GAJAN FESTIVAL
Gajan festival is held at Konarpur near Bankura in about the month of Chaitra (April) every year. Konarpur is about 9 kms. south of Kotulpur.
The main attraction of Konarpur is the solidly built laterite temple of Santinatha Shiva., a sikhara structure about 12.2 metres (40 feet) high with a pidha mandapa in front. From stylistic considerations, the shrine appears to have been built in high esteem in the nighbourhood and the Gajan festival occurring at the end of Chaitra (middle of April) attracts a large number of pilgrims every year. A legend, common to many Shivaite shrines in India, is also told about this temple. In the remote past, local milkmen noticed some of their milch cows straying from the herds and shedding milk from their udders at a secluded place in a dense forest. Enquiries revealed the existence of a swayambhu lingam at the spot. The present temple, constructed later, now houses the deity. As a mark of difference to the local milkmen, whose ancestors discovered the lingam, the opening ceremonies of the annual Gajan festival are still performed by members of that caste.
GAJAN OF SHANDESWAR
Chinsura is the most important part of the Hooghly town. The temple of Shandeswar, Shiva at Shandeswartala, a quarter to the south of the maidan, is the most important temple of the town. Situated on the river bank, the shrine is largely frequented by Hindus throughout the year and especially from the last day of the month of Chaitra (13th or 14th April) to the last day of the succeeding month of Baisakh when pouring the water of the Bhagirathi on the lingam is regarded as an act of great religious merit. It is said that the deity was installed by one Digambar Halder in the 16th century. The temples of the Dayamayi Kali at Kharua Bazar and Ram – Sita at Akhan Bazar also attract pilgrims.
The Gajan of Shandeswar observed during the last ten days of the month of Chaitra (March – April) is the most important festival of the place. A Dutch Governor made a present of two large brass drums to Shandeswar one of which is ceremonially beaten during the celebration. The Kartik puja held in the month of Kartik (October – November) and the Saraswati puja in the month of Magh (January – February) are celebrated in various quarters of the town with great pomp and splendour.
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