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Hinduism is the largest religious tradition in the Indian state of West Bengal (Paschimbanga) with 70.5% of the population identifying themselves as Hindus (as of 2015). The Hindus in West Bengal mostly belong to the Vaishnavite and Shakta denominations. Hinduism had existed in the region of Bengal before the 16th century BC and by the 3rd century, Buddhism and Jainism were popular too. Gaur, the first sovereign Hindu kingdom in Bengal with its capital in Karnasubarna in modern-day Murshidabad district, was set up by Shashanka, a Shaivaite king who ruled approximately between 600 AD and 625 AD. The modern structure of Bengali Hindu society was developed during the rule of the Sena dynasty in the 12th century AD. Islam arrived in Bengal in the 13th century and subsequently conquered the region. But while the Muslim saints and rulars successfully spread Islam and established it as the major religion of eastern parts of Bengal (now Bangladesh), they fail do the same in the western parts because of the strong base of Vaishnavism and folk Hinduism in the Rarh and the Gangetic regions of West Bengal where Hinduism remained the major religious group till today. West Bengal has been home to several famous religious teachers, including Sri Chaitanya, Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda, A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and Paramahansa Yogananda who helped to abolish evil practices like sati, dowry, and caste-based discrimination or untouchability that crept into the Hindu society during the Middle Ages. The language of the Hindus in West Bengal is Bengali. A large number of Hindu religious texts like biographies of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Mangal-kavyas, Bratakathas and Panchalis as well as dharmik writings of modern Bengali philosophers and saints have been produced in Bengali for many centuries. Kali and Chandi are the most worshipped Hindu goddesses in West Bengal. Worship of Durga, Shiva, Krishna and other gods and goddesses is also common. Durga Puja is the most important festivals of the Hindus in West Bengal as well as the most significant festival of the state in general. Other major festivals include Kali Puja, Dolyatra, Poila Baishakh, Ratha-Yatra, Saraswati Puja, Poush Parban etc. == Festivals == Hindus in Pachimbanga are noted for their fondness for observing festivals, hence the Bengali proverb ''Baro Mase Tero Parbon'' (বারো মাসে তেরো পার্বণ) – (they observe) thirteen festivals in twelve months. The Bengali year begins with Poila Boishakh ceremony on 14th or 15 April. Traditional business establishment commence their fiscal year on this day, with the worship of Lakshmi and Ganesha and inauguration of the ''Hal Khata'' (the account books of the Bengali merchants). People dress in ethnic wear and enjoy ethnic food. Poila Baishakh is followed by ''Rabindra Jayanti'' or the Birth Anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore which is celebrated as one of the major festivals of the state, Rathyatra and Janmashtami before the commencement of the autumnal festival season which starts with Biswakarma Puja on the last day of Bengali month of Bhadra. The five-day Durga Puja is the biggest Hindu festival in Paschimbanga. Durga Puja is followed by Kojagari Lakshmi Puja, Kali Puja, Bhai Phonta and Jagaddhatri Puja. The winter solstice is celebrated a Paush Sankranti in mid January, followed by ''Netaji Jayanti'' or the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Saraswati Puja. The spring is celebrated in the form of Dolyatra. The year ends with Charak Puja and Gajan. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Hinduism in West Bengal」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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