Tusu Parab

Tusu Parab derived its origin from the cultural roots of Birbhum district. Celebrated during the holy occasion of makara snakranti, Tusu Prab is performed only by the girls of Bengal. During the months of December to January, which is called in Bengali as paush, Tusu Parab is followed by the local people.

The young females of Birbhum are found making idols of Goddess Tusu with clay during the Parab. After completing the idol-making process, the girls go to a nearby river where they then sanctify themselves by taking a dip or two. After taking a bath, the females start praising the Goddess by singing various local songs. These very songs are known as Tusu in Bengal. A plate of rice is also offered to the deity on the occasion.

While some of the girls sing devotional verses, some others dance in sync with the vocal melodies. Tusu Parab in Bengal does not involve any kind of musical apparatus as such and is enriched by vocal variations only.

Since Tusu Parab is performed only by the womenfolk of Bengal, the form connotes to the delicate and charming movements of body, which are the typical characteristics of the young females.

Makara sankranti depicts the auspicious harvest season of the rural Bengal. The girls of every peasant family participate in Tusu Parab with the hope that the Goddess will shower holy bless on her.

While Tusu Parab of Bengal is cherished by the women, the men of the place celebrate makara sankranti by performing a different dance form known as Bhaduriya Saila.

Having a rich and religious significance, Tusu Parab acts as a medium of devotional expression of the girls of Bengal.