Bengal - A Festival for Every Season: The Myths, History, and Meaning Behind the Celebrations

By Gitangshu Adhikary

In the land of six seasons, there is a festival for every turning of the earth, a story in every beat of the dhak.

From the overwhelming grandeur of Durga Puja to the fiery rebellion of Nazrul's verses, from the sacred plunge at Ganga Sagar to the serene wisdom of Saraswati Puja, Bengal lives and breathes through its celebrations. But what is the secret behind this unbroken cycle of joy, devotion, and artistry that has endured for centuries?

In Bengal: A Festival for Every Season, cultural historian Gitangshu Adhikary takes you on a mesmerizing journey through the heart of Bengali culture. This is the first book to present a complete and vivid portrait of the region's festive soul, moving beyond the well-known pujas to uncover a breathtaking tapestry of faith and folklore.

Discover the cosmic myth and intimate human story behind Durga's homecoming.

Witness the raw, transformative power of Kali, the Dark Mother.

Experience the syncretic magic where Hindu artisans build Tazias for Muharram and the scent of Christmas cake fills Kolkata's winter air.

Journey to Santiniketan's Poush Mela and the primal shores of the Ganga Sagar pilgrimage.

Unearth the ancient, earth-centric festivals of the Santal people, where the land itself is the ultimate deity.

More than just a guide, this book is a profound exploration of why these festivals endure. It reveals how Bengal has woven threads from Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, and indigenous traditions into a resilient, inclusive cultural fabric where a celebration truly belongs to everyone.

Meticulously researched and beautifully told, Bengal: A Festival for Every Season is an essential read for anyone who has ever been captivated by the beat of a drum, the scent of incense, or the timeless stories that bind a people to their land. This is the definitive story of a culture that builds its heaven on earth, year after glorious year.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0FTYY5K8P
• ISBN13: 9798268492798
• Release Date: October 2025
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 128 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 6.0" x 9.0"