Nabanna Utsav: The harvesting festival of rural Bengal

Nabanna or No Ban is the worship of Goddess Laxmi. It is done from the start of the month of Agrahayan in Bengali.

- DEBROOP BANERJEE

Nabanna or No Ban is the worship of Goddess Laxmi. It is done from the start of the month of Agrahayan in Bengali. People from farmer backgrounds and rural communities take part in this activity. They have a major role in continuing this heritage. Earlier, every house in Bengal used to celebrate the season for the growth of new crops. As society evolved towards modernization, the beliefs and traditions changed. Yet, certain parts of West Bengal are accustomed to taking part in the festival and spending the best time of the year with their near and dear ones.

Aman rice is a popular variety that is mainly grown in West Bengal and Bangladesh. It is grown in the perfect manner, which matches the monsoon season. Farmers plough and level the field, select the high-quality rice seeds and soak them in the water for 24 hours. The seeds are then transplanted into puddled fields. During this time, farmers usually monitor the fields for pests and diseases. Organic and inorganic fertilizers are used as per the result of the soil test. Harvesting occurs when the grains are turned golden brown, and the rice is dried before storage and milling.