The festival of Gajan is celebrated mostly in the state of West Bengal in eastern India, and coincides with the Bengali New Year. Devotees offer sacrifices and perform acts of devotion during the ...

The Hindu festival of Gajan sees devotees across India celebrate deities such as Lord Shiva, Neel and Dharmathakur. Lasting for one month, the festival culminates on Chaitra Sankranti, the last day of ...

Warning: Some readers will find the images of piercing disturbing An ancient pre-harvest festival in India's state of West Bengal, in which men pierce themselves with iron rods and hooks, was ...

Charak or Gajan is a festival celebrated in West Bengal and more widely in Bangladesh. It is known for its ‘non-elite’ nature and is celebrated mostly by non-Brahmin communities. While it is ...

Pre-colonial Kolkata, and Bengal, would witness the celebration of the Charak festival — sometimes referred to as Charak Gajan — with great pomp and show. Among early mentions of the festival is a ...

An ancient pre-harvest festival in India's state of West Bengal, in which men pierce themselves with iron rods and hooks, was cancelled this year due to coronavirus. But Sahar Zand - who attended the ...