Bengali Culture and Durga Puja Quiz

"Pratapaditya Charit" by Ramanath Basu is considered the first original prose work in Bengali, published in 1875. This biographical work on the medieval ruler Pratapaditya marked Bengali prose's transition from translation-based composition to original creative writing. Vidyasagar's "Bodhadaya" was primarily a polemical work on social reform, while Bankim Chandra's prose works came later. Ramanath Basu thus pioneered modern Bengali prose.

"Jamai Shasthi" (1931), directed by Amar Choudhury, was the first Bengali talkie (sound film). This landmark film introduced synchronized sound to Bengali cinema, marking the transition from silent films. While "Harishchandra" was an important early Bengali silent film, it was not a talkie. "Nishkriti" came later. The film's title refers to the Bengali festival celebrating sons-in-law.

The Sanskrit word 'Durga' means 'the invincible' or 'one who cannot be conquered.' It comes from the root 'durg' meaning fort or difficult to overcome, reflecting the goddess's nature as an unbeatable protector against evil.

According to Hindu mythology, Lord Rama offered 108 lotus flowers during his worship of Goddess Durga before his battle with Ravana. The number 108 is considered sacred in Hinduism and represents the wholeness of existence.

Goddess Parvati is the wife of Lord Shiva and the mother of Lord Ganesha and Kartikeya. She is the reincarnation of Sati and represents power, love, and devotion in Hindu mythology.

In Kashmir, Goddess Durga is worshipped as Shaarika, with her main temple at Hari Parbat in Srinagar. This form is associated with the cosmic energy that protects the region and is deeply rooted in Kashmiri Hindu tradition.

Devi Durga is traditionally depicted riding a lion or tiger, representing her power over ferocious creatures. The lion symbolizes mastery over brute force and is her primary vahana (mount) in most iconography.

The first recorded Durga Puja in West Bengal dates to 1606, associated with the families of Burdwan. This was during the Mughal period and represents one of the earliest documented community pujas in Bengal's history.

The oldest Durga Puja in Calcutta (Kolkata) is the 'Sabarna Roy Choudhury family puja' which started in 1610. This makes it one of the oldest continuous family pujas in the city.

According to Hindu mythology, Varuna (the god of water) gave the shankha (conch shell) to Goddess Durga. The conch shell is one of the important weapons in her arsenal against the Asuras.

Corporate sponsorship and awards for Durga Puja decorations became prominent in the early 1980s as the festival became more commercialized and community-oriented. This marked a shift from purely traditional celebrations to professionally organized events.

The tradition of inviting British rulers to Durga Puja celebrations started during the time of Raja Nabakrishna Dev (18th century). This was part of the social and cultural integration efforts during the colonial period.

Durga Puja celebrations started spreading overseas in the late 1960s, particularly with the Indian diaspora in countries like the UK, USA, and Canada. This globalization of the festival marked its expansion beyond Bengal's borders.

Subhas Chandra Bose unveiled a 21-foot Durga image at the Simla Bayam Samiti Puja in 1939. This was during the pre-independence period and reflected the nationalist movement's association with cultural celebrations.

Job Charnock is traditionally regarded as the founder of Kolkata and is often called the "Father of Kolkata." He was an administrator with the British East India Company who is credited with establishing the city in 1690.

Kolkata (then Calcutta) served as the capital of British India until 1911, when the capital was shifted to Delhi. This change was announced in 1911 by King George V during his visit to India.

Prafulla Chandra Ghosh was the first Chief Minister of West Bengal, serving from 1947-1948 after India's independence. He led the first government of the newly formed state of West Bengal.

Original Kolkata comprised three villages: Sutanuti, Kolikata (Kolkata), and Gobindapur, which were merged by the British. Saptagram was a separate ancient town and port, not part of this original merger that formed Kolkata.

Digdarshan, launched in April 1818 by the Serampore missionaries (William Carey, Joshua Marshman, and William Ward), is recognized as the first Bengali language magazine. It pioneered Bengali periodical journalism.