[Please see the amazing pictures in full screen]
‘Dharmarajer Gajan’ (Gajan of Dharmaraj) is a famous festival of Bengal, where many villages of Bengal celebrate it. The snan (bath) of Dharmaraj is carried out in a colourful procession. Fairs are an intrinsic part of the festival.
In the book ‘Loksanskriti’, Dr. Ashutosh Bhattacharya writes, ‘the puja of Dharmaraj or Surya Dev is celebrated in many parts of Bengal. This puja is generally held on any of the ‘Purnima’ (full moon) days in the Bengali month of Baisakh or Jaishthya. It’s also held on three last day of Ashadh. The ritual of ‘Gajan’ is also held during this Dharmaraj puja.’
Retired History teacher, travel writer. Interested in festivals and local history of Bengal.
