Traditional 'Khejur Bhanga' Festival Held in Narail to Mark Chaitra Sankranti

Devotees in Narail’s Sadar Upazila celebrated the ancient "Khejur Sannyasi" Puja and "Khejur Bhanga" festival on Monday to mark Chaitra Sankranti. The ritual aimed at seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva drew hundreds of onlookers to the village of Kogram.

The festival took place in the courtyard of Bidyut Mallick’s home. Amidst the rhythmic beating of traditional drums (dhak), conch shells, and "ulu" sounds a group of monks known as Sannyasis performed devotional dances under a date palm tree.

The highlight of the event occurred when several monks climbed to the top of the thorny tree. From the branches they threw raw date fruits to the eager crowd below. Devotees believe receiving these fruits brings spiritual merit.

Sudarshan Chakraborty one of the participating Sannyasis, explained that the group observes a month-long fast and performs daily prayers leading up to the ceremony. "This tradition stems from the devotion of the monkey king Banraj, who offered himself to please Lord Shiva" he said.

Sachindranath Biswas, the presiding priest noted that the puja is a centuries-old tradition observed in rural Bengal during the month of Chaitra to appease the "Rudra" form of Shiva and ensure the well-being of the community.