Immersing in tradition: A pictorial tale of West Bengal’s Charak puja

From Gajan to Charak puja is a long week celebration, starting in the last week of Choitro (the last month of the Bengali calendar) and continuing till the end of the Bengali year. In Bardhaman, West Bengal, a man gets ready in his traditional outfit that Gajan sanyasis (Shiva devotees) wear to worship Shiva during the festival. (Photo by Shrabanti Mitra)

Face painting is an important ritual for the devotees. A Gajan sanyasi looks at the mirror after his face painting is done in Bardhaman, West Bengal. (Photo by Kausi Paul)

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During the Gajan festival, many colors come alive on faces as intricate designs are painted, symbolising spiritual devotion. Each stroke creates a colorful spectacle and narrates stories of deep traditional roots. (Photo by Deepa Das)

Preparation for Charak puja usually begins a week in advance. It  involves going from village to village to gather essential items such as paddy, oil, sugar, salt and honey for the ritual. (Photo by Sanjib Ghosh)

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Gajan is celebrated to commemorate Shiva’s union with Harakali, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. Devotees dress up as mythological characters and perform on the streets, narrating their local folklore. (Photo by Mandar Mandal)

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In Baruipur, West Bengal, during the Charak festival devotees offer themselves to Shiva by hanging themselves from a tree. It is believed that the festival will bring prosperity and eliminate any sorrow or suffering from the previous year. (Photo by Deepa Das)

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