BERA

Bera is a colourful and unique festival of Murshidabad.Taking place on the last Thursday of the month of Bhadra,it is an amalgam of history,folklore,fireworks and a very colourful spectacle.This year,however it was cancelled due the covid pandemic.

The festival of Bera was first started by Nawab Murshidkuli Khan.Murshidkuli ‘s childhood was spent in Persia,where Bera was celebrated.So when he shifted his capital from Dacca to Murshidabad,he started the Bera festival

Offerings are made to Kwaja Khijir ,whereby small barges made with banana plants ,and laden with gifts were floated in the river Ganges.The were decorated with paper lights and coloured lanterns.It also contained one golden lamp which was also cast to the river.Nowadays the golden lamp is there ,but it is returned to the vault.

Khwaja Khijir is the saint who guided Moses.He is believed to be the righteous man possessing great wisdom.Originally the barges were cast from Jaffraganj,but now it starts from close to the Nizamat Imambara.

It is said that this practice was to ensure safety of the taxes paid to the Nawabs at Delhi,which were sent by river.During this festival,Guests and Nobility were invited and were taken on a cruise in specially made ornamental boats.They were Also piled with gifts.These days ,government officials and political bigwigs have replaced the nobilities of yesteryears.The festival is attended by around 40000 people who watch the lighted up barges and the fireworks display which takes place on the opposite bank.

The lighted barges against the night sky and river is a sight to behold.The barges are taken round with the help of motorised boats for about an hour before they are cast aside.If one is lucky,he can follow them in the river on a boat.

Next year,hope to be present for this occasion,coved permitting