West Bengal

A Brief Introduction of About West Bengal

Introduction

West Bengal is situated in the eastern part of the Indian subcontinent. Kolkata is its capital and largest city. It comprises 23 districts. 

History

In 1937, Bengal was a province of India under the Government of India Act (1935). The eastern part of the Bengal province was Hindu-dominated and the eastern part is Muslim-dominated. But during India's Independence, the Bengal province split into two parts: the western and eastern regions. Hence, the western region was included in India, and the eastern region was included in Pakistan.

Fairs and festivals

Worship of Goddess Durga is the grand and significant festival of Bengalis. During Durga puja, various pandals are constructed throughout West Bengal. There are several other festivals and fairs celebrated in West Bengal such as Dolyatra, Buddha Purnima, Nazrul Jayanti, Kolkata Book Fair, Poush Mela, Ganga Sagar Mela, etc. Pohela Boishakh is celebrated as a new year in West Bengal. 

Geography

It covers an area of 88,752 km² of India. It is the thirteenth-largest state by area. The Ganga river flows through West Bengal.

Demographics

The total population of West Bengal is 91,347,736, of which the male population is 46,809,027 and the female population is 44,467,088 as per the details of the 2011 census. Most of the population is Bengali such as Bengali Hindus, Bengali Muslims, Bengali Christians, and Bengali Buddhists. Gorkha communities are found in Darjeeling. It is the highest populous state. 

Culture

The state's traditional culture is popular throughout India because of its traditions. Bengalis are rich in the tradition of fine arts, music, literature, and drama.

Language 

Bengali and English are the official languages of West Bengal, while Nepali is the additional official language in the subdivisions of Darjeeling. There are more additional languages such as Telugu, Odia, Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi, Rajbanshi, Kurukh, Santali, and Kurmali. Hence, Bengali is the most used language in West Bengal.

Tourism

West Bengal is the pride of India due to its natural and architectural heritage. There are several natural sites like wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, hills, and beaches. Darjeeling is a famous hill station all over the world. It is the main attraction of tourists. The most popular architectural site in the state is Hazarduari Palace. 

Education

The state's total literacy rate is 76.26%, of which male and female literacy rates are 81.69% and 70.54%. The state has various private and public institutes for higher education and only one central university. There are nine national educational institutes.

Dances and music

Dances and music adorn Bengali culture. The state is enriched in North Indian classical music and Rabindrasangeet. The other prominent folk music is Baul music, Gombhira music, and Bharatiya music. The dance culture is drawn from Indian dance traditions. The notable traditional dance is the Chhau dance. 

Cuisine

West Bengal is the state of Machh Bhatt. 

Bengali cuisine comprises varieties of meat, fish, vegetables, rice, and lentils. It is almost similar to modern French cuisine. They cooked food in mustard oil. Bengali cuisine varied in distinct flavors. The special fish used in West Bengal is Hila Fish. The sweets dishes are most popular throughout the state such as Chum chum, Rasgulla, Sandesh, etc.