View allAll Photos Tagged MakaraSankranti
Poush Mela, Santiniketan
Images of Bengal, India
Tusu Dance
West Bengal is one of the important cultural states of India. Folk dances and music is a part of the life of people here. This state is a loving home of various tribal groups of people. These communities perform their own cultural and traditional activities on various occasion and festivities.
'Makara Sankranti' is an important festival in all parts of Bengal. The Tusu Parab is held in Birbhum District on this occasion. Groups of young girls gather every evening throughout the month of Poush (December-January) and sing songs which have been termed by the generic term Tusu. On the day of Makar Sakranti (around 15th January), people gather around a pond or a river, mostly out of the village. After offering their prayers to Goddess Tusu, people sing and dance on the banks of the river or pond. The songs are accompanied by simple group movements: there is no other accompaniment.
Poush Mela / পৌষ মেলা
An annual fair and festival that takes place in Santiniketan, in Birbhum District in the Indian state of West Bengal, marking the harvest season. Commencing on the 7th day of the month of Poush (around 21/22 December), the fair officially lasts for three days, although vendors may stay up until the month-end. The key characteristic of this fair include live performances of Bengali folk music, notably baul and fakir songs.
Write Up by Pallab Seth
In the Southern Indian state of Karnataka, cows and bulls are worshipped, pampered and sometimes painted in yellow, during the annual havest Festival of Pongal, also known as Makar Sankranti. A frequent sight in the city of Mysore.
India, 2013
எமது , இனிய பொங்கல் நல் வாழ்த்துக்கள் ,
Pongal, in Tamil, also known as Makara Sankranti elsewhere is a farmers thanks giving day.
If someone tells you to go fly a kite on January 14, don’t be insulted - it’s Makar Sankranti in India. This is the only traditional Indian festival that falls on the same date every year because it is associated with the solar calendar and not the lunar calendar. The Makar Sankranti festival coincides with the day when the sun begins its northward journey and enters the sign of Makar (the Capricorn) from the Tropic of Cancer. This means the days will be getting longer and warmer. It is celebrated as a festival of life and fertility. Since the holiday falls in mid-winter traditional foods served include many that keep the body warm and give energy.
This Day Indians all over the world, celebrate this as Thanks Giving Day , to The Sun, The Farmers,
The Cattles, The Rivers, and all those who made the Bountiful Harvest Possible.
Devotee worshiping the Sun God after a holy dip at Gangasagar!
Explored #231 Feb 19
The Ganga Sagar Mela continues to throb with life, with the energy of millions of pilgrims. The pilgrimage may be extremely tough, but the pilgrims know that the visit will purify their souls. The visit fulfils their lifelong desire and often one can see tears of joy rolling down their cheeks.
That is the magic of religion!
Gangasagar pilgrimage and fair, held annually, is the second largest congregation of mankind (more than 0.8 million this year) after the holy Kumbha Mela. Gangasagar finds mention in sacred texts and ancient scriptures of Hindu mythology including the two great Hindu epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.
The river Ganga (Ganges) which originates in the Gangotri glacier in the snow clad high Himalayas, descends down the mountains, reaches the plains, flows through ancient pilgrimage sites, and drains into the Bay of Bengal. A dip in the ocean, where the Ganga meets the sea is considered to be of great religious significance particularly on the Makara Sankranti day (January 14/15), when the sun makes a transition to Capricorn from Sagittarius. Almost a million of Hindu devotees from all over India gather at Gangasagar for a holy dip and perform rituals and prayer (puja) with a belief that it will cleanse and purify their souls.
Images of Bengal, India
Are You Happy?......What Makes You Happy!
Indians with their traditions and religious beliefs are still some of the most happiest bunch of people living on this Earth with all odds including poverty, corruption, poor infrastructure, and so many negative things.
A new poll conducted by global research company Ipsos for What Makes You Happy Magazine has Indians claiming the second position in its 'very happy' list. 43 per cent Indians identifies themselves as ‘very happy’—a key measure that identifies comparative depth and intensity of happiness among country citizens and the world. Perhaps proving that money can't buy happiness, residents of some of the world biggest economic powers, including the United States, Canada and Britain, fell in the middle of the happiness scale. While Hungary, South Korea, Russia, Spain and Italy had the fewest number of happy people. (Ipsos Global Poll 2012)
Just a face,which telling a lot..What should I say more....
For more photos,click MY SITE subirbasak.orgfree.com.....
P.S."Copyright © – Subir Basak.
The reproduction, publication, modification, transmission or exploitation of any work contained herein for any use, personal or commercial, without my prior written permission is strictly prohibited. All rights reserved."
Poush Mela 2013, Santiniketan
Images of Bengal, India
See My Poush Mela Set: flic.kr/s/aHsjywUbRV
Tusu Dance
West Bengal is one of the important cultural states of India. Folk dances and music is a part of the life of people here. This state is a loving home of various tribal groups of people including Santhals. These communities perform their own cultural and traditional activities on various occasion and festivities.
'Makara Sankranti' is an important festival in all parts of Bengal. The Tusu Parab is held in Birbhum District on this occasion. Groups of young girls gather every evening throughout the month of Poush (December-January) and sing songs which have been termed by the generic term Tusu. On the day of Makar Sakranti (around 15th January), people gather around a pond or a river, mostly out of the village. After offering their prayers to Goddess Tusu, people sing and dance on the banks of the river or pond. The songs are accompanied by simple group movements: there is no other accompaniment.
Poush Mela / পৌষ মেলা
An annual fair and festival that takes place in Santiniketan, in Birbhum District in the Indian state of West Bengal, marking the harvest season. Commencing on the 7th day of the month of Poush (around 21/22 December), the fair officially lasts for three days, although vendors may stay up until the month-end. The key characteristic of this fair include live performances of Bengali folk music, notably baul and fakir songs.
pain
The Gangasagar Mela continues to throb with life, with the energy of millions of pilgrims. The pilgrimage may be extremely tough, but the pilgrims know that the visit will purify their souls. The visit fulfils their lifelong desire and often one can see tears of joy rolling down their cheeks. That is the magic of religion!
The river Ganga (Ganges) which originates in the Gangotri glacier in the snow clad high Himalayas, descends down the mountains, reaches the plains, flows through ancient pilgrimage sites, and drains into the Bay of Bengal. A dip in the ocean, where the Ganga meets the sea is considered to be of great religious significance particularly on the Makara Sankranti day (January 14/15), when the sun makes a transition to Capricorn from Sagittarius. Almost a million of Hindu devotees from all over India gather at Gangasagar for a holy dip and perform rituals and prayer (puja) with a belief that it will cleanse and purify their souls.
Images of Bengal, India
Tribal folk dancers with drummers at Poush Mela 2011, Santiniketan
Images of Bengal, India
See My Poush Mela Set: flic.kr/s/aHsjywUbRV
Destination : West Bengal - World Tourism Week / World Tourism Day (Sept 27, 2012)
Candid shot of folk dancers accompanied by the male members with drums at the mela ground
Tusu Dance
West Bengal is one of the important cultural states of India. Folk dances and music is a part of the life of people here. This state is a loving home of various tribal groups of people including Santhals. These communities perform their own cultural and traditional activities on various occasion and festivities.
'Makara Sankranti' is an important festival in all parts of Bengal. The Tusu Parab is held in Birbhum District on this occasion. Groups of young girls gather every evening throughout the month of Poush (December-January) and sing songs which have been termed by the generic term Tusu. On the day of Makar Sakranti (around 15th January), people gather around a pond or a river, mostly out of the village. After offering their prayers to Goddess Tusu, people sing and dance on the banks of the river or pond. The songs are accompanied by simple group movements: there is no other accompaniment.
Poush Mela / পৌষ মেলা
An annual fair and festival that takes place in Santiniketan, in Birbhum District in the Indian state of West Bengal, marking the harvest season. Commencing on the 7th day of the month of Poush (around 21/22 December), the fair officially lasts for three days, although vendors may stay up until the month-end. The key characteristic of this fair include live performances of Bengali folk music, notably baul and fakir songs.
Explored on Sept 27, 2012 #216
Poush Mela 2011, Santiniketan
Images of Bengal, India
See My Poush Mela Set: flic.kr/s/aHsjywUbRV
Tusu Dance
West Bengal is one of the important cultural states of India. Folk dances and music is a part of the life of people here. This state is a loving home of various tribal groups of people including Santhals. These communities perform their own cultural and traditional activities on various occasion and festivities.
'Makara Sankranti' is an important festival in all parts of Bengal. The Tusu Parab is held in Birbhum District on this occasion. Groups of young girls gather every evening throughout the month of Poush (December-January) and sing songs which have been termed by the generic term Tusu. On the day of Makar Sakranti (around 15th January), people gather around a pond or a river, mostly out of the village. After offering their prayers to Goddess Tusu, people sing and dance on the banks of the river or pond. The songs are accompanied by simple group movements: there is no other accompaniment.
Poush Mela / পৌষ মেলা
An annual fair and festival that takes place in Santiniketan, in Birbhum District in the Indian state of West Bengal, marking the harvest season. Commencing on the 7th day of the month of Poush (around 21/22 December), the fair officially lasts for three days, although vendors may stay up until the month-end. The key characteristic of this fair include live performances of Bengali folk music, notably baul and fakir songs.
Poush Mela 2013, Santiniketan
Images of Bengal, India
See My Poush Mela Set: flic.kr/s/aHsjywUbRV
Tusu Dance
West Bengal is one of the important cultural states of India. Folk dances and music is a part of the life of people here. This state is a loving home of various tribal groups of people including Santhals. These communities perform their own cultural and traditional activities on various occasion and festivities.
'Makara Sankranti' is an important festival in all parts of Bengal. The Tusu Parab is held in Birbhum District on this occasion. Groups of young girls gather every evening throughout the month of Poush (December-January) and sing songs which have been termed by the generic term Tusu. On the day of Makar Sakranti (around 15th January), people gather around a pond or a river, mostly out of the village. After offering their prayers to Goddess Tusu, people sing and dance on the banks of the river or pond. The songs are accompanied by simple group movements: there is no other accompaniment.
Poush Mela / পৌষ মেলা
An annual fair and festival that takes place in Santiniketan, in Birbhum District in the Indian state of West Bengal, marking the harvest season. Commencing on the 7th day of the month of Poush (around 21/22 December), the fair officially lasts for three days, although vendors may stay up until the month-end. The key characteristic of this fair include live performances of Bengali folk music, notably baul and fakir songs.
The river Ganga (Ganges) which originates in the Gangotri glacier in the snow clad high Himalayas, descends down the mountains, reaches the plains, flows through ancient pilgrimage sites, and drains into the Bay of Bengal. A dip in the ocean, where the Ganga meets the sea is considered to be of great religious significance particularly on the Makara Sankranti day (January 14/15), when the sun makes a transition to Capricorn from Sagittarius. Almost a million of Hindu devotees from all over India gather at Gangasagar for a holy dip and perform rituals and prayer (puja) with a belief that it will cleanse and purify their souls.
Images of Bengal, India
for a holy dip at Gangasagar
Gangasagar pilgrimage and fair, held annually, is the second largest congregation of mankind after the holy Kumbha Mela. Gangasagar finds mention in sacred texts and ancient scriptures of Hindu mythology including the two great Hindu epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.
The river Ganga (Ganges) which originates in the Gangotri glacier in the snow clad high Himalayas, descends down the mountains, reaches the plains, flows through ancient pilgrimage sites, and drains into the Bay of Bengal. A dip in the ocean, where the Ganga meets the sea is considered to be of great religious significance particularly on the Makara Sankranti day (January 14/15), when the sun makes a transition to Capricorn from Sagittarius. Almost a million of Hindu devotees from all over India gather at Gangasagar for a holy dip and perform rituals and prayer (puja) with a belief that it will cleanse and purify their souls.
Images of Bengal, India
Shot it at Gangasagar fair,Gangasagar Mela is the largest fair celebrated in West Bengal. This fair is held where the Ganga and the Bay of Bengal form a nexus. Hence the name Gangasagar Mela. The river Ganga which originates in the Gangotri glacier in the snow clad Himalayas, descends down the mountains, reaches the plains at Haridwar, flows through ancient pilgrimage sites such as Benares and Prayag, and drains into the Bay of Bengal. Sagar Island, at the mouth of the river Hooghly in Bengal where the Ganga breaks up into hundreds of streams, and drains into the sea, is honored as a pilgrimage site.
A dip in the ocean, where the Ganga drains into the sea is considered to be of great religious significance particularly on the Makara Sankranti day when the sun makes a transition to Capricorn from Sagittarius and this town becomes home to vast fairs, drawing visitors and recluses from all over the state. There is a common belief among the locals that the girls who take the holy dip get handsome grooms and the boys get beautiful brides. When they are done with the ritual obligations, they head towards the Kapilmuni Temple situated nearby, to worship the deity as a mark of respect.
For more photos,click MY SITE subirbasak.orgfree.com.....
P.S."Copyright © – Subir Basak.
The reproduction, publication, modification, transmission or exploitation of any work contained herein for any use, personal or commercial, without my prior written permission is strictly prohibited. All rights reserved."
Devotee worshiping the Sun God after a holy dip at Gangasagar!
The Gangasagar Mela continues to throb with life, with the energy of millions of pilgrims. The pilgrimage may be extremely tough, but the pilgrims know that the visit will purify their souls. The visit fulfils their lifelong desire and often one can see tears of joy rolling down their cheeks. That is the magic of religion!
The river Ganga (Ganges) which originates in the Gangotri glacier in the snow clad high Himalayas, descends down the mountains, reaches the plains, flows through ancient pilgrimage sites, and drains into the Bay of Bengal. A dip in the ocean, where the Ganga meets the sea is considered to be of great religious significance particularly on the Makara Sankranti day (January 14/15), when the sun makes a transition to Capricorn from Sagittarius. Almost a million of Hindu devotees from all over India gather at Gangasagar for a holy dip and perform rituals and prayer (puja) with a belief that it will cleanse and purify their souls.
Images of Bengal, India
Poush Mela 2011, Santiniketan
Images of Bengal, India
See My Poush Mela Set: flic.kr/s/aHsjywUbRV
Tusu Dance
West Bengal is one of the important cultural states of India. Folk dances and music is a part of the life of people here. This state is a loving home of various tribal groups of people including Santhals. These communities perform their own cultural and traditional activities on various occasion and festivities.
'Makara Sankranti' is an important festival in all parts of Bengal. The Tusu Parab is held in Birbhum District on this occasion. Groups of young girls gather every evening throughout the month of Poush (December-January) and sing songs which have been termed by the generic term Tusu. On the day of Makar Sakranti (around 15th January), people gather around a pond or a river, mostly out of the village. After offering their prayers to Goddess Tusu, people sing and dance on the banks of the river or pond. The songs are accompanied by simple group movements: there is no other accompaniment.
Poush Mela / পৌষ মেলা
An annual fair and festival that takes place in Santiniketan, in Birbhum District in the Indian state of West Bengal, marking the harvest season. Commencing on the 7th day of the month of Poush (around 21/22 December), the fair officially lasts for three days, although vendors may stay up until the month-end. The key characteristic of this fair include live performances of Bengali folk music, notably baul and fakir songs.
for a holy dip at Gangasagar
The Gangasagar Mela continues to throb with life, with the energy of millions of pilgrims. The pilgrimage may be extremely tough, but the pilgrims know that the visit will purify their souls. The visit fulfils their lifelong desire and often one can see tears of joy rolling down their cheeks. That is the magic of religion!
The river Ganga (Ganges) which originates in the Gangotri glacier in the snow clad high Himalayas, descends down the mountains, reaches the plains, flows through ancient pilgrimage sites, and drains into the Bay of Bengal. A dip in the ocean, where the Ganga meets the sea is considered to be of great religious significance particularly on the Makara Sankranti day (January 14/15), when the sun makes a transition to Capricorn from Sagittarius. Almost a million of Hindu devotees from all over India gather at Gangasagar for a holy dip and perform rituals and prayer (puja) with a belief that it will cleanse and purify their souls.
Images of Bengal, India
The river Ganga (Ganges) which originates in the Gangotri glacier in the snow clad high Himalayas, descends down the mountains, reaches the plains, flows through ancient pilgrimage sites, and drains into the Bay of Bengal. A dip in the ocean, where the Ganga meets the sea is considered to be of great religious significance particularly on the Makara Sankranti day (January 14/15), when the sun makes a transition to Capricorn from Sagittarius. Almost a million of Hindu devotees from all over India gather at Gangasagar for a holy dip and perform rituals and prayer (puja) with a belief that it will cleanse and purify their souls.
Images of Bengal, India
Poush Mela 2011, Santiniketan
Images of Bengal, India
See My Poush Mela Set: flic.kr/s/aHsjywUbRV
Tusu Dance
West Bengal is one of the important cultural states of India. Folk dances and music is a part of the life of people here. This state is a loving home of various tribal groups of people including Santhals. These communities perform their own cultural and traditional activities on various occasion and festivities.
'Makara Sankranti' is an important festival in all parts of Bengal. The Tusu Parab is held in Birbhum District on this occasion. Groups of young girls gather every evening throughout the month of Poush (December-January) and sing songs which have been termed by the generic term Tusu. On the day of Makar Sakranti (around 15th January), people gather around a pond or a river, mostly out of the village. After offering their prayers to Goddess Tusu, people sing and dance on the banks of the river or pond. The songs are accompanied by simple group movements: there is no other accompaniment.
Poush Mela / পৌষ মেলা
An annual fair and festival that takes place in Santiniketan, in Birbhum District in the Indian state of West Bengal, marking the harvest season. Commencing on the 7th day of the month of Poush (around 21/22 December), the fair officially lasts for three days, although vendors may stay up until the month-end. The key characteristic of this fair include live performances of Bengali folk music, notably baul and fakir songs.
Makara Sankranti Signifies the movement of the Sun into the Capricorn known as Makara Rashi, and is a major harvest festival celebrated in various parts of India. According to the lunar calendar, when the sun moves from the Tropic of Capricorn to the Tropic of Cancer or from Dakshinayana to Uttarayana, in the month of Pushya in mid-January, it commemorates the beginning of the harvest season. It is one of the few Hindu Indian festivals which are celebrated on a fixed date i.e. 14 January every year (or may be sometimes on 15 January (leap year)).
On this day People Cook Flat beans ( Avarekai), Sweet Potato ( Sihi Genasu), and Groundnut along with Pongal a sweet dish. This festival is also called as "Suggi Habba" or harvest festival for farmers in Karnataka. On this auspicious day, young females (kids & teenagers) wear new clothes to visit near and dear ones with a Sankranti offering in a plate, and exchange the same with other families. This ritual is called "Ellu Birodhu." Here the plate would normally contain "Ellu" (white sesame seeds) mixed with fried groundnuts, neatly cut dry coconut & fine cut bella (Jaggery). The mixture is called "Ellu-Bella" (ಎಳ್ಳು ಬೆಲ್ಲ). The plate will also contain sugar candy molds of various shapes (Sakkare Acchu, ಸಕ್ಕರೆ ಅಚ್ಚು) with a piece of sugarcane. There is a saying in Kannada "ellu bella thindu olle maathadi" which translates to 'eat the mixture of sesame seeds and jaggery and speak only good.' This festival signifies the harvest of the season,
In some parts of Karnataka, a newly married woman is required to give away bananas for a period of five years to married women (muthaidhe) from the first year of her marriage, but increase the number of bananas in multiples of five. There is also a tradition of some households giving away red berries "Yalchi Kai" along with the above. In North Karnataka, kite flying with community members is also a tradition.
An important ritual is display of cows and cattle in colourful costumes in an open field. Cows are decorated for the occasion and taken on a procession. They are also made to cross a pyre. This ritual is common in rural Karnataka and is called "Kichchu Haayisuvudu."
Post-processing - Solarized
Poush Mela 2013, Santiniketan
Images of Bengal, India
See My Poush Mela Set: flic.kr/s/aHsjywUbRV
Tusu Dance
West Bengal is one of the important cultural states of India. Folk dances and music is a part of the life of people here. This state is a loving home of various tribal groups of people including Santhals. These communities perform their own cultural and traditional activities on various occasion and festivities.
'Makara Sankranti' is an important festival in all parts of Bengal. The Tusu Parab is held in Birbhum District on this occasion. Groups of young girls gather every evening throughout the month of Poush (December-January) and sing songs which have been termed by the generic term Tusu. On the day of Makar Sakranti (around 15th January), people gather around a pond or a river, mostly out of the village. After offering their prayers to Goddess Tusu, people sing and dance on the banks of the river or pond. The songs are accompanied by simple group movements: there is no other accompaniment.
Poush Mela / পৌষ মেলা
An annual fair and festival that takes place in Santiniketan, in Birbhum District in the Indian state of West Bengal, marking the harvest season. Commencing on the 7th day of the month of Poush (around 21/22 December), the fair officially lasts for three days, although vendors may stay up until the month-end. The key characteristic of this fair include live performances of Bengali folk music, notably baul and fakir songs.
Today is the holy birthday of Swami Vivekananda.
Swami Vivekananda (1863 – 1902) was born in this house on 12th January, 1863 in Calcutta (the then capital of India). It was Monday and the exact holy birth hour was 33 minutes and 33 seconds after six in the morning (before sunrise). The day was also holy as it was Makara Sankranti day – a great Hindu festival day. Swami Vivekananda was the eldest son of Viswanath Datta and Bhubaneshwari Devi. Vishwanath Datta was a reputed attorney–at–law at Calcutta High Court. Please read the biography of Swami Vivekananda at www.belurmath.org
About 300 years ago, this house was built by Rammohan Datta, the great-grandfather of Swami Vivekananda. After a long time, Ramakrishna Mission has restored the ancestral house of Swamiji. You can visit this holy place, the address is:
Swamiji`s House
Ramakrishna Mission Swami Vivekananda Ancestral House and Cultural Centre
3 Gourmohan Mukherjee Street, Kolkata 700 006 India.
Phone: 033-2257 0213/0214/0215, 033-2257-1182
Email: rkmsh.org@gmail.com
(Visiting Hour: Morning and Evening, Monday closed)
Poush Mela / পৌষ মেলা
An annual fair and festival that takes place in Santiniketan, in Birbhum District in the Indian state of West Bengal, marking the harvest season. Commencing on the 7th day of the month of Poush (around 21/22 December), the fair officially lasts for three days, although vendors may stay up until the month-end. The key characteristic of this fair include live performances of Bengali folk music, notably baul and fakir songs. See My Poush Mela Set
Tusu Dance
West Bengal is one of the important cultural states of India. Folk dances and music is a part of the life of people here. This state is a loving home of various tribal groups of people including Santhals. These communities perform their own cultural and traditional activities on various occasion and festivities.
Poush Mela 2013, Santiniketan
Images of Bengal, India
Poush Mela 2011, Santiniketan
Images of Bengal, India
See My Poush Mela Set: flic.kr/s/aHsjywUbRV
Tusu Dance
West Bengal is one of the important cultural states of India. Folk dances and music is a part of the life of people here. This state is a loving home of various tribal groups of people including Santhals. These communities perform their own cultural and traditional activities on various occasion and festivities.
'Makara Sankranti' is an important festival in all parts of Bengal. The Tusu Parab is held in Birbhum District on this occasion. Groups of young girls gather every evening throughout the month of Poush (December-January) and sing songs which have been termed by the generic term Tusu. On the day of Makar Sakranti (around 15th January), people gather around a pond or a river, mostly out of the village. After offering their prayers to Goddess Tusu, people sing and dance on the banks of the river or pond. The songs are accompanied by simple group movements: there is no other accompaniment.
Poush Mela / পৌষ মেলা
An annual fair and festival that takes place in Santiniketan, in Birbhum District in the Indian state of West Bengal, marking the harvest season. Commencing on the 7th day of the month of Poush (around 21/22 December), the fair officially lasts for three days, although vendors may stay up until the month-end. The key characteristic of this fair include live performances of Bengali folk music, notably baul and fakir songs.
The river Ganga (Ganges) which originates in the Gangotri glacier in the snow clad high Himalayas, descends down the mountains, reaches the plains, flows through ancient pilgrimage sites, and drains into the Bay of Bengal. A dip in the ocean, where the Ganga meets the sea is considered to be of great religious significance particularly on the Makara Sankranti day (January 14/15), when the sun makes a transition to Capricorn from Sagittarius. Almost a million of Hindu devotees from all over India gather at Gangasagar for a holy dip and perform rituals and prayer (puja) with a belief that it will cleanse and purify their souls.
Images of Bengal, India
Devotee worshiping the Sun God after a holy dip at Gangasagar!
The Gangasagar Mela continues to throb with life, with the energy of millions of pilgrims. The pilgrimage may be extremely tough, but the pilgrims know that the visit will purify their souls. The visit fulfils their lifelong desire and often one can see tears of joy rolling down their cheeks. That is the magic of religion!
The river Ganga (Ganges) which originates in the Gangotri glacier in the snow clad high Himalayas, descends down the mountains, reaches the plains, flows through ancient pilgrimage sites, and drains into the Bay of Bengal. A dip in the ocean, where the Ganga meets the sea is considered to be of great religious significance particularly on the Makara Sankranti day (January 14/15), when the sun makes a transition to Capricorn from Sagittarius. Almost a million of Hindu devotees from all over India gather at Gangasagar for a holy dip and perform rituals and prayer (puja) with a belief that it will cleanse and purify their souls.
Images of Bengal, India
Candid shot of three brothers after the rituals at Gangasagar........ Many people shave their heads and perform the last rites of their departed relatives on the Makara Sankranti Day!
Ganga Sagar - pain, bliss and sanctification
The Ganga Sagar Mela continues to throb with life, with the energy of millions of pilgrims. The pilgrimage may be extremely tough, but the pilgrims know that the visit will purify their souls. The visit fulfils their lifelong desire and often one can see tears of joy rolling down their cheeks. That is the magic of religion!
The river Ganga (Ganges) which originates in the Gangotri glacier in the snow clad high Himalayas, descends down the mountains, reaches the plains, flows through ancient pilgrimage sites, and drains into the Bay of Bengal. A dip in the ocean, where the Ganga meets the sea is considered to be of great religious significance particularly on the Makara Sankranti day (January 14/15), when the sun makes a transition to Capricorn from Sagittarius. Almost a million of Hindu devotees from all over India gather at Gangasagar for a holy dip and perform rituals and prayer (puja) with a belief that it will cleanse and purify their souls.
Images of Bengal, India
Poush Mela 2011, Santiniketan
Images of Bengal, India
See My Poush Mela Set: flic.kr/s/aHsjywUbRV
Tusu Dance
West Bengal is one of the important cultural states of India. Folk dances and music is a part of the life of people here. This state is a loving home of various tribal groups of people including Santhals. These communities perform their own cultural and traditional activities on various occasion and festivities.
'Makara Sankranti' is an important festival in all parts of Bengal. The Tusu Parab is held in Birbhum District on this occasion. Groups of young girls gather every evening throughout the month of Poush (December-January) and sing songs which have been termed by the generic term Tusu. On the day of Makar Sakranti (around 15th January), people gather around a pond or a river, mostly out of the village. After offering their prayers to Goddess Tusu, people sing and dance on the banks of the river or pond. The songs are accompanied by simple group movements: there is no other accompaniment.
Poush Mela / পৌষ মেলা
An annual fair and festival that takes place in Santiniketan, in Birbhum District in the Indian state of West Bengal, marking the harvest season. Commencing on the 7th day of the month of Poush (around 21/22 December), the fair officially lasts for three days, although vendors may stay up until the month-end. The key characteristic of this fair include live performances of Bengali folk music, notably baul and fakir songs.
© 2012 Pallab Seth
Poush Mela 2013, Santiniketan
Images of Bengal, India
See My Poush Mela Set: flic.kr/s/aHsjywUbRV
Tusu Dance
West Bengal is one of the important cultural states of India. Folk dances and music is a part of the life of people here. This state is a loving home of various tribal groups of people including Santhals. These communities perform their own cultural and traditional activities on various occasion and festivities.
'Makara Sankranti' is an important festival in all parts of Bengal. The Tusu Parab is held in Birbhum District on this occasion. Groups of young girls gather every evening throughout the month of Poush (December-January) and sing songs which have been termed by the generic term Tusu. On the day of Makar Sakranti (around 15th January), people gather around a pond or a river, mostly out of the village. After offering their prayers to Goddess Tusu, people sing and dance on the banks of the river or pond. The songs are accompanied by simple group movements: there is no other accompaniment.
Poush Mela / পৌষ মেলা
An annual fair and festival that takes place in Santiniketan, in Birbhum District in the Indian state of West Bengal, marking the harvest season. Commencing on the 7th day of the month of Poush (around 21/22 December), the fair officially lasts for three days, although vendors may stay up until the month-end. The key characteristic of this fair include live performances of Bengali folk music, notably baul and fakir songs.
The river Ganga (Ganges) which originates in the Gangotri glacier in the snow clad high Himalayas, descends down the mountains, reaches the plains, flows through ancient pilgrimage sites, and drains into the Bay of Bengal. A dip in the ocean, where the Ganga meets the sea is considered to be of great religious significance particularly on the Makara Sankranti day (January 14/15), when the sun makes a transition to Capricorn from Sagittarius. Almost a million of Hindu devotees from all over India gather at Gangasagar for a holy dip and perform rituals and prayer (puja) with a belief that it will cleanse and purify their souls.
Images of Bengal, India
A tribal Tusu dancer decorated her Khopa (an Indian hairstyle) with silver ornaments of traditional looks.......
Poush Mela 2011, Santiniketan
Images of Bengal, India
See My Poush Mela Set: flic.kr/s/aHsjywUbRV
Poush Mela / পৌষ মেলা
An annual fair and festival that takes place in Santiniketan, in Birbhum District in the Indian state of West Bengal, marking the harvest season. Commencing on the 7th day of the month of Poush (around 21/22 December), the fair officially lasts for three days, although vendors may stay up until the month-end. The key characteristic of this fair include live performances of Bengali folk music, notably baul and fakir songs.
© 2012 Pallab Seth
An Indian boy cries while saving his kite from being snatched by other children during the festival of 'Makara Sankranti' in Vadodra, Gujarat. India.The day on which the sun begins its journey northwards is referred to as Makara Sankranti. It marks the beginning of the gradual increase of the duration of the day. Traditionally, this has been one of many harvest days. In India, this festival is celebrated for innumerable reasons depending on the climate, agricultural environment, cultural background and location.
International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples - 9 August
2012 Theme: "Indigenous Media, Empowering Indigenous Voices"
The theme aims to highlight the importance of indigenous media in challenging stereotypes, forging indigenous peoples' identities, communicating with the outside world, and influencing the social and political agenda.
The International Day of the World’s Indigenous People (9 August) was first proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in December 1994, to be celebrated every year during the first International Decade of the World's Indigenous People (1995 – 2004).
In 2004, the Assembly proclaimed a Second International Decade, from 2005 – 2015, with the theme of “A Decade for Action and Dignity.”
Tusu Dance
West Bengal is one of the important cultural states of India. Folk dances and music is a part of the life of people here. This state is a loving home of various indigenous tribal groups of people including Santhals. These communities perform their own cultural and traditional activities on various occasion and festivities.
'Makara Sankranti' is an important festival in all parts of Bengal. The Tusu Parab is held in Birbhum District on this occasion. Groups of young girls gather every evening throughout the month of Poush (December-January) and sing songs which have been termed by the generic term Tusu. On the day of Makar Sakranti (around 15th January), people gather around a pond or a river, mostly out of the village. After offering their prayers to Goddess Tusu, people sing and dance on the banks of the river or pond. The songs are accompanied by simple group movements: there is no other accompaniment.
Poush Mela 2011, Santiniketan
Images of Bengal, India
See My Poush Mela Set: flic.kr/s/aHsjywUbRV
Tusu Dance
West Bengal is one of the important cultural states of India. Folk dances and music is a part of the life of people here. This state is a loving home of various tribal groups of people including Santhals. These communities perform their own cultural and traditional activities on various occasion and festivities.
'Makara Sankranti' is an important festival in all parts of Bengal. The Tusu Parab is held in Birbhum District on this occasion. Groups of young girls gather every evening throughout the month of Poush (December-January) and sing songs which have been termed by the generic term Tusu. On the day of Makar Sakranti (around 15th January), people gather around a pond or a river, mostly out of the village. After offering their prayers to Goddess Tusu, people sing and dance on the banks of the river or pond. The songs are accompanied by simple group movements: there is no other accompaniment.
Poush Mela / পৌষ মেলা
An annual fair and festival that takes place in Santiniketan, in Birbhum District in the Indian state of West Bengal, marking the harvest season. Commencing on the 7th day of the month of Poush (around 21/22 December), the fair officially lasts for three days, although vendors may stay up until the month-end. The key characteristic of this fair include live performances of Bengali folk music, notably baul and fakir songs.
© 2012 Pallab Seth
Folk dancers sharing a special moment at mela ground!
Poush Mela 2011, Santiniketan
Images of Bengal, India
See My Poush Mela Set: flic.kr/s/aHsjywUbRV
Poush Mela / পৌষ মেলা
An annual fair and festival that takes place in Santiniketan, in Birbhum District in the Indian state of West Bengal, marking the harvest season. Commencing on the 7th day of the month of Poush (around 21/22 December), the fair officially lasts for three days, although vendors may stay up until the month-end. The key characteristic of this fair include live performances of Bengali folk music, notably baul and fakir songs.
Poush Mela 2011, Santiniketan
Images of Bengal, India
Tusu Dance
West Bengal is one of the important cultural states of India. Folk dances and music is a part of the life of people here. This state is a loving home of various tribal groups of people. These communities perform their own cultural and traditional activities on various occasion and festivities.
'Makara Sankranti' is an important festival in all parts of Bengal. The Tusu Parab is held in Birbhum District on this occasion. Groups of young girls gather every evening throughout the month of Poush (December-January) and sing songs which have been termed by the generic term Tusu. On the day of Makar Sakranti (around 15th January), people gather around a pond or a river, mostly out of the village. After offering their prayers to Goddess Tusu, people sing and dance on the banks of the river or pond. The songs are accompanied by simple group movements: there is no other accompaniment.
Poush Mela / পৌষ মেলা
An annual fair and festival that takes place in Santiniketan, in Birbhum District in the Indian state of West Bengal, marking the harvest season. Commencing on the 7th day of the month of Poush (around 21/22 December), the fair officially lasts for three days, although vendors may stay up until the month-end. The key characteristic of this fair include live performances of Bengali folk music, notably baul and fakir songs.
Poush Mela 2011, Santiniketan
Images of Bengal, India
See My Poush Mela Set: flic.kr/s/aHsjywUbRV
Tusu Dance
West Bengal is one of the important cultural states of India. Folk dances and music is a part of the life of people here. This state is a loving home of various tribal groups of people including Santhals. These communities perform their own cultural and traditional activities on various occasion and festivities.
'Makara Sankranti' is an important festival in all parts of Bengal. The Tusu Parab is held in Birbhum District on this occasion. Groups of young girls gather every evening throughout the month of Poush (December-January) and sing songs which have been termed by the generic term Tusu. On the day of Makar Sakranti (around 15th January), people gather around a pond or a river, mostly out of the village. After offering their prayers to Goddess Tusu, people sing and dance on the banks of the river or pond. The songs are accompanied by simple group movements: there is no other accompaniment.
Poush Mela / পৌষ মেলা
An annual fair and festival that takes place in Santiniketan, in Birbhum District in the Indian state of West Bengal, marking the harvest season. Commencing on the 7th day of the month of Poush (around 21/22 December), the fair officially lasts for three days, although vendors may stay up until the month-end. The key characteristic of this fair include live performances of Bengali folk music, notably baul and fakir songs.
© 2012 Pallab Seth
Poush Mela 2011, Santiniketan
Images of Bengal, India
See My Poush Mela Set: flic.kr/s/aHsjywUbRV
Tusu Dance
West Bengal is one of the important cultural states of India. Folk dances and music is a part of the life of people here. This state is a loving home of various tribal groups of people including Santhals. These communities perform their own cultural and traditional activities on various occasion and festivities.
'Makara Sankranti' is an important festival in all parts of Bengal. The Tusu Parab is held in Birbhum District on this occasion. Groups of young girls gather every evening throughout the month of Poush (December-January) and sing songs which have been termed by the generic term Tusu. On the day of Makar Sakranti (around 15th January), people gather around a pond or a river, mostly out of the village. After offering their prayers to Goddess Tusu, people sing and dance on the banks of the river or pond. The songs are accompanied by simple group movements: there is no other accompaniment.
Poush Mela / পৌষ মেলা
An annual fair and festival that takes place in Santiniketan, in Birbhum District in the Indian state of West Bengal, marking the harvest season. Commencing on the 7th day of the month of Poush (around 21/22 December), the fair officially lasts for three days, although vendors may stay up until the month-end. The key characteristic of this fair include live performances of Bengali folk music, notably baul and fakir songs.
© 2012 Pallab Seth
Poush Mela 2011, Santiniketan
Images of Bengal, India
See My Poush Mela Set: flic.kr/s/aHsjywUbRV
Tusu Dance
West Bengal is one of the important cultural states of India. Folk dances and music is a part of the life of people here. This state is a loving home of various tribal groups of people including Santhals. These communities perform their own cultural and traditional activities on various occasion and festivities.
'Makara Sankranti' is an important festival in all parts of Bengal. The Tusu Parab is held in Birbhum District on this occasion. Groups of young girls gather every evening throughout the month of Poush (December-January) and sing songs which have been termed by the generic term Tusu. On the day of Makar Sakranti (around 15th January), people gather around a pond or a river, mostly out of the village. After offering their prayers to Goddess Tusu, people sing and dance on the banks of the river or pond. The songs are accompanied by simple group movements: there is no other accompaniment.
Poush Mela / পৌষ মেলা
An annual fair and festival that takes place in Santiniketan, in Birbhum District in the Indian state of West Bengal, marking the harvest season. Commencing on the 7th day of the month of Poush (around 21/22 December), the fair officially lasts for three days, although vendors may stay up until the month-end. The key characteristic of this fair include live performances of Bengali folk music, notably baul and fakir songs.
© 2012 Pallab Seth
Poush Mela 2011, Santiniketan
Images of Bengal, India
See My Poush Mela Set: flic.kr/s/aHsjywUbRV
Tusu Dance
West Bengal is one of the important cultural states of India. Folk dances and music is a part of the life of people here. This state is a loving home of various tribal groups of people including Santhals. These communities perform their own cultural and traditional activities on various occasion and festivities.
'Makara Sankranti' is an important festival in all parts of Bengal. The Tusu Parab is held in Birbhum District on this occasion. Groups of young girls gather every evening throughout the month of Poush (December-January) and sing songs which have been termed by the generic term Tusu. On the day of Makar Sakranti (around 15th January), people gather around a pond or a river, mostly out of the village. After offering their prayers to Goddess Tusu, people sing and dance on the banks of the river or pond. The songs are accompanied by simple group movements: there is no other accompaniment.
Poush Mela / পৌষ মেলা
An annual fair and festival that takes place in Santiniketan, in Birbhum District in the Indian state of West Bengal, marking the harvest season. Commencing on the 7th day of the month of Poush (around 21/22 December), the fair officially lasts for three days, although vendors may stay up until the month-end. The key characteristic of this fair include live performances of Bengali folk music, notably baul and fakir songs.
© 2012 Pallab Seth
Poush Mela 2011, Santiniketan
Images of Bengal, India
See My Poush Mela Set: flic.kr/s/aHsjywUbRV
Tusu Dance
West Bengal is one of the important cultural states of India. Folk dances and music is a part of the life of people here. This state is a loving home of various tribal groups of people including Santhals. These communities perform their own cultural and traditional activities on various occasion and festivities.
'Makara Sankranti' is an important festival in all parts of Bengal. The Tusu Parab is held in Birbhum District on this occasion. Groups of young girls gather every evening throughout the month of Poush (December-January) and sing songs which have been termed by the generic term Tusu. On the day of Makar Sakranti (around 15th January), people gather around a pond or a river, mostly out of the village. After offering their prayers to Goddess Tusu, people sing and dance on the banks of the river or pond. The songs are accompanied by simple group movements: there is no other accompaniment.
Poush Mela / পৌষ মেলা
An annual fair and festival that takes place in Santiniketan, in Birbhum District in the Indian state of West Bengal, marking the harvest season. Commencing on the 7th day of the month of Poush (around 21/22 December), the fair officially lasts for three days, although vendors may stay up until the month-end. The key characteristic of this fair include live performances of Bengali folk music, notably baul and fakir songs.
© 2012 Pallab Seth
The river Ganga (Ganges) which originates in the Gangotri glacier in the snow clad high Himalayas, descends down the mountains, reaches the plains, flows through ancient pilgrimage sites, and drains into the Bay of Bengal. A dip in the ocean, where the Ganga meets the sea is considered to be of great religious significance particularly on the Makara Sankranti day (January 14/15), when the sun makes a transition to Capricorn from Sagittarius. Almost a million of Hindu devotees from all over India gather at Gangasagar for a holy dip and perform rituals and prayer (puja) with a belief that it will cleanse and purify their souls.
Images of Bengal, India
Poush Mela 2011, Santiniketan
Images of Bengal, India
See My Poush Mela Set: flic.kr/s/aHsjywUbRV
Destination : West Bengal - World Tourism Week / World Tourism Day (Sept 27, 2012)
Candid shot of folk dancers accompanied by the male members with drums at the mela ground
Tusu Dance
West Bengal is one of the important cultural states of India. Folk dances and music is a part of the life of people here. This state is a loving home of various tribal groups of people including Santhals. These communities perform their own cultural and traditional activities on various occasion and festivities.
'Makara Sankranti' is an important festival in all parts of Bengal. The Tusu Parab is held in Birbhum District on this occasion. Groups of young girls gather every evening throughout the month of Poush (December-January) and sing songs which have been termed by the generic term Tusu. On the day of Makar Sakranti (around 15th January), people gather around a pond or a river, mostly out of the village. After offering their prayers to Goddess Tusu, people sing and dance on the banks of the river or pond. The songs are accompanied by simple group movements: there is no other accompaniment.
Poush Mela / পৌষ মেলা
An annual fair and festival that takes place in Santiniketan, in Birbhum District in the Indian state of West Bengal, marking the harvest season. Commencing on the 7th day of the month of Poush (around 21/22 December), the fair officially lasts for three days, although vendors may stay up until the month-end. The key characteristic of this fair include live performances of Bengali folk music, notably baul and fakir songs.
The river Ganga (Ganges) which originates in the Gangotri glacier in the snow clad high Himalayas, descends down the mountains, reaches the plains, flows through ancient pilgrimage sites, and drains into the Bay of Bengal. A dip in the ocean, where the Ganga meets the sea is considered to be of great religious significance particularly on the Makara Sankranti day (January 14/15), when the sun makes a transition to Capricorn from Sagittarius. Almost a million of Hindu devotees from all over India gather at Gangasagar for a holy dip and perform rituals and prayer (puja) with a belief that it will cleanse and purify their souls.
Images of Bengal, India
Poush Mela 2011, Santiniketan
Images of Bengal, India
See My Poush Mela Set: flic.kr/s/aHsjywUbRV
Tusu Dance
West Bengal is one of the important cultural states of India. Folk dances and music is a part of the life of people here. This state is a loving home of various tribal groups of people including Santhals. These communities perform their own cultural and traditional activities on various occasion and festivities.
'Makara Sankranti' is an important festival in all parts of Bengal. The Tusu Parab is held in Birbhum District on this occasion. Groups of young girls gather every evening throughout the month of Poush (December-January) and sing songs which have been termed by the generic term Tusu. On the day of Makar Sakranti (around 15th January), people gather around a pond or a river, mostly out of the village. After offering their prayers to Goddess Tusu, people sing and dance on the banks of the river or pond. The songs are accompanied by simple group movements: there is no other accompaniment.
Poush Mela / পৌষ মেলা
An annual fair and festival that takes place in Santiniketan, in Birbhum District in the Indian state of West Bengal, marking the harvest season. Commencing on the 7th day of the month of Poush (around 21/22 December), the fair officially lasts for three days, although vendors may stay up until the month-end. The key characteristic of this fair include live performances of Bengali folk music, notably baul and fakir songs.
© 2012 Pallab Seth
Post-processing - Solarized
Poush Mela 2013, Santiniketan
Images of Bengal, India
See My Poush Mela Set: flic.kr/s/aHsjywUbRV
Tusu Dance
West Bengal is one of the important cultural states of India. Folk dances and music is a part of the life of people here. This state is a loving home of various tribal groups of people including Santhals. These communities perform their own cultural and traditional activities on various occasion and festivities.
'Makara Sankranti' is an important festival in all parts of Bengal. The Tusu Parab is held in Birbhum District on this occasion. Groups of young girls gather every evening throughout the month of Poush (December-January) and sing songs which have been termed by the generic term Tusu. On the day of Makar Sakranti (around 15th January), people gather around a pond or a river, mostly out of the village. After offering their prayers to Goddess Tusu, people sing and dance on the banks of the river or pond. The songs are accompanied by simple group movements: there is no other accompaniment.
Poush Mela / পৌষ মেলা
An annual fair and festival that takes place in Santiniketan, in Birbhum District in the Indian state of West Bengal, marking the harvest season. Commencing on the 7th day of the month of Poush (around 21/22 December), the fair officially lasts for three days, although vendors may stay up until the month-end. The key characteristic of this fair include live performances of Bengali folk music, notably baul and fakir songs.
Devotee worshiping the Sun God after a holy dip at Gangasagar!
The Gangasagar Mela continues to throb with life, with the energy of millions of pilgrims. The pilgrimage may be extremely tough, but the pilgrims know that the visit will purify their souls. The visit fulfils their lifelong desire and often one can see tears of joy rolling down their cheeks. That is the magic of religion!
The river Ganga (Ganges) which originates in the Gangotri glacier in the snow clad high Himalayas, descends down the mountains, reaches the plains, flows through ancient pilgrimage sites, and drains into the Bay of Bengal. A dip in the ocean, where the Ganga meets the sea is considered to be of great religious significance particularly on the Makara Sankranti day (January 14/15), when the sun makes a transition to Capricorn from Sagittarius. Almost a million of Hindu devotees from all over India gather at Gangasagar for a holy dip and perform rituals and prayer (puja) with a belief that it will cleanse and purify their souls.
Images of Bengal, India