Bhadu Festival

Bhadu Festival is mainly observed by women throughout the month of Bhadra on the occasion of planting seeds in Purulia, Birbhum, Bankura, West Burdwan, etc. It has its origins in the story of a princess called Bhadravati (Bhadresvari) of Panchakote who committed suicide. Bhadravati's devotees make an image of her and sing and dance before it throughout the month. On the last day of Bhadra, they gather on the river bank and immerse the image in the water. Songs, mainly focusing on marriage, form the main attraction of the festival in which both professional groups and amateurs take part. Celebrations include fairs and cultural programmes. [Anjalika Mukhopadhyay]