Intro

Any discussion on West Bengal must undoubtedly begin with its splendid array of literature ranging from
the folk tales of Thakur mar Jhuli to the poetry of the great Rabindranath Tagore.

The handicrafts have a very notable feature that apart from being a symbol of Bengals’ history and
culture, they are also Eco-friendly.

Cuisine

 Cuisine although Bengalis are by tradition known for their staple food as 'bheto Bangali' or rice-
eating Bengalis, there have been important changes in their food habits during the last half a
century
 Hamburgers and hot-dogs, and the local variety of Chinese and Thai food are infiltrating urban
society so much so that Bangali women themselves are preparing some of these items at home.

Education and eradicating discrimination

 Gone are the days when Bengalis were described by many as a home-bound and idle people.
 Until the end of the nineteenth century crossing the sea was considered taboo.
 A vast majority of Bengalis previously depended for their livelihood on agriculture; however,
the explosion of population in the twentieth century has led many of them to take up semi or
unskilled jobs mainly in urban areas.
 The economic migration of the rural population to ever increasing urban centres has made the
caste system weak, instead it has created strong class distinctions
 The rate of literacy is rapidly growing and urban lifestyle is affecting not only city-dwellers, but
filtering through villages
 From the present condition of women, it is almost impossible to imagine what their condition
was like in the early nineteenth century. In the changed scenario, women in general play a
significant role in the family, society and even economy.

Festivals

State which celebrates unity in diversity, has several religions, celebrate different festivals.

The Durga Pooja, celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga, one of the most colorful festivals.

Pohela Bhoishak is very popular festival, celebrates the Bengali New year. Quite special for all,
celebrated with joy, marks a new beginning.

The state also celebrates Christmas and Eid, with as much as joy as other festivals.

Weddings

Western ideas influenced everyday life and social institutions such as marriage and family.

Earlier marriage, institution for raising a family. With modernisation Bangali urban women modernised.

Romantic love became increasingly popular and was later accepted by society, not a norm yet.
In yesteryear, parents of family involved in wedding carried betel leaves, nuts to every household village
inviting guests.

Over the passage of time the customary ritual was modified with advent of printing press and postal
service, the red wedding letter marked the advent of festivity.

Brides from other communities are equally welcome today & many marriages today are between
different caste and communities.

Traditional practices and rituals are either modified or completely eliminated these days.