Bangaon Village
Encyclopedia
Bangaon is a village situated in the Saharsa district
of Bihar
state of northern India
. It is largest village, both by area and population, of the state. While Saharsa holds an important place in the Kosi Division
, Bangaon is credited for its numerous contributions to the district. This village contains the largest number of tola (sub blocks of the village) and a major part of the village is middle tola (East Bangaon). The origin of the name Bangaon is unknown.However the literal meaning of the village name indicates that this area might have been densely populated with forests thus the name Ban (Forest) gaon (Village).
Bangaon is part of Kahra Block of the district. Some of the neighboring places include Bariahi (Three kilometers east), Chainpur,Mahishi (Eight Kilometers west) and Bihara (North). Bangaon is divided into two Panchaayats (sub blocks) Bangaon North, Bangaon South and Bangaon East. The village population is estimated to be around 60,000. Each panchaayat is headed by a Mukhiya (head of the Panchaayat). Panchaayat's are omnipresent in villages throughout the nation. The Mukhiya of each panchayat is elected through voting. However these elections are not held regularly. As a result the elected Mukhiya holds the position until the next election. The lessened interest of public in the panchaayati raj system and the lackadaisical effort by the state government for its revival are to be blamed the most.
This village has been known for having the highest number of top class civil servants, doctors, engineers, journalists, writers, artists, singers and other professionals in the state. In the entire Mithila region, it is regarded with high esteem for its contributions in various walks of life.
Saint Laximinath Gosain, who was born in the nearby Parsarma village, spent his whole life for the welfare of the village. For his noble deeds, the villagers worship him as god for decades.
river basin. This makes the land very fertile. The farmers in the village mostly cultivate Dhaan (paddy crop), Makai (Maize/Corn), Gahum (Wheat crop) and Moong (a type of lentils) in their farms. Since the climate of this region is most suitable for Dhaan (the paddy crop), a good crop brings happiness to many farmers in the village. Though, people do try to grow wheat crops, only few farmers get good yields. Most of the farmers have moderate harvest and hence it is not as popular as harvesting of dhaan. Instead , Maize is the second best crop for the farmers of this village. Therefore, they are tempted to grow garma dhaan (a unique type of paddy crop for summer farming) and makai (Maize) crops together apart from harvesting regular crops.The timing of Dhaan harvesting is especially notable as the villagers are happy in general for several reasons. The reaping of the crop starts somewhere around mid November and is usually followed by some of the most important Hindu festivals namely Durga Puja and Diwali. Six days after Diwali brings another festival called Chhath which is one of major festivals of Bihar. In between, Diwali and Chhath is another festival that is known as Bhardootiya in which brothers go to see their sisters. So before the onset of the harvesting the festive mood is already set and green fields that start showing the golden shades of ripe Dhaan crop are extremely pleasant to watch. Now for nearly two months its the time of farmers to remain cheerful. The fresh crop of Dhaan reaches every home. Whether you are owner of the land, or the farmer or just the harvester, the Dhaan is bound to come come to every household. It can be cooked straight or flattened to make Chura which makes an amazing food when combined with fresh Sakkar (Jaggery).
It is blindly believed that Babaji (Saint Laxminath Gosain) guards the village from all the evils and those who follow the road to sin, are taken care of by him. It is for this reason, no outsider eyes targeting Bangaon for committing crimes. Also, the design of roads by the farsighted social reformer of the village , Late Babua Khan is acknowledged for the safety despite being so immensely populated.
Apart from floods, the seismic activity of Himalayan region is responsible for earthquakes that this village has faced. It is believed that the Indian plate is penetrating into the Eurasian plate at a rate of 5 cm/year. Because of this movement, this reason is prone to earthquakes too. In 1934, there was a strong earthquake in th village that caused lots of damage. Back again in 1988, there was another quake of lot lower intensity which affected only the few buildings in the village. None of the homes were toppled. On the night of quake in 1988, the electricity went out minutes before the earthquake took place in the wee hours. The dogs started barking unusually and there was a whistle kind of sound that shocked everybody. The ground started shaking and peopled rushed outside to seek refuge. The tube wells and wells in the village started pouring water out but nobody was hurt. After that no earthquake has been experienced yet.
This is very popular for kids and younger people as well as females of the village. Kids take this fair for buying toys that can't usually be bought because of the unvailability. For example, Digdigiya (a toys which has a drum attached to it and its plays when you move it), Cilema (Kaliedascope) Fukka (Balloons) and many others. This kids also seem very interested in buying colored goggles taking a ride of Jhoola (swing) and simply watching Maut ka Kuwaan (a motorbike stunt game). On the other hand females seem interested in shopping cosmetics and some household items. The elder males feel happy in taking their grandkids to the fair and shop for them. Usually elders are not seen shopping other than sweets and Paan. The writer of these lines still misses the Paan from Chaurasia Paan Bhandaar that used to come to the fair every year.
During one of the mela nights, some artits from local Orchestra Parties would be invited.They would mostly play the peppy numbers. On some occasions a local male dancer, Bechana Natua (meaning the dancer named Bechan) would be seen attracting the mela goers. But these days it seems like power showing platform for the young person of the village. Every year it converted into a battle field between Suraksha Yuvak Sangh and Student Youth Fereration or another youth club.
After considering one of the best literate and educated village in the state such type of orthodox practices like Bali (of male buffaloes and goats) and inauguarating every programe with rituals have not stopped so far. Even the well respected villagers are in the profession of promoting these types of practices in the name of PARAMPARA (tradition).
Contact#9811654676, 8802402428
Saharsa District
Saharsa is one of the thirty-eight districts of Bihar, India. Saharsa town is the administrative headquarters of this district. Saharsa district is a part of a larger territory, the Kosi Division and it became a district on 1 April 1954 and subsequently has become smaller with other districts being...
of Bihar
Bihar
Bihar is a state in eastern India. It is the 12th largest state in terms of geographical size at and 3rd largest by population. Almost 58% of Biharis are below the age of 25, which is the highest proportion in India....
state of northern India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
. It is largest village, both by area and population, of the state. While Saharsa holds an important place in the Kosi Division
Kosi Division
Kosi division is an administrative geographical unit of Bihar state of India. Saharsa is the administrative headquarters of the division. Currently , the division consists of Saharsa district, Madhepura district, and Supaul district....
, Bangaon is credited for its numerous contributions to the district. This village contains the largest number of tola (sub blocks of the village) and a major part of the village is middle tola (East Bangaon). The origin of the name Bangaon is unknown.However the literal meaning of the village name indicates that this area might have been densely populated with forests thus the name Ban (Forest) gaon (Village).
Bangaon is part of Kahra Block of the district. Some of the neighboring places include Bariahi (Three kilometers east), Chainpur,Mahishi (Eight Kilometers west) and Bihara (North). Bangaon is divided into two Panchaayats (sub blocks) Bangaon North, Bangaon South and Bangaon East. The village population is estimated to be around 60,000. Each panchaayat is headed by a Mukhiya (head of the Panchaayat). Panchaayat's are omnipresent in villages throughout the nation. The Mukhiya of each panchayat is elected through voting. However these elections are not held regularly. As a result the elected Mukhiya holds the position until the next election. The lessened interest of public in the panchaayati raj system and the lackadaisical effort by the state government for its revival are to be blamed the most.
This village has been known for having the highest number of top class civil servants, doctors, engineers, journalists, writers, artists, singers and other professionals in the state. In the entire Mithila region, it is regarded with high esteem for its contributions in various walks of life.
Saint Laximinath Gosain, who was born in the nearby Parsarma village, spent his whole life for the welfare of the village. For his noble deeds, the villagers worship him as god for decades.
Land,Farming and Village Life
Bangaon and its surrounding areas are flat alluvial plains forming part of the KosiKosi
Kosi, also known as Kosi Kalan, is a small town in the Mathura district of the northern state of Uttar Pradesh. Located on the Agra-Delhi highway, it is at a distance of about 100 km from Delhi and about the same from the city of Agra. Kosi is an economic and industrial hub of Uttar Pradesh with...
river basin. This makes the land very fertile. The farmers in the village mostly cultivate Dhaan (paddy crop), Makai (Maize/Corn), Gahum (Wheat crop) and Moong (a type of lentils) in their farms. Since the climate of this region is most suitable for Dhaan (the paddy crop), a good crop brings happiness to many farmers in the village. Though, people do try to grow wheat crops, only few farmers get good yields. Most of the farmers have moderate harvest and hence it is not as popular as harvesting of dhaan. Instead , Maize is the second best crop for the farmers of this village. Therefore, they are tempted to grow garma dhaan (a unique type of paddy crop for summer farming) and makai (Maize) crops together apart from harvesting regular crops.The timing of Dhaan harvesting is especially notable as the villagers are happy in general for several reasons. The reaping of the crop starts somewhere around mid November and is usually followed by some of the most important Hindu festivals namely Durga Puja and Diwali. Six days after Diwali brings another festival called Chhath which is one of major festivals of Bihar. In between, Diwali and Chhath is another festival that is known as Bhardootiya in which brothers go to see their sisters. So before the onset of the harvesting the festive mood is already set and green fields that start showing the golden shades of ripe Dhaan crop are extremely pleasant to watch. Now for nearly two months its the time of farmers to remain cheerful. The fresh crop of Dhaan reaches every home. Whether you are owner of the land, or the farmer or just the harvester, the Dhaan is bound to come come to every household. It can be cooked straight or flattened to make Chura which makes an amazing food when combined with fresh Sakkar (Jaggery).
Society, religion and safety
The village population is consisted of Maithils Brahmins mostly. Brahmins, by definition of the social classification in ancient India, are the highest ranked. The Brahmins are traditionally supposed to have teaching as their profession. However with changing times, the Brahmins in the village practice all sorts of professions including farming, business, serving the military and para-military forces to name a few. Apart from Brahmins, many others belonging to the lower castes also reside(though many of these lower caste people are moving out to adjacent places to village as they need more space for their growing family). These include, dusaadhs, chamaars, Musahars, Kumhaars, Nauwa (nai) and Paseeba (a caste whose living comes through serving Nature+home made alcoholic beverages). All these people mentioned before, are Hindus. However there is a small percentage of Muslims as well who mostly live in the Miyaaantoli area of the village. These Muslims of the village rely predominantly on growing vegetables for their livelihood (often referred as Kujras). Some of the family members of these Muslim villagers also drive three wheelers to make their ends meet. What characterizes the Muslims of the village is the harmony they have kept for years. Bangaon is perhaps the rare places both in India and abroad where such a communal harmony can be seen. Muslims do participate in Hindu festivals and Hindus put offerings to their Tazhiyaa, a sight not seen that easily in a world so barren of peace.It is blindly believed that Babaji (Saint Laxminath Gosain) guards the village from all the evils and those who follow the road to sin, are taken care of by him. It is for this reason, no outsider eyes targeting Bangaon for committing crimes. Also, the design of roads by the farsighted social reformer of the village , Late Babua Khan is acknowledged for the safety despite being so immensely populated.
Natural calamities
The river Kosi, which is proverbially known as the sorrow of Bihar, has one of its embankment eight kilometers west to this village. Before this embankment came into existence, coping with flood was a routine thing for people of this area. However since 1950's when the embankment was made, there has been only one occasion when the village has been affected by the flood. This happened in September 1984 when the Kosi embankment breached near Nauhatta in Supaul district. Almost, all areas were submerged with the flood waters except the middle part of the village called the dhimka (High land) which has sort of plateau shape. It is said then couple of villagers lost their lives in the water current. There was lot of damage to property and cattle. Barring this there hasn't been any incident of flood water entering to the village. In the recent flood and probably one of the most destructive floods ever, the village was totally unaffected. However,flooding or water logging due to heavy monsoon rains is a major reason for the poor connectivity of the area as bridges tend to get washed away.The scars of flood that came in 1984 and caused significant damage of property can still be seen in some parts.Apart from floods, the seismic activity of Himalayan region is responsible for earthquakes that this village has faced. It is believed that the Indian plate is penetrating into the Eurasian plate at a rate of 5 cm/year. Because of this movement, this reason is prone to earthquakes too. In 1934, there was a strong earthquake in th village that caused lots of damage. Back again in 1988, there was another quake of lot lower intensity which affected only the few buildings in the village. None of the homes were toppled. On the night of quake in 1988, the electricity went out minutes before the earthquake took place in the wee hours. The dogs started barking unusually and there was a whistle kind of sound that shocked everybody. The ground started shaking and peopled rushed outside to seek refuge. The tube wells and wells in the village started pouring water out but nobody was hurt. After that no earthquake has been experienced yet.
Festivals and other functions
Of all the Hindu festivals, Holi, Krishnastami, Durga Puja and Diwali and Chhath are celebrated with full religious fervor. Others festivals like, Ramnavami, Bhardutiya (Bhaiya dooj), Kojagara, Sirua etc. are also celebrated however not everybody seems involved hundred percent. On Holi and Krishnastami artists from other places are invited to perform.Holi
The celebration of Holi is sometimes two day long. The first day being Dhurkhel (Playing with dirt and grime) and the second day for colors. Sometimes both of these are performed on the same day. During the Holi festival, people get to meet each other. Lots of people from this village who live in other cities come on this occasion to be with the family indicating how much it means to the village and villagers. Traditionally, people used to go in groups beating drums and singing Holi songs and Jogiras. This festival serves as occasion to see each other and say Hi!! At few places, there are big stocks of Bhaang (an intoxicant belonging to female cannabis sativa botanical family and structurally very similar to Marijuana) in the form of Dudhbhanga (Milk laced with Bhaang extracts and dry fruits), Tikri (A type of Indian Sweet stuffed with Bhaang) and Bhangjilebi (Another Indian Sweet laced with Bhaang). Elders are greeted with this intoxicant but youngers also find a way and parents are usually fine with this. It is interesting to note that in all Western Countries Possession of Marijuana is crime. Once the durkhel and the colors and over, there is some classical music program where artists from other places are invited to perform. For many years, this was organized by a respected viallager who used to live in Jamshedpur. The classical music program used to very popular for elders but most of the youngsters wouldn't seem interested.Krishnastami
Krishnastami is another festival where all the villagers can be seen participating. The major events of this festival are Janam (Krishna's birthday celebration), Mela (Fair) and Bhasaan (Immersion of the Krishna Idol in Manua Dhaar which is a kosi rivulet nearest to the village). Becauase of Mela, many relatives from nearby villages visit.This is very popular for kids and younger people as well as females of the village. Kids take this fair for buying toys that can't usually be bought because of the unvailability. For example, Digdigiya (a toys which has a drum attached to it and its plays when you move it), Cilema (Kaliedascope) Fukka (Balloons) and many others. This kids also seem very interested in buying colored goggles taking a ride of Jhoola (swing) and simply watching Maut ka Kuwaan (a motorbike stunt game). On the other hand females seem interested in shopping cosmetics and some household items. The elder males feel happy in taking their grandkids to the fair and shop for them. Usually elders are not seen shopping other than sweets and Paan. The writer of these lines still misses the Paan from Chaurasia Paan Bhandaar that used to come to the fair every year.
During one of the mela nights, some artits from local Orchestra Parties would be invited.They would mostly play the peppy numbers. On some occasions a local male dancer, Bechana Natua (meaning the dancer named Bechan) would be seen attracting the mela goers. But these days it seems like power showing platform for the young person of the village. Every year it converted into a battle field between Suraksha Yuvak Sangh and Student Youth Fereration or another youth club.
Durga Puja
Durga Puja festival also brings many activities to the villagers. This is ten day long festival. The durga mandir is filled with devotees round the clock and there is non stop durga saptashati recitation at the temple. On the eight day of durga puja, a part of ritual, the goddess Durga is offered sacrifices in the form of Chhagars (Young male goat kids) and Paaras (Male buffaloes). Their sacrifices represent the end of Kaama (extreme carnal desires) and Krodha (extreme anger). While the Paaras are offered given to local Chamaars (who skin them and leave the body for vultures in a place away from village). The chhagars are , however, accepted as god offering and eaten by people. These chhagars and mostly skinned by local Paseebas who get skin, intestine , hoofs,balls and some money as their wage. The estimated number of Chhagars offered is around 1000 on that day itself. Durga puja ends on the tenth day from its beginning.After considering one of the best literate and educated village in the state such type of orthodox practices like Bali (of male buffaloes and goats) and inauguarating every programe with rituals have not stopped so far. Even the well respected villagers are in the profession of promoting these types of practices in the name of PARAMPARA (tradition).
Babaji Samaaroh
Babaji Samaaroh is held every year on 5 December on the premises of Babaji Temple. This ceremony is held on 5 December since that is the birthday of Babaji.Typically, on this day the entire Babaji temple premises is spruced up. Apart from the special worship , there are many other cultural programs held during the Samaaroh. The function usually starts with the inauguration by a top official (DM/SP) or some respected leader of the district. This is followed by lectures by some respected villagers as well as some musical programs and Haasya Kavi Sammelans. For a long time, locally renowned poet Amiya Halaahal , maithili singer Mahendra and the singer-lyricist duo " Nand-Naval" used to be top attractions of the function. This function was organized by Late Bhavesh Mishra, a popular journalist and lawyer of district, until his sudden demise in 1991. His family members, with the help of fellow villagers, have been organizing this function since then.Places of interest
- Bhagwati Mandir
- Babajee Kuti
- Vishhari Asthan
- Devna Shiv Mandir
- Santi Nagar Goraban
Language and culture
- MaithiliMaithili languageMaithili language is spoken in the eastern region of India and South-eastern region of Nepal. The native speakers of Maithili reside in Bihar, Jharkhand,parts of West Bengal and South-east Nepal...
- HindiHindiStandard Hindi, or more precisely Modern Standard Hindi, also known as Manak Hindi , High Hindi, Nagari Hindi, and Literary Hindi, is a standardized and sanskritized register of the Hindustani language derived from the Khariboli dialect of Delhi...
- SanskritSanskritSanskrit , is a historical Indo-Aryan language and the primary liturgical language of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.Buddhism: besides Pali, see Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit Today, it is listed as one of the 22 scheduled languages of India and is an official language of the state of Uttarakhand...
- EnglishEnglish languageEnglish is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
Schools
- 1. Kalawati High School
- 2. Fooldai Kanya Ucch Vidyalaya
- 3. Mojelal Sharma Ram Middle School
- 4. Manitara Sikhcha Niketan (Ganesh Jangan)
- 6. Sarsawati Shishu Mandir
- 8. DELHI PUBLIC SCHOOL
- 9. JAWAHAR NAVODAY VIDYALAYA
- 10. Maheshwar Anant Madhya Vidya
- 11. Draupadi Kanya Prathamik Vidyalaya
- 12. Rajkiya Sanskrit Prathmik Vidyalaya
- 13. Malhu School
- 14. Bangala Gachhi Prathamik Vidyalaya
- 15. Sanskrit Uchch Vidyalaya
- 16. Sarvrani Madhya Vidyalaya
- Laptop Care - Institute of Information Technologies (New Delhi)
Contact#9811654676, 8802402428
See also
- SaharsaSaharsaSaharsa is a city and a municipality in the Saharsa district in the Indian state of Bihar in north India, east of the Kosi River. It is the administrative headquarters of the Saharsa District, and is in the Kosi Division. Sahrasa is also the name of the Parliamentary constituency, which contains...
- The Municipality - Saharsa districtSaharsa DistrictSaharsa is one of the thirty-eight districts of Bihar, India. Saharsa town is the administrative headquarters of this district. Saharsa district is a part of a larger territory, the Kosi Division and it became a district on 1 April 1954 and subsequently has become smaller with other districts being...
- The Municipality - Villages in Bihar
- SihaulSihaulSihaul is a third largest village according to area and population in the Saharsa district in the Indian state of Bihar in northeast India and is in the Kosi Division. Which contains the large number of tola and a major part of the village is middle tola...
- lists of villages of Saharsa