#Pritam Das
In rural Tripura, amidst the ever-evolving digital age, the traditional Gajan festival of Hindu Bengalis continues to thrive. As the Bengali month of Chaitra (March – April) nears its end, the Gajan dance, also known as Dhakir Nach, continues to unfold in various corners of the state.
The Ganjan dance, embodying a cultural legacy deeply rooted in the community, is still popular among the people especially in rural areas.
‘The beatings of Dhak (drum) and Hara Parvati in our courtyard announce the arrival of Chaitra Maash (Month)’, said a undergraduate student of Amarpur.
The Gajan dance, a vibrant and mesmerizing display of devotion and folklore, commences from one end of the village and carries on throughout the night, enveloping the entire community in its rhythmic fervor.
The organizers of the Gajan festival, Amarpur Daktarimura, are proud to carry forward the festival. During Ganjan Dance participants adorned in the attire of Hara Parvati, traverse from door to door, engaging in spirited dance performances.
According to the organizers, the Gajan of Shiva stands as a poignant reminder of tradition and faith among Hindu Bengalis. Marking the end of the Chaitra month, the festival culminates with the auspicious Charak Puja on Chaitra Sankranti.
“While urban areas witness a dwindling presence of this ancient festival, the rural landscapes continue to resonate with the vibrant beats of Dhakir Nach, keeping the essence of Gajan alive”, organizers commented.
The Gajan dance rituals commence on the first day of the Chaitra month (Mid March), where participants adhere to a month-long customary ritualistic principles.
In Amarpur Daktarimura, participants embody various deities, including Hara Parvati, Kali, Radha Krishna, among others, as they visit each household, collecting offerings.
The culmination of this month-long dance festival concludes with the puja of Mahadev, the revered god of gods, symbolizing the divine climax of the Gajan festivities.
The organizers said, as the Gajan festival continues to illuminate the rural landscapes of Tripura, it stands as a vivid example of the enduring spirit of cultural heritage and communal celebration, keeping alive the age-old traditions of the land.
#Pritam Das is an Amarpur based journalist. He may be contacted at enewstime2017@gmail.com
