural and traditional values of West Bengal, the land of Rabindra Nath Tagore as well as the taste and happiness spread in every corner of the state. So if you like and appreciate my work, Share it with your friends and family.
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