Gajan: A tryst with mythology, songs, and fire; see pictures

Gajan, however, cannot be traced back to any one particular chapter of history. However, the most popular theory of the inception of this festival has its roots in Lord Shiva. It is believed that Lord Shiva got married to Harakali, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati, his consort. It is due to this legend that the festival is also known as Shiva Gajan in many parts of Bengal.

According to legend, it is believed that Lord Shiva got married to Harakali, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati, and Gajan is celebrated to commemorate that union. (Express Photo by Shashi Ghosh)

Many people worship Dharmaraj, or Dharmadevata, during Gajan. The people who worship them are generally from on-Brahmin communities — farmers and peasants who seek blessings for good harvest. That is how the name Dharmer Gajan came to being.

Many people worship Dharmaraj, or Dharmadevata, during Gajan and seek blessings for good harvest. (Express Photo by Shashi Ghosh)

There are historians who are of the opinion that a few Buddhist monks took shelter in West Bengal when Buddhism was going through a period of decline, and eventually converted to Hinduism. However, they inculcated rituals of penance and monasticism in their spiritual practices.

The trademark of this festival is the exuberant look that the performers, or Gajan sanyasis (hermits), put on. They paint their faces and wear costumes to dress up as mythological characters and perform on the streets. The performances usually narrate folklores prevalent in these villages.

Gajan sanyasis or hermits paint their faces and wear costumes to dress up as mythological characters and perform on the streets. (Express Photo by Shashi Ghosh)

Apart from the costumes, the songs in Gajan performances are equally significant, for they express the social, religious and political status of these rural natives who have been subject to all the evils associated with social stratifications, including but not limited to exploitations by the upper classes, and political hegemony.

Several daredevil acts are also a part of Gajan, the most common of them being a ritual wherein the sanyasis spew fire. The sanyasis performing such rituals are oft-heard to be in a trance during these acts.

Several daredevil acts are also a part of Gajan, like the hermits spewing fire. (Express Photo by Shashi Ghosh)

Gajan is popular in several parts of rural Bengal, particularly in the southern districts.

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