Culture in West Bengal

West Bengal's culture is distinguished by its festivals, music, cinema, drama and literature. Being the land of Bankim Chandra, Rabindranath and Aurobindo, West Bengal is said to be the birth place of Modern Indian literature.

People of Bengal belong to diverse and ethnic social backgrounds. Festivals in a multidimensional scale are observed in spiritual ecstasy in the state. The entire state becomes lively during the Durga Puja (a Hindu festival) when the sound of Dhak, Dhunuchi nachh, the mild fragrance of Shiuli, gives a familiar tug in every Bengali heart.

Drama and theatre is an essential part of the Bengali culture. There are big and small theatre groups in various parts of the state featuring large outdoor stage plays.

Music and dances are also integral parts of the Bengali culture. Bengalis (people of Bengal) are closely associated with Rabindra Sangeet, Rabindra Nritya Natya (songs and song-dance sequences composed by Tagore) and Nazrul Geeti (songs by Kazi Nazrul Islam). Folk dances and songs are also popular in the city.

Bengalis are fond of Bhaat (rice) and Machher jhol (fish curry). There is a wide range of dishes and cuisines with variety of tastes. Bengal's wide range of sweets can live you quite winded. Don't miss the charm of Kolkata Rassagolla (a kind of sweet) while visiting West Bengal.