Bengalis - features of life and religion

Bengalis are the indigenous people of the historical region in northeastern South Asia called Bengal. Currently it is divided into two regions - western and eastern. The first is the Indian state of West Bengal, the second is the Republic of Bangladesh. Bengalis are an Indo-European ethnic group. They have much in common with the peoples of India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan.

Bengalis, Bangladesh and India

BENGALIS are a people in Bangladesh and India. One of the most numerous peoples on Earth. According to 2000 data, the number of Bengalis is 230 million people. The state of Bangladesh is the main population (150 million). In India, they are concentrated in the state of West Bengal (70 million).

Other countries of settlement are Saudi Arabia, UAE, UK, Malaysia, USA. Of these states, only Saudi Arabia has more than 1 million Bengalis. They are part of the greater Caucasoid race (Indo-Mediterranean race). The Bengali language contains many dialects, divided into Western and Eastern groups. Other languages ​​are Hindi and English (the language of the British colonialists).

Writing is of ancient Indian origin. Bengalis practice different religions. Thus, in Bangladesh Islam predominates, supporters of Hinduism are in the minority. In India, the situation is the opposite: the main religion is Hinduism, and only about 18% of the inhabitants adhere to Sunni Islam. There are also Buddhists and Christians, but their numbers are equally insignificant.

The Bengalis are a heterogeneous people; their ethnogenesis contains various ethnic components. A unified Bengal state was formed in the 8th-13th centuries. Islam was adopted by the people later, during the era of the Mughal rule (16-17 centuries). The 18th century saw European colonization. The territory of Bengal came under British rule. In order to divide the people, the British created two Bengal provinces. This was finally consolidated in 1947, when the state of Pakistan was formed. Part of Bengal went to him, the other remained part of India. Later, the Pakistani part gained independence under the name Bangladesh, but conflicts and national animosity between India and Pakistan still exist.

The traditional occupation of the Bengalis was agriculture. The main crops are rice, beans, and oilseeds. India is famous all over the world for its tea. Among the crafts, fabric weaving, metalworking, and the production of products from ivory, leather, and wood are developed. The vast textile industry provides employment to many Bengalis.

In north Bengal, villages are built near roads. They are not located near rivers because of the annual rainy season: it is accompanied by severe floods when rivers overflow and overflow their banks. Houses can be built from clay or from clay-coated woodwork. Bengalis cover their roofs with straw. There is usually one room. Traditional clothing for Bengali women includes the famous sari and a short jacket that only partially covers the sari.

Muslim women are required to cover their heads with a scarf or hide their entire figure with a burqa. They wear a lot of jewelry made of precious metals. Men in Bengal wear dhoti pants and a cape over their shoulders. Believers can be distinguished by their headdress - Hindus wear a turban, and Muslims wear a round cap. Village men and women walk barefoot. Bengalis wear shoes only on special occasions. The diet includes dishes made from rice and various cultivated vegetables, as well as fish, which are caught by the Bengalis living near the rivers. Meat is a delicacy and is not eaten very often.

Numerous genres of folklore have been preserved. Among them are folk music and dances. The National Theater includes two genres. Firstly, this is jatra - a lyrical direction. Secondly, puppet theater with a wider range of themes.

Source

Bengalis

Total: 0 Expression error: unidentified word "br". Expression error: unidentified word "br" 230,000,000 (2000 g data)

Bangladesh: &&&&&&0150500000.&&&&&0 150,500,000 [1] India: &&&&&&&070000000.&&&&&0 70,000,000 [2] Saudi Arabia: 0 Expression error: unidentified punctuation character "

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1 000 000 [3]

United Arab Emirates: 0 Expression error: unidentified punctuation character "

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600 000 [4]

UK: 0 Expression error: unidentified punctuation character "

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500 000 [5]

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230 000 [6]

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150 000 [7]

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143 619 [8]

South Korea: 0 Expression error: unidentified punctuation character "

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130 000 [9]

Bahrain: 0 Expression error: unidentified punctuation character "

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120 000

Oman: 0 Expression error: unidentified punctuation character "

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115 000 [9]

Canada: 0 Expression error: unrecognized punctuation character "

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24 595 [10]

Italy: 0 Expression error: unidentified punctuation character "

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35 000 [11]

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23 000 [12]

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16 000 [13]

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Islam - Bangladesh 88% India 18% [15] Hinduism - India 78% Bangladesh 11% Buddhism and Christianity - 1% [16] [17]

Bengalis

- one of the most numerous peoples in the world. Major population of Bangladesh and West Bengal state in India. Number of over 250 million people (as of 2009). In Bangladesh - 152 million, in India - about 100 million. They also live in Bhutan, Nepal, Singapore, Great Britain and other countries. In India they live in the northeast of the country, in the delta of the Ganges and Brahmaputra. Language - Bengali (Bengali) (Bangla "Bangla-Bhasa"). Belongs to the Indo-Aryan languages ​​of the Indo-European family. The racial type is the Indo-Mediterranean large Caucasoid race, in the south and southeast of the state with a Dravidian component, in the northeast - with a Mongoloid component. Religions - Hinduism and Islam.

The neighbors of the Bengals are the small peoples of the Munda and Tibeto-Burman families.

Where live

There are approximately 95,000,000 Bengalis in the state of West Bengal and the rest of India. The remaining representatives of this people are widely dispersed throughout the world. The area of ​​residence is distributed as follows:

• Saudi Arabia: 1,000,000;
• UAE: 600,000;
• UK: 500,000;
• Malaysia: 230,000;
• Kuwait: 150,000;
• USA: 143,000;
• South Korea: 130,000;
• Bahrain: 120,000;
• Oman: 115,000;
• Italy: 35,000.

Origin

The ancestors of the Bengals are Indo-Aryan tribes who invaded India in ancient times from the northwestern regions. Here they partially mixed with the local population. The more ancient population of the state were apparently the Dravidians, or Munda people. In Vedic literature the names of ancient states are found - Anga (West Bengal) and Vanga, or Banga (East Bengal). Hence, apparently, the name of Bengal (Beng. Bangla, Bongo).

Then Bengal was part of different states: Magadha, Gupta (6th century), Gauds (7th century), Harsha, Pal dynasty (9th century), Sen dynasty (from 12th century), Delhi Sultanate (from 13th century). ), Mughal dynasty (since 1576). In the 16th century European colonialists appear, first the Portuguese, then the British and French. Trade with Europeans gradually led Bengal to colonial dependence. But due to this trade, a large center grew - Calcutta.

Economic activities and household traditions

Agriculture is the leading economy. Livestock farming is backward. The main crop is rice, there are three groups of varieties: winter (aman), autumn (aus), summer (boro). A total of 500 varieties are grown. They also grow corn, legumes, jute, sugar cane, and oilseeds (rapeseed, mustard, sesame, flax).

Crafts are varied. Weaving and pottery crafts, embroidery, and copper processing are developed. Some products are world famous. In backward areas, crafts are of greater importance, in industrial areas - less. It is difficult to draw the line between applied and fine art when it comes to painting on fabric. There is an original Bengali painting (pothuya) on fabric, which is performed using a special local technique. Its theme is mythology, epic, historical chronicles. Pottery is also painted and varnished.

The majority of Bengalis are rural residents, ranging from 75 to 95% regionally. Villages are built in north-west Bengal along roads, away from water due to floods. In the south, where there are no floods, villages are located along the rivers. The house (hut) is usually one-room, square in plan. The kitchen is often located separately. The roof is thatched, conical. The frame is made of bamboo or boards, sometimes from mats. The walls are adobe. The windows are without glass and covered with mats. Mats are woven from bamboo, grass, jute, and palm leaves. The rich use iron and tiles.

Traditional women's clothing is a sari, a short jacket, in rich fabrics - with embroidery. Preferred colors are green, red, white. They wear a lot of jewelry, gold, silver, copper, glass. Men's clothing is the dhoti and chadar (cloak-type cape), but shirts are now more commonly used. On top is a piran, a type of jacket or jacket. Hindus wear a turban on their heads, Muslims wear a round cap.

The main food is rice, legumes, vegetables, fish. Meat is rarely eaten.

Social relations

In the area of ​​land ownership among the Bengals, previous feudal relations were replaced by capitalist ones. The land remained in the hands of the landowners and was rented out to tenants. A large number of intermediaries appeared between owners and tenants, and the conditions for tenants were very unfavorable. In 1953, laws were passed to improve the situation of actual farmers and tenants, but they were implemented very slowly.

The average family consists of 5-6 people. Early marriage is common. It is sanctified by religion, both among Hindus and Muslims. In the upper castes, ransom for the groom is common, in the lower castes - for the bride. There is a custom of exchange marriage, that is, the son of one parent marries the daughter of another, and their son marries the daughter of the first. There is a custom of “purdah”, according to which a daughter is doomed to reclusion after coming of age. Even the poor have lavish weddings, and people often go into debt.

As in all of India, the Bengalis maintain a caste system. There are 130 castes. Islam contributed to the weakening of the caste system. Sometimes a caste is considered to be something that is actually a nationality (Santals, Khojangs, Chakmas, etc.).

The highest caste is the Brahmins. The other highest is kayastha (scribes), in other parts of India it does not occupy such a high position. Together they are called “bhadralok”, that is, noble ones. Landowners stand tall. One of the lowest castes - nomoshudro, untouchables, 2 million people. The most numerous is mahisho, which includes tenants, but not necessarily.

Literature

• Peoples and religions of the world / ed. V. A. Tishkova. - M, 1998.
• Peoples of South Asia / ed. N. R. Guseva. - M, 1963.
• Kundu M.
  Bengali Theatre: An Edifice on the Ashes of People's Culture] // Social Scientist, Vol. 38, No. 3/4 (2010), pp. 55-73. (English)
• Richmond F.
  The Political Role of Theater in India] // The Johns Hopkins University Press: Educational Theater Journal, Vol. 25, No. 3 (1973), pp. 318-334. (English)
• Sarkar P.
  The popular traditional theater of Bengal] // Asian Studies Center, Michigan State University: Journal of South Asian Literature Vol. 10, No. 2/4 (1975), pp. 87-107. (English)

Spiritual culture

Among believers, Hindus make up 31%, Muslims - 34%, besides them there are Jains, Buddhists, and Christians. Of Hinduism, two popular movements are Vaishnavism and Shaktism. The Shaktas have the highest goddess - Kali (Durga). The holiday in her honor is Durga Puja, celebrated in the fall. The main holiday of the Vaishnavites is Sri Krishna Janmashtami, in August. Of the movements of Vaishnavism, the most widespread local variant is Bengal Vaishnavism (Gaudiya Vaishnavism). Bengal is the birthplace of its founder, guru, acharya, and religious figure Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, who is revered as an avatar of Krishna. There are elements of more ancient cults. Worship of the snake goddess, Monosha, is widespread.

Bengali literature is rich and varied. It flourished in the 19th century. In the 14th-15th centuries. The Ramayana was translated (translator - Krittba Ojha) in the 17th century. — “Mahabharata” (Kasiram Das). A national mystery drama (jatra) was developed. Now some Bengali authors are world famous: Rabindranath Tagore (Robindronath Thakur, 1861-1941), Ram Mohan Roy (1772-1833), Bonkim Chondro Chottopadhyay (Chatterjee, 1838-1894). Also born in Bengal were the poet and writer Bhaktivinoda Thakur, the writer and astronomer Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati, the writer and guru, founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.

The national theater is original. This is, firstly, the genre of jatra (the writer of jatras is jatravala), and secondly, puppet theater. Both cane puppets and puppets are used.

Source

Notes

1. [www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/bg.html#People CIA - The World Factbook]
2. [www.everyculture.com/wc/Afghanistan-to-Bosnia-Herzegovina/Bengalis.html Bengalis - Introduction, Location, Language, Folklore, Religion, Major holidays, Rites of passage, Relationships, Living conditions]
3. [www.un.org/esa/population/meetings/EGM_Ittmig_Arab/P02_Kapiszewski.pdf United Nations]
4. www.7days.ae/showstory.php?id=62077
5. [www.chsuk.tv/ Channel S, working for the community]
6. [www.iom.org.bd/images/publications/Recruitment_and_Placement_of_Bangladeshi_Migrant_Workers.pdf Account Suspended]
7. [news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4478723.stm BBC NEWS | Middle East | Bangladeshis storm Kuwait embassy]
8. [factfinder.census.gov/servlet/DTTable?_bm=y&-context=dt&-ds_name=DEC_2000_SF3_U&-CONTEXT=dt&-mt_name=DEC_2000_SF3_U_PCT019&-tree_id=403&-redoLog=true&-all_geo_types=N&-geo_id=01000US &-search_results=01000US& -format=&-_lang=en US Census 2000 foreign born population by country]
9. ↑ 1 2
   Hasan, Rafiq (November 20, 2003), “[www.thedailystar.net/2003/11/20/d3112001055.htm 4,000 Bangladeshis to return from Oman in December]”,
   The Daily Star
   Vol. 4 (176) , . Retrieved December 19, 2008.
10. [www12.statcan.ca/english/census06/data/topics/RetrieveProductTable.cfm?TPL=RETR&ALEVEL=3&APATH=3&CATNO=&DETAIL=0&DIM=&DS=99&FL=0&FREE=0&GAL=0&GC=99&GK=NA&GRP=1&IPS=&METH=0&ORDER =1&PID=92333&PTYPE=88971,97154&RL=0&S=1&ShowAll=No&StartRow=1&SUB=0&Temporal=2006&Theme=80&VID=0&VNAMEE=&VNAMEF= 2006 Census of Canada: Topic-based tabulations | Ethnic Origin (247), Single and Multiple Ethnic Origin Responses (3) and Sex (3) for the Population of Canada, Provinces, Terr …]
11. [www.thedailystar.net/2004/05/19/d40519050548.htm The Daily Star Web Edition Vol. 4 Num 344]
12. [www.ethnologue.com/show_language.asp?code=ben Ethnologue report for language code: ben]
13. [www.censusdata.abs.gov.au/ABSNavigation/prenav/LocationList?newgeography=State+Suburb&level1=1&level2=SSC11503&submitbutton=View+QuickStats+%3E&mapdisplay=on&collection=Census&period=2006&areacode=1~SSC11503&geography=State+Suburb&method=& productlabel=&producttype =QuickStats&topic=&navmapdisplayed=true&javascript=true&breadcrumb=PL&topholder=0&leftholder=0¤taction=102&action=401&textversion=false&subaction=2 2006 Census QuickStats : Ingleburn (State Suburb)]
14. [国籍別外国人登録者数の推移]
15. Comparing State Polities: A Framework for Analyzing 100 Governments By Michael J. III Sullivan, pg. 119
16. [www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/bg.html Bangledesh]- CIA World Factbook
17. [www.censusindia.gov.in/ Data on Religion]. Census of India (2001)
    . Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India. Retrieved August 26, 2006. [web.archive.org/web/20070812142520/www.censusindia.net/religiondata/ Archived from the original on August 12, 2007].
18. Sarkar, Pabitra
    The popular traditional theater of Bengal] // Asian Studies Center, Michigan State University: Journal of South Asian Literature Vol. 10, No. 2/4 (1975), pp. 87-107.
19. Richmond, Farley
    The Political Role of Theater in India] // The Johns Hopkins University Press: Educational Theater Journal, Vol. 25, No. 3 (1973), pp. 318-334.
20. Kundu, Manujendra
    Bengali Theatre: An Edifice on the Ashes of People's Culture] // Social Scientist, Vol. 38, No. 3/4 (2010), pp. 55-73.

Bengalis - features of life and religion

Bengalis are the indigenous people of the historical region in northeastern South Asia called Bengal. Currently it is divided into two regions - western and eastern. The first is the Indian state of West Bengal, the second is the Republic of Bangladesh. Bengalis are an Indo-European ethnic group. They have much in common with the peoples of India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan.

Religion

The population of Bangladesh mainly follows Islam, which was brought by Muslim conquerors. Some people in West Bengal are Islamists, the rest are Hindus. There are a number of Buddhists, Christians, and followers of Jainism (an ancient Indian religion). Among followers of Hinduism, such movements as Shaktism and Vaishnavism are popular. They differ in that people worship different supreme deities, which they consider more important than others.

Story

In ancient times, the Buddhist kingdoms of Magadha and Kamarupa were located on the territory of Bengal. They were later captured by the Mongols (early 13th century). The local population rebelled, but to no avail. These territories were then colonized by the British (17th century) and began to develop trade there. After this, many military clashes took place between the Bengalis and the British troops. The conflicts ended in victory for the British, since they were significantly superior to the locals in weapons. In 1947, Bengal was divided into two parts, annexed to India and Pakistan. East Bengal was later renamed East Pakistan, and then the Republic of Bangladesh was formed from this territory.

Appearance

Bengalis are representatives of the Caucasian race. They have pronounced features of the Indo-Mediterranean type. In addition, the influence of the Mongoloids and Dravidians (the ancient population of South India) can be traced. These people have dark skin, sometimes as dark as that of Negroids. Skin tones vary from dark brown to olive to tan. The bulk of the Bengali ethnic group cannot be called attractive. These are people of short stature, thin, often with bow legs and bad teeth. They are characterized by a flat, wide nose and straight, coarse black hair. Men have virtually no hair on their bodies. Eye color - brown. Sometimes there are cute girls, but this is rather an exception to the rule.

Life

Bengalis live in a poor, economically backward region. The main industry is agriculture. Cattle breeding is almost undeveloped. Various varieties of rice are grown year-round. Sugar cane, legumes, corn, and wheat are also cultivated. Flax and jute are grown for fabric production. There are tea plantations. The following crafts developed:

80% of Bengalis are rural residents. They live in small settlements located along rivers (in the south of the country). The northern regions often suffer from floods, so people settle near roads. Such villages are protected by embankments. In rural areas, the tradition of an undivided family has been preserved, when parents, their married children and their offspring live under the same roof. The head of the family is the father. He manages money, property, and assigns work. His wife manages the household, distributing chores between daughters-in-law and daughters-in-law.

Marriage is often concluded by agreement between the parents. But it may not take place if young people do not agree. Bengalis often marry very early, as there is a custom according to which girls are not taken as wives after reaching adulthood. So-called exchange marriages take place, when a young man from one family marries a girl from another family, and then the sons from the second marry the daughters from the first. Despite the difficult economic situation, the level of education of Bengalis is quite high. There are many educational institutions in Bangladesh which allows people to get education. Some even study in Moscow. In large cities, the population is rapidly Europeanizing. Both spouses work at industrial enterprises and live in an apartment. Their children begin to live separately after marriage.

The Bengalis, as well as throughout India, still observe caste. These are the social groups into which society is divided. You can call them estates. There are only 4 main castes (varnas):

Vaishyas are the varna of traders. They are allowed to have a house, land, and livestock. They must cultivate the land, develop crafts and trade. There are many businessmen in this group, as well as just workers. The peculiarity of their character is to look for profit everywhere. They may cheat to make a profit. The lowest varna - sudras - servants, laborers. They are not allowed to have their own property, they must only serve or do hard work. They do not even have the right to pray and make offerings to the gods. In addition, there is another group called "untouchables". You cannot touch them so as not to become defiled. These are homeless people who engage in theft and begging. According to Hindu beliefs, living a pious life provides the opportunity to achieve a higher caste in the next life. Brahmins, who already belong to the highest, will go to the divine world after death.

An excerpt characterizing the Bengalis

- Well, that’s great, the countess will wake up, and God bless you! What are you doing, gentlemen? – he turned to the officer. - In my house? – The officer moved closer. His pale face suddenly flushed with bright color. - Count, do me a favor, let me... for God's sake... take refuge somewhere on your carts. Here I have nothing with me... I’m in the cart... it doesn’t matter... - Before the officer had time to finish, the orderly turned to the count with the same request for his master. - A! “Yes, yes, yes,” the count spoke hastily. - I'm very, very happy. Vasilich, you give orders, well, to clear one or two carts, well... well... what is needed... - the count said in some vague expressions, ordering something. But at the same moment, the officer’s ardent expression of gratitude already cemented what he had ordered. The count looked around him: in the courtyard, at the gate, in the window of the outbuilding, the wounded and orderlies could be seen. They all looked at the count and moved towards the porch. - Please, your Excellency, to the gallery: what do you order about the paintings? - said the butler. And the count entered the house with him, repeating his order not to refuse the wounded who asked to go. “Well, well, we can put something together,” he added in a quiet, mysterious voice, as if afraid that someone would hear him. At nine o'clock the countess woke up, and Matryona Timofeevna, her former maid, who served as chief of gendarmes in relation to the countess, came to report to her former young lady that Marya Karlovna was very offended and that the young ladies' summer dresses could not stay here. When the countess questioned why m me Schoss was offended, it was revealed that her chest had been removed from the cart and all the carts were being untied - they were removing the goods and taking with them the wounded, whom the count, in his simplicity, ordered to be taken with him. The Countess ordered to ask for her husband. – What is it, my friend, I hear things are being removed again? - You know, ma chere, I wanted to tell you this... ma chere countess... an officer came to me, asking me to give several carts for the wounded. After all, this is all a gainful business; But think about what it’s like for them to stay!.. Really, in our yard, we invited them ourselves, there are officers here. You know, I think, right, ma chere, here, ma chere... let them take them... what's the rush?.. - The Count timidly said this, as he always said when it came to money. The Countess was already accustomed to this tone, which always preceded a task that ruined the children, like some kind of construction of a gallery, a greenhouse, arranging a home theater or music, and she was used to it and considered it her duty to always resist what was expressed in this timid tone. She assumed her obediently deplorable appearance and said to her husband: “Listen, Count, you’ve brought it to the point that they don’t give anything for the house, and now you want to destroy all of our children’s fortune.” After all, you yourself say that there is a hundred thousand worth of goods in the house. I, my friend, neither agree nor agree. Your will! The government is there for the wounded. They know. Look: across the street, at the Lopukhins’, they took everything away just three days ago. That's how people do it. We are the only fools. At least have pity on me, but on the children. The Count waved his hands and, without saying anything, left the room. - Dad! what are you talking about? - Natasha told him, following him into her mother’s room. - Nothing! What do you care? – the count said angrily. “No, I heard,” said Natasha. - Why doesn’t mummy want to? - What do you care? - the count shouted. Natasha went to the window and thought. “Dad, Berg has come to see us,” she said, looking out the window. Berg, the Rostovs' son-in-law, was already a colonel with Vladimir and Anna around his neck and occupied the same calm and pleasant place as assistant chief of staff, assistant to the first department of the chief of staff of the second corps. On September 1, he arrived from the army in Moscow. He had nothing to do in Moscow; but he noticed that everyone from the army asked to go to Moscow and did something there. He also considered it necessary to take time off for household and family matters. Berg, in his neat droshky on a pair of well-fed savrasenki, exactly the same as one prince had, drove up to his father-in-law’s house. He looked carefully into the yard at the carts and, entering the porch, took out a clean handkerchief and tied a knot. From the hall, Berg ran into the living room with a floating, impatient step and hugged the count, kissed the hands of Natasha and Sonya and hurriedly asked about his mother’s health. – How is your health now? Well, tell me,” said the count, “what about the troops?” Are they retreating or will there be another battle? “One eternal god, dad,” said Berg, “can decide the fate of the fatherland.” The army is burning with the spirit of heroism, and now the leaders, so to speak, have gathered for a meeting. What will happen is unknown. But I’ll tell you in general, dad, such a heroic spirit, the truly ancient courage of the Russian troops, which they – it,” he corrected himself, “showed or showed in this battle on the 26th, there are no words worthy to describe them... I’ll tell you, dad (he hit himself on the chest in the same way as one general who was talking in front of him hit himself, although a little late, because he should have hit himself on the chest at the word “Russian army”) - I’ll tell you frankly that we, the leaders, “Not only should we not have urged the soldiers or anything like that, but we could forcefully hold back these, these... yes, courageous and ancient feats,” he said quickly. – General Barclay, before Tolly, sacrificed his life everywhere in front of the army, I’ll tell you. Our corps was placed on the slope of the mountain. You can imagine! - And then Berg told everything that he remembered from the various stories he had heard during this time. Natasha, without lowering her gaze, which confused Berg, as if looking for a solution to some question on his face, looked at him. – Such heroism in general, as shown by Russian soldiers, cannot be imagined and deservedly praised! - Berg said, looking back at Natasha and as if wanting to appease her, smiling at her in response to her persistent gaze... - “Russia is not in Moscow, it is in the hearts of her sons!” Right, dad? - said Berg. At this time, the countess came out of the sofa room, looking tired and dissatisfied. Berg hastily jumped up, kissed the countess's hand, inquired about her health and, expressing his sympathy by shaking his head, stopped next to her. – Yes, mother, I will truly tell you, difficult and sad times for every Russian. But why worry so much? You will still have time to leave... “I don’t understand what people are doing,” said the countess, turning to her husband, “they just told me that nothing is ready yet.” After all, someone needs to give orders. You'll regret Mitenka. Will this never end? The Count wanted to say something, but apparently refrained. He stood up from his chair and walked towards the door. Berg at this time, as if to blow his nose, took out a handkerchief and, looking at the bundle, thought, sadly and significantly shaking his head. “And I have a big request to ask you, dad,” he said. “Hm?..” said the count, stopping. “I’m driving past Yusupov’s house now,” Berg said, laughing. “The manager, I know, ran out and asked if you would buy something.” I went in, you know, out of curiosity, and there was just a wardrobe and a toilet. You know how Veruschka wanted this and how we argued about it. (Berg involuntarily switched to a tone of joy about his well-being when he began talking about the wardrobe and toilet.) And such a delight! comes forward with an English secret, you know? But Verochka wanted it for a long time. So I want to surprise her. I saw so many of these guys in your yard. Give me one, please, I’ll pay him well and... The Count frowned and gagged. - Ask the countess, but I don’t give orders. “If it’s difficult, please don’t,” said Berg. “I would really like it for Verushka.” “Oh, go to hell, all of you, to hell, to hell, to hell!” shouted the old count. - My head is spinning. - And he left the room. The Countess began to cry. - Yes, yes, mummy, very difficult times! - said Berg. Natasha went out with her father and, as if having difficulty understanding something, first followed him, and then ran downstairs. Petya stood on the porch, arming the people who were traveling from Moscow. Pawned carts still stood in the yard. Two of them were untied, and an officer, supported by an orderly, climbed onto one of them. - Do you know why? - Petya asked Natasha (Natasha understood that Petya understood why his father and mother quarreled). She didn't answer. “Because daddy wanted to give all the carts to the wounded,” said Petya. - Vasilich told me. In my opinion... “In my opinion,” Natasha almost suddenly screamed, turning her embittered face to Petya, “in my opinion, this is such disgusting, such an abomination, such... I don’t know!” Are we some kind of Germans?.. - Her throat trembled with convulsive sobs, and she, afraid to weaken and release the charge of her anger in vain, turned and quickly rushed up the stairs. Berg sat next to the Countess and comforted her with kindred respect. The Count, pipe in hand, was walking around the room when Natasha, with a face disfigured by anger, burst into the room like a storm and quickly walked up to her mother. - This is disgusting! This is an abomination! - she screamed. - It can’t be that you ordered. Berg and the Countess looked at her in bewilderment and fear. The Count stopped at the window, listening. - Mama, this is impossible; look what's in the yard! - she screamed. – They remain!.. – What’s wrong with you? Who are they? What do you want? - The wounded, that's who! This is impossible, mamma; this doesn’t look like anything... No, Mama, darling, this is not it, please forgive me, darling... Mama, what do we care about what we’re taking away, just look at what’s in the yard... Mama!.. This can’t be !.. The Count stood at the window and, without turning his face, listened to Natasha’s words. Suddenly he sniffed and brought his face closer to the window. The Countess looked at her daughter, saw her face ashamed of her mother, saw her excitement, understood why her husband was now not looking back at her, and looked around her with a confused look. - Oh, do as you want! Am I disturbing anyone? – she said, not yet suddenly giving up. - Mama, my dear, forgive me! But the countess pushed her daughter away and approached the count. “Mon cher, you do the right thing... I don’t know that,” she said, lowering her eyes guiltily. “Eggs... eggs teach a hen...” the count said through happy tears and hugged his wife, who was glad to hide her ashamed face on his chest. - Daddy, mummy! Can I make arrangements? Is it possible?.. – Natasha asked. “We’ll still take everything we need…” Natasha said. The Count nodded his head affirmatively at her, and Natasha, with the same quick run as she used to run into the burners, ran across the hall to the hallway and up the stairs to the courtyard. People gathered around Natasha and until then could not believe the strange order that she conveyed, until the count himself, in the name of his wife, confirmed the order that all carts should be given to the wounded, and chests should be taken to storerooms. Having understood the order, people happily and busily set about the new task. Now not only did it not seem strange to the servants, but, on the contrary, it seemed that it could not be otherwise, just as a quarter of an hour before it not only did not seem strange to anyone that they were leaving the wounded and taking things, but it seemed that it couldn't be otherwise. All the household, as if paying for the fact that they had not taken up this task earlier, busily began the new task of housing the wounded. The wounded crawled out of their rooms and surrounded the carts with joyful, pale faces. Rumors also spread in the neighboring houses that there were carts, and the wounded from other houses began to come to the Rostovs’ yard. Many of the wounded asked not to take off their things and just put them on top. But once the business of dumping things had begun, it could not stop. It didn't matter whether to leave everything or half. In the yard lay untidy chests with dishes, bronze, paintings, mirrors, which they had so carefully packed last night, and they kept looking for and finding an opportunity to put this and that and give away more and more carts. “You can still take four,” said the manager, “I’m giving away my cart, otherwise where will they go?” “Give me my dressing room,” said the countess. - Dunyasha will get into the carriage with me. They also gave away a wardrobe wagon and sent it two houses away to pick up the wounded. All the household and servants were cheerfully animated. Natasha was in an enthusiastically happy revival, which she had not experienced for a long time. -Where should I tie him? - people said, adjusting the chest to the narrow back of the carriage, - we must leave at least one cart. - What is he with? – Natasha asked. - With the count's books.

Traditions

Religious beliefs influence the behavior and lifestyle of Bengalis. It is not customary for them to shake hands. Hindus greet each other with a bow, folding their palms in front of them. Touching a stranger is considered bad manners. This is only possible between good friends. Religion obliges women to dress conservatively, covering almost the entire body. They should not expose the stomach, shoulders, legs, and it is advisable to cover the hair. You can't show your feet to other people. Bengalis can eat while sitting in the lotus position (in rural areas they often eat at low tables or directly on the floor). They take food with their hands and do not use cutlery. Poor people use wide banana leaves as a table and plates at the same time, placing food directly on them. When visiting, it is customary to praise the culinary skills of the hostess. You need to present flowers, a small souvenir, a book. This causes joy and respect from the owners of the house. It is not customary to give alcoholic drinks or money, it is considered an insult.

Bengalis have quite a lot of holidays. Muslims celebrate Islamic holidays such as Ramadan, Eid al-Adha, and Eid al-Adha. Representatives of Buddhism celebrate the birthday of Gautama Buddha, Hindus celebrate Krishna Janmashtami, Durga Puja. In addition, Bangladesh celebrates its national dates and some international ones:

Krishna Janmashtami is a significant Vedic festival that is celebrated everywhere, despite differences in religions. Even Christians and atheists celebrate it. This is the Birthday of Krishna, who is the incarnation of the god Vishnu - the absolute meaning of all life, the basis of the universe. On this day, a festival is held, prayers are held in temples, and offerings are made to deities.

Durga Puja is a national Hindu festival of worship of the goddess Durga. It symbolizes the triumph of good over the forces of evil. Durga is a warrior who crushed the demon Mahishi in a duel, who disrupted the world order by overthrowing the gods from heaven. She is the patroness of harmony and prosperity. The holiday is celebrated on a special scale in West Bengal, since Durga incarnated there. It is held for several days in a row, with costumed processions and various rituals praising Durga and other deities.

The basis of Bengali food is rice, vegetables, legumes, and unleavened flatbreads. Meat is rarely consumed, mainly poultry. Frequent dishes are fish and seafood. A feature of Bengali cuisine can be considered the presence of a huge number of seasonings and sauces. They are prepared on the basis of vegetables and fruits with the addition of various spices. A well-known sauce is chutney - a sweet composition made from products such as pineapples, papaya, mango, and dried fruits. Chutney perfectly complements rice and bean side dishes. Rice is the most commonly used food and Bengalis grow about 500 varieties of it. It is used to prepare soups, porridges, desserts, and side dishes. Side dishes of mung beans, red lentils, and peas are also common. Popular Bengali dishes:

Bengali sweets are an important dish in various celebrations and religious festivals. They are prepared in abundance, decorating the festive table with them. Treats from Bengal are popular not only throughout India, but also abroad.

Source

Food

The basis of Bengali food is rice, vegetables, legumes, and unleavened flatbreads. Meat is rarely consumed, mainly poultry. Frequent dishes are fish and seafood. A feature of Bengali cuisine can be considered the presence of a huge number of seasonings and sauces. They are prepared on the basis of vegetables and fruits with the addition of various spices. A well-known sauce is chutney - a sweet composition made from products such as pineapples, papaya, mango, and dried fruits. Chutney perfectly complements rice and bean side dishes. Rice is the most commonly used food and Bengalis grow about 500 varieties of it. It is used to prepare soups, porridges, desserts, and side dishes. Side dishes of mung beans, red lentils, and peas are also common. Popular Bengali dishes:

1. Dal Bhart. Thick soup based on beans, with the addition of tomatoes, chili, onions, ginger.
2. Khichri. The second dish, which is based on rice, also contains tomatoes, potatoes, and cauliflower.
3. Runners. Eggplants fried in mustard oil.
4. Pakora. Mix of vegetables fried in dough with the addition of herbs.
5. Sandesh. Dessert made from curd cheese with pistachios, raisins, cardamom.
6. Pantua. Balls of semolina, milk, fried in ghee.

Bengali sweets are an important dish in various celebrations and religious festivals. They are prepared in abundance, decorating the festive table with them. Treats from Bengal are popular not only throughout India, but also abroad.